Telangana Invests ₹5 Crore in Tourist Guide Training Programme

Hyderabad: During International Museum Day celebrations held at the State Museum in Public Gardens, Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao unveiled a significant initiative to strengthen heritage tourism in the state. The government will commit ₹5 crore towards training and recruiting tourist guides at historical monuments and archaeological sites.

The scheme seeks to serve dual objectives: generating employment for young people in communities surrounding heritage locations and elevating the quality of information provided to visitors exploring Telangana's cultural landmarks.

A specialised training programme will be developed to equip guides with comprehensive knowledge about the state's monuments and historical sites. This effort aims to ensure that tourists receive accurate, engaging narratives about Telangana's rich heritage.

At the event, Minister Krishna Rao emphasised that museums function as custodians of civilisation, preserving the cultural identity and historical memory of societies. He stressed that heritage conservation represents a shared responsibility extending beyond government institutions to encompass the entire community.

The celebrations featured the ceremonial lighting of a traditional lamp by the Minister. He also inaugurated two publications—Paramara Jagaddeva's Inscriptions in Telangana and Stucco Sculptures in Centenary Museum—alongside the release of official promotional materials.

The Minister reflected on the architectural achievements of previous generations, noting that without modern construction techniques, communities built enduring structures of remarkable quality. He underscored the irreplaceable value of experiencing such monuments firsthand to develop a complete understanding of cultural heritage.

Krishna Rao highlighted Telangana's recent achievement in having Ramappa Temple inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, a recognition that has brought international attention to the state's historical and cultural significance.

The government remains committed to advancing heritage preservation efforts across Telangana, the Minister stated. By equipping trained guides with expertise in the historical and cultural contexts of monuments and museums, the initiative will enhance tourism services while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth in heritage-adjacent communities. This approach positions Telangana as a destination of choice for heritage tourism on the global stage.