Even as the tag of becoming the next “big-thing” on the world tourist map manages to fan our ego but reaching there in reality is but a distant dream, if the present scenario is used as a pointer. Ironically though the state is being projected for its virgin untouched beauty but what greets the eye, is anything but that.

Even as excited travellers reach the state capital, the general shoddiness of the surroundings comes as a rude shock for tourists who fell in love with a “marketing dream”. Almost every inch of the capital roads have been turned into garbage dumps, unplanned construction accompanied by pot-hole riddled roads are some of the not so fond memories most travellers carry back home. The scenario is no less different even in the small towns and districts. While it is easy to point fingers at the administration for every minute lapse, residents must own up and take responsibility for the ugly state of affairs.

If at all the state wants to imprint its presence on the tourist circuit a collective change has to be brought not only in governance but also the commoners. While priority for administration must be on improving infrastructure, road and railway connectivity while also developing an effective emergency response system and most importantly to ensure safety and security, citizens must imbibe and cultivate hospitality for visitors; if at all tourism sector has to grow to its full potential.

We need to learn from Nagaland and Sikkim in this regard.

Arunachal has seen a spike in the number of festivals; we are almost running out of pages in the calendar to fit every one of them.

‘The festival of Arunachal’ which is held during Statehood Day is an event which aims at showcasing Arunachal under one umbrella but has failed for obvious reasons. Leave aside our tendency to fleece locals as well as tourists who flock to sample the state’s crafts and cuisine on such occasions, hospitality is also sorely lacking. For spectators, it's about being fascinated by the ‘feel’ of the place. Here lies a lack of ingenuity when it comes to presenting ourselves with a certain etiquette and courtesy.

The festivals here are more about generating revenue rather than opening the 'Window to Arunachal Pradesh' to the rest of the world. When the artefacts are the only thing they are taking with them, and not memories what does it say about us? 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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