JAMMU: Hailing the abrogation of Article 370 of Constitution as an historic decision that had changed the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said the transformation is not just a regional phenomenon, but a significant part of India’s national renaissance. He pointed to the fact that J&K saw the highest voter turnout in 35 years during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, underlining that democracy has found its real voice.
The vice-president was addressing the 10th convocation ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in Katra.
“The region (J&K) is no longer a story of conflict. Every investment proposal in ‘new Kashmir’ isn’t just about capital; it’s about trust being restored, faith being rewarded,” he said, adding the winds of change have brought peace and progress.
The change is perceptible, Dhankhar stressed. “Perception has changed, ground reality is changing, hopes of the people are soaring. The heaven on earth is now a hope and prosperity hub.”
Referring to BJP ideologue Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, he said, “A great son of the soil once voiced the demand for ‘ek desh mein ek nishan, ek vidhan, ek pradhan (one nation, one symbol, one Constitution and one prime minister)’ . That dream has been accomplished. Where there was once disorder, we now witness real order and stability.”
“The aspirations of generations found wings when the constitutional walls of separation crumbled in 2019 with the historic abrogation of Article 370,” he asserted.
Article 370 was a temporary provision, and Dr B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, had refused to draft it. But, even Sardar Patel, who integrated most princely states into the Indian Union, was unable to integrate J&K, Dhankhar told the young audience. “In 2019, a new journey began on this sacred land — one from isolation to integration,” he said.
“For the first time since 2019, FDI has entered Jammu and Kashmir, with multiple international companies showing interest. The region is a confluence of confidence and capital,” he stated.
In just two years, the Union Territory has received investment proposals worth Rs 65,000 crores.
Crediting PM Narendra Modi for the bringoing about the transformation, Dhankhar said: “You are living in a confident and resilient India. Today, Bharat is being celebrated globally as a favorite destination for investment and opportunity. Never before in our history since Independence has the voice of an Indian Prime Minister been so resonant with global leaders.”
LG Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah were also present on the occasion.
