Himachal rolls out red carpet for G20 delegates amid spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava

Shimla: The melodies of Kangra folk music, women and men dancers attired in customary dresses reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Himachal hills greeted the delegates of G20 countries as they landed on Tuesday at Gaggal airport near the tourist town of Dharamshala—the abode of Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

From the airport to the Hotel Radisson Blu –the venue of first G20 conference being held in Himachal Pradesh, the representatives of guest countries were welcomed amid slogans of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Our Guests are Symbols of God) as they were introduced to Kangra miniature art with walls decorated with finest images.

R S Bali, a young MLA and Chairman of Himachal Pradesh State Tourism Board, a Cabinet-rank functionary received the delegates as official teams extended a warm welcome to the delegates.

Bali said that by choosing Dharamshala as the venue, the Government of India, has helped the state in a big way to accomplish a mission to make the Kangra region the tourism Capital of Himachal Pradesh.

As many as 70 delegates from G-20 Nations are attending the conference, being held on April 19 and 20 on ‘building a sustainable eco-innovative energy transition system. The discussions are slated to be held on Science and Technology.

“The G-20 Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) will be launched on April 19. There will be five different sessions in the entire G-20 conference,” said Deputy Commissioner Dr Nipun Jindal, who is looking after the arrangements.

The main theme of RIIG during India’s G-20 Presidency in 2023 is “Research and Innovation for Equal Societies”.

The four priority areas of RIIG under India’s G20 Presidency are i) Materials for Sustainable Energy; ii) circular bioeconomy; iii) Eco-innovation for energy transition; and iv) Scientific challenges and opportunities towards achieving a sustainable blue economy. RIIG conferences on Sustainable Energy and Materials for Circular Bioeconomy have already concluded in Ranchi and Dibrugarh respectively.

Areas of focus during the conference include challenges and opportunities in research and innovation collaboration between member countries on topics such as smart energy transition, storage and management; mission-driven research in sustainable energy transition; Cooperation among G20 members on policy frameworks and specific thematic areas for research and innovation in carbon-neutral energy sources and green hydrogen.

A discussion on India’s energy and carbon sequestration is proposed to be held and it goes well with India’s initiative to focus on new energies and checking environmental degradation.

There is also a session proposed to discuss the policy framework for research and innovation in carbon neutral energy sources and green hydrogen.

The delegates will also visit world-famous Cricket Stadium at Dharamshala and Kangra Art Museum besides visiting the Kangra tea garden.

The foreign guests will do yoga, tour the tea gardens and visit the Kangra Art Museum on the last day of the conference.The HP Handloom and Handicrafts Corporation will showcase some of the ancient and traditional handicrafts of the state.

The government has made arrangements to serve some of the traditional HImachali food like ‘Siddu” and Himlayan ‘Gusshi’—one of the delicacies of the hills .

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu will also participate in the conference.