The third day of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir offered something more valuable than celebrity appearances and film screenings: a conversation about what the return of cinema to the Valley should actually mean. For decades, Kashmir has occupied a curious place in Indian cinema. Its mountains, lakes, meadows and snow-covered landscapes have provided an attractive backdrop for countless films, songs and television productions. Yet the people of the region, their experiences and their own creative voices have often remained secondary to the scenery. That equation needs to change. The discussions at the festival around local storytelling, regional cinema, screenplay writing, cinematography, artificial intelligence and international co-production point towards a much larger opportunity. Jammu and Kashmir does not merely need more films to be shot here. It needs more stories to originate here. The distinction is important. A film being shot in Kashmir can generate temporary employment, tourism and economic activity. But a functioning local film ecosystem can create something far more sustainable: writers, directors, cinematographers, editors, actors, musicians, technicians and producers who can build careers without having to leave the region. The Valley already possesses a rich reservoir of stories. Its history, languages, folklore, social changes, conflicts, aspirations, landscapes and everyday lives offer material for virtually every genre. What is required is the institutional and creative ecosystem to convert those experiences into compelling cinema. The festival’s focus on young storytellers is therefore particularly significant. If the next generation is given access to filmmaking education, equipment, mentorship, financing and platforms, Kashmir can develop a distinctive cinematic voice rather than constantly reproducing narratives created elsewhere. Regional cinema across India demonstrates that audiences do not necessarily need stories to be detached from their local identities. In fact, authenticity can become their greatest strength. Films rooted in particular languages, cultures and communities have found audiences far beyond their regions because strong local stories can carry universal emotions. Kashmir can follow that path, while developing a cinematic identity of its own. But infrastructure and investment will matter. A sustainable film industry requires more than beautiful locations and occasional festivals. It requires production facilities, trained crews, post-production infrastructure, professional networks, transparent permissions, financing mechanisms and regular opportunities for local artists. Equally important is the question of creative freedom and confidence. Local filmmakers must be encouraged to tell complicated stories without feeling compelled to make every film either a tourist postcard or a narrowly defined political statement.

“The revival of cinema in Kashmir offers significant economic and cultural growth, benefiting local youth, tourism, and small businesses through sustained film production. However, true success lies not in high-profile visits or film festivals, but in empowering local Kashmiri filmmakers to write, produce, and share their own authentic stories with the world.”

Cinema thrives when filmmakers are allowed to explore ordinary lives, humour, relationships, aspirations, cultural change and contradictions. Technology is also reshaping this possibility. Artificial intelligence, affordable cameras and digital distribution are lowering some of the traditional barriers to filmmaking. These tools cannot replace human creativity, but they can help young filmmakers experiment with visual storytelling and reach audiences without depending entirely on conventional production structures. The growing interest of established filmmakers and actors in returning to Kashmir is encouraging. Their presence can help rebuild confidence and connections between the Valley and the wider Indian film industry. But the relationship should not remain one-sided. Kashmir should not be viewed only as a location where outside productions arrive, shoot and leave. The objective should be collaboration—where local writers, actors, technicians and producers become equal participants in the creative process. The renewed cinematic atmosphere in the Valley can become an economic opportunity as well as a cultural one. Film-related employment can benefit young people, while tourism, hospitality, transport, local crafts and small businesses can gain from sustained production activity.Yet the ultimate measure of success will not be the number of famous faces visiting Kashmir or the number of films screened at a festival. It will be whether a young writer from Kashmir can develop a screenplay, find mentorship, assemble a local team, secure financing and eventually see that story reach an audience. That is the promise that the conversations at the festival have placed before Jammu and Kashmir. The Valley has long been photographed by others. It is time for Kashmir to increasingly tell its own story.

The first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir has done something more significant than bringing films, actors and filmmakers to the Valley. It has opened a much larger conversation about how Jammu and Kashmir sees itself—and how the outside world sees it. For decades, Kashmir has been one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable landscapes. Its mountains, lakes, gardens and snow-covered slopes have provided the backdrop for countless songs and films. Yet, paradoxically, the people of Kashmir have often remained peripheral to the stories being told against their own landscape. The emergence of a new generation of local filmmakers now offers an opportunity to change that equation. The Jammu and Kashmir International Film Festival, therefore, deserves to be viewed not simply as a cultural event but as the beginning of a potentially important cinematic ecosystem in the region. The festival’s J&K Select section is particularly encouraging. Films such as Searching for the Grandpa, Arifa, Batt Koch (The Lost Lane), Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir) and Naqsh-e-Daur (The Story of Ghulam Nabi Dhar) demonstrate that Kashmir has stories that do not require an imported lens to become compelling. These films touch upon childhood, family, memory, displacement, identity, mystery, traditional craftsmanship and the changing social landscape. In doing so, they present Kashmir not merely as a picturesque location but as a living society with complex experiences, rich traditions and extraordinary human stories. Naqsh-e-Daur, for instance, chronicles the life and legacy of Padma Shri awardee Ghulam Nabi Dhar, a woodcarver from downtown Srinagar. Such stories are invaluable because they preserve aspects of Kashmir’s cultural heritage that could otherwise disappear from public memory. Similarly, Batt Koch explores displacement and the enduring meaning of home, while Searching for the Grandpa brings an intimate rural Kashmiri experience to the screen. This is precisely the direction Kashmir’s film culture needs. The presence of established names from the Hindi film industry has added visibility to the festival. Actor Divyenndu Sharma’s observation that Kashmir should not be reduced to songs and scenic sequences is particularly relevant. Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s emphasis on creating an ecosystem for local artists and actor Pankaj Tripathi’s recognition of young Kashmiris making short films, often with limited resources and mobile phones, point towards a larger transformation already underway. The message is clear: talent exists. What is required now is an ecosystem capable of nurturing it. This is where the government’s role becomes important.

“Kashmir’s cinematic success isn’t about hosting Bollywood shoots—it’s about empowering local filmmakers to capture their own stories. Building on the spark of IFFJK, the focus must shift from using the Valley as a background canvas to investing in Kashmiris holding the camera, writing the scripts, and taking their voices global.”

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo’s call for a sustainable cinematic ecosystem, with greater emphasis on film education, skill development, investment, incentives and an effective single-window clearance mechanism, is a welcome step. A thriving film industry cannot be built around festivals alone. It requires institutions, infrastructure, trained technicians, production facilities, financing, distribution networks and predictable policies. Jammu and Kashmir has several natural advantages. Its landscapes are unmatched, its cultural diversity is rich, and its history and folklore offer an enormous reservoir of stories. But the real opportunity lies in combining these advantages with local human capital. Film schools, workshops and mentorship programmes can give young people opportunities to learn direction, cinematography, editing, sound design, screenwriting and production. Local theatres and screening platforms can create audiences. Incentives can attract professional productions, while simplified permissions can make the region more accessible to filmmakers. At the same time, Kashmir must avoid the temptation of producing cinema merely to satisfy an external image of the region. The strongest films will emerge when local filmmakers are free to tell authentic stories—stories of ordinary people, aspirations, traditions, struggles, humour, relationships and change. The success of Kashmir’s cinematic future should ultimately be measured not by the number of Bollywood films shot here, but by the number of Kashmiri filmmakers who can tell their own stories and find audiences beyond the Valley. IFFJK has provided an important beginning. The challenge now is to ensure that the festival becomes more than an annual celebration. It should become a catalyst for sustained investment in creativity and talent. Kashmir has long been a canvas for cinema. It is time for Kashmiris to hold the camera, write the scripts and tell the stories.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address at the IIT (BHU) Global Alumni Meet in Chicago offered more than a celebration of India’s technological ambitions. It brought together three defining questions of the present moment: how India intends to position itself in a rapidly changing world, how Artificial Intelligence should be governed, and how the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir is being presented as part of the country’s larger developmental story. The emphasis on Artificial Intelligence being guided by ethics and human oversight is particularly significant. AI is no longer a distant technological possibility. It is already reshaping workplaces, education, healthcare, governance, journalism and industry. Its ability to improve productivity is enormous, but so are the risks associated with misinformation, privacy, algorithmic bias, job displacement and the concentration of technological power. Therefore, the idea of “Responsible AI” cannot remain a slogan. It must translate into institutions, regulations, transparency and accountability. Innovation should not be slowed unnecessarily, but neither should technological enthusiasm become an excuse for ignoring its social consequences. The fundamental principle must remain simple: technology should serve people, not reduce people to data points. Sinha’s invocation of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was equally relevant. Malaviya’s vision of education was closely connected with nation-building. The institutions he helped create were intended to produce knowledge, skills and leadership capable of addressing India’s challenges. Today, that mission requires a new dimension. India needs engineers and scientists who can compete globally, but it also needs institutions capable of ensuring that technological progress reaches ordinary citizens. The IIT (BHU) alumni gathering in Chicago also highlighted the extraordinary role of the Indian diaspora. Millions of Indians and people of Indian origin have built successful careers across the world, particularly in science, technology, medicine, business and academia. Their relationship with India need not be limited to emotional or cultural ties. Their knowledge, capital, networks and experience can become powerful instruments of national development. But the confidence expressed about India’s emergence as a global technological power must be matched by an equally strong commitment to solving domestic challenges. A country cannot claim technological leadership merely by producing world-class companies or sending highly skilled professionals abroad. It must also ensure quality education, decent employment, social security, institutional accountability and equitable access to technology at home. This is where the Jammu and Kashmir narrative requires both confidence and realism.

“Jammu and Kashmir, alongside broader India, is stepping into a tech-driven era where AI holds immense potential to transform public services, agriculture, healthcare, and education. However, realizing these benefits requires robust institutions and a skilled workforce rather than just technical innovation. True success—both nationally and locally—will be judged by tangible domestic outcomes like improved dignity, opportunity, and economic security for its people, rather than declarations made abroad.”

Sinha described the region’s post-Article 370 trajectory in sweeping terms, saying Jammu and Kashmir had moved from “shadows of fear to the light of opportunity” and from “isolation to integration”. There is no denying that the region has witnessed major infrastructure activity, increased tourism and a renewed emphasis on investment and development. Yet transformation cannot be measured only through projects, tourist arrivals or investment announcements. The real test lies in whether development improves everyday life. Employment opportunities, private investment, educational outcomes, healthcare, connectivity, institutional responsiveness and the confidence of young people in their future will ultimately determine whether the promised transformation becomes sustainable. Jammu and Kashmir, like the rest of India, is entering an era in which technology will increasingly influence governance and economic opportunity. AI can potentially improve public services, agriculture, disaster management, education and healthcare. But these benefits will materialise only if technological advancement is accompanied by strong institutions and skilled human resources. The message from Chicago, therefore, deserves to be viewed beyond political rhetoric. India’s rise will depend not simply on its ability to build sophisticated technology, but on its capacity to combine innovation with responsibility. Jammu and Kashmir’s transformation will similarly depend not merely on the scale of government projects, but on whether people experience greater opportunity, dignity and economic security. India may indeed be entering a defining century. But the credibility of that ambition will ultimately be judged not by declarations abroad, but by outcomes at home.

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The opening of Jammu and Kashmir’s first International Film Festival is more than another entry on the region’s cultural calendar. The response itself is significant: more than 1,100 entries from 80 countries and 135 films shortlisted for screening over four days. It demonstrates that Jammu and Kashmir can attract serious global attention when it creates platforms that connect its cultural identity with the wider world. The challenge, however, is to ensure that the festival does not remain merely an inaugural spectacle. Cinema has always been more than entertainment. It is a language through which societies tell their stories, preserve memories, challenge stereotypes and build bridges across cultures. For Jammu and Kashmir, this medium carries particular importance. The region has a rich history, diverse traditions, extraordinary landscapes and a culture that has inspired generations of artists, writers, musicians and filmmakers. Yet its representation on the global screen has often been limited, selective or shaped by narratives produced from outside. A credible international film festival can help change that. The participation of filmmakers from across the world offers local artists an opportunity that cannot be created through government schemes or isolated workshops alone. Young directors, actors, cinematographers, editors, musicians, writers and technicians can interact directly with professionals who have worked in different film industries. Such exposure can broaden their understanding of filmmaking, improve technical skills and, importantly, build professional networks. But exposure must lead to opportunity. If the government seriously wants to establish Jammu and Kashmir as a sustainable filming destination, the festival should become part of a much larger ecosystem. Filmmakers need predictable permissions, professional production facilities, trained local crews, reliable logistics and a transparent single-window mechanism for shooting. Incentives may attract producers initially, but ease of doing business and professional standards will determine whether they return. There is also a powerful economic argument. A film production does not benefit only actors and directors. It creates work for drivers, hotels, restaurants, photographers, makeup artists, carpenters, electricians, costume designers, location managers, translators and numerous other service providers. A vibrant film industry can therefore generate employment far beyond the screen. Jammu and Kashmir should also resist the temptation to market itself only through mountains, lakes and picturesque landscapes. Its real strength lies in its people and stories.

“Jammu and Kashmir’s inaugural film festival successfully opened doors for global cinema, but building credibility requires continuous future editions. Beyond hosting a single event, the region must foster a genuine film culture by empowering local storytellers and consistently providing a platform for both established and independent filmmakers.”

The region has a deep reservoir of folklore, oral histories, literature, music, crafts, cuisine and lived experiences that deserve wider cinematic attention. Supporting local filmmakers to tell these stories in their own voices would make the festival far more meaningful than simply importing international cinema for four days. The festival must also remain genuinely international in spirit. That means creating space for independent cinema, documentary filmmakers, young creators and experimental work alongside established names. The purpose should not be to produce a glamorous event alone, but to cultivate a serious film culture. Most importantly, continuity will determine credibility. The first edition can generate excitement; the second, third and subsequent editions will establish reputation. If the festival is held consistently, improves with each year and becomes a meeting point for filmmakers from India and abroad, Jammu and Kashmir could gradually emerge as an important cultural destination on the international film map. The inaugural response has already sent a message: the world is willing to look towards Jammu and Kashmir through the lens of cinema. Now the region must ensure it has compelling stories to tell—and gives its own storytellers the freedom, skills and platforms to tell them. A four-day festival can open the door. Building a lasting film culture is the real task.

The latest electricity tariff hike in Jammu and Kashmir has come as a rude shock to ordinary consumers already struggling with rising household expenses. What makes the increase particularly difficult to accept is the perception that it was neither properly planned nor preceded by adequate public consultation. For the common consumer, the hike has not arrived as part of a clearly explained long-term power policy; instead, it appears to have been simply imposed, leaving families to adjust their monthly budgets overnight. Electricity is no longer a luxury. It is an essential requirement for every household. From heating homes during harsh winters to running fans, refrigerators, water pumps, educational devices and other basic appliances, electricity directly affects the daily lives of people. Any substantial increase in tariffs therefore has an immediate impact on household expenditure, particularly for middle-class, salaried and economically weaker families. The Government may have its own arguments for revising tariffs. The power sector faces financial pressures, transmission and distribution losses remain a challenge, and the gap between the cost of supplying electricity and the revenue recovered from consumers cannot be ignored indefinitely. But economic realities cannot become an excuse for poor communication or policy inconsistency. The fundamental question is simple: where was the planning? If the government knew that the electricity sector was heading towards a situation where tariffs would have to be increased substantially, why was this not communicated to consumers much earlier? Why were people not presented with a transparent roadmap explaining how the power sector would be made financially sustainable? And, most importantly, why were promises of free electricity up to 200 units made to people if a sharp tariff burden was eventually going to confront them? The promise of free electricity up to 200 units created expectations among households, particularly those who carefully manage their consumption to remain within the promised limit. Such assurances are not merely political statements; they influence public expectations and, in many cases, voting decisions. If circumstances have changed since those commitments were made, the government owes the public a clear explanation. People can understand difficult decisions when they are explained honestly. What they find difficult to accept is the feeling that policies are announced first and their financial consequences are considered later.

“Jammu and Kashmir stands at a critical crossroads in its energy policy. The recent electricity tariff hike has dealt a sharp blow to household budgets, leaving citizens grappling with sudden costs and unfulfilled commitments—most notably, the promised 200 units of free power. True power-sector reform isn’t just about balancing the grid; it’s about balancing fiscal necessity with human impact. What consumers need now is not sudden policy shifts, but a transparent, sustainable roadmap that safeguards vulnerable families, honors official promises, and builds lasting public trust.”

The electricity issue also exposes a larger problem in governance: the absence of a predictable and transparent energy strategy. Jammu and Kashmir has immense potential for hydropower, yet the region continues to grapple with power shortages, transmission constraints and financial stress in the distribution sector. Consumers are repeatedly asked to bear the burden, while questions about efficiency, losses, infrastructure and long-term power management remain equally important. The government must therefore resist the temptation to look at the tariff hike merely as a revenue measure. It should be part of a broader reform programme. Consumers deserve better services, fewer outages, improved infrastructure and transparent billing alongside any increase in tariffs. There is also a need for targeted protection. Poor households, small businesses and families with limited incomes cannot be treated in exactly the same manner as high-consumption consumers. A rational tariff structure should protect those who genuinely need assistance while encouraging efficient consumption among those who can afford higher tariffs. Above all, electricity policy must not become a cycle of promises followed by reversals. If free power up to 200 units was promised, the government must clarify whether that commitment remains intact, how it will be implemented and how it fits into the new tariff structure. The latest hike may have been presented as an administrative or financial necessity, but for thousands of families it is a direct blow to household budgets. People are not opposed to responsible power-sector reforms; they are opposed to being surprised by them. Jammu and Kashmir needs an electricity policy that is planned, transparent and sustainable—not one that leaves consumers wondering what comes next. The government must explain the roadmap, protect vulnerable households and honour its commitments. Electricity may be measured in units, but its cost is ultimately measured in the daily lives and budgets of people.

01 | J&K Achieves Full Literacy Status: Jammu and Kashmir has been declared a Fully Literate Union Territory, recording a literacy rate of 98.43 per cent under the ULLAS–NBSK programme.Education Minister SakeenaItoo described the achievement as a historic milestone and credited teachers, officials, volunteers and learners for expanding education across communities. 02 |CM Omar Meets HM Amit Shah, Raises Statehood:  Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday this week met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and discussed restoration of statehood, finalisation of Transaction of Business Rules, rationalisation of reservations and other issues concerning J&K. Omar also briefed Shah about the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, beginning in Srinagar on September 7, and thanked the Centre for assistance following recent flood-related damage.

03 | LG Sinha Reviews Red Cross Outreach: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha this week chaired the Annual General Meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society, J&K, directing officials to strengthen resource mobilisation and expand humanitarian services to far-flung and border areas. He also called for district-wise activity plans, diagnostic centres in remote areas and intensified efforts for TB elimination and the NashaMukt J&K campaign.

04 | Over 3,800 Children Rescued: A nationwide campaign by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) resulted in the rescue of over 3,800 children from child labour and trafficking vulnerabilities.The campaign, conducted from June 12 to August 31, also saw more than 575 FIRs registered, with authorities focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, restoration and educational mainstreaming.

05 | ISRO Scores Another Space Milestone: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded ISRO after the successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, describing it as a proud moment for the nation. The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing space capabilities and the expanding partnership between ISRO and Indian industry, saying the collaboration is strengthening the country’s wider space ecosystem.

Firmness on the Indus Waters Treaty reflects a larger national vision of strategic confidence, development and the optimum use of India’s resources India’s firm rejection of the recent ruling of the Hague-based Court of Arbitration on the Indus Waters Treaty is more than a diplomatic response. It represents a broader assertion of national confidence and a clear determination that India’s development priorities and sovereign interests cannot be dictated by institutions whose jurisdiction New Delhi does not recognise. The Centre’s position is rooted in a simple principle: India must have the freedom to utilise its natural resources in accordance with its national interests, development requirements and constitutional responsibilities. The Narendra Modi government’s approach over the past decade has consistently placed infrastructure, energy security, connectivity and resource optimisation at the centre of India’s development story. For Jammu and Kashmir, this approach carries particular significance. The region’s rivers, mountains and natural resources provide enormous opportunities for hydropower, tourism, agriculture and sustainable economic growth. The ability to develop these resources responsibly can transform Jammu and Kashmir from a region with immense potential into a major contributor to India’s energy and economic security. India’s rejection of the Hague ruling has therefore assumed importance beyond the immediate India-Pakistan dispute. New Delhi has maintained that the Court of Arbitration lacks jurisdiction over India’s sovereign decisions and that the treaty remains in abeyance from India’s perspective. This firmness reflects a changing India. Under Prime Minister Modi, the country has increasingly demonstrated that national development and national security must move together. Infrastructure projects that were once viewed as difficult or distant are today being pursued with greater urgency. Roads, tunnels, railways, airports, power projects and digital infrastructure are reshaping the economic geography of Jammu and Kashmir. The development of hydropower is an important component of this transformation. Jammu and Kashmir has considerable untapped potential, and greater utilisation of its water resources can strengthen electricity availability, create employment, generate revenue and support industrial expansion. Importantly, this vision need not be viewed through a political lens. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Union government may belong to different political formations, but Jammu and Kashmir’s development aspirations provide considerable common ground. Better infrastructure, more investment, employment opportunities, stronger tourism and improved energy availability are objectives that transcend party politics. This is where the Modi vision and the developmental priorities of the Omar Abdullah government can converge. For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, cooperation between Srinagar and New Delhi is far more valuable than political confrontation. The Union government has the resources and national institutional framework to support major infrastructure and energy projects, while the elected government has the responsibility of identifying local priorities, facilitating implementation and ensuring that development reaches communities.

“India’s firm stance on the Indus Waters Treaty reflects strategic self-confidence and an intent to control its own development. For Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), this creates an opportunity to harness its natural resources, connectivity, and human potential for sustainable economic growth. By aligning New Delhi’s national development goals with Srinagar’s local priorities through cooperation, investment, and execution, J&K can combine infrastructure, resource management, and democratic governance to achieve long-term prosperity.”

The present debate over the Indus Waters Treaty should therefore also encourage a larger conversation about Jammu and Kashmir’s water future. Water cannot remain merely a subject of international disputes. It is increasingly an economic resource, an energy resource and a climate-security issue. Changing weather patterns, extreme rainfall and growing demand for electricity make scientific water management essential. India’s position can consequently be seen as part of a larger effort to secure its developmental interests while building a stronger and more self-reliant economy. The message from New Delhi is one of strategic confidence: India will engage with the world, respect legitimate international mechanisms and pursue dialogue where appropriate, but it will also firmly protect its sovereign interests. For Jammu and Kashmir, the opportunity is immense. The region can benefit from a development model that combines national infrastructure investment with local governance and participation. Hydropower, tourism, agriculture, road connectivity and new industries can together create an economic ecosystem capable of generating opportunities for the younger generation. Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed India therefore has a direct connection with Jammu and Kashmir’s aspirations. At the same time, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s emphasis on development and economic growth can complement the larger national effort. The real success will lie in converting this convergence into projects, jobs and better public services. The politics may remain different, but the destination can be shared: a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir contributing confidently to a stronger India. India’s stand on the Indus Waters Treaty is ultimately a statement of strategic self-confidence. It signals that the country intends to determine its development trajectory on its own terms. For Jammu and Kashmir, that confidence can become an opportunity—an opportunity to turn its rivers, mountains, connectivity and human potential into engines of sustainable growth. The road ahead requires cooperation, investment and implementation. With New Delhi’s national development vision and Srinagar’s local priorities working in tandem, Jammu and Kashmir can become one of the strongest examples of how infrastructure, resource utilisation and democratic governance can combine to deliver a new era of prosperity.

India’s economy has once again demonstrated its strength and resilience, registering an impressive 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the April-June quarter of 2026-27. The better-than-expected performance comes at a time when the global economy continues to navigate geopolitical tensions, conflicts, supply-chain disruptions and economic uncertainties. The latest numbers therefore represent more than a statistical achievement—they reflect the strength of India’s domestic economy and the collective efforts of its people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the people of the country for this achievement, rightly attributing the strong growth to their collective resolve and hard work. His message that India must sustain this momentum and continue moving towards greater self-reliance provides an important direction for the country’s next phase of economic development. The 7.8 per cent growth rate is particularly encouraging because it comes despite a challenging international environment. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the global economy has faced repeated disruptions, from conflicts and energy-market volatility to supply-chain challenges. Against this backdrop, India’s ability to maintain a strong growth trajectory reflects the increasing strength of its domestic consumption, investment and economic fundamentals. The latest performance also reinforces India’s growing position as one of the world’s major economic engines. A strong and expanding Indian economy has implications well beyond national economic indicators. It creates opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, workers and young people, while strengthening the country’s capacity to invest in infrastructure, technology and social development. The Prime Minister’s call for Atmanirbhar Bharat and greater emphasis on Swadeshi is particularly relevant to this growth journey. Building stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities, encouraging innovation and supporting Indian enterprises can make the economy more resilient while creating new employment opportunities. Self-reliance can also help India respond more effectively to future global disruptions without compromising its growing engagement with international markets. His appeal to citizens to explore India for holidays, celebrate weddings within the country and support domestic products also carries an important economic message.

“India’s 7.8% GDP growth reflects strong internal resilience, a expanding consumer market, and improving infrastructure. Backed by innovation and strategic investments across manufacturing, tech, and renewable energy, the nation is well-positioned to sustain growth, foster youth opportunities, and progress toward its goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047.”

India’s vast tourism potential, cultural diversity and expanding hospitality sector can generate employment and support thousands of small businesses. Similarly, greater demand for locally produced goods can strengthen domestic enterprises and encourage innovation and investment. India’s young population is perhaps the greatest asset behind this growth story. Millions of young Indians are entering the workforce with aspirations to build businesses, pursue new careers and contribute to the country’s development. Sustaining high economic growth can create the environment necessary for these ambitions to flourish, particularly when supported by skill development, entrepreneurship and technological advancement. The Government’s continued investment in infrastructure is another important pillar of this transformation. Better roads, railways, airports, digital connectivity and logistics networks are strengthening economic linkages across the country. These investments not only improve connectivity but also create the foundation for greater industrial activity, trade and employment. The growth figures also provide confidence to investors and businesses. A resilient economy, expanding consumer market and improving infrastructure can encourage fresh investment across manufacturing, services, technology, renewable energy and other emerging sectors. Such investment can further reinforce the cycle of growth and job creation. India’s economic story is increasingly being shaped by confidence, innovation and ambition. The 7.8 per cent GDP growth rate is a powerful reminder that the country has significant internal strength and the capacity to navigate global uncertainty while continuing its development journey. The Prime Minister’s message of maintaining the momentum is therefore timely. The goal now should be to build upon this strong foundation, encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen domestic capabilities and create greater opportunities for the country’s youth. As India moves towards the centenary of Independence in 2047, sustained economic growth will be central to the vision of a developed India. The latest GDP figures provide encouraging evidence that the country is moving in that direction with confidence.

The successful conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra-2026 is more than an administrative achievement. It is a powerful demonstration of what collective responsibility, disciplined coordination and a spirit of service can accomplish in the face of formidable challenges. Over 57 days, from July 3 to August 28, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the movement of nearly 4.80 lakh pilgrims to the holy cave shrine of Baba Barfani, even as difficult terrain and adverse weather tested the preparedness and resilience of the entire system. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s felicitation of officers and personnel associated with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, civil administration, Army, CAPFs, J&K Police, BRO, medical services, sanitation teams, service providers and other stakeholders rightly recognises the enormous human effort behind the successful conduct of the pilgrimage. The Yatra was not the achievement of one department or institution. It was, as the Lieutenant Governor put it, the success of “Team Jammu Kashmir.” The scale of the arrangements provides a clear picture of the challenge. More than 54,000 service providers were registered, including 31,000 pony operators, pithu bearers and palanquin carriers, besides thousands of tent and shop operators and langar volunteers. Nearly 1.87 lakh pilgrims used pony and palanquin services. Such a massive movement of people through a difficult Himalayan landscape requires not only infrastructure but also constant coordination, patience and a strong sense of responsibility. Healthcare arrangements were another crucial pillar of the Yatra. As many as 93 medical facilities, 595 clinical beds and 26 oxygen booths were established along the route. Around 1,430 doctors and nursing personnel remained on round-the-clock duty, supported by 48 ambulances. These figures underline the importance given to pilgrim safety and demonstrate how medical preparedness has become central to managing large-scale religious gatherings in challenging terrain. Sanitation also deserves special recognition. Around 7,900 toilets were installed and maintained by an equal number of sanitation workers under the zero-waste Yatra initiative. In a fragile mountain ecosystem, responsible waste management cannot be treated as an afterthought. The success of the pilgrimage must therefore also be measured by the extent to which the environment is protected. The zero-waste approach offers an important template for future mass gatherings in the Himalayan region. Weather remains one of the biggest uncertainties in high-altitude pilgrimage management. More than ten days of adverse weather created serious operational challenges this year. Yet the administration was able to maintain the movement of pilgrims through constant monitoring and coordination. The holding capacity was increased to 63,000 within the Yatra area and 54,000 across the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, helping authorities manage the flow of devotees more systematically.

“The remarkable success of the recent Yatra during which 4.8 lakh pilgrims journeyed in safety—is more than a spiritual milestone; it is a blueprint for Jammu and Kashmir’s future. By channeling the same institutional discipline, continuous preparedness, and community synergy that safeguarded the pilgrimage, the region can transform its toughest development, environmental, and public service challenges into lasting triumphs.”

Technology and coordination also played an important role. Aadhaar-based registration helped tackle duplicate registrations, while twice-daily coordination meetings at 3 a.m. and 8 p.m. ensured that emerging challenges were reviewed and addressed. Such real-time monitoring reflects the transformation of pilgrimage management from a seasonal administrative exercise into a sophisticated, data-driven operation. The Yatra also carries significance beyond religion. It provides an opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir to showcase its hospitality, pluralistic traditions and organisational capacity to visitors from across the country. The participation of langar volunteers, local service providers, sanitation workers, medical teams, security personnel and ordinary citizens reflects a wider culture of service that transcends institutional boundaries. The Lieutenant Governor’s appeal that the discipline and coordination displayed during the Yatra should become part of Jammu and Kashmir’s broader development ethos is particularly important. The same spirit of cooperation is needed in disaster management, tourism, infrastructure development, environmental protection and public service delivery.  The successful Yatra should therefore not be viewed merely as the completion of another pilgrimage season. It should be treated as a model of collective governance and public service. Its lessons are clear: preparedness must be continuous, coordination must be institutionalised, technology must support decision-making, and the safety of people and protection of the environment must remain central to every major undertaking. The nearly 4.80 lakh devotees who completed the pilgrimage carried back memories of faith and hospitality. For Jammu and Kashmir, the greater achievement is the demonstration that when institutions, communities and individuals work with a shared sense of purpose, even the most difficult challenges can be transformed into opportunities for service and progress.

The devastating floods in Nepal should force Jammu and Kashmir to pause and reflect. With the death toll from the Bhote Koshi flood disaster rising to 734 and more than 2,400 people still missing or out of contact, Nepal is confronting a catastrophe of extraordinary proportions. Behind these numbers are families, communities, workers and tourists whose lives have been shattered by the fury of water and landslides. The disaster is not merely a tragedy for Nepal. For Kashmir, a mountainous region equally exposed to extreme weather, fragile slopes and fast-flowing rivers, it should be a warning. The latest figures released by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority show the enormous scale of the emergency. More than 8,000 people have been rescued, while nearly 20,000 security personnel have been deployed for search, rescue and relief operations. Hydropower projects have emerged as particularly vulnerable, with hundreds of workers among those reported missing. Helicopters have been deployed to evacuate stranded people, while medical teams, relief trucks and emergency supplies are being rushed to affected areas. Nepal’s experience underlines a basic truth: in mountainous regions, disasters can escalate with frightening speed. A cloudburst, glacial event, landslide or sudden rise in river discharge can turn a normal day into a life-and-death emergency within hours. Kashmir knows this reality all too well. The Union Territory has witnessed devastating floods, cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in recent years. From the Jhelum basin to the Chenab, Lidder, Sindh and other mountain streams, settlements and infrastructure remain exposed to rapidly changing weather conditions. Roads, bridges, hydropower projects, tourism facilities and villages are often located close to rivers and unstable slopes. The lesson from Nepal, therefore, is not simply to strengthen rescue operations after a disaster. The bigger lesson is to reduce the risk before disaster strikes. Development in the mountains cannot be separated from ecological sensitivity. Roads and tunnels are necessary for connectivity. Hydropower is important for energy security. Tourism is vital to Kashmir’s economy. But development without adequate geological assessment, drainage planning, slope stabilisation and environmental safeguards can increase vulnerability. The growing frequency of extreme weather events makes this issue even more urgent. Climate change is altering rainfall patterns, increasing the intensity of extreme precipitation and placing additional stress on mountain ecosystems. Kashmir must consequently move from a largely reactive disaster-management approach to a stronger culture of prevention and preparedness.

“Disaster preparedness in mountain regions requires proactive planning, early-warning networks, community-led first response, and environmentally scrutinous infrastructure development. Taking inspiration from Nepal’s recent crisis coordination, vulnerable areas like Kashmir must prioritize prevention over post-disaster response. Disaster management must be an ongoing preventive necessity built into everyday infrastructure and community planning, not a reactive response launched after calamity strikes.”

Early-warning systems deserve particular attention. Communities living along rivers and streams should receive timely alerts through reliable communication networks. District administrations must regularly update evacuation plans, identify safe shelters and conduct mock drills. Local communities should not be treated merely as victims waiting for outside assistance; they must become the first line of disaster preparedness. Infrastructure projects also require greater scrutiny. Hydropower tunnels, bridges, highways and buildings in vulnerable areas need robust disaster-management plans. Construction activity should take into account changing hydrology, slope stability and the cumulative impact of multiple projects in fragile mountain zones. Nepal’s response also demonstrates the importance of coordination. Its army, police and armed police force have been mobilised on a massive scale. Helicopters are being used for evacuation and supply missions, while specialised medical and technical teams are supporting rescue operations. India, too, has extended assistance, with its fourth flight carrying essential relief material and specialised capabilities, including a tunnel technical team and forensic experts. For Kashmir, the message is clear. Disaster management cannot remain confined to government offices and emergency meetings after calamity has already struck. It must become part of everyday planning. The objective should not be to become better at counting casualties or rescuing survivors. It should be to prevent as many casualties as possible in the first place. Nepal is facing an immense human tragedy. Kashmir must respond to its warning before a similar disaster tests its own preparedness. In the mountains, preparedness is not an option—it is a necessity.