Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, lauded the remarkable transformation of Jammu & Kashmir while addressing the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in Katra. He emphasized that the region is no longer defined by conflict but is now a beacon of trust, faith, and economic progress.

Highlighting the record voter turnout in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he stated, “Jammu and Kashmir, which had the highest voter turnout in 35 years, saw a 30-point increase in participation in the Kashmir Valley. Democracy has found its real voice and resonance. The perception has changed, the ground reality is evolving, and the hopes of the people are soaring.”

A New Era of Economic Growth

Vice-President Dhankhar underscored the significant economic growth in the region, citing investment proposals worth ₹65,000 crores received over the past two years. “For the first time since 2019, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has entered Jammu and Kashmir, with multiple international companies showing interest. The region is now a confluence of confidence and capital,” he remarked.

He credited the abrogation of Article 370 for providing new opportunities for generations of people in the region. “Article 370 was a temporary provision. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar refused to draft it, and Sardar Patel, who integrated most princely states into the Indian Union, was unable to integrate Jammu & Kashmir. In 2019, a new journey began—from isolation to integration,” he said.

Tourism and Stability on the Rise

The Vice-President noted that over two crore tourists visited Jammu & Kashmir in 2023, significantly boosting the local economy. “What was once called ‘heaven on earth’ is now a symbol of hope and prosperity,” he said.

Shri Dhankhar also recalled the demand for “Ek Desh Mein Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan” and asserted that this vision has now been realized. “Where there was once disorder, we now witness real order and stability.”

Call for Nationalism and Civic Responsibility

Emphasizing the importance of national unity and duties, he said, “Nationalism is our identity. No political or personal interest is greater than the interest of the nation. We must discharge our civic duties diligently to accelerate our journey toward a developed Bharat. One significant step is the shift from Danda Vidhan to Nyaya Vidhan—unshackling the colonial mindset.”

A Bright Future for Jammu & Kashmir

The Vice-President concluded his speech by urging the people to be architects of the region’s new dawn. “The winds of change have brought peace and progress. Let us be the architects of a new dawn for Jammu & Kashmir and Bharat.”

The event was attended by J&K Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, Minister of Education Smt. Sakeena Masood, and other dignitaries.

As Jammu & Kashmir continues its transformation, the Vice-President’s remarks reinforce the region’s growing role in India’s national progress and economic renaissance.