GANGTOK,: Governor Om Prakash Mathur has extended his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary concept of “Battlefield Tourism” under the “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” program. The initiative lists Doklam, Nathu La and Cho La, the border areas in Eastern Sikkim which witnessed military conflicts and standoffs between India and China.
The Indian Army, in association with the Ministry of Tourism, launched Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan, which opened up 77 battleground spots, including those in Siachen, Kargil and Galwan.
The Governor also conveyed his warm congratulations to Union Defence minister Rajnath Singh, the Indian Army, and the Government of India for their commendable initiative in introducing battlefield tourism, a Raj Bhavan release informs.
“The inclusion of Doklam, Nathu La and Cho La has now been shortlisted for battlefield tourism, which will not only boost Sikkim’s tourism potential but also serve as a platform to instil a sense of nationalism and pride among the youth of our country. Visitors to these sites will have the opportunity to witness the historical significance of these areas and gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by our armed forces. It also marks a significant milestone in fostering patriotism while enhancing the state's tourism potential,” the Governor stated.
‘Battlefield tourism’ aims to foster a stronger connection between citizens and the armed forces, nurturing a spirit of nationalism and a greater understanding of the challenges faced by the Indian Army in protecting the nation’s sovereignty.
“By visiting these sites, individuals, especially the younger generation, will be inspired by the courage and dedication displayed by the soldiers who stood steadfast in the defence of the country, thereby inculcating a sense of patriotism among the youth,” Mathur added.
During the launch of the ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan’ program, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted a remarkable 30 per cent rise in tourist arrivals in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh in the past four years, crediting this surge to improved infrastructure and growing interest in border tourism, the release adds.
Tourists can add historical battleground sites of the Indian armed forces to their list of travel destinations including those in Siachen, Kargil and Galwan.