By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday proposed an integrated Buddhist tourism circuit linking key spiritual destinations across Northeast India and neighbouring countries, suggesting it be branded as the “Tawang Initiative” to give the project a distinct global identity.
Addressing the inaugural session of a workshop on the “Development of the Buddhist Circuit in Northeast India” in Tawang, Mein stressed the need for a coordinated and professional approach to tourism development in the region.
The workshop was attended by delegates from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and several Indian states.
Mein said the proposed circuit should connect important Buddhist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim and Manipur, while also integrating neighbouring countries to create a seamless spiritual and cultural experience for visitors.
Highlighting Tawang’s religious and historical significance, he said the region is home to the 400-year-old Tawang Monastery, the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama, and lies along an important route associated with the present Dalai Lama.
He also referred to heritage and spiritual sites such as Dirang, Thembang, the sacred Pemako region and the scenic Mechuka valley as key anchors for a wider Buddhist and cultural tourism network.
Mein further highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s broader tourism potential, pointing to the coexistence of 26 major tribes with distinct languages, attire and customs, along with the state’s rich biodiversity that supports eco-tourism, adventure tourism and wellness tourism.
To preserve the state’s intangible cultural heritage, he said the government is digitising ancient manuscripts, traditional knowledge systems and religious texts for future generations.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced that Arunachal Pradesh plans to host an international tourism event later this year and invited global stakeholders to collaborate in positioning the state as a premier tourism destination.