Opinion | Formula 4 Cars Rolls in Naya Kashmir

As a student in one of the colleges in Jammu and Kashmir, I have come to appreciate the profound importance of peace in any region. I vividly recall the disruptions caused by the Hartaal Calls, which significantly impacted Kashmir, especially its education sector. In 2016, while in 8th grade, I barely attended school for more than 90 days, a trend that persisted in 2010, 2011, and subsequent years. The repercussions extended beyond education to affect business, tourism, and sports. Hartaal Calls had a pervasive and damaging effect on every aspect of life. Following 2019, for the first time in years, a complete academic calendar was adhered to in Kashmir. This development is a dream come true for ordinary Kashmiris like myself and my father, who cannot afford to send their children to Delhi, let alone abroad. The unprecedented peace post-2019 brought about a wave of positive changes, from developmental progress to hosting events like the G20 and Legends Cricket League, along with witnessing the highest tourist footfall since independence. Notably, Srinagar even hosted a recent Formula 4 Race on the Foreshore Road, showcasing the region’s newfound stability and potential for growth. In this of article, I will highlight two remarkable recent events in Kashmir, building upon my coverage of other significant happenings like the G20 summit and the Legends Cricket League. Specifically, I will delve into the thrilling Formula 4 Race and the record-breaking tourist turnout at the Tulip Garden.
The inaugural Formula 4 car racing demonstration in Srinagar on March 17, 2024, was a transformative event that showcased the changing face of Kashmir since 2019. Against the stunning backdrop of Dal Lake, professional drivers thrilled spectators with high-speed maneuvers along a 1.7 km track from Lalit Ghat to Nehru Park. This landmark occasion, the first of its kind in the Kashmir Valley, symbolized a dream fulfilled that was once unimaginable in the region. Organized by the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India and endorsed by Prime Minister Modi, the Formula 4 race not only highlighted the natural beauty of Jammu and Kashmir but also inspired local youth to explore careers in motorsports. This event underscored Kashmir’s potential as an emerging hub for adventure sports and entertainment, marking a significant step towards diversifying tourism and promoting economic growth in the region. The successful execution of the Formula 4 race was a testament to the ongoing efforts to revitalize Kashmir post-2019, showcasing resilience, unity, and a spirit of progress. The meticulous preparations and enthusiastic participation reflected a new era of possibilities, where events like these contribute to shaping a vibrant and dynamic future for Kashmir.
We are now in an era of Kashmir characterized by peace and progress, distinct from the Kashmir of the past known for unrest and uncertainty.

The Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Asia’s largest, has witnessed an astounding influx of visitors, welcoming 2.76 lakh tourists thus far with numbers soaring each passing day. Since Eid, the garden has seen over 10,000 daily visitors, reaching a peak of 92,000 in just six days, highlighting a remarkable surge in tourism. Despite recent heavy rains, the garden continues to draw crowds, with over 8,000 visitors on average per day. Officials are optimistic about surpassing last year’s record of 366,000 visitors, reflecting the garden’s growing popularity as a must-visit destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Visitors have lauded the government’s efforts in ensuring a delightful experience, with the introduction of five new tulip varieties enhancing the garden’s charm.
Established in 2007 by former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was a pivotal addition to the region’s tourism landscape, aimed at extending the tourist season beyond traditional months. The popularity of the garden is evident from the traffic jams leading to the site, with authorities working tirelessly to manage the influx of vehicles. In a gesture to encourage school visits, the garden is offering a 20 percent discount to students, a promotion extended until March 20th to enable every student to marvel at the captivating tulip displays. This initiative underscores the garden’s commitment to fostering appreciation for nature and tourism among the younger generation.
Gone are the days when the name of Kashmir instilled fear among people from the rest of the country or abroad, deterring them from visiting as tourists. Today, we witness the historic Lal Chowk aglow with aesthetic lights and bustling with tourists unencumbered by fear. The prevailing peace post-2019 is bearing long-term fruits for us. Organizing events like the Formula 4 Race and the extraordinary turnout at the Tulip Garden may seem ordinary elsewhere, but for Kashmir, these achievements represent dreams realized amidst past unrest and uncertainty. I am optimistic that Kashmir is embarking on a new journey of development, dignity, and enduring peace.
Email: Vadaiekashmir@gmail.com