Students of Vadodara based PU were selected to participate in the 9th International Tourism Mart 2022 organized at Kohima, Nagaland. The International Tourism Mart is annually organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to explore the tourism potential of the North Eastern states of India. Every year, one among the 7 NE states hosts this unique event and for 2021, the ninth edition was hosted by the State of Nagaland in its capital city Kohima from the 27th to the 30th of November. 50 students from across India were selected by the Association of India Universities to witness the event in its full fervor and indulge in a learning experience of the culture and heritage of the North Eastern States, among which were 4 bright students of PU. 

The event saw the presence of International and National diplomats from Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei with Shri Neiphiu Rio, the Chief Minister of Nagaland as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries in attendance were Shri Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State for Tourism and Defense; Shri Arvind Singh, Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Shri H. Khehovi Yepthomi, MLA & Advisor for Tourism, Culture and Art, Government of Nagaland. The event shed light on the fact that the North Eastern states with their scenic natural landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, rich cultures, ethnic communities and their age-old traditions and lifestyles are a tourist’s delight and have a vast tourism potential, waiting to be explored. 

The students of PU were among the few students across the nation to receive an opportunity to discover the glory and beauty of India’s North East at ITM. The students visited the Chief Minister’s Residence for the Inaugural function which included a cultural program followed by a grand dinner, giving the guests a taste of authentic North Eastern cuisine. The students actively explored the city of Kohima for the entirety of 4 days. Some of the places that the students explored included Kisama Heritage Village, Puliebadze trek, a technical visit at Kohima Village, and Kohima’s World War II Cemetery among others. During their visit, the students interacted with the locals, government officers and local media to experience the mesmerizing charm of the Naga culture and its food, dance, music, costumes and cuisines. The students also witnessed the way of living of the 17 tribal communities of Nagaland firsthand. 

On being asked about his time at ITM, Mr. Jaydeep Findoria, a student of the Parul Institute of law quoted, “This truly was once in a lifetime experience. The four days at 9thITM have really opened up our perspective to the rich culture of the North East. When you get opportunities like these apart from your academics, that is when you realize the benefits of studying at a vibrant educational institute like PU that focuses on your all-round development. We heartily thank the Ministry of Tourism and Association of Indian Universities for giving us this wonderful opportunity to explore and learn an unexplored paradise of culture, beauty and tradition.”