Ekta Nagar, 22 September (H.S.): Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said the government is taking an initiative to take the National Film Awards to some of the country’s prominent tourist destinations, with the aim of strengthening the connection between cinema and tourism.

Speaking to the media after arriving at Kevadia railway station for the National Film Awards ceremony, Vaishnaw said the initiative was being launched from Ekta Nagar, which has emerged as a prominent tourist destination in India and abroad because of the Statue of Unity and its natural beauty. He said the presence of the President, leading personalities from the film industry and other prominent guests in Ekta Nagar for the National Film Awards would further enhance the destination’s visibility.

Vaishnaw said the government’s objective was to ensure that the National Film Awards were not confined to a conventional conference-room setting but were instead connected with the general public and actual tourist destinations. He urged all states to submit proposals highlighting their best tourism destinations.

He said the proposals should also include plans for comprehensive, 360-degree development along with the provision of better infrastructure and facilities. The state whose proposal is selected will host the next National Film Awards ceremony at the proposed tourist destination.

The Union Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken the G20 events to different parts of the country and various states. Following the same approach, the National Film Awards are now being taken to different parts of India. The initiative, he said, would strengthen the relationship between the film industry and tourism while bringing wider benefits to the selected tourist destinations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar