PM visits J&K pavilion at Bharat Parv in Gujarat

Ekta Nagar, Oct 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Jammu and Kashmir pavilion at Bharat Parv in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar, where the Union Territory’s rich cultural heritage, traditional handicrafts, handlooms, local products and emerging tourism destinations were showcased.
During the visit, Director Tourism Jammu, Dr Vikas Gupta, briefed the Prime Minister about the pavilion’s theme and the diverse range of traditional products, cultural attractions and tourism opportunities being presented by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department.
The participation was organised under the guidance of Secretary Tourism, J&K, Avny Lavasa, and Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC), Akriti Sagar, with the objective of promoting the region’s cultural identity, indigenous craftsmanship and tourism potential.
The pavilion prominently featured products under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, highlighting the distinctive crafts and agricultural produce associated with different districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to officials, the Prime Minister showed keen interest in the products on display and enquired about Basohli paintings, Sulai honey, garlic and Rajma from Jammu, besides walnuts, saffron, Pashmina and Kani shawls from Kashmir.
A major attraction at the pavilion was a live demonstration of traditional Sozni embroidery by renowned artisan Gulab Gilani, offering visitors an opportunity to witness the intricate craftsmanship and skills involved in producing Kashmir’s celebrated embroidered textiles.
The cultural presentation also featured a live Santoor performance by Kashmiri artist Younis Majid, highlighting the Valley’s distinctive musical heritage and artistic traditions.
The Tourism Department showcased several emerging and offbeat destinations, including Patnitop, Bhaderwah, Basohli-Sarthal, Panchari and the seven lakes of Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu region.
Tourist destinations in Kashmir, including Gurez Valley, Bangus and Yousmarg, were also highlighted for their scenic landscapes and potential for adventure, nature-based and experiential tourism.
Officials said the focus on lesser-explored destinations was aimed at diversifying tourism circuits, encouraging longer visitor stays, supporting local communities and creating economic opportunities in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The pavilion also promoted the Union Territory’s potential in adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism, heritage tourism, rural tourism and nature-based travel.
General Manager JKTDC Srinagar Altaf Hussain Bhat, Assistant Director Tourism Jammu Vishal Sadhotra and Manager JKTDC Srinagar Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat were also present during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Artists and artisans participating in the event expressed gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Tourism Department for providing them with an opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship and artistic talent at a national platform.
Officials said the participation at Bharat Parv offered an opportunity to introduce visitors from across the country to Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse tourism destinations, traditional products and cultural heritage. (KNS)