Itanagar, May 7: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has called for the creation of an integrated Buddhist tourism circuit across the northeastern states to offer visitors a seamless spiritual and cultural experience. Speaking at the inaugural session of a workshop on the “Development of the Buddhist Circuit in Northeast India” in Tawang, Mein proposed branding the initiative as the Tawang Initiative to give it a distinct global identity.

He emphasized that the circuit should link key Buddhist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, and Manipur, while also extending to neighbouring countries. Delegates from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and several Indian states attended the workshop, underscoring the international interest in the project.

Highlighting Tawang’s spiritual significance, Mein noted that the town is home to a 400-year-old monastery, the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama, and lies along a route associated with the present Dalai Lama. He also pointed to heritage sites such as Dirang Dzong, Thembang, the sacred Pemako region, and the scenic Mechuka valley as potential anchors for a wider Buddhist and cultural tourism network.

The deputy chief minister underlined Arunachal Pradesh’s tourism potential, citing the harmonious coexistence of 26 major tribes with distinct traditions, alongside the state’s rich biodiversity that supports ecotourism, adventure tourism, and spiritual retreats. To safeguard intangible heritage, he said the government is digitising ancient manuscripts, traditional knowledge systems, and religious texts.

Mein further announced plans to host an international tourism event in Arunachal later this year, inviting global stakeholders to collaborate in positioning the state as a premier destination for spiritual and cultural tourism.