Tourism should be viewed as path of national integration:Modi

Chennai, July 28 (UNI) Exorting people of the country to join hands with Gujarat in promoting tourism, Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said his Government considered Tourism, not just as an industry but a path of national integration.

Addressing a roadshow, organised by Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd here, he said ''for us Tourism is not just an industry or a money earner, but a path of national integration, as it helps people to understand each other and cooperate.'' Highlighting Gujarat's rich cultural heritage and scenic locations, Mr Modi said visits to various places in the country would give the ''feeling of ''oneness and we are one nation, right from Kashnir to Kanniyakumari.'' He said our forefathers had conceived the idea of yatras and visited temples, not just as part of religious events, but as part of a movement of national integration.

''Within India we are 100 crore people and each Indian should avail opportunities to visit places and get the feeling of oneness, Gujarat is the place to offer you the feeling,'' he said.

His Government has drawn up plans to make Gujarat, blessed with fascinating landscapes and magnificient monuments as the global tourist destination.

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