![azadi ka amrit mahotsav](https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/photo/2021/aug/ph202183101.png)
The Directorate of Lighthouse and Lightships, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, successfully concluded a remarkable Lighthouse Photo Exhibition from March 3rd to March 7th, 2024 here today. The event was organized at AIFACS, New Delhi, the event garnered significant attention from visitors and dignitaries alike.
Shri TK Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW); Shri N. Muruganandam, DG, Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL); and other esteemed senior dignitaries from the Ministry, DGLL were also present on the occasion. The photo exhibition showcased a mesmerizing collection of 100 photographs, highlighting the beauty and historical significance of lighthouses scattered along India’s coastline.
Today, during the culmination Shri TK Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, MoPSW said, ‘Guided by the visionary approach of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this exhibition reminded the timeless allure and historical significance of these maritime landmarks. This event underscores our commitment to promoting lighthouse tourism and revitalizing these iconic structures as vibrant tourist destinations, driving economic growth and cultural exchange along India’s coastline’.
Designed to promote Lighthouse Tourism, the event aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to transforming all lighthouses in the country into tourist destinations. With the recent inauguration of tourism facilities at 75 lighthouses across the country by the Prime Minister on February 28th, India’s distinctive lighthouses are poised to become captivating tourism sites, showcasing the rich culture, significance, and allure of these magnificent structures.
Under the visionary MIV 2030 initiative, the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships is actively promoting lighthouse tourism across India. This initiative aims to revitalize existing lighthouse facilities by repurposing them for alternative uses, including the development of heritage and maritime museums. Notable transformations include lighthouses in Chennai- Alleppey, Kannur; Vizhinjam, Thangasseri, and Vypin in Kerala, and Chandrabhaga in Odisha. Furthermore, the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 seeks to develop lighthouses as tourist spots, fostering local economies and promoting cultural exchange.
The Lighthouse Photo Exhibition attracted nearly 10,000 visitors, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and significance of lighthouses through contemporary photography. With free entry for all, the event served as a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation, furthering the Ministry’s mission to promote maritime heritage and tourism across India.
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MJPS/NSK