New Delhi: Making a return to the Republic Day parade after a gap of 23 years, the Lakshadweep tableau highlighted the potential of tourism and its significance as a sustainable industry for the Union Territory.
The side and front portions of the tableau displayed an under water kaleidoscope comprising colourful fish, a variety of corals and clear water, as seen through the eyes of a scuba diver.
The top of the tableau depicted sandy beaches, an eco friendly tourist cottage, amid coconut palms, lagoons and water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing and kayaking. Lakshadweep meaning 'A Hundred Thousand Islands' comprises of 36 islands unevenly spread in the Arabian Sea.
The tableau also portrayed other tourist attractions of the Lakshadweep including Minicoy Light House built in 1885.
The tableau, in general, emphasised on significance of tourism as one of the few sustainable economic activities in the islands as no other industry is possible due to precious little land available and the higly fragile environment.
A total of 23 tableaux were on display at the Republic Day parade this year, with 17 of them belonging to various states and Union Territories.
