In a historic and poignant address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the realization of a ‘Naya Kashmir,’ a vision that has long been anticipated and has now come to fruition. Standing in the heart of Kashmir, Modi painted a vivid picture of a region that has not only overcome challenges but is also witnessing unprecedented heights of development. In his first speech after August 2019, at jam packed Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar that was attended by thousands of people from across the Valley, PM Modi dedicated to nation Holistic Agriculture Development Programme worth about Rs 5000 crores and launched multiple projects related to the tourism sector worth more than Rs 1400 crore under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD scheme including project for ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’, Srinagar. The joyous expressions across the nation mirrored the resilience embodied by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and the speech unfolded as a celebration of their newfound prosperity. The Prime Minister began by acknowledging the dedicated efforts of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who devoted his entire life to the cause of a ‘Naya Kashmir.’ The region, Modi emphasized, has transformed into a symbol of resilience, embodying the ability to overcome challenges and emerge stronger. The atmosphere, as described by the Prime Minister, was one of jubilation, bringing solace to the 140 crore countrymen who witnessed the historic moment. The crux of Modi’s address revolved around the transformative impact of the abrogation of Article 370. He took the opportunity to criticize the Congress and its allies for what he deemed as a misleading narrative for political gains. PM Modi said that the political families exploited the Article 370 issue for their personal benefit, diverting the public’s attention from the real developmental goals for the region. The emotional core of the speech came when PM Modi spoke directly to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, expressing the ineffable feeling of being in paradise on earth. His eloquence painted a picture of unparalleled beauty, pristine air, and the warm embrace of love from Kashmiri brothers and sisters. The sincerity of his words resonated as he articulated his commitment to winning the hearts of the people, a promise he has consistently upheld since 2014. The focus then shifted to the concrete measures taken towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Modi recounted his recent visit to Jammu, where projects worth Rs 32,000 crores were launched. Now, in Srinagar, he had the honor of laying foundation stones and inaugurating numerous projects focused on tourism and overall development. He highlighted schemes dedicated to the agricultural sector, which included the distribution of appointment letters for government jobs to 1000 young individuals.
“’Parvivarvaadi’ (dynastic) parties had deprived the people of the region of their rights for decades. Today, every section of society was regaining its rights, with reservations for Other Backward Classes in Panchayats, Municipalities, and Municipal Corporations. The speech transitioned seamlessly into an analysis of the economic sector, focusing on the troubles faced by J&K Bank due to nepotism and corruption”.
The symbolic importance of Jammu and Kashmir as the ‘Head’ of Bharat was emphasized, symbolizing the dignity of the entire nation. Modi underscored the significance of a developed Jammu and Kashmir in achieving a developed Bharat, drawing parallels between the progress of the region and the honor of the nation. The Prime Minister delved into the historical context, reminiscing about a time when the laws applied to the rest of the country did not extend to Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the changing times, where initiatives launched in Srinagar now benefit not only the local residents but also the entire nation. The region was depicted as a pioneer in spearheading new tourism initiatives for the entire country. A significant portion of the speech was dedicated to the announcement and inauguration of various projects. Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, six projects were inaugurated, along with 30 projects for Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country. Additionally, three projects were initiated under the PRASAD Yojana, along with 14 more projects. The government’s commitment to developing over 40 locations as tourist destinations within the next two years was highlighted, ushering in a new era of tourism in the region. Modi’s call to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) worldwide to promote tourism in India through the ‘Chalo India’ campaign showcased a global perspective on fostering connectivity and cultural exchange. The Prime Minister also urged Indian tourists to contribute to the local economy during their travels, advising them to allocate at least 5-10% of their total travel budget to purchasing local products. This initiative aimed not only to boost local income and employment but also to foster sustainable tourism. The speech seamlessly transitioned into the economic implications of these initiatives. With the implementation of these schemes, the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir was expected to flourish, creating new employment opportunities. Modi extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their active involvement in these development endeavors. The Prime Minister then introduced a new initiative, recognizing the long-standing appeal of the region for film shoots. His next mission was to promote weddings in Bharat, encouraging people to consider hosting their weddings in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Modi envisioned families enjoying lavish celebrations for three to four days, providing livelihood opportunities for locals, thereby creating a sustainable economic ecosystem. As the speech progressed, Prime Minister Modi broadened the scope of development beyond infrastructure and tourism. He highlighted the region’s agricultural significance, with saffron, apples, dry fruits, and cherries from Jammu and Kashmir establishing it as a prominent brand. Infrastructure development was a key focus, with efforts underway to develop Jammu and Srinagar into smart cities. The region’s success story was predicted to attract global attention, with the achievements of Jammu and Kashmir regularly featured in the Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat program. PM Modi took a moment to highlight the cultural richness of Jammu and Kashmir, discussing initiatives such as cleanliness campaigns and the region’s rich handicrafts and craftsmanship. He referenced a segment dedicated to the intricacies of Nadru or lotus stem in Mann Ki Baat, showcasing the deep-rooted connection between the region and the lotus. A critical point in the speech was the liberation from restrictions that followed the abrogation of Article 370. Modi accused the Congress and its allies of misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir for decades, using Article 370 for political gain. He posed a rhetorical question – whether Jammu and Kashmir truly benefited from Article 370 or if it merely served the interests of certain political families. The people of Jammu and Kashmir, according to PM Modi, had come to realize the truth – that Article 370 kept them shackled for the benefit of a select few families. With its revocation, the talent of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth was being duly recognized, and they were being presented with new opportunities.
“The Prime Minister’s speech celebrated the resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the transformative impact of Article 370’s abrogation. Modi outlined comprehensive development initiatives, focusing on tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure. The economic implications, particularly the revival of J&K Bank, showcased the commitment to transparency and public welfare. The address reflected a vision for a prosperous, inclusive, and empowered ‘Naya Kashmir,’ emphasizing equal opportunities and the region’s cultural richness. Overall, it signaled a new era of growth and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.
Equal rights and opportunities were now accessible to all, breaking the chains that had held the region back for years. PM Modi also addressed the issue of dynastic politics in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that ‘Parvivarvaadi’ (dynastic) parties had deprived the people of the region of their rights for decades. Today, every section of society was regaining its rights, with reservations for Other Backward Classes in Panchayats, Municipalities, and Municipal Corporations. The speech transitioned seamlessly into an analysis of the economic sector, focusing on the troubles faced by J&K Bank due to nepotism and corruption. Previous governments, according to Modi, had undermined the bank by filling posts with relatives and nephews, leading to significant losses and putting thousands of crores at risk. To rescue J&K Bank, the government implemented a series of reforms and provided financial assistance of Rs 1,000 crore. Stringent action was taken against wrongful recruitments in the bank, with the Anti-Corruption Bureau investigating thousands of cases. Over the past five years, thousands of youngsters in Jammu and Kashmir secured bank jobs through transparent processes. The results were tangible – J&K Bank had regained strength, with profitability reaching Rs 1700 crore. The bank’s total business had nearly doubled to surpass Rs 2.25 lakh crore, and deposits had exceeded Rs 1.25 lakh crore. The Non-Performing Assets (NPA) ratio, which crossed 11 percent five years ago, had decreased to below 5 percent. The share price of J&K Bank had surged nearly twelvefold over the past five years, from Rs 12 to approximately Rs 140. Modi underscored the significance of an honest government committed to public welfare, illustrating how challenges could be overcome to ensure the well-being of the people. A considerable portion of the speech was dedicated to addressing the issue of dynastic politics in Jammu and Kashmir. Modi asserted that the region had long suffered from dynastic politics since independence, and those displeased with the country’s and Jammu and Kashmir’s development were resorting to personal attacks against him. As the speech approached its conclusion, Modi extended heartfelt wishes to the entire nation as the sacred month of Ramadan was set to commence. The essence of peace and unity embodied by Ramadan was hoped to resonate with everyone. He also extended warm greetings to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, symbolizing the sanctity of the land sanctified by the footsteps of Adi Shankaracharya. The Prime Minister concluded the speech by offering his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the projects inaugurated that day. Standing among the lakhs of people in Jammu and Kashmir, Modi expressed gratitude for the affection and blessings he received. The speech was not just a comprehensive overview of the developmental initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir but also a testament to the Prime Minister’s vision for a prosperous, inclusive, and empowered ‘Naya Kashmir.’
Kashmir Horizon View: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address marked a historic moment in the realization of a ‘Naya Kashmir.’ The Prime Minister’s speech celebrated the resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the transformative impact of Article 370’s abrogation. Modi outlined comprehensive development initiatives, focusing on tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure. The economic implications, particularly the revival of J&K Bank, showcased the commitment to transparency and public welfare. The address reflected a vision for a prosperous, inclusive, and empowered ‘Naya Kashmir,’ emphasizing equal opportunities and the region’s cultural richness. Overall, it signaled a new era of growth and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
(This column provides general information on investment diversification. Individual investment decisions should consider personal financial circumstances and objectives. Please consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance. The author is MBA, NET, and IBPS. He works in the Middle Management of a reputed PSU Bank. The views are personal. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)