Culturist demands social investment policy for non resident Rajasthanis

Renowned Culturist and social activist Sundeep Bhutoria has appealed to the Rajasthan Government to introduce a dedicated Social Investment Policy—one that encourages contribution for preserving ancestral havelis, supporting schools, hospitals, heritage assets and community initiatives, beyond the scope of industrial investment.

Bhutoria, an author, expert on issues of non resident Rajasthanis (NRRs) and long time ex-Secretary of the Rajasthan Foundation Kolkata chaper, expressed the need of a framework that recognises the emotional and cultural commitment of Non-Resident Rajasthanis,

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Bhutoria was invited as a state guest by the government to speak in the session “From Roots to Routes: Transforming the NRRs into Tourism Ambassadors”, in the Pravasi Rajasthani Divas here on Wednesday evening. He said that NRRs share a deep emotional bond with their homeland, and this connection is what brings them back time and again.

“We are not the State Government’s Vote Bank. We are ambassadors of Rajasthan’s culture, tourism and heritage, no matter where we live,” he said, highlighting how traditions like wearing poshaks and safas continue across the globe.

He suggested establishing a Public Private Partnership model with companies, organisations and individuals to operationalise tourism desks and information centres, many of which currently function without personnel.

Commenting on Rajasthan’s rising popularity as a film destination, Mr Bhutoria said that despite the state being one of the world’s most majestic shooting locations, it lacks a dedicated film studio. While films are shot here, post-production teams still need to travel to cities like Mumbai. He expressed hope that the New Tourism Policy unveiled during the current event will finally address the long-pending need for a dedicated film studio in Rajasthan.

The session was also graced by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma; Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and several other dignitaries.

Bhutoria served as the Secretary of the Kolkata Chapter of Rajasthan Foundation for over 10 years. He has been an active promoter of cultural activities across India as well as in Rajasthan. As the Managing Trustee of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, he has played a key role in taking Indian art, literature and culture beyond India to Europe, the United States and West Asia. He is also dedicated to the preservation of Indian folk arts and cultural heritage.