ANINI, 6 Mar: A four-day workshop on yoga, meditation, and homestay management, being organised by The Art of Living, commenced on Friday at the DC’s conference hall here in Dibang Valley district.
The programme has brought together tourism stakeholders to explore the harmonious blend of mindful living and hospitality.
Addressing the participants, Circle Officer Pemiya Mikrow described the workshop as a meaningful initiative for strengthening tourism in the district. She encouraged the participants to make the most of the four-day programme, noting that such sessions not only enrich skills but also nurture a deeper sense of calm, awareness, and service in the hospitality sector.
She expressed appreciation for the women entrepreneurs operating homestays across the district. Acknowledging their dedication, she remarked that balancing the responsibilities of managing households while running homestays requires remarkable resilience and commitment, and commended them for their inspiring efforts.
District Tourism Officer Lamwang Aran highlighted the intrinsic connection between the hospitality industry and the principles of yoga and meditation. He noted that tourism is not merely about destinations but about experiences, and the practice of mindfulness fosters patience, composure, and warmth – qualities essential for those welcoming visitors from across the world.
Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (SSRDP) national coordinator Rama Tewari outlined the vision and objectives behind the initiative. She expressed gratitude to the district administration for extending logistical support in organising the programme, and emphasised the importance of skill development in empowering local communities.
The workshop will also feature sessions by Minda Apralo, a certified hospitality trainer known for nurturing confident, service-driven, and industry-ready professionals capable of excelling in hotels, resorts, and homestay ecosystems.
The Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust functions as a key vertical of The Art of Living, founded by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981. Today, the organisation’s presence spans over 180 countries, making it one of the world’s largest non-governmental organisations dedicated to human values and community development.
In partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation, the SSRDP works towards building capacities among youths and communities. Its initiatives extend across diverse areas, including education, river rejuvenation, natural farming, and developmental programmes for children and teenagers.
Set against the pristine landscape of Anini, the workshop seeks to cultivate not only skills in hospitality but also a spirit of mindfulness, where tourism, service, and inner wellbeing come together in harmony. (DIPRO)
