Eco-Tourism Entrepreneurship Organic Lifestyle Rural Tourism Vocal for Local

Deshaj Darshan Samvaad Satra-2025

Deshaj Darshan Samvaad Satra 2025 held on the occasion of National Tourism Day in the Tourism Department (Paryatan Bhawan) of Jiwaji University, Gwalior. Deshaj Darshan literally means the Philosophy of Folk Convention is an academic dialogue session which organizes to discuss the tourism and cultural things that existed in our circumference. The concept behind the program is to make sense of belongingness or the ‘swa’. The Deshaj Darshan Samvaad Satra is the dialogue session part of Deshaj Darshan Utsav which was earlier famous as the Rural Tourism Festival which is held every year in Gaushala.

The main objective of this ‘Deshaj Darshan Samvaad Satra’ was to discussed the role of indigenous philosophy in the field of tourism, culture, health, nutrition, sustainability, etc. Experts, policy makers, academicians, business people, researchers, media, and students were participated in it and discussed new possibilities and ideas related to tourism, culture and entrepreneurship.

Objectives of the Workshop:

1. Discussion and presentations on the possibilities for developing tourism within the Gwalior-Chambal region.
2. Discussion on employment entrepreneurial ideas and startup assistance through Tourism in the neighboring helmet.
3. The way forward for indigenous tourism and the documentation of proceedings for further references.

Academic Discussion on various dimensions by experts belonging to Tourism & Hospitality, Commerce & Management, Art & architecture, Tribal culture, Law, Entrepreneurship, Environment, Agriculture, Skill development, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development, Health, etc.

The dialogue session comprises five sessions entitled: Vocal for Local, Eco-Tourism, Rural Tourism, Organic Lifestyle, and Entrepreneurship.

Session 1 (Vocal for Local)

Session focuses on the tourism and cultural related potential places existing in Gwalior- Chambal division.

Eminent speakers of the session:

Ms. Gayatri Singh (Director of Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior) – She said, in Jai Vilas Palace, we are making decorative items from waste products, for which proper training is provided. We are trying to showcase the local handicrafts through our souvenir shops. There are a lot of things that exist in and around Gwalior that need promotion.

Prof. Amarika Singh (Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Vikrant University, Gwalior). He said every individual; especially the youth stay connected to one’s religion and spirituality. To be successful, we have to work at our local level and move forward. Without getting affected by other people, we have to influence them positively with ourselves. And you should always praise your mother tongue and motherland, learn Hindi.

Prof. R.J. Rao (former Vice-Chancellor of Barkatullah University, Bhopal and the renowned Professor of Jiwaji University). He said the Chambal region can be developed as a tourism destination. There are dolphins here. I have visited almost all the countries of the world but I have never found the kind of peace I got in my own area i.e. Chambal region. And every scientist of the world comes here to visit Chambal. If a tourist enters Madhya Pradesh from the Northern side, the gateway is Chambal. It may be from Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan. In that case, Chambal will definitely benefit through tourism.

Swami Rishabhdevanand ji (Organising Secretary of Adarsh Gaushala, Gwalior and saint of Shri Krishnayan, Haridwar)- The esteemed Swami spoke about the Deshaj Darshan Mahotsav, which was celebrated a day before this academic session with themes such as Gramotsav, Ramotsav, Anandotsava, and Vivahotsav. He emphasized the importance of organizing such events regularly to encourage thoughtful discussions that contribute to the promotion and preservation of Deshaj culture. He also commended the efforts of the guest speakers and delegates who participated in the program across the country.

Dr. Krishna Singh Narwariya (Faculty, Tourism Department, Jiwaji University, Gwalior)- Moderator of the session.

The session was hosted by the School of Studies in Tourism & Travel Management, Jiwaji University, Gwalior.

Session 2 (Eco-Tourism)

Session focuses on the eco-tourism related sites and activities existing in the region.

Eminent speakers of the session:

Dr. Shah Alam Rana (Founder of Chambal Museum)- He talks about the rich biodiversity of Chambal region. He also said Panchnad, which literally means the confluence of five rivers namely Yamuna, Chambal Sindh, Pahuj and Kuwari, is the rarest in the world. People must visit Panchnad and the Chambal region to experience indigenous culture and spotting endangered wildlife.

Mr. Jai Khande (Founder, Godinga Holidays)- He said as far as eco-tourism is concerned, there are lot of places to explore around the city Gwalior. I personally cater many tourist groups to these places in remote areas, install the camps and give them the opportunity to experience the campfire to a tune with nature’s music.

Mr. Brijbhushan Dubey (a Lucknow based content creator and the youtuber)- He motivates the youth for documenting the things around us. He said there is lots of potential in the market which you need to encash. Your mobile can be the medium to showcase. There are numerous topics that you can cover. At the age of 52, I started making content and posted on youtube. Your content can make awareness to save wildlife for the future.

Mr. Minesh Patel (founder Go Teerth Peethan, Gandhinagar). He said Cow and its products are the best way to experience the eco-tourism life. The cow based organic farming and the mud houses keep the diseases away and bring the positivity around us. This indigenous way of life keeps us healthy and also gives us an opportunity to earn in a better way. Kamdhenu Tourism can be a trend to attract more tourists from across the globe in the coming future.

Dr. Vir Narayan (Director, Research, Vikrant University, Gwalior)- Moderator of the session

The Session was hosted by Vikrant University, Gwalior

Session 3 (Rural Tourism)

Session focuses on the potential of rural tourism including village tourism & homestays in the region.

Eminent speakers of the session:

Mr. Jayendra Singh Rana (Chief of Neem Parvat, Udaipura, Gwalior)– He focused on environmental conservation and its interconnection with rural tourism. He advocated for ecologically responsible tourism practices that protect and nurture the environment. By integrating environmental considerations such as biodiversity conservation, waste management, and sustainable land use into rural tourism strategies, He emphasized the dual benefits of environmental health and rural economic growth.

Dr. Aishwaya Singh (Project Coordinator, IIM Indore)- Dr. Singh emphasized the need to bring rural culture to the national forefront. She underscored the significance of recognizing, preserving, and promoting the unique heritage of each village. According to her, rural India is a reservoir of culture, values, and traditional wisdom that can serve as a vital resource for nation-building. She called for proactive initiatives to document, showcase, and celebrate rural identities while encouraging local communities to actively participate in this cultural revival.

Mr. Chakrabhushan Pandey (Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, IIT Delhi)- He provided valuable insights into the “Unnat Bharat Abhiyan” and its links to tourism and culture. He explained how rural development can be enhanced by promoting local crafts, cultural festivals, and tourism initiatives. He emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure, implementing training programs for local stakeholders, and creating sustainable tourism models tailored to the unique attributes of each village. His presentation outlined practical steps and resource mapping to achieve long-term, self-sufficient growth in rural areas.

Dr. Shweta Arora (Principal, Modern Children School, Guna)- Dr. Arora brought attention to India’s ancient civilization and the relevance of Ayurveda in modern times. She explained how rural India’s traditional health practices, rooted in Ayurveda, offer viable solutions to contemporary health challenges like stress, lifestyle disorders, and climate-related illnesses. Dr. Arora urged stakeholders to integrate Ayurveda and holistic wellness into rural tourism offerings, thereby providing visitors with a unique, immersive experience that also benefits local communities economically.

Dr. Prashant Kumar Sinha (Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board)- He emphasized the vast potential of rural tourism as a catalyst for cultural and economic development. He advocated for exploring villages to uncover their unique attractions, including traditional art forms, local cuisines, indigenous games, and festivals. Dr. Sinha underscored the importance of marketing rural tourism to both domestic and international audiences while ensuring that the benefits reach local communities. He called for collaboration among government agencies, private entities, and local stakeholders to make rural tourism a cornerstone of India’s tourism strategy.

Mr. Himanshu Pal (Research Scholar, IITTM)- The session revolved around the theme of integrating rural tourism with India’s traditional cultural values to achieve sustainable development. Moderating the discussion, Himanshu Pal stressed the importance of the Prime Minister’s vision of “moving from cities to villages” to unlock the untapped potential of rural India. He highlighted that rural tourism, when enriched by heritage, biodiversity, arts, sports, and traditional knowledge, can create widespread awareness, empower communities, and contribute to long-term environmental and cultural sustainability.

The Session was hosted by Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management, Gwalior.

Session 4 (Organic Lifestyles)

Session focuses on the organic and the sustainable lifestyle adopted by the society, served by the tourism and hospitality and stakeholders and its best practices.

Eminent speakers of the session:

Ms. Vandana Dubey, a Tourist Guide from Orchha, is a shining example of women’s entrepreneurship. Starting from humble beginnings, she began her journey by applying henna, a traditional Indian art form. With her husband’s support, she pursued professional education and enrolled in the Guide Training Program at IITTM. This education qualified her as a tour guide. She later graduated from Bundelkhand University, Jhansi. Alongside her guiding career, Vandana also started offering cooking classes and established a homestay in Orchha. Her multifaceted entrepreneurial spirit showcases women’s empowerment, demonstrating how determination and continuous learning can lead to remarkable success.

2. Mr. Ummed Singh (Homestay owner, Mitawali), who presents a heartwarming example of hospitality in its truest form. Based in Mitawali, he’s a farmer who runs a homestay. What makes his story special is his personal touch to hospitality – he takes the time to cook for his guests himself. Despite being a hardworking farmer, he puts in the extra effort to ensure his tourists get a genuine, homely experience by personally preparing and serving them meals. This kind of dedication shows how tourism can be more than just a business – it can be about creating authentic, memorable experiences for visitors.

Dr. Amit Tiwari (Assistant Professor, IITTM Gwalior) highlighted groundbreaking research conducted at Jiwaji University. This research holds historical importance as it represents the world’s first PhD specifically focused on organic lifestyle, marking India’s contribution to global academic discourse on sustainable living practices. This achievement underscores the growing academic recognition of organic lifestyle studies and their importance in contemporary times.

Dr. Nishant Joshi (Director, Prestige Institute of Management & Research, Gwalior), demonstrating strong leadership in promoting sustainable living, has been actively advocating for organic lifestyle practices. His approach is particularly noteworthy as he emphasizes how organic living is not just a modern trend but is deeply rooted in our ancient scriptures, providing scientific validation to traditional wisdom.

Dr. Joshi’s observations about global agricultural practices are particularly insightful. He points out a concerning paradox: while nations like America embrace organic farming for domestic consumption, they continue to export harmful chemical-based food products to other countries. This observation raises important questions about global food politics and health equity across nations.

Key points emphasized by Dr. Joshi include:

  1. The importance of personal commitment to organic lifestyle.
  2. Scientific validation of organic practices through ancient scriptures.
  3. The need to eliminate harmful modern dietary habits, specifically cold drinks and fast food.
  4. Critical awareness of global agricultural practices and their implications.

Ms. Mayuri Joshi (Assistant Professor, PIMR, Gwalior)- Moderator of the session said that the combination of Dr. Joshi’s practical advocacy and Dr. Tiwari’s academic insights presents a comprehensive view of how organic lifestyle choices are not just personal health decisions but part of a larger movement towards sustainable living practices. Their work suggests that organic lifestyle studies have significant scope for further research and practical application in modern society. This confluence of traditional wisdom, modern research, and practical implementation, as championed by both Dr. Joshi and supported by Dr. Tiwari’s academic perspective, creates a strong foundation for promoting organic lifestyle choices in contemporary times.

The session was hosted by Prestige Institute of Management & Research, Gwalior

Session 5 (Entrepreneurship)

Session focuses on the potential of entrepreneurial activities and associated sectors in the Gwalior-Chambal region.

Eminent speakers of the session:

Mr. Puneet Saxena (Tourism India Alliance) He said, “Entrepreneurship is more than just starting your own business; it’s a mindset focused on providing solutions for the masses and working towards building a stronger community.”

Mr. Ramakrishna Kongalla (Assistant Professor, IITTM, Gwalior). He linked vedas and correlated nature with creating new opportunities of entrepreneurship. He quoted many of his students and scholars who are earning better from interpreting the Indian scriptures and temple iconography.

Dr. Garima Gupta (Regional Director, Ministry of Labour, GoI). She appreciated the spokesperson and agreed with the suggestions that entrepreneurship starts with thinking about the problem and need existing in the society…it’s an innovation and one should be ready for bearing risk physically, mentally and financially.

Prof. R.S. Tomar (Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, AMITY University, Gwalior). He talked about the inter connectivity of Organic lifestyle with entrepreneurship…it’s about finding opportunities in any field but projection is needed.

Ms. Apeksha Pandey (Assistant professor, AMITY University, Gwalior) Moderator of the session

The session was hosted by AMITY University, Gwalior

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Ankit Agrawal, the Co-Ordinator of the Deshaj Darshan Samvaad Satra, underscored the significance of the program, which aimed to spotlight the region’s unique tourism products and services.


Take away comments from
1. Dr. Deepti Tiwari: Importance of Homestays & Rural Tourism. How the above mentioned helps in driving Rural economy along with highlighting the local culture, art & craft of any destination.
Also a key takeaway that humans cannot strike a balance with nature until and unless indigenous cows are protected and the importance of their milk, Milk products and cow dung products is realized and recognized.
Indigenous cows have a high potential for Organic manure which is required for organic farming. And in today’s world when most of our food has become adulterated, the need of organic farming has really gone up.

2. Ms. Shikha Dhakad: This one-day session brought together thought-provoking ideas on how cultural tourism can drive sustainability, especially in regions like Chambal.
The conversations revolved around curating theme-based tours that highlight the rich history, natural beauty, and cultural traditions of these local areas, creating immersive experiences for visitors while also empowering local communities.
One of the most fascinating takeaways was the use of indigenous practices—like transforming cow dung into eco-friendly products. It’s a powerful reminder that sustainability can be rooted in tradition, with practices that benefit both the environment and the local economy.
This session reinforced the importance of aligning tourism with cultural preservation and sustainable practices, ensuring that we protect and promote our heritage for generations to come. Excited for the path ahead, where cultural tourism, sustainability, and community empowerment go hand in hand.




2 Comment

  1. The Deshaj Darshan Samvaad Satra 2025 is a remarkable effort that combines India’s traditions, challenges, and homegrown solutions under one roof. It stands out in how it connects tourism, culture, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, not just as separate topics but as interwoven threads of India’s identity. The focus on indigenous wisdom—whether through rural tourism, eco-friendly practices, or organic lifestyles—adds value to the conversation. The event doesn’t just discuss problems; it explores solutions rooted in India’s heritage, making it highly relevant. The mix of academic experts, policymakers, spiritual mentors, and local voices ensures that these ideas have the potential to turn into real, impactful change.

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