New Kashmir is no longer a story of conflict, but a story of trust being restored, faith being rewarded, says Vice-President
The Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar today said, “Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) had the highest voter turnout in 35 years. This occurred during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The region witnessed a 30-point increase in participation in the Kashmir Valley. Democracy has found its real voice, its real resonance. The region is no longer a story of conflict. Every investment proposal in New Kashmir isn’t just about capital. It’s about trust being restored and faith being rewarded. The change is not imperceptible; it is perceptible. Perception has changed, ground reality is changing, hopes of the people are soaring”, he stated.
J&K Progress: FDI Boost, ₹65,000 Cr Investment, and Post-370 Integration
Dhankhar addressed the gathering at the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra. This event took place in Jammu & Kashmir today. He said, “In just two years, Jammu and Kashmir received investment proposals worth ₹65,000 crores. This signals strong economic interest in the region. Jammu and Kashmir have received Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the first time since 2019. Multiple international companies are showing interest. The region is a confluence of confidence and capital,” he stated.
“The aspirations of generations found wings in 2019. The constitutional walls of separation crumbled with the historic abrogation of Article 370. To the young minds present, I would like to emphasize that Article 370 was a temporary provision. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, refused to draft it. Sardar Patel, who integrated most princely states into the Indian Union, was unable to integrate Jammu & Kashmir. In 2019, a new journey began on this sacred land—one from isolation to integration,” said Shri Dhankhar.
J&K Revival: Tourism Boom, Unity, and National Pride
He further said, “In 2023, over 2 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. Their visits gave 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.
The Vice-President further said, “A great son of the soil once voiced the demand for ‘Ek Desh Mein Ek Nishan.’ He also called for ‘Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan.’ This dream has now been accomplished. Where there was once disorder, we now witness real order and stability.”
National Duty, Justice Reform, and Bharat’s Global Rise
“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,” he urged.
Highlighting the importance of duties, the Vice President said, “Every individual has certain duties. Our culture teaches us what our duties are. We must discharge our civic duties diligently, and when we do so, the results will be remarkable. We must march ahead, fast-tracking our journey toward a developed Bharat. One significant step in this direction is the transformation from the Danda Vidhan to the Nyaya Vidhan—unshackling the colonial mindset.”
“You are living in a confident and resilient India. Today, Bharat is being celebrated globally as a favorite destination for investment and opportunity. The voice of an Indian Prime Minister has never been so resonant with global leaders since independence. This is unprecedented in our history,” he added.
He emphasized that the transformation in Jammu & Kashmir is not just a regional phenomenon. It is a significant part of India’s national renaissance.
“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.
Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of UT of J&K, Shri Omar Abdullah, Chief MinisterConstitution of Jammu and Kashmir of UT of J&K, Smt. Sakeena Masood, Minister of Education UT of J&K and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
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