On World Tourism Day, Prerana Batch 28 students decorated this day with the rich tapestry of India’s diverse cultural heritage. During numerous art and education projects, Vadnagar as a tourist destination was portrayed as mesmerizingly beautiful by the students, along with that of their home states. These projects form an exciting manifestation of the cultural richness and diversity that make India a unique global travel destination.

Students created different medium presentations following the theme of experiential learning that would depict the importance of history, scenic beauty, and cultural practices in their respective regions. Vadnagar was one of those history and heritage site towns that attracted much attention in the presenters from several students. From ancient temples to a serene lake, the blend of history with beauty in the town was creatively portrayed, especially its potential as a primary tourist destination.

The students visited various cultures within their own states beyond Vadnagar, from the architecture in Rajasthan to Kerala landscapes. The reflection of the students on their cultural roots has brought before us various attractions that made India a destination for travelers interested in exploring its deep history and vibrant traditions.

These are all part of a broader Experiential Learning approach, which-suggesting its name, in turn-involves the students to show their interests and inputs into real issues and situations in creative expressions and critical thinking. This initiative, for example, transcended from being proud of cultural identity to emphasize tourism as a way and means of maintaining cultural heritage.

Teachers of Prerana told this writer that projects like these are necessary because it instils a more abiding respect for India’s cultural heritage. “We are making the student of the region understand that tourism is not about making money, but more about conservation and sharing our assets with the world,” said a faculty member.

The defining characteristic of World Tourism Day at Prerana was that it had adopted the international theme of sustainable and inclusive tourism. The students were, therefore, educated about the importance of responsible tourism practices, with an emphasis on how tourism can provide leadership in conserving heritage sites as well as cultural exchange in ways that are beneficial to local communities.

Such a thought coursed through the creative works of Batch 28 that tourism is the beckon of unity in diversity, economic growth, and cultural awareness. As the students shine the torchlight on the hidden gems of India-be it the ancient town of Vadnagar or the colorful festivals in their home states-they shone forth the very important nexus between cultural heritage and tourism.

As India becomes one of the tourist destinations with its rich cultural and historical and natural attractions, here comes another feather in the hat-Prerana Batch 28. Their work is a reminder of the beautiful treasure the country holds in rich culture; there is no better resource than creative young minds to bring this treasure into the mainstream and develop it further.