Opinion | A Beacon of Hope and Progress: Shukran Modi Ji

With his presence, he brings the promise of a future free from the shadow of uncertainty, ensuring that the cries of ‘Hartal Hai’ will no longer dictate the livelihoods of hardworking individuals—be they shop owners, kehwa sellers, shawl merchants, or street vendors. PM Modi’s visit symbolizes a restoration of not only peace but also essential pillars of development—accountability, transparency, and tranquility.

The atmosphere in Kashmir typically brims with vibrancy as the holy month of Ramadan approaches each year. However, this year, the vibrancy is amplified not only due to the anticipation of Ramadan but also because of the arrival of a figure who embodies hope for the common Kashmiri people—a saviour who has come to wipe away the tears of grieving mothers and provide reassurance to local business owners.
On March 7th, amidst this palpable anticipation, Prime Minister Modi stepped foot onto the sacred land of Kashmir. For the common Kashmiri, he represents more than just a political figure; he is a beacon of peace, progress, and prosperity. With his presence, he brings the promise of a future free from the shadow of uncertainty, ensuring that the cries of ‘Hartal Hai’ will no longer dictate the livelihoods of hardworking individuals—be they shop owners, kehwa sellers, shawl merchants, or street vendors. PM Modi’s visit symbolizes a restoration of not only peace but also essential pillars of development—accountability, transparency, and tranquility. His actions speak volumes, offering a glimmer of hope for a region long plagued by turmoil. As he traverses the streets of Kashmir, his strides pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, where the aspirations of every Kashmiri are acknowledged and embraced. In the eyes of many, PM Modi is more than just a leader; he is a guardian, a protector of dreams and aspirations, and a harbinger of positive change. His visit serves as a reminder that no challenge is insurmountable, and with unwavering determination, the journey towards prosperity and unity can begin anew.

During his visit, PM Modi addressed the people in the grand Bakshi Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in Srinagar, with a seating capacity of thirty thousand people. However, by arranging additional chairs on the ground, the stadium was able to accommodate almost forty thousand attendees, creating a jam-packed atmosphere. The immense affection for PM Modi led to the overflow of attendees, prompting arrangements for those who couldn’t be accommodated in the nearby Indoor Stadium, situated adjacent to Bakshi Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) was also bustling with activity as people gathered to listen to PM Modi virtually. The vibrant atmosphere extended beyond the city limits, with residents from villages unable to make it to Srinagar tuning in from their respective district committee halls, whether in Kupwara, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Anantnag, Shopian, or Pulwama. Even those outside Kashmir, like myself, had the opportunity to listen to the Prime Minister live through various news channels. This widespread engagement underscores the profound impact of PM Modi’s message, resonating not only within the city but also across remote corners of Kashmir and beyond.
PM MODI LISTENED TO THE YOUTH AND ENCOURAGED THEM
During his address to the massive gathering, PM Modi engaged with youth from various backgrounds who had achieved significant milestones in different professions. During the event, Nazim Nazeer, a beekeeper from Pulwama, shared his inspiring journey with Prime Minister Modi, detailing how he expanded his business with the help of government benefits. He highlighted how he initially purchased 25 beekeeping boxes at a 50 percent subsidy, gradually expanding to 200 boxes with a Rs 5 lakh grant under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. This expansion led him to establish a brand and a website, generating thousands of orders totaling about 5000 kilograms of honey nationwide. Nazim’s success also created job opportunities for around 100 youth in the region.
Nazim mentioned receiving support from the Department of Agriculture despite initial difficulties, expressing gratitude for the assistance. Prime Minister Modi praised Nazim’s efforts, recognizing him as a trailblazer in Jammu & Kashmir’s beekeeping sector and commending his achievements.
During their conversation, PM Modi emphasized the benefits of beekeeping for both farmers and crops, noting its potential as a new sector. He suggested Nazim explore producing honey with distinct flavors by cultivating specific flowers around the beekeeping boxes, tapping into a niche market. PM Modi also likened Nazim’s contribution to a “sweet revolution” in the beekeeping sector, expressing joy at the rising demand for Acacia Honey and praising Nazim’s clarity of thought, vision, and courage in running his business. He extended congratulations to Nazim’s parents and hailed him as a guiding light for India’s youth, serving as an inspiration to others. In a heartwarming moment, Nazim expressed his desire to fulfill one of his biggest dreams: taking a selfie with PM Modi. Moved by Nazim’s request, PM Modi assured him that they would take the selfie after the event. True to his word, shortly after the event, PM Modi shared the selfie with Nazim on his official social media account, captioning it, “A memorable selfie with my friend Nazim. I was impressed by the good work he’s doing. At the public meeting, he requested a selfie, and was happy to meet him. My best wishes for his future endeavors.”
Ahtesham Majid Bhat, an entrepreneur from Srinagar, shared her entrepreneurial journey with Prime Minister Modi. As a bakery entrepreneur, she utilized a food technology skill development program to introduce innovative techniques in baking. Supported by the incubation center at Government Polytechnic for Women Skill Development, Ahtesham received assistance from the government’s single-window system in obtaining necessary clearances from various departments.
PM Modi highlighted the government’s decade-long commitment to supporting millions of young entrepreneurs in realizing their startup aspirations. He commended Ahtesham for collaborating with friends from different districts, ensuring that youth ideas are not hindered by resource or financial constraints. PM Modi emphasized the importance of confidence and praised the young women from Jammu and Kashmir for setting inspiring examples for the nation’s youth. He lauded their efforts in caring for underprivileged girls, acknowledging their role in uplifting society.
Hamida Bano, an entrepreneur from central Kashmir’s Ganderbal, shared her success story with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the event. Engaged in the dairy business, she highlighted her journey of benefiting from the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) to establish a milk processing unit. Beyond sustaining her own livelihood, Hamida has created employment opportunities for other women in her community. She informed PM Modi about the meticulous quality control, packaging, and marketing strategies employed for her dairy products, emphasizing their preservative-free nature.
Impressed by her business acumen and dedication to promoting nutrition, PM Modi commended Hamida for upholding quality standards and conducting her business in an environmentally friendly manner. He lauded her efforts in fostering economic empowerment and contributing to the well-being of her community through sustainable entrepreneurship. This gesture of interacting with the youth exemplifies PM Modi’s deep affection for Kashmir and its youth.
During his address to the youth, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of initiatives like “Dekho Apna Desh” and “Chalo India Abhiyan” in the context of Kashmir. The “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative aims to encourage Indians to explore various destinations within the country and promote domestic tourism. It focuses on showcasing the rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, natural wonders, and lesser-known destinations across India.
PM Modi highlighted Kashmir as the crown jewel of India, with immense potential in terms of tourism. He emphasized that there are many yet unexplored tourist destinations in Kashmir waiting to be discovered. By promoting initiatives like “Dekho Apna Desh” and “Chalo India Abhiyan,” the government aims to uncover these hidden gems and transform Kashmir into a major tourist attraction. By encouraging youth to explore their own country, the government not only promotes tourism but also fosters a sense of pride and appreciation for India’s diverse cultural and natural heritage. PM Modi’s emphasis on these initiatives underscores the government’s commitment to promoting domestic tourism and unlocking the tourism potential of regions like Kashmir.

During his speech, Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the significance of the “Wed In India” initiative in the context of Kashmir. He urged celebrities and individuals to choose destinations within India, particularly places like Kashmir, as venues for their weddings. Such decisions, PM Modi emphasized, would not only contribute to the local economy but also showcase the beauty and cultural richness of the region to a wider audience. Furthermore, PM Modi encouraged tourists visiting Kashmir to allocate a portion of their budget, around 10%, for purchasing local products. This gesture, he explained, would directly support the livelihoods of local artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs. By advocating for the support of local businesses, PM Modi demonstrated his emotional connection to the people of Kashmir and his commitment to their economic prosperity.

A GRATITUDE MESSAGE FROM A YOUNG KASHMIRI
Lastly, as a young resident of Kashmir, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his unwavering commitment to our region. Your efforts have brought a sense of peace and security to our valley, allowing me to promise my father that I will attend school without fear of hartals disrupting my education. Your initiatives promoting accountability, transparency, and progress have not only transformed our society but have also instilled hope in our future. Thanks to your leadership, my father no longer lives under the constant threat of having to shut his shop due to external pressures. Furthermore, your encouragement of our youth fills us with renewed determination to strive for excellence and contribute positively to our community and nation. Your vision for a prosperous and united India resonates deeply with us, and we are inspired to play our part in realizing this vision. Once again, Prime Minister Modi, on behalf of the people of Kashmir, I extend my sincere gratitude for your tireless efforts and unwavering support. Your dedication to our well-being serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a brighter and more promising future. Thank you.

The Writer is a student activist and can be reached at soulofkashmir1@gmail.com