It is a fact that whatever the causes, the beautiful Valley of Kashmir has been going through the toughest times since 1989. A lot of people are dead and many more are disabled for their whole lives. Everywhere, there was a sign of violence. Three decades have taken a heavy toll on our lives.
To alleviate our position, many steps have been taken in this regard in the past to improve our condition and put a healing balm on our wounds. The government has been trying its best to heal the scarred souls. However, some wounds are so profound that it needs a long time to heal up.
We are thankful to the government that their efforts have begun to bear fruits. Youth have been engaged in fruitful activities to help them avoid the path of destruction. Industrial growth has been given a fillip so that the regional resources are fully utilized. Moreover, women have been made self-sufficient in some respects to act as a catalyst in promoting sustainability.
Against this backdrop, the G20 presidency is an opportunity to lift Kashmir to the heights it deserves. This region, as we all know, is a store of natural resources and mesmerizing beauty. The G20 nations from the different corners of the world can explore Kashmir through their eyes. The heads of the nations can act as ambassadors of peace, cooperation, tourism and optimism. What is here for the G20 nations is briefly discussed in the following lines.
The first is hospitality. It is a fact that Kashmiris are known for their hospitality throughout the world. The G20 leaders have an occasion to see how the Kashmiris welcome the guests, regardless of their origin and religion. Our composite culture is a prominent thing to be observed and taken back to their respective countries. It will remove many doubts regarding Kashmir.
The second is tourism. As said earlier, Kashmir is a unique tourist place in the world. Its temperate climate soothes the nerves. Beautiful landscapes and the gushing rivers tempt people to immerse themselves in the ecstasy of happiness and feel themselves in a trance. This tourist aspect can be harnessed into a contributing factor to the SGDP. It will provide jobs to a number of unemployed people and result in the cultural exchange that is the need of the hour. The government has been trying to utilize the opportunities provided by the aesthetic beauty of Kashmir into a sustainable economy.
The third is the historical importance of the geo-strategically located place of the world. Kashmir has many salient features. It is the hub of religious coexistence. Since time immemorial, it has spread the messages of tolerance and humanity throughout the world. It has healed those who were wounded brutally. From the famous Silk Route to the spreading of Buddhism, it has welcomed Islam in its wings. Christian Missionaries have left their indelible mark in the nook and corner of the Valley. So, it is an opportunity to cherish these long-lasting traditions and make the world once again a global family.
The fourth is to take full advantage of the wealth of the intellectuals of Kashmir. Kashmir has produced marvelous brains that have proved their mettle on the international level. The cherished principles of a finer civilization are found in the nook and corner of the Valley and their influence is the talk of the town.
In short, the G20 event in Kashmir is a moment of happiness for all. As a youngster, I was enthusiastic to welcome delegates from different countries in this remote area of India. Though difficulties are many and grievances are in bulk, we are still hoping against hope that the event will heal our wounds a bit. It will bring us into the limelight of the world. Let us keep our fingers crossed and take this event as the icing on the cake.
I congratulate LG Manoj Sinha and his team for preparing the stage for this unique event. His tireless efforts in improving the condition of Kashmiris are praiseworthy. He is devoted to his job and leaves no stone unturned in exploiting every moment for the betterment of the citizens.
