Former Union Tourism Secretary Dr Lalit Panwar highlighted the transformative role of tourism as a driver of employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth on Tuesday, calling for stronger integration between academia, industry, and skill development systems to harness India’s demographic dividend.

Addressing policymakers, entrepreneurs, and members of the Indian diaspora, Dr Panwar—who served as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi —said tourism is “the only sector that creates jobs where no other jobs are possible,” citing examples from the deserts of Rajasthan to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh.

“With over 55% of India’s population below 35 years, the challenge is not opportunity but alignment. We must connect classrooms with the shop floor and education with enterprise,” he said.

A retired IAS officer with extensive experience in tourism policy and governance, Dr Panwar played a key role in strengthening India’s global tourism positioning through heritage, experiential, and high-value tourism.

Referring to technology’s growing influence, he noted, “Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool, but Human Intelligence must lead it. Technology should empower our youth, not replace their relevance. He added that with the right alignment of skills, policy, and enterprise, India can emerge as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations”.

The address was delivered at the launch of “Jewels of India – Bharat Ki Shaan, Bharat Ka Abhiman”, an initiative of Maneesh Media, India’s leading diaspora publishing house. Founded in 1999 in Jaipur by Shri Chandmal Kumawat, Maneesh Media has, over two decades, documented more than 2,000 Indian families across 40 countries and published over 70 books celebrating global Indian achievement and cultural roots.

Now operating from Jaipur, New York, and Toronto, the organisation is led by the founder’s sons—Manish, Abhishek, and Siddharth—who continue to expand its international footprint while preserving India’s stories for future generations.