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Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant visit to the Kashmir Valley, bringing with him a message of hope, development & unity. His trip was packed with various activities, including addressing the youth, participating in yoga, inaugurating new projects, and interacting with locals.
As soon as PM arrived in Valley, Honorable PM moved to SKICC for his address to the youth of Kashmir. The auditorium was packed with young people, eager to hear what the Prime Minister had to say.
Modi began his speech by expressing his joy at being in Kashmir. He spoke about the natural beauty of the region & how it had always been a source of inspiration for poets, writers & artists.
The main focus of his speech was on the potential of Kashmir’s youth. He said, The youth of Kashmir are not just the future of this region, but of our entire nation. Your energy, your ideas, your dreams – these are what will shape India in the coming years.
He talked about the importance of education and skill development. Modi highlighted various government schemes aimed at helping young people get better education and job opportunities. He encouraged the youth to take advantage of these programs.
The Prime Minister also addressed the issue of peace and development in the region. He said, Peace and progress go hand in hand. When there is peace, development follows naturally. And when there is development, it strengthens peace.
He urged the young people to be ambassadors of peace and unity. Modi said that the youth have the power to change negative narratives and build a positive image of Kashmir.
The Prime Minister also spoke about entrepreneurship. He encouraged the youth to consider starting their own businesses, saying that the government has various schemes to support startups. He gave examples of successful young entrepreneurs from Kashmir who have made a name for themselves nationally and internationally.
Modi’s speech was not just about serious matters. He also shared some light moments, cracking a few jokes that made the audience laugh. This helped create a relaxed atmosphere and made the youth feel more connected to him.
Towards the end of his address, the Prime Minister took questions from the audience. Young people asked about various issues, from education to employment to the environment. Modi answered each question patiently, often expanding on his answers to provide more context & information.
The session ended with loud applause from the young audience. Many expressed their appreciation for the Prime Minister’s words and his willingness to engage directly with them.
The another day began early for the valley. At around 06:00 AM, he again went to the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. This beautiful venue, located on the banks of the famous Dal Lake, was chosen for a special yoga session to celebrate International Yoga Day.
Despite the early hour, a large crowd had gathered to join the Prime Minister in this yoga session. People of all ages, from young students to elderly citizens, were present. They were excited to practice yoga with the country’s leader.
PM Modi, dressed in comfortable clothing suitable for yoga, took his place on a mat at the front of the gathering. He began by greeting everyone and spoke briefly about the importance of yoga in our daily lives. He emphasized how yoga can improve both physical and mental health.
The yoga session lasted for about an hour.
The Prime Minister, along with the participants, performed various yoga asanas (poses). He moved through the poses with ease, showing his regular practice. The participants followed his lead, creating a beautiful sight of hundreds of people moving in unison.
During the session, Modi highlighted how yoga is not just exercise but a way to connect the body, mind & soul. He encouraged everyone to make yoga a part of their daily routine, even if for just a few minutes each day.
As the sun rose higher over the Dal Lake, casting a golden glow on the proceedings, the yoga session came to an end. The Prime Minister thanked everyone for their participation & spoke about how yoga can be a unifying force, bringing people together regardless of their background.
After yoga at SKICC, PM Modi headed to the shores of Dal Lake. This famous lake is one of the most beautiful and well-known landmarks of Kashmir. It’s known for its houseboats, floating gardens & the surrounding mountains that create a picturesque scene.
As soon as the Prime Minister arrived at the lake, he was surrounded by a group of enthusiastic college students all boys and girls. These young people had been waiting for a chance to meet Modi & were overjoyed when he approached them.
Modi, known for his ability to connect with people, especially the youth, immediately put the students at ease. He asked them about their studies, their aspirations, and their views on various issues.
Then came the moment the students had been waiting for selfie time with the Prime Minister Modi, who has often been seen taking selfies with people during his visits across the country, was more than happy to oblige.
One by one, students took out their phones & posed with the Prime Minister. Modi smiled broadly in each photo, sometimes making a victory sign with his fingers. The students were visibly excited, many of them probably taking the most memorable selfie of their lives.
The scene was one of joy and enthusiasm. Students were seen laughing, cheering, and even jumping with excitement. Some were heard saying things like, “I can’t believe I just took a selfie with the Prime Minister!” or “This is the best day of my life!”
Modi took his time with the students, ensuring that everyone who wanted a selfie got one. He also engaged in casual conversation with them, asking about their families, their favorite subjects in college & their hobbies.
The Prime Minister’s interaction with the students at Dal Lake wasn’t just about selfies. He used this opportunity to informally chat with the youth and understand their perspectives. He listened to their hopes and concerns, occasionally offering words of encouragement or advice.
This informal interaction lasted for about an hour. By the end of it, the shores of Dal Lake had turned into a buzzing spot of activity, with security personnel, media, and onlookers all gathered to witness this unique interaction.
The selfie session at Dal Lake was more than just a photo opportunity. It was a moment that bridged the gap between the country’s top leader and the youth of Kashmir. It showed a more approachable side of the Prime Minister and gave the students a memory they would cherish for years to come.
A significant part of PM Modi’s visit to Kashmir was dedicated to inaugurating several development projects. These projects, worth thousands of crores of rupees, are aimed at boosting the region’s infrastructure, economy & quality of life.
The inauguration ceremony took place at a specially arranged venue in Srinagar. Local officials, political leaders & citizens were present to witness this important event.
Modi began by highlighting the importance of development in creating a prosperous & peaceful Kashmir. He said, Development is the answer to many of our problems.
When we focus on progress, we create opportunities, we create hope & we create a better future for all.
The Prime Minister then proceeded to inaugurate & lay foundation stones for various projects. Here are some of the key projects he launched:
Road and Highway Projects: Several new roads & highways were inaugurated. These include the expansion of existing roads and the construction of new ones. These projects aim to improve connectivity within Kashmir and with the rest of India. Better roads mean easier travel, faster transportation of goods & overall economic growth.
Modi inaugurated a new multi-specialty hospital in Srinagar. This state-of-the-art facility will provide advanced medical care to the people of Kashmir. Additionally, several primary health centers in rural areas were also launched. These will bring basic healthcare closer to people in remote areas.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a new university campus. He also inaugurated several schools equipped with modern facilities. These educational projects are aimed at providing quality education to the youth of Kashmir.
Given Kashmir’s potential as a tourist destination, several tourism-related projects were launched. These include new hotels, improved facilities at popular tourist spots & the development of new tourist circuits.
To address the region’s energy needs, Modi inaugurated some hydroelectric power projects. These will not only provide electricity to homes & businesses but also create jobs in the power sector.
Recognising the importance of agriculture in Kashmir’s economy, several projects related to farming were launched. These include cold storage facilities, food processing units & irrigation projects.
To enhance employability among the youth, several skill development centers were inaugurated. These centers will provide training in various trades & professions.
Projects to improve internet connectivity and promote digital literacy were also launched. These aim to bridge the digital divide and bring the benefits of technology to more people in Kashmir.
For each project, the Prime Minister explained its significance and how it would benefit the people of Kashmir. He emphasized that these projects were not just about physical infrastructure, but about building a better future for the region.
Modi also spoke about the government’s commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. He said, These projects are just the beginning. We have a vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Kashmir. And we will work tirelessly to make this vision a reality.
The Prime Minister urged the local people to take ownership of these projects. He said that while the government can provide infrastructure, it’s the people who breathe life into it. He encouraged everyone to use these facilities, maintain them & make the most of the opportunities they create.
The inauguration ceremony was not just about launching projects. It was a statement of intent, showing the government’s commitment to the development of Kashmir. It was a message of hope, promising a better future for the region.
Throughout his visit, PM Modi made it a point to interact with local people from various walks of life. These interactions were not just formal meetings, but genuine attempts to understand the ground realities and connect with the people of Kashmir.
PM Modi’s visit to Kashmir came to an end. It had been a busy schedule from 06:30 pm of 20th june to around 09:00am of 21th june 2024 packed with various events and interactions. Before leaving, the Prime Minister held a brief meeting with local officials to discuss the implementation of the projects he had inaugurated.
In his farewell address, Modi expressed his gratitude to the people of Kashmir for their warm welcome. He reiterated his government’s commitment to the region’s development and promised to return soon to check on the progress of the launched projects.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Kashmir was significant in many ways. It showcased the government’s focus on the region’s development. The inauguration of multiple projects worth thousands of crores demonstrated a substantial investment in Kashmir’s future.
Modi’s direct interaction with various sections of society – youth, students, farmers, entrepreneurs – showed an attempt to connect with the people and understand their perspectives. His message throughout the visit was one of hope, unity & progress.
The visit also had symbolic importance. By choosing to celebrate International Yoga Day in Kashmir, Modi sent a message of Kashmir’s integral place in India’s cultural fabric. His ease in moving around the city and interacting with locals projected an image of normalcy and safety in a region that has seen its share of unrest.
However, it’s important to note that while such high-profile visits and development projects are significant, the real test lies in their implementation and long-term impact. The coming months and years will show how these initiatives translate into tangible benefits for the people of Kashmir.
As PM Modi’s aircraft took off from Srinagar airport, he left behind a Kashmir buzzing with activity and discussion. People were seen debating the day’s events, sharing selfies taken with the Prime Minister & talking about the newly launched projects.
The visit had injected a sense of excitement and possibility into the air. It had given people something to look forward to, new developments to anticipate, and perhaps a renewed sense of connection with the rest of India.
In the end, PM Modi’s visit to Kashmir was more than just a day’s event. It was a milestone in the ongoing journey of Kashmir’s development and integration. It was a day that many in Kashmir would remember for a long time to come – a day of yoga by the Dal Lake, of selfies with the Prime Minister, of promises of development, and of hope for a brighter future.
ZAMAN NOOR
Writer is an Independent Public Opinion Analyst, Columnist and Actively Engaged in Peace Activism.
Can be reached at
noor.penning@gmail.com
