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Women-Led Rural Tourism to Transform Buddhist Circuit in Northeast India

Arunachal Pradesh Minister Dasanglu Pul highlighted the potential of women-led rural tourism to promote cultural exchange and sustainable development across the Himalayan Buddhist belt. The regional workshop in Tawang aimed to connect Buddhist centers in Northeast India with Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Pul emphasized that involving women in tourism initiatives preserves cultural heritage and generates livelihood opportunities. The state government supports working women through skill development, micro-financing, and infrastructure development.

Key Points: Women-Led Rural Tourism Boosts NE Buddhist Circuit

  • Women-led rural tourism can transform Buddhist circuits in NE
  • Workshop connects NE Buddhist centers with Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka
  • Women in rural communities preserve traditions and generate livelihoods
  • State supports women through skill development and micro-financing
2 min read

Women-led rural tourism can transform Buddhist circuits in NE: Arunachal Minister

Arunachal Minister Dasanglu Pul says women-led rural tourism can transform Buddhist circuits in Northeast India, promoting cultural exchange and sustainable development.

"Women-led rural tourism has the potential to emerge as a powerful instrument for promoting cultural exchange, sustainable development, and regional cooperation across the Himalayan Buddhist belt. - Dasanglu Pul"

Itanagar, May 7

Arunachal Pradesh Cultural Affairs Minister Dasanglu Pul on Thursday said that women-led rural tourism has the potential to emerge as a powerful instrument for promoting cultural exchange, sustainable development, and regional cooperation across the Himalayan Buddhist belt.

Addressing a regional workshop on "Development of the Buddhist Circuit in Northeast India" in Tawang, the Minister lauded the initiative aimed at connecting Buddhist centres in Northeast India with neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka through a women-led rural tourism model.

The workshop brought together delegates from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Assam, and Sikkim, with discussions focusing on strengthening regional cooperation and promoting sustainable tourism rooted in a shared Buddhist heritage.

Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh's immense tourism potential, Pul, who also holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, said the state, often referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun", is home to several important spiritual and cultural destinations, including Tawang, Mechukha, and the Golden Pagoda in Namsai.

She emphasised that women in rural and tribal communities have traditionally played a vital role in preserving oral traditions, handicrafts, indigenous cuisines, festivals, and rituals.

Involving them more actively in tourism initiatives, she said, would not only help preserve cultural heritage but also generate livelihood opportunities and strengthen local economies.

The Minister further said that the state government remains committed to supporting working women through initiatives such as skill development programmes, micro-financing support, infrastructure development, and digital promotion of local tourism experiences.

Pul also stressed the importance of strengthening tourism and cultural linkages with neighbouring Buddhist nations to boost international tourism and deepen people-to-people ties across the region.

The workshop featured speeches by representatives from participating countries, along with technical sessions on regional cooperation, connectivity, branding, and the role of women-led rural tourism in fostering inclusive development.

Detailed deliberations were also held on identifying and promoting key Buddhist heritage sites across the Northeast region as part of a broader tourism circuit.

Officials described the workshop as a significant step towards enhancing regional collaboration and unlocking the vast tourism potential of Northeast India through inclusive, community-driven, and sustainable development models.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Sounds great on paper, but let's be realistic. Northeast tourism has huge potential but infrastructure in places like Mechukha is still lacking—roads are bad, internet is patchy. Women-led tourism can work if the government also invests in basic amenities and safety. And we need to ensure these women aren't just used as photo ops but actually get a fair share of the revenue. Still, a positive step from the Minister. Let's see the execution.
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Arjun K
As a Buddhist from Sikkim, I'm thrilled to see this regional cooperation! 🕉️ The Buddhist circuit connecting Tawang to Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka is a beautiful idea. Women-led tourism in the Himalayan belt makes so much sense—our women are natural custodians of monasteries and traditions. This could be a game-changer for Northeast tourism if done right. Also, glad to see Sri Lanka involved—our shared heritage is strong. 🇮🇳🤝🇱🇰
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Michael C
This is the kind of sustainable tourism the world needs. Women-led initiatives bring authenticity and care to cultural experiences. I've traveled to Tawang before and the local hospitality is incredible—but more support for women entrepreneurs would make it even better. The international angle is smart too. Hope the digital promotion part includes easy booking for tourists. Good policies, now need action on the ground.
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Neha E
The minister mentioned micro-financing and skill development—that's key! Many rural women in Arunachal weave beautiful shawls and make traditional dishes, but they lack market access. If this model connects them directly with tourists (especially international ones), it could create a real livelihood revolution. Also, please ensure that the Buddhist circuits are not just about monasteries but also include local homestays and village walks. 🙏

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