STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: State Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party and former Minister, Sham Lal Sharma, delivered a fervent call for the augmentation of religious tourism in the Jammu region.
Speaking at the ceremonial flagging-off of the Budda Amarnath Yatra, an annual pilgrimage from Akhnoor to Poonch, Sharma emphasized the imperative of facilitating religious tourism as an essential catalyst for growth and harmony.
Sharma expressed his conviction that a substantial upliftment in religious tourism is indispensable to harness the region’s spiritual, cultural, and economic potential.
“In recent times, we have seen an impressive surge in the number of devotees flocking to the holy sites in the Jammu region,” noted Sharma.
“It is our duty to ensure that these sacred destinations are accessible and well-equipped to accommodate the growing footfall of pilgrims,” he said.
Commending the efforts of the LG (Lieutenant Governor) administration in ensuring the tranquility and success of the Amarnath Yatra, Sharma underscored the vital role that religious tourism plays in fostering communal harmony and interfaith understanding.
“The peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra exemplifies the unity and cooperation that can be achieved through the medium of religious pilgrimages,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Sharma drew attention to the recent international acknowledgment of Hindu cultural identity. “The resonance of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ in the United Kingdom, as well as the proud proclamation of Hindu faith by their Prime Minister, stands as a testament to the global recognition of our cultural heritage and spirituality,” he asserted.
The Jammu region boasts a rich tapestry of revered religious destinations, including Baba Mai Mal, Shiv Khori, and Mangla Mata. These sites are interconnected through a spiritual thread that binds communities and fosters a sense of shared devotion.
Other prominent individuals who were present include Mahant Rameshwar Dass, National Sanghchalak Surya Narayan former MLA Dr. Krishan Lal, DDC Member Bushan Bral, Prabhari SC Morcha Jagdish Bhagat, SP Rural Rahul Charak, SDM Akhil Sadhotra, SDPO Akhnoor Mohan Lal, DySP (DAR) K D Bhagat, and SHO Akhnoor Zaheer Manhas.
