‘New Kashmir is no longer a story of conflict’
‘Abrogation of Article 370 gave wings to aspirations of generations’
Nishikant Khajuria
KATRA, Feb 15: Asserting that a new journey has begun in Jammu and Kashmir after the historic abrogation of Article 370, Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar today emphasized that the transformation in J&K is not just a regional phenomenon but a significant part of India’s national renaissance.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
“The change is not imperceptible; it is perceptible. Perception has changed, ground reality is changing, hopes of the people are soaring,” he stated, while addressing the gathering at the 10th Convocation ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, here today.
Click here to watch video
The Vice-President stressed that new Kashmir is no longer a story of conflict, but a story of trust being restored and faith being rewarded. “Where there was once disorder, we now witness real order and stability. The region is no longer a story of conflict, but story of trust being restored. Abrogation of Article 370 gave wings to aspirations of generations,” he said.
Dhankhar mentioned that in just two years, Jammu and Kashmir received investment proposals worth Rs 65,000 crores, signaling strong economic interest in the region. “For the first time since 2019, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has entered Jammu and Kashmir, with multiple international companies showing interest. The region is a confluence of confidence and capital,” he stated.
“Every investment proposal in New Kashmir isn’t just about capital, it’s about trust being restored, faith being rewarded,” he added.
He further said, “In 2023, over 2 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, giving a tremendous boost to the local economy. What was once called heaven on earth is now a symbol of hope and prosperity,” said the Vice-President, reiterating that the aspirations of generations found wings when the constitutional walls of separation crumbled in 2019 with the historic abrogation of Article 370.
The Vice-President did not miss the opportunity to remind the students and young minds that Article 370 was a temporary provision. “Dr B R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, had refused to draft the controversial provision. I would urge you to go into the historical perspective to know the background as to why he declined,” he said, adding that Sardar Patel, who integrated most princely states into the Indian Union, was unable to integrate Jammu & Kashmir.
“However, in the sacred land of Mata Vaishno Devi, a new pilgrimage began –the journey from isolation to integration with the abrogation of Article 370,” said the Vice-President.
In an apparent reference to the BJP ideologue Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, Jagdeep Dhankhar said a great son of the soil once voiced the demand for ‘Ek Desh Mein Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan’ and that dream has been accomplished after the abrogation of Article 370.
Comparing the present and past situations, the Vice-President recalled that he did not see even dozens of people on streets of Srinagar when he came there as a member of the council of ministers in 1989. “Look at where we are now, It was a glorifying moment for me in Rajya Sabha when it was declared that more than two crore tourist had been to Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of duties, the Vice President said: “Nationalism is our identity. It is our supreme duty to always prioritize national interest above everything else. No political or personal interest is greater than the interest of the nation.”
“You are living in a confident and resilient India. Today, Bharat is being celebrated globally as a favourite destination for investment and opportunity. Never before in our history since independence has the voice of an Indian Prime Minister been so resonant with global leaders,” he said, adding: “The winds of change have brought peace and progress. Let us be the architects of a new dawn for Jammu & Kashmir and for Bharat,” he concluded.
After the Convocation, the Vice-President paid obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta Hills in Reasi. Accompanied by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Jagdeep Dhankhar flew to the cave shrine in the afternoon and offered his prayers there. He also visited Bhairon Temple near the shrine.
Dhankhar was originally scheduled to visit the SMVDU for convocation on December 27 last year, but his visit was rescheduled due to the state mourning announced by the Central Government following the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
