𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

BLDEA’s Smt. Bangaramma Sajjan Arts, Commerce and Science College, Vijayapura, under the IQAC initiative, celebrated World Tourism Day 2025 with great enthusiasm and involvement. The Department of History, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, organized a series of competitions and activities that highlighted the importance of tourism and its role in sustainable development.

The celebration began on 22nd September 2025 with a speech competition on the topic “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” Seven students from different programmes participated and expressed their views with confidence and clarity. Miss Supriya Banasode secured the first prize, Miss Siddamma Bhasagi won the second prize, and the third prize was awarded to Miss Sneha Pujari. To continue the festive spirit, a rangoli competition was held on 24th September 2025, where twenty-two students showcased their creativity with colourful and artistic designs. In this competition, Miss Sushmita Sindagi won first place, Miss Vaishali Chavan stood second, and Miss Deepa Naykodi secured the third place.

Alongside competitions, the Department also undertook special initiatives as part of World Tourism Day activities. On 24th September, a Swachhata Pakhwada programme was organized where students and staff actively participated in cleaning local historical monuments, emphasizing the need for preserving heritage sites. On 26th September, a Heritage Walk was arranged to visit the historical monuments of Vijayapura, giving students an opportunity to connect with the rich legacy of the region.

The grand celebration of World Tourism Day was held on 27th September 2025 at Shivagiri, Gurubhavan Hall, with the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Development.” The program was graced by several eminent personalities including Shri Vithal Dondhiba Katakadond, MLA, Government of Karnataka; Shri Gurunath Daddi, Assistant Commissioner, Vijayapura; Smt. Arati Patil, Managing Director, Shivagiri; Smt. Sumitra Jadhav, Deputy Mayor of Vijayapura; Smt. Jagadevi Kembhavi, Managing Director, Hotel Mayur Adil Shahi KSTDC; Shri Peter Alexander; Shri Narayanappa Kurubar, Divisional Officer, KSRTC Vijayapura; Shri Vijayakumar, ASI Officer; Shri C. V. Kumbar, District Planning Officer, Zilla Panchayat Vijayapura; Dr. Y. Tamanna, Principal of SBSWC Vijayapura; and Shri Aravind Hugar, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism, Vijayapura.

The program began with a warm welcome by Shri Aravind Hugar, who also introduced the dignitaries on the dais. An introductory speech was delivered by Shri Gurunath Daddi, and the presidential address was given by Shri Vithal Dondhiba Katakadond. On this occasion, winners of the various competitions held as part of the World Tourism Day celebrations were felicitated with prizes. Following the formal proceedings, students presented a series of cultural performances, including Bharatnatyam, Lambani dance, Kollata, and patriotic dances, which added colour and vibrancy to the event. The celebration concluded with the National Anthem, marking the end of a memorable and meaningful occasion.

The event witnessed the participation of around 32 staff members and more than 300 students. Along with the Head of the Department, Shri Mallikarjun Kenganal, and faculty member Miss Chandrakala Dodamani, the dedicated involvement of the Department of History ensured the successful organization of the program. The week-long celebrations not only brought academic and cultural richness but also spread awareness about the importance of sustainable tourism and heritage preservation, making the World Tourism Day 2025 a grand success at the institution.