Academic experts suggest introducing tourism in curriculum

Seminar on ‘role of tourism in socio-economic development of India with special reference to Nagaland’ drew varied intellectuals’ opinions in Dimapur

EMN
Dimapur, October 4

Unity College, Dimapur organized a day-long UGC sponsored national seminar on “Role of tourism in the socio-economic development of India with special reference to Nagaland” in collaboration with the department of tourism, Government of Nagaland on September 26.
Prof. Lanunungsang Ao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, Merima Campus was the chief guest. He congratulated the college for achieving rapid progress within a short span of time. He said, there are 62 affiliated colleges in Nagaland and among them Unity College is one of the fastest growing colleges.  He encouraged the college to introduce a separate course on tourism, and frame separate curriculum as per the needs, and further encouraged the college to open post-graduate studies/ programmes in the near future.
Guest of honour, T.Thomas, Additional Director, Department of Tourism, deliberated on challenges and strategies on tourism. He mentioned that the government as well as institutions should take constructive measures to improve the tourism sector. Seminars/symposia’s, plays are important in fostering tourism in the state, he said.
The keynote addresses were delivered by Prof Dr. Md. Israrul Haque, Dean and chairman Faculty of Management Studies and Research, Aligarh Muslim University and Dr. Deepti Bhargava, Principal, Srinathji Institute of Biotechnology and Management, Nathdwara, Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Dr. Md. Israrul Haque, in his keynote address said that the objective of any activity including tourism is to earn money so that we can have eco and socio development in order to bring positive changes in the society. Dr. Haque stated that tourism creates direct and indirect employment. He also urged the college to start a course on tourism and hospitality. He said there is a perception amongst the people outside state that travelling in Nagaland is dangerous; therefore, various strategies should be adopted to get rid of this wrong perception.
Dr.Deepti Bhargava in her keynote address mentioned that there are two special features of tourism ie, Promotion and Hospitality. She said such national seminars/events indirectly or directly promote tourism. She also suggested various strategies to promote tourism such as marketing and promotion, privatization, adventures activities etc.
The first technical session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Md. Israrul Haque. Six papers were presented with representation from Nagaland University and various colleges in Nagaland as well as outside. The second technical session was chaired by Dr. Deepti Bhargava with presentation of four papers. Most of the speakers/paper presenters highlighted the importance of tourism. The presenters focused on the rich heritage of Nagaland and covered all aspects of tourism, how to attract visitors, challenges, suggestions etc.
Dr. D P Chaturvedi, Dean School of Management Studies, Nagaland University was the chief guest for the last session. He praised the college for organizing such mega event in the nascent stage of college. He also shared his views on tourism in Nagaland. He distributed the certificates to all the paper presenters and participants of the seminar in valedictory session. Dr. S K Chhabra, Principal, Unity College delivered the welcome address.
The seminar was also attended by the chairman, Governing Body of Unity College, Dr. S K Gupta, principal of Unity College of Teacher Education, administrator, Unity College, B.Com and B.A. Economics honours students of Unity College along with BBA students of St. Joseph College, Jakhama. The seminar was organized by the Deptt. of Commerce and Economics, Unity College with Dr. Tabassum Khan. Asst. Prof, deptt. of commerce as the convener.