NIFT Student Gifts Painting to President Murmu

Daman : Pooja, a third-year Textile Design student at NIFT Daman, had the honour of gifting a painting of Lord Jagannath to President Smt. Droupadi Murmu during her recent visit to the campus. What makes this gesture special is that Pooja, a native of Odisha, created the painting pouring her heart and soul into it.

As President Murmu received the portrait, Pooja greeted her in Odia, showcasing her cultural roots. The President was impressed by Pooja’s talent and complimented her on the excellent work.

During her visit, President Murmu also took time to explore the newly opened Aviary at Nani Daman beach. Union Territory Administrator Praful Patel accompanied the President during the visit. 

Daman Aviary offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the diversity of birdlife. There is a store of Tribes India adjacent to the entry of Aviary. Tribes’ India showrooms across the country are a treasure trove of ethnic fashion, artisanal crafts, and natural products. They are an initiative of the Government of India owned by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), to promote and support tribal artisans and their crafts. 

In a remarkable example of synergy between entertainment and sustainability, the recently inaugurated Daman Aviary has transformed the fortunes of the adjacent Tribes India store. This innovative combination showcases how an entertainment and tourism hub can support and promote eco-friendly businesses.

The Daman Aviary, spanning 12 acres, offers an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. With its naturalistic habitats, walk-through aviaries, and diverse bird species, it has become a popular tourist destination. Vice-President Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar’s inauguration in September marked the beginning of a new era in sustainable tourism in Daman.

Tribes India store has witnessed a remarkable surge in footfall, multiplying four to five times on weekdays and even more on weekends. Daily sales have skyrocketed to Rs. 60,000-70,000, with weekends seeing two to three times more business.

The Daman Aviary and the nearby Tribes India store partnership has revolutionised UT’s tourism landscape giving scope for more such projects. Administrator’s initiative has transformed Daman into a good ecosystem, benefiting both tourists and residents. This sustainable tourism model sets a precedent for India’s coastal regions. Coincidentally, The Free Press Journal published an article on the same day, highlighting the potential of Daman Aviary to boost tourism business.