New Delhi: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Shekhawat on Thursday declared that India is undergoing a “cultural renaissance,” crediting the infrastructure created over the past 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fueling tourism growth.
Speaking at the We Women Want Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, in conversation with Rakesh Singh, Managing Editor of ITV, and Rishabh Gulati, Editor-in-Chief of NewsX, Shekhawat outlined the government’s cultural initiatives, tourism expansion, and steps towards women’s empowerment. He cited projects such as the Kashi Tamil Sangam in Varanasi, aimed at strengthening centuries-old cultural ties between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, and the Dekho Apna Desh programme, which encourages school students to explore India’s diverse traditions.
“In the age of technology, India is rapidly nurturing its cultural spirit, working to make the nation what it truly is,” he said.
The minister noted that between 2004 and 2014, tourist movement in India almost tripled, with 2.5 billion domestic trips recorded—roughly double the country’s population in terms of movement. Despite the pandemic’s impact, he said the sector has rebounded strongly, with 2019 remaining the “benchmark year” for global tourism. Tourism, he stressed, is a vital source of income for the nation.
Commenting on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, Shekhawat urged against unnecessary concern. “There’s no need to overthink matters that don’t directly affect us. I believe we can offset the turbulence in global trade with our strategies,” he said.
Shekhawat also voiced optimism over the 33% reservation for women, pointing to growing female participation in fields such as border security. “We are moving from women’s development to women-led development,” he said, noting the country’s societal shift towards empowering women in leadership roles.
