Srinagar, July 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged devotees undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra to support the local economy by spending at least 10 per cent of their travel expenses on products made in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the move would strengthen the livelihoods of local families and youth.
In a message addressed to Amarnath pilgrims, Modi appealed to devotees to embrace the spirit of “Vocal for Local” while undertaking the pilgrimage. “Let us spend at least 10 percent of our travel expenses on purchasing local products. This will strengthen the livelihoods of families and youth in Jammu and Kashmir,” the Prime Minister wrote.
The Prime Minister also praised the hospitality of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the pilgrimage reflected the warmth and service-mindedness of local residents. “This pilgrimage to Baba Barfani’s shrine also reflects the hospitality of Jammu and Kashmir and the dedication of the local people towards visiting devotees.”
He noted that residents along the pilgrimage route played an important role in welcoming and assisting pilgrims. “At every stage of the Yatra, thousands of local residents warmly welcome the pilgrims. Pony operators, pithoo (porters), shopkeepers, and other people associated with the pilgrimage route selflessly serve the pilgrims who come from different parts of the country. This spirit of service is a living expression of our Sanatan culture and the ideal of ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’ (May all be happy).”
Calling participation in the Amarnath Yatra “a great blessing,” Modi said the annual pilgrimage was one of the enduring traditions of India’s spiritual heritage. “Participating in the sacred Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir is, in itself, a great blessing.”
He added that devotees from across India and the world undertook the pilgrimage each year with a shared sense of faith.”Every year, lakhs of devotees who follow Sanatan culture from across the world come to Jammu and Kashmir to undertake this pilgrimage. People from different states, speaking different languages and following diverse traditions, complete this journey with the shared resolve of having the darshan of Lord Mahadev.”
The Prime Minister said the pilgrimage demonstrated “the remarkable unity in India’s diversity” and expressed confidence that this year’s Yatra would become “a grand celebration of faith in Sanatan Dharma, India’s cultural unity, and the tradition of selfless service.”
Along with his appeal to support local businesses, Modi asked pilgrims to observe five pledges during the Yatra. He urged them to maintain cleanliness along the pilgrimage route, strictly follow administrative and security advisories, spend on local products, gift a sapling to siblings on the concluding day of the Yatra coinciding with Raksha Bandhan as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, and remain committed to the spirit of “Nation First” throughout the year.
The Prime Minister also commended the efforts of the agencies involved in organising the pilgrimage. “For many decades, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the Jammu and Kashmir Government have managed this Yatra with great efficiency and a spirit of service.”
He expressed appreciation for the personnel ensuring the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. “I express my heartfelt appreciation to every member of the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, ITBP, BSF, NDRF, healthcare workers, doctors, sanitation workers, administrative officials, and volunteers engaged in serving the pilgrims.”
Modi prayed for the safety and well-being of all devotees. “May your pilgrimage be safe, auspicious, and filled with renewed energy, fresh inspiration, and spiritual strength.”
