In a historic visit laden with promises and path-breaking initiatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Srinagar on 7th March 2024 to the rapturous welcome of hundred thousands. This marked his first trip to Kashmir since the momentous decision to abrogate Article 370 in August 2019, expediting the region’s complete integration with the Indian union.
As Modi ji took center-stage at the iconic bakshi Stadium, one could sense the charged atmosphere brimming with aspiration and hope for change. The Prime Minister’s powerful address encapsulated his vision of building a “Naya Kashmir” (New Kashmir) – promising equitable development, employment opportunities and the fruits of progress cutting across all communities.
“My sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir, you have suffered immensely due to Pakistan’s proxy war of cross-border terrorism. But your courage, resilience and unwavering faith in Indian unity has ultimately triumphed,” PM Modi affirmed. “The dark clouds over this paradise have finally parted. The dawn of peace has arrived, and now the fresh rays of vikas (development) will brighten your lives and those of future generations.”
To catalyse the economic resurgence of J&K, the Prime Minister unveiled the ambitious ₹5000 crore “Holistic Agriculture Development Programme” aimed at transforming the agri-economy and empowering farmers. This futuristic scheme will nurture over 2.5 lakh cultivators through skill upgradation in modern agricultural best practices and ensure robust market linkages.
Powered by a dedicated “Daksh Kisan” online portal and mobile app, this program will democratize access to the latest farming knowledge, soil nutrient management, supply chain logistics and digital finance for Jammu and Kashmir’s farming community. It will seamlessly connect producers with processing facilities and commercial markets across India.
Additionally, about 2000 “Kisan Khidmat Ghars” (Farmer Facilitation Homes) replete with state-of-the-art extension services and rural agri-entrepreneur incubators are slated to be established across all panchayats over the next 3 years. This push aims to maximize value realisation for agricultural produce from cultivation to retail.
“The Holistic Agriculture Development Programme marks a new beginning for rural prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. It will unleash a new agri-based economic revolution by nurturing the twin pillars of knowledge and enterprise,” asserted Modi ji amidst thunderous applause. Sustainable agriculture is the bedrock for employment, financial inclusion and achieving PM Gati Shakti’s vision of integrated logistics across the region.”
J&K’s diverse agri-products like saffron, apples, basmati rice, walnuts and exotic vegetables renowned worldwide will now get a renewed thrust in production, cold chains, e-marketing and exports under dedicated product clusters.
The tourism sector, a key economic engine of Jammu and Kashmir, received the Prime Minister’s keen attention. Modi ji launched multiple projects worth over ₹1,400 crores envisioned under the flagship Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) schemes.
These ambitious initiatives will unlock new opportunities by developing critical infrastructure, amenities and holistic product suites spanning the entire tourism ecosystem – accommodation, accessibility, attractions and activities. From spiritual havelis and eco-resorts to premium adventure circuits and craft safari experiences, the aim is to invigorate Jammu and Kashmir as a world-leading destination showcasing India’s incredible diversity and hospitality.
A key highlight was the inauguration of the Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine project, undertaken at a cost of over ₹52 crores. This rejuvenation drive encompasses boundary wall construction, shrine illumination, improved ghats and paths, signages, parking facilities and civic amenities around the iconic Dargah complex on the banks of Dal Lake.
Modi ji also launched two pioneering tourism campaigns – “Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll” and “Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign”. The former empowers citizens to vote for and promote their favorite tourism destinations across India biannually. The latter aims to attract Indian diaspora and foreign visitors by showcasing the vibrant diversity of festivals, cuisine, destinations and folk experiences through intensive marketing drives.
Underscoring his commitment to employment generation, the Prime Minister distributed appointment orders to over 1000 newly recruited youth joining the Jammu and Kashmir government. “When talented and educated young minds power the engine of governance, efficiency rises and development accelerates. These fresh energies will reinforce my vision of a Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,” stated Modi ji.
Applauding their skills and drive, he added, “Our Yuva Shakti is the catalyst driving the AmritKaal of our Viksit Bharat’s progress. I call upon Jammu and Kashmir’s youth to apply for and enthusiastically take up career opportunities in civil services, armed forces, police, banking, teaching and other fields. Your determination will make J&K Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant).”
In a pioneering move, Modi ji outlined a substantive roadmap for reinvigorating J&K’s spiritual and religious tourism potential on a massive scale. He inaugurated as many as 43 projects worth over ₹850 crores for pilgrimage amenities development and heritage conservation across iconic Indian sites.
These include Annavaram Temple (Andhra Pradesh), Navagraha Temples (Tamil Nadu), Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Temple (Karnataka), Karni Mata Mandir (Rajasthan), Maa Chintpurni Temple (Himachal Pradesh) and the iconic Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa among others. State-of-the-art infrastructure like audio guides, enlightening experiences, sanitation facilities, universal accessibility and tourist amenities will be developed under the Iconic Tourist Site Development Mission.
In line with his vision of promoting India’s civilisational ethos, the Prime Minister asserted, “India is a land of eternal spirituality, philosophy, pilgrimage and pluralism. By nurturing these assets through modern infrastructure and authentic experiences, we enhance our national pride while generating livelihood opportunities in rural areas. This spiritual tapestry has woven Kashmir into the fabric of Akhand Bharat.”
Reiterating his commitment to foster inclusive development, Modi ji announced comprehensive measures for the welfare and empowerment of Jammu and Kashmir’s underprivileged communities. These include financial assistance, housing resettlement, educational scholarships, livelihood support and grassroots entrepreneurship for Kashmiri Pandits, Pakistani refugees, Gujjar-Bakarwals, Paharis and other disadvantaged groups.
“The tragic exodus of Kashmiri Pandits was a haunting injustice inflicted by the anti-national forces of terrorism,” stated the Prime Minister solemnly. “India can never progress without healing these deep wounds. Their safe return, dignified rehabilitation and empowerment is imperative not just for Kashmir’s integrity but India’s soul too.”
For the valley’s development landscape, PM Modi reserved his biggest announcement till the end – the establishment of coveted institutions of excellence. World-class facilities like 5 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), 10 specialized medical universities focused on Ayurveda/Siddha research, an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and 2 super-specialty hospitals (cancer and nephrology) are on the anvil.
Furthermore, to energize the knowledge economy, 25 new degree colleges and polytechnics will open across all districts. Reinforcing his emphasis on youth empowerment, the Prime Minister allocated ₹2500 crores over 5 years for scholarships benefiting over 1 lakh deserving J&K students pursuing higher studies.
“India’s brightest minds can uplift human progress across spheres – be it creating next-generation technologies, treatment and cures or walking in the footsteps of ancient wisdom. These temples of learning will equip Kashmir’s talented youth to shape a glorious destiny for humanity,” stated Modi ji.
His clarion call added, “With quality education and skill development, we will turn the tragic cycle of violence into a virtuous spiral of opportunity and innovation. Let kashmir’s genius shine forth to illuminate the world.”
In his concluding remarks, Modi ji powerfully invoked Jammu and Kashmir’s Sufi traditions of harmony, pluralism and the human pursuit of spiritual transcendence. “Kashmir has been a radiant beacon of Sufism worldwide. Its embrace of diversity and quest for universal brotherhood is mirrored in beautiful traditions like the Amarnath Yatra.”
“This sacred ethos of love, compassion and tolerance has endured for centuries here. But dark ideologies of hatred fueled by Pakistan’s meddling fomented tragic bloodshed. That era of loneliness and grief has now ended. I appeal to all sections to unite as one ‘Insaaniyat ka Parivar’ (family of humanity).”
The Prime Minister vowed that justice for victims of terrorism will be ensured through due process of law. However, going forward an environment of accountability and reconciliation must prevail rather than perpetuating a cycle of animosity. Modi ji declared that the delimitation process and restoring grassroots democracy through fair assembly polls is a top priority.
“My vision for Jammu & Kashmir is of peace, progress and prosperous coexistence. Where people of all faiths can fearlessly celebrate each other’s festivals, study together, work together and live together as honoured citizens of India,” Modi ji affirmed.
“It is now time to permanently turn the page from the past. To move beyond the ‘Dil ki Doori aur Dilli ki Doori’ and embrace Kashmir into the mainstream of India’s Amrit Kaal (golden era). United by our diversity, we will collectively script Jammu & Kashmir’s destiny as a glorious ‘Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat’.”
As the Prime Minister concluded his powerful speech amid deafening cheers and thunderous applause, it was evident his clarion call for unity, progress and inclusion had struck a deep chord across all segments of Kashmiri society. Though cynics exist who seek to sow discord, an overwhelming wave of hope and enthusiasm currently pervades the enchanting valley.
PM Modi has displayed the unwavering political will and compassion to usher in a transformative new dawn for Jammu & Kashmir. His decisive actions and people-centric approach have ignited dreams of prosperity, justice and self-respect amongst its citizens. Translating this vision into reality on the ground will undoubtedly face its share of challenges.
However, the Prime Minister’s impactful initiatives announced during this historic visit lay a comprehensive roadmap integrating socio-economic development with trust-building. The onus now lies upon all stakeholders – from the UT administration to civil society, security forces to citizens – to collectively steer Jammu & Kashmir into an era of equitable peace and boundless possibilities.
If earnest efforts fructify as per this inclusive agenda, the restive paradise could well emerge as a model of unity amidst diversity showcasing Modi’s ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas, SabkaVishwas’ philosophy. This first decisive step has been taken. With sustained commitment and healing steps, the cherished dream of ‘NayaKashmir’ may ultimately be realised.
ZAMAN NOOR
Author is a Current Affairs Analyst, Columnist, Socio-Political and Peace Activist.
Can be reached @
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