‘A living embodiment of India’s spiritual consciousness; offers unique model of coexistence’
Srinagar, Jun 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the Amarnath Yatra is a living embodiment of India’s spiritual consciousness, cultural heritage, and humane values that must be preserved, enriched, and passed on to future generations.
“The sacred Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra stands for social unity and deep inner reflection. A journey of patience, prayer, and connection with the divine, it reminds us that true spirituality is about exploring the light within,” the LG said in his address at the Valedictory Session of an International Conference on Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, organised by the Government Degree College for Women, Anantnag, in collaboration with the District Administration Anantnag.
The Lieutenant Governor said that many families and communities have served pilgrims for generations, with people from different faiths and beliefs playing vital roles in contributing to this pilgrimage. “At a time when divisions appear to be rising in many parts of the world, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra offers a unique model of coexistence. The pilgrimage conveys that the true purpose of faith is to bring people together. It is a spiritual journey of the shared values of humanity,” he said, adding that the Yatra is also a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural diversity where devotees from across the country bring their languages and traditions, making this diversity a medium of mutual respect and warmth.
Sinha said the Yatra plays a critical role in the local economy, with pony operators, shopkeepers, artisans, hoteliers, and transport providers—thousands of families—directly or indirectly linked to the pilgrimage, generating livelihoods and accelerating regional development and infrastructure. “Maintaining a balance between development and nature conservation is our collective responsibility. A zero-waste Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has been our commitment, and pilgrims are encouraged through campaigns such as 100 per cent waste recycling, organised waste-collection networks, and ‘Bring plastic, take a bag’ initiatives for environmental protection,” he said.
The LG highlighted that over the past two to three years, both tracks have been widened and illuminated at night, with ambulances stationed at designated points. Online registration, RFID and GPS-based monitoring, camera surveillance along the entire track, digital information systems, and modern communication technologies have made the pilgrimage safer, more accessible, and more transparent.
“In the future, the Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage will become an important centre for global spiritual tourism. It will introduce pilgrims and foreign visitors to the Yatra’s grandeur as well as India’s rich traditions of philosophy, yoga, meditation, and spirituality. The pilgrimage will also be a strong instrument of cultural diplomacy. Visitors from different countries can return having experienced profound spiritual wisdom,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The conference was attended by Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports and Nodal Officer for Pahalgam Axis; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg; IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi; DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal Matoo; Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat; SSP Anantnag Amod Nagpure Ashok; Principal Government Degree College for Women Anantnag Dr Khalida Hassan; Organising Secretary Prof Farooq Ahmed Malik; faculty, staff, students, prominent citizens, civil society members, and people from different walks of life.
