In the wake of the ongoing dispute with the Maldives, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan has joined the chorus of voices promoting Lakshadweep as a picturesque tourist destination. The legendary actor took to social media, praising the “astonishingly beautiful location” and emphasizing the need for self-reliance, or Atmanirbharta, in promoting domestic tourism.
Bachchan’s endorsement comes on the heels of a post by former cricketer Virendra Sehwag, condemning the comments made by Maldives ministers directed at India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sehwag’s post highlighted the opportunity for India to transform challenges into opportunities by developing infrastructure to attract tourists and stimulate the economy.
In response, Bachchan echoed Sehwag’s sentiments, endorsing the call to name favorite unexplored places and suggesting the Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands. The veteran actor reminisced about his personal experiences, describing the stunning beaches and incredible underwater landscapes in these Indian island destinations.
“Viru paji… this is so relevant and in the right spirit of our land… our own are the very best,” wrote Bachchan on X (formerly Twitter). He continued to express his admiration for Lakshadweep and the Andamans, emphasizing the breathtaking beauty of their waters, beaches, and underwater experiences. Asserting India’s self-reliance, he concluded with a patriotic sentiment, saying, “We are Bharat. We are Atmanirbhar. Our self-reliance should not be questioned. Jai Hind.”
Bachchan’s support adds to the growing list of Bollywood celebrities and cricketers who have advocated for exploring domestic islands instead of opting for international destinations like the Maldives. The push for domestic tourism gained momentum after derogatory remarks were made by Maldivian ministers regarding Prime Minister Modi’s promotion of Lakshadweep as a domestic tourist spot.
The online backlash, marked by #BoycottMaldives trending on social media, prompted the Maldivian government to suspend the three deputy ministers responsible for the comments, clarifying that their personal views do not represent the official stance of the Maldives. The controversy continues to unfold against the backdrop of a renewed focus on promoting the scenic beauty of Indian destinations.
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