The Regional Office of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India – Indiatourism, Mumbai – in association with Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Raipur, will organise the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ Contest Prize Distribution Ceremony and Tourism Education Expo on Saturday, 21 February 2026, from 9:30 a.m. onwards at the Institute’s campus in Sector 40, Uparwara, Nava Raipur.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, launched the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative in 2020 with the objective of promoting domestic tourism and encouraging citizens to explore India’s rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage. The initiative aims to strengthen local economies, promote employment generation, and create awareness about sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

In 2024, the ‘Dekho Apna Desh – People’s Choice 2024’ campaign was inaugurated on 7 March 2024 in Srinagar by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The campaign was conducted in two phases, comprising a nationwide public voting exercise and the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ School Contest. The School Contest was jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Education from 15 November to 15 December 2024. Students of Classes IX to XII from Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas participated by preparing handwritten tourism brochures for districts across India. Nearly five lakh students participated nationwide, and around 2,000 entries were received. The submissions were evaluated at the State, Union Territory, and National levels by expert committees, following which winners were selected from five regions—Northern, Eastern, North Eastern, Southern, and Western India.

During the Raipur event, felicitation of winning students and teachers, a career talk, a quiz competition, and a campus tour will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Additionally, a Mini Tourism Education Expo will be organised from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Expo aims to create awareness among school students, parents, and faculty members about career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector. Stakeholders from the hospitality and tourism industry in Chhattisgarh are expected to participate and provide comprehensive information on employment and skill development prospects in the sector.

‘Dekho Apna Desh’ is more than a tourism campaign; it is a national movement that connects youth with India’s heritage. Through initiatives such as the School Contest, the campaign promotes creativity, awareness, and national pride while contributing to sustainable tourism and economic growth.

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