Chalo India: Cultural Evening At Cutty Sark, London

London, 7th November 2024 – The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the High Commission of India in the UK, proudly hosted the ‘Chalo India’ cultural evening at the historic Cutty Sark, UNESCO Heritage, Clipper ship in London. This exclusive event was designed to celebrate the vibrancy of Indian culture, heritage, and hospitality, while promoting the Ministry’s new initiative, “Chalo India”.

This initiative, launched by India’s Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, invites the global Indian diaspora to encourage their non-Indian friends to explore the grandeur and diverse experiences that India offers. The event brought together prominent dignitaries, cultural performers, and members of the Indian community in the UK, underscoring India’s ongoing commitment to deepening cultural ties and enhancing tourism outreach in one of its largest source markets.

Key highlights of the event

Distinguished Guests
Dignitaries included Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism; His Excellency Shri Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner; and tourism ministers from Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Goa as well as the Deputy Chief Minister of Orrisa.

Cultural Performances
Traditional Indian dance performances like Bharatnatyam and Garba enthralled guests, showcasing India’s rich heritage through captivating storytelling and movement.

Guest Speaker Monisha Rajesh
British author Monisha Rajesh shared her travel experiences in particular her four-month journey around India by train, inspiring guests to explore India’s diverse landscapes and cultural depth.

Chalo India Portal Launch
The event also marked the launch of the “Chalo India” portal, a platform through which the Indian diaspora can refer up to five friends for a free e-Tourist visa, valid until 31 March 2025, to experience India’s unique attractions.

In his address, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the deep-rooted ties between London and India, noting the historic significance of launching “Chalo India” amidst the well-established Indian diaspora in the UK.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, encouraging support for the “Chalo India” initiative. This memorable event underscored India’s commitment to enhancing tourism ties with the UK and fostering cultural connections.

For more information on the Chalo India initiative, please visit the website www.Chaloindia.gov.in

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