NAGPUR: After the TOI's Waghpur campaignthat culminated in state declaring Nagpur as 'Gateway to the Tiger Land' early last year, hardly anything was done by stakeholders to explore the various possibilities and avenues of development that such a status might bring.
Finally, Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council and CENIN Travels are organising a two day Wagh Utsav to promote tiger tourism in the region. "We are organising this to bring all stakeholders together to work for the development of the region," said Vilas Kale, one of the organizers. The event will take place on February 10 and 11 at South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC).
Apart from a host of events marking the event, the Day Two of the Utsav will also see launch of Friends of Tiger Country - Central India bySushmita Sen who will be the brand ambassador of the organization. "Sushmita Sen will also enrol as the first friend of the Tiger Country," informed Kale.
Various competitions will be held during the two-day festival in which students from across the city will be taking part. The famous Wagh dance of Nagpur will be the star attraction of the event. "Wagh dance is unique to Nagpur wherein people paint themselves in colours of tiger and dance to the rhythm of drumbeats," Kale said.
Other events include drawing competition for kids with the theme being 'Friends of Tiger', amateur photography competition on 'Splendours of Tiger Country', inter-collegiate skit contest and fashion show by INIFD. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), SCZCC and Radio Mirchi are also supporting this initiative.
"The status that Nagpur holds as Gateway to Tiger Land is unique. TOI did a great effort when it undertook the Waghpur campaign, similar efforts are required to translate this status into tangible gains for the region," said Kale. Devendra Parekh, president VED said, "VED has always been at the forefront in the cause of Vidarbha's development. It is important for us to realize our assets to increase the influx of capital in the region for growth."