New Delhi: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, through the Directorate of Lighthouse and Lightships, celebrated the rich maritime heritage of India with a captivating Lighthouse Photo Exhibition. The exhibition, hosted at AIFACS, New Delhi, showcased a collection of 100 photographs, spotlighting the beauty and historical significance of lighthouses that adorn India’s expansive coastline.
The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Shri TK Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), and Shri N. Muruganandam, DG, Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).
The exhibition served as a tribute to India’s maritime legacy, offering visitors a visual journey through the captivating landscapes and architectural marvels of lighthouses. Shri TK Ramachandran expressed the government’s commitment to promoting lighthouse tourism, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to transform these iconic structures into vibrant tourist destinations.
“Guided by the visionary approach of the Prime Minister, this exhibition reminded the timeless allure and historical significance of these maritime landmarks. This event underscores our commitment to promoting lighthouse tourism and revitalizing these iconic structures as vibrant tourist destinations, driving economic growth and cultural exchange along India’s coastline,” stated Shri TK Ramachandran.
The Lighthouse Photo Exhibition was designed to promote lighthouse tourism and complement the recent inauguration of tourism facilities at 75 lighthouses across the country by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28th. These lighthouses are poised to become immersive tourism sites, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore India’s maritime culture, history, and architectural brilliance.
As part of the MIV 2030 initiative, the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships actively promotes lighthouse tourism, aiming to revitalize existing facilities and repurpose them for alternative uses, including the development of heritage and maritime museums. Transformations have already taken place at lighthouses in Chennai, Alleppey, Kannur, Vizhinjam, Thangasseri, Vypin in Kerala, and Chandrabhaga in Odisha.
The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 further seeks to develop lighthouses as prominent tourist spots, contributing to local economies and promoting cultural exchange. The Lighthouse Photo Exhibition, which attracted nearly 10,000 visitors, provided a platform for cultural appreciation and awareness, aligning with the Ministry’s mission to showcase and celebrate India’s rich maritime heritage.