Guwahati: Brand Ambassador of Assam Tourism and Bollywood superstar, Priy anka Chopra on Saturday said, “One has to visit Assam to experience the essence of life here.”
The actor pledged to convey the ‘real essence’ of life in Assam to other parts of the country and abroad, encouraging people to experience it first hand by visiting Assam.
Addressing media on her first visit to the state as the brand ambassador for promotion tourism, the actor said, “There is a true essence of life in this part, in Assam. The people outside do not know it and I want them to come here and experience it. People know of North East and Assam. But I want them to have the experience of coming here and see Assam through my eyes,” she added, calling herself an ‘honorary Assamese’ by virtue of her new association with the state.
“I may not be born in Assam, but I am an Indian and Assam is a part of it. The diversity of India can be found in Assam and it has made me to associate with Assam,” Chopra said on accepting to promote Assam tourism.
Recalling her previous visits to Guwahati as a child when her uncle was posted here and to promote her films, Chopra said, “My experience in Assam has always been wonderful. I feel fortunate and am grateful for being chosen as the brand ambassador for Assam tourism.”
Notwithstanding her busy schedule as an actor, she expressed confidence of doing justice to her new assignment with Assam Tourism. When drawn to problem of militancy, fold etc., in the state Priyanka commented that problems are everywhere and those should not be allowed to throw hurdle on a state’s prosperity.
“Every state has problems, some are magnified and some are kept low profile. But it does not mean we will not open our doors for guests. I am sure the government will take care of all aspects.”
Assam tourism minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said a new state tourism policy would be unveiled soon and the annual budget allocation for tourism sector would go up to Rs 460 crore next fiscal from current Rs 100 crore.
During her visit to the city today, Priyaka Chopra paid obeisance at Kamakhya temple and called on the chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal besides attending attended a travel-trade conclave during the day.
