The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, through its Regional Office, Indiatourism, Mumbai, today organised the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ Brochure Making Competition, Prize Distribution Ceremony and Tourism Education Expo in Raipur in collaboration with the State Institute of Hotel Management, Nava Raipur. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing educational institutions across Chhattisgarh and the western and central regions of the country.

The programme was graced by Ms. Mona Sen, Chairperson, Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation and Minister of State, Government of Chhattisgarh, as the Chief Guest. Shri Indra Kumar Sahu, Member of Legislative Assembly from Abhanpur, attended as Guest of Honour. Shri Mohammad Farooq, Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, was also present. Among others in attendance were Ms. Poonam Sharma, Deputy General Manager, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, and Shri Sameer Mishra, Senior Accounts Officer, Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Raipur. The event was organised under the guidance of Shri Vivek Acharya, Principal, State Institute of Hotel Management, Raipur.

During the ceremony, winners of the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ Brochure Making Competition at the State level were felicitated with cash prizes through cheques, medals, kits and certificates. Nearly 300 students from across the State attended the event along with their teachers and parents.

At the State level, the First Prize was awarded to students of Prime Minister’s Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Dudhli. The same institution also secured the Second Prize at the National level, bringing distinction to the State. The Second Prize at the State level was conferred upon students of Prime Minister’s Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Baikunthpur South Eastern Coalfields Limited, and Prime Minister’s Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Maharajpur, Kawardha. The Third Prize at the State level was awarded to students of Prime Minister’s Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Khairagarh; Prime Minister’s Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kurud; and Prime Minister’s Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Dhamtari.

As part of the programme, a Tourism Education Expo was organised to enhance awareness about diverse and emerging career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector. Representatives from the hotel industry were invited to interact with students. Detailed presentations were made on career pathways in the hospitality industry, followed by a quiz competition aimed at reinforcing learning and engagement.

Following the formal proceedings, students, teachers and parents were given a guided tour of the campus of the State Institute of Hotel Management, Raipur. Participants visited various departments and witnessed live demonstrations of practical training activities, including front office operations, food production and bakery, fruit and vegetable carving, floral decoration, towel art and mocktail preparation.

The ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative of the Ministry of Tourism seeks to promote awareness about India’s diverse tourism destinations and encourage youth participation in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The Raipur event served as an inspiring and knowledge-enriching platform for students, reinforcing the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening tourism education and skill development across the country.

**********

(Release ID: 2231303) Visitor Counter : 4