Editor’s Choice Award

Jagmohan: A Beacon Of Hope For Tourism

The Editor's Choice Award is akin to the Tourism Personality of the Year. It goes to that person who has made the most significant impact on the fortunes of the travel and tourism industry in India, whether inbound or outbound. Someone who has presented a new dimension to the way we view tourism in this country, someone who has taken the concept of Brand India to a different level and has pioneered an international marketing effort that has produced results in a relatively short span of time.The Editor’s Choice Award for 2003 went to Shri Jagmohan, minister for tourism and culture, government of India.

He has also had the rare distinction of being nationally honoured twice by the President of India. A recipient of the Padma Shri for "making significant contribution to the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Master Plan and for playing a pioneering role in planning and implementation of projects," and also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan for his "exceptionally meritorious services to the country." The Galileo-Express Travel & Tourism Awards recognised his lead role in the turnaround for Indian Tourism and the contribution he has made to Indian Travel and Hospitality Industry at large. He has not only been a beacon of hope for this industry through the trying times but has continued on from strength to strength, always leading from the front.

Jagmohan is certainly one of the top most civil servants that the country has produced in the post-Independence period. He was the youngest lieutenant governor of Delhi and the only one who held this prestigious office for two terms. During his second term, the capital had the unique distinction of successfully organising the ASIAD, CHOGM and Non-aligned Conference (1982-83). Earlier, he served with great distinction in a number of key assignments, including that of chief executive of Delhi Development Authority for over seven years and as lieutenant governor of Goa, Daman and Diu.

The President of India also nominated him to the Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), where he served with distinction for about six years. In April-May, 1996, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the prestigious New Delhi Constituency with a massive majority. In March 1998, he was elected second time from the same Constituency and was appointed as a Cabinet Minister. He held the portfolios of Communications and Urban Development. In September 1999 General Elections, he was elected third time from the New Delhi constituency. With the current posting of Cabinet Minister in charge of ministry of tourism and culture, he has significantly changed the Indian tourism scenario with his proactive attitude.