TNR News Network
Dharamshala — As part of Tourism Week celebrations commemorating World Tourism Day 2025, the Department of Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Management (SOTTHM) at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh organised a one-day heritage conservation activity at the historic Kotla Fort in Kangra.
The event was flagged off by Prof. Pradeep Kumar, Dean of Academics, who inaugurated the heritage journey by waving off student buses. Prof. Sunil Thakur, Dean of Student Welfare, was also present to support the initiative.
During the visit, students and faculty members conducted cleanliness drives, awareness campaigns, and conservation activities within the fort premises. Embracing the mantra of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” the participants actively promoted cultural heritage preservation and sustainable tourism practices.
In his address, Prof. Pradeep Kumar emphasized that tourism is not merely a tool for economic growth and employment but also a means to instill pride in cultural identity and strengthen social inclusion. He encouraged students to continuously refine and upgrade their skills.
Prof. Sunil Thakur highlighted tourism’s role as a socio-cultural force, stating that it holds significant potential in realizing the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
The event was held under the visionary guidance of the university’s Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Sat Prakash Bansal, who addressed the participants and underscored the importance of preserving history and heritage as a cultural responsibility and a vital step toward sustainable tourism.
Students described the experience as highly enriching, gaining practical insights into heritage management and sustainable tourism. The initiative reinforced the idea that sustainability and cultural preservation can go hand in hand, paving the way for responsible tourism leadership.
The event was coordinated by Prof. Debasis Sahu and co-coordinated by Prof. Amit Gangotia. Active participation from students, researchers, and young faculty members made it one of the university’s most impactful events.
For over a decade, Tourism Week at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh has been more than a calendar formality—it has served as a bridge between academic learning and real-world experience. The 2025 edition holds special significance, aligning with the United Nations theme “Tourism and Green Transformation” and highlighting India’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 and Himachal Pradesh’s growing identity as a sustainable tourism hub.
The heritage conservation activity at Kotla Fort reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing graduates who are academically proficient, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious—ready to lead the tourism sector with sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural pride.
