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India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Uttar Pradesh government praises Mahavatar Narsimha for cultural revival
As 'Mahavatar Narsimha' roars at the box office, the Uttar Pradesh government is all praise for the film. It applauded the animated film on Wednesday for its significant contribution to reviving Indian cultural heritage. The film has been recognised for its unique portrayal of historical narratives and its impact on youth.A post on the Instagram account of Uttar Pradesh Tourism read, 'Mukesh Kumar Meshram, principal secretary of tourism and culture at the Uttar Pradesh government, met with the director of the much-acclaimed animation film, Ashwin Kumar, and Saurabh, director of India Think Council. The meeting featured an in-depth discussion on the film's plot, its deep historical foundation, and the advanced technology used in its creation.(sic)advertisementIt further noted, 'The official appreciated the initiative. He emphasised that the film, dedicated to honouring deities and preserving timeless values, stands as a distinctive and commendable endeavour to inspire the youth. (sic) ' Despite having a slow start, 'Mahavatar Narsimha' has crossed the 200 crore mark globally and Rs 100 crore mark in a conversation with India Today, Kumar recently spoke about the success of the film at the box said, 'When a film like this does Rs 100 crore in its first week, it's overwhelming. Honestly, it's very difficult to predict how big something will become. But the people have spoken, their hearts have spoken, and once faith is restored, there's no stopping it.""We are the most diverse land of faith in the world, and perhaps the cultural resonance and spiritual connection touched people deeply. Did I think it would become this big? I knew something special would happen because the subject is powerful, but imagining it at this scale was difficult. Now it's begun to roar, and I'm curious to see where it goes,' he added.'Mahavatar Narsimha' has been produced under the banner of Kleem Productions and presented by Hombale the favourable reception of 'Mahavatar Narsimha', Hombale Films and Kleem Productions have announced an ambitious series of sequels. These will explore the ten divine avatars of Lord Vishnu, starting with 'Mahavatar Parshuram' in 2027 and concluding with 'Mahavatar Kalki Part 2' in film was released in 3D and in five Indian languages on July 25, 2025.- Ends
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Sarnath nears UNESCO World Heritage status as UP ramps up efforts
In a renewed push to gain global recognition for India's Buddhist heritage, the Uttar Pradesh tourism department has intensified its efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Sarnath, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. A high-level joint meeting between the state tourism department and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was held in Lucknow on Thursday to finalise preparations ahead of UNESCO's nomination review scheduled for September. Buddhist monks, followed by pilgrims, circle the Dhamekh Stupa, the birthplace of Buddhism at the biggest and oldest Buddhist Stupa in Sarnath, India (Getty Images) India has officially nominated Sarnath for inclusion under the 2025–26 UNESCO World Heritage nomination cycle. Located near Varanasi, Sarnath is revered as the site where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, making it a foundational pillar of Buddhist history. The joint meeting focused on aligning documentation, strengthening site management, and ensuring compliance with UNESCO's stringent selection criteria. Key topics included sustainable tourism, ecological preservation, and community engagement. Officials also agreed to organise a stakeholder consultation in Varanasi, involving local communities and tourism stakeholders. Principal secretary for tourism and culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, highlighted improved connectivity to Sarnath and other destinations on the Buddhist circuit, including Kapilvastu, Shravasti, Sankisa, Kushinagar and Kaushambi. He emphasised the role of international airports in Varanasi and Kushinagar, which have made these sites more accessible to pilgrims from countries with strong Buddhist ties, such as Nepal. Sarnath is currently on UNESCO's tentative list, and the upcoming review could determine its elevation to full World Heritage Site status. If successful, it would become Uttar Pradesh's fourth UNESCO site—and the first outside Agra. Experts say the move would not only enhance heritage conservation but also promote sustainable tourism across the region.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
‘UP poised to be hub of med, wellness tourism'
1 2 UP's blend of modern healthcare, spiritual heritage and supportive tourism policies can make it a leading destination for both medical and wellness tourism, experts said at the TOI Dialogues session on "Health & Heritage: Building a Resilient, Tourism-Driven Uttar Pradesh". The discussion began with the question of whether health tourism is on the state's agenda. Principal secretary (tourism & culture) Mukesh Kumar Meshram said while there is currently no dedicated policy, one is in the works. He outlined two key components — medical tourism, which draws foreign patients for high-quality treatment at a fraction of the cost abroad, and wellness tourism, which focuses on preventive healthcare through yoga, naturopathy and Ayurveda. Post-Covid, he noted, there is a global shift toward immunity and wellness, and UP aims to encourage wellness centres, taking inspiration from Kerala's success in the sector. Pramit Mishra, unit head at Max Super Speciality Hospital, said tourists increasingly factor in healthcare access when choosing destinations. "UP offers a healing touch with its mix of tradition, spirituality and modern medicine," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo With policies easing infrastructure development, institutions like SGPGI and KGMU have trained doctors who now serve worldwide. He also pointed out that Lucknow offers surgeries at 25-30% lower costs than Delhi, with some cardiac procedures priced far below those in countries like Singapore, making it a cost-competitive medical tourism hub. Life coach and co-founder of My Mom's Village Puja Singh shared their sustainable tourism model, which shifts from sightseeing to "soul-seeing." The project promotes organic farming, empowers rural women and sources all produce locally. Situated on the spiritual circuit between Ayodhya, Mathura and Varanasi, and on the Buddhist circuit, the village has benefited from rural tourism schemes but seeks further support for women's skill development and rural medical centres. Author Shantanu Gupta highlighted UP's religious tourism potential, citing the 64 crore visitors during the Kumbh Mela, which generated an estimated Rs 3.5 lakh crore in economic value. Such events, he said, demonstrate UP's safety, hospitality and infrastructure to a massive domestic and international audience. Speakers agreed that with affordable, world-class healthcare, rich wellness traditions, spiritual appeal, and upcoming policy support, Uttar Pradesh is well-placed to become a global destination for both medical and wellness tourism. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
United News of India
6 days ago
- United News of India
Sarnath poised for UNESCO World Heritage recognition
Lucknow, Aug 8 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has accelerated preparations to have Sarnath, the world-renowned Buddhist site in Varanasi, inscribed on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List. A high-level meeting was held today at the Directorate of Tourism here between senior officials of the Tourism Department and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to finalise strategies ahead of the crucial UNESCO session in September. The meeting reviewed the nomination process, ongoing conservation work, and the roadmap for the months ahead. India has officially nominated Sarnath under the 2025–26 UNESCO World Heritage nomination cycle. Currently, Uttar Pradesh has three UNESCO-listed sites: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, all located in Agra. If inscribed, Sarnath will become the state's first Buddhist site to gain this recognition, elevating its profile on the global cultural map. Principal Secretary for Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, along with ASI leadership, discussed the detailed progress made over the past 18 months. The deliberations covered ecological conservation, sustainable tourism development, and the role of the Eco-Tourism Development Board. Plans include stakeholder consultations in Varanasi involving local communities, religious institutions, and tourism operators. The Principal Secretary also praised the efforts of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in preserving and promoting Buddhist philosophy. He suggested new projects to strengthen the cultural experience at Sarnath, including a Vipassana Meditation Centre, a Knowledge Park, Ayurveda-based wellness facilities, and improved multilingual signage. He highlighted that Sarnath, along with other key Buddhist sites like Kapilvastu, Shravasti, Sankisa, Kushinagar, and Kaushambi, is now connected by improved infrastructure. International visitors also benefit from nearby airports in Varanasi and Kushinagar, and significant pilgrim flows arrive from Nepal and other Buddhist nations. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, 'Sarnath is a priceless jewel of our cultural and spiritual heritage. The inclusion of Sarnath as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will not only give it global recognition but also strengthen tourism, local livelihoods, and the preservation of our shared human history.' Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meshram added, 'Having Sarnath inscribed on the UNESCO list will be a legacy for future generations. This sacred land where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon will become a bridge connecting people worldwide to our history, traditions, and culture. It will also open new avenues for tourism, research and cultural exchange.' Officials from Varanasi also joined the meeting via video conference, presenting a framework for final preparations. Bhante Shri Sumedha of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath praised the Tourism Department's efforts and offered suggestions to the ASI team. He reminded the gathering that Sarnath holds unparalleled significance for Buddhists worldwide, being the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. The Uttar Pradesh government's ambitious Buddhist Circuit includes several temples built with international collaboration, attracting visitors from across the globe. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their support. As one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, Sarnath meets key UNESCO criteria, including being an outstanding example of human creative genius and representing significant stages in human history. The site will undergo UNESCO's multi-stage evaluation process, from inclusion in the Tentative List to potential full inscription. The meeting in Lucknow was attended by Principal Secretary for Tourism and Culture Mukesh Kumar Meshram; ASI Director General Yaduveer Singh Rawat; ASI Additional Director General Jahnwij Sharma; Special Secretary for Tourism Isha Priya; Director of Tourism (Eco) Prakhar Mishra; ASI Lucknow Head Aftab Hussain; and other senior tourism officials. UNI MBD SSP
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter: UP's health & heritage tourism vision promotes sightseeing to soul seeing
The sixth edition of TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter was held in Lucknow on Thursday, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, changemakers, and experts for engaging panel discussions and fireside chats on urban development, smart mobility, sustainability, and industrial growth. The event also served as a networking hub for real estate developers, infrastructure consultants, and investors exploring opportunities in Uttar Pradesh. The final panel of the day, 'Health & Heritage: Building a Resilient, Tourism-Driven Uttar Pradesh', carried the theme Digital Transformation: Integrating Health and Heritage and was moderated by Sanjay Bhatnagar. The panel featured Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh (IAS); Pramit Mishra, Unit Head of Max Healthcare in Lucknow; Shantanu Gupta, author of The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh; and Puja Singh, Life Coach and Co-Founder of My Mom's Village. When asked about UP's health agenda, Pramit Mishra said, 'With the legendary medical schools UP has produced, doctors are serving not only in the country but across the globe.' Responding to Bhatnagar's question on whether there is a structured policy for medical tourism, Mukesh Kumar Meshram responded, 'As such under medical tourism we haven't processed such policies but we are in process of doing so.' He further added that, 'There are two aspects in UP, one is medical tourism for hospitals and medical colleges, where people come to get treatment at a lower cost compared to other countries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like SRM Online MBA – Empowering Future Leaders SRM Online Enquire Now Undo Second is wellness tourism, focusing mainly on preventive measures, especially after COVID-19.' Speaking about her organisation's role, Puja Singh said, 'We are contributing in the aspect of rural tourism, sustainable tourism, and wellness tourism. Our primary focus is shifting the tourism lens from sightseeing to soul seeing.' On UP's tourism potential, Shantanu Gupta praised the state's infrastructure and the successful organisation of the Mahakumbh, noting the massive number of visitors this year. The Lucknow edition of TOI Dialogues also hosted discussions on defence-linked infrastructure, Maha Kumbh 2025 preparations, police modernisation, and heritage revival. Building on past editions in Kanpur, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi, the event continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration on UP's infrastructure-led growth, attracting enthusiastic participation from government officials, investors, and industry leaders alike.
