Dr. ADIL RASOOL MALIK
The valley of Kashmir prepares to welcome the working group delegation from across the world for the upcoming G20 Summit to be held from the 22-24th May 2023 at Sheri Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) situated on the shores of the pride of this heaven, Dal Lake. The expected delegation are representatives from various regions across the globes namely, European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey.
The visiting delegates from various nations who will attend the summit will serve as ambassadors to market the area as a popular travel destination on a global scale. G20 gathering would assist to positively represent J&K on the international stage.
I would also like to extend my warmest welcome to each and every one visiting our homeland. Over the past few years, we have been eagerly awaiting your arrival, as we believe that this event presents a unique opportunity to showcase all that our beautiful UT has to offer to the world. Kashmir has long been tagged as the region of unrest, violence, crime and hatred. But the new Kashmir that we have built over the past few years is a dream that we’ve brought to realization – with safety for all, peace and ample job opportunities; Kashmir is now proudly striving towards becoming a region of peace, harmony and growth.
First and foremost, we are pleased to report that since the removal of Article 370 in the year 2018, there has been a noticeable improvement in the overall atmosphere of peace and stability within the region. A report published by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs states that, incidents of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir have declined by about 36% after the abrogation of Article 370. This long overdue decision by the Government of India was met with some initial resistance from certain factions, but as time has passed, it has become clear that it was indeed the correct move forward towards progress and prosperity for all citizens of Jammu & Kashmir. Not only that, but there has also been a decline of 40% in the involvement of local youth in terrorist outfits which has saved many from going down the path of terror and not getting a chance to make the most of their beautiful life.
These positive developments have also encouraged entrepreneurs and various multinational companies to open their setups in Kashmir – leading to increased job opportunity and better investment of the working force. This uplifting movement is also giving wings to various budding entrepreneurs to spread their wings and soar high – with establishments of multiple co-working spaces and now remote work opportunities have become an established source of money flow into the region. We as citizen express our heartfelt admiration for the government that has been actively evolving the various schemes and policies for the people of Kashmir seeing our needs and helped us prosper.
Now more than ever, we implore you to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us as we look ahead towards a brighter future. As ambassadors representing various countries around the globe, we urge you to use your considerable influence and leadership roles to speak positively about our proud history, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled natural beauty at the highest levels of government and beyond. Your support could not come at a more critical juncture, as further increased international investment and trade opportunities hold great potential to drive sustainable economic growth across multiple sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries alike.
Of particular interest during your stay in our heavenly valley should be the unique culture of artistry that thrives within Kashmir. Our crafts people possess skills honed through generations of family tradition, resulting in exceptional goods produced using age-old techniques now rarely found elsewhere. From embroidered shawls woven with gold thread to intricate carvings made from locally sourced walnut wood, these products represent true works of art, deserving recognition both domestically and internationally.
When visiting this picturesque location, we ask you to take some time and visit our beautiful tourist attraction spots like the Dal Lake, Mughal garden and our Ski resorts. This G20 summit being more than just a political event for the government and with hopes and aims to further promote Kashmir as an international tourist location has also lead to the Central Government opening up some additional tourist destinations to helping people explore our valley in a better way. To name a few the hot air balloon ride is aimed at giving the rider a memorable bird’s eye view of the entire region.
This current G-20 summit, an international organisation of the highest levels being held in our region after much back and forth is proof that we have progressed in the right directions and are prepared for what the future beholds. I, on behalf of all my Kashmiri brothers and sisters, with hope in my heart and affirmation in my soul urge you to be a part of this journey with us – partner with us and help us make our region filled with peace and hope!
(The Author is a medical doctor working in Health Department of J&K. Besides being a Doctor he is very active in positive perception management of various political and social issues. He can be reached at: [email protected] & twitter @drmalikadil)
