As India prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day, MakeMyTrip, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, has unveiled a special campaign titled ‘India: The Homecoming,’ aimed at inviting the global Indian diaspora to reconnect with their homeland. The initiative, launched on the eve of Independence Day, is a heartfelt call for Indians worldwide to rediscover the beauty, diversity, and transformation of their native country.
At the heart of this campaign is an evocative online film, featuring the legendary poet and lyricist Gulzar Saab. Through his powerful words and distinctive voice, the film captures India’s evolution and invites the Indian community across the globe to experience the country’s transformation. The film’s core message, “कितना हुआ है इन दिनों बदलाओ तो देखो, तुम अपने घर में लौट कर आओ तो देखो” (kitna hua hai inn dino badlav toh dekho, tum apne ghar mein laut kar aao toh dekho), serves as a poignant reminder of the changes that await those who return to their roots.
Speaking on the campaign, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, emphasised the importance of re-engaging with the Indian diaspora. “In our efforts to enable the Indian diaspora to become Incredible India Ambassadors through the Chalo India initiative, encouraging them to rediscover their homeland and witness a transformed India is crucial. This Independence Day, we call upon the global Indian community to take a trip back home, experience Incredible India in all its richness, and share that experience with the world.”
Indian travelers are showing increased interest in travel for the upcoming Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan long weekend to top domestic destinations including Goa, Udaipur, Mumbai, and Lonavala. MakeMyTrip and Airbnb reported a surge in bookings for both domestic and international travel. Southern cities in India saw significant growth and a preference for accessible domestic locations. International destinations like Bangkok, Singapore, and Dubai are also popular choices for Indian travelers.
Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, expressed his excitement about the campaign, stating, “We are thrilled to launch ‘India: The Homecoming,’ inviting the Indian diaspora to rediscover a transformed India. By showcasing the progress, beauty, and rich heritage of our country, we aim to inspire pride and nostalgia, encouraging the global Indian community to visit and explore. This initiative celebrates the unbreakable bond that every Indian, no matter where they are, shares with their homeland.”This campaign builds on MakeMyTrip’s recent efforts to increase global accessibility, allowing travellers worldwide to seamlessly engage with the platform. It also continues the legacy of last year’s successful Independence Day initiative, ‘The Traveler’s Map of India,’ which highlighted over 600 hidden travel destinations across the country, promoting domestic tourism and unveiling India’s lesser-known gems.
As India celebrates another year of independence, the campaign serves as a powerful invitation for the Indian diaspora to return and rediscover the ever-evolving landscape of their homeland.
