Srinagar, Jun 25 (KNO): Terming Amarnath Yatra as India’s most revered spiritual pilgrimage and a powerful symbol of the country’s cultural heritage, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that it needs to be preserved, strengthened and passed on to future generations as a priceless cultural and divine tradition.
Addressing the valedictory session of the International Conference on Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, organised by Government Degree College for Women, Anantnag in collaboration with the District Administration Anantnag, the Lieutenant Governor, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the pilgrimage has immense potential to emerge as a major centre of global spiritual tourism and contribute significantly towards Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and development.
He described the holy pilgrimage as a living expression of India’s spiritual consciousness and civilizational ethos.
LG Sinha said the centuries-old Yatra must be preserved, strengthened and passed on to future generations as a priceless cultural and spiritual tradition. According to him, the pilgrimage serves as a journey of devotion, patience and self-discovery, encouraging devotees to seek inner peace and connect with the divine.
“The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra represents social unity and spiritual awakening. It reminds us that true faith transcends divisions and inspires people to discover the light within themselves,” LG Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the unique role played by local communities in making the pilgrimage successful. He noted that families from different backgrounds and faiths have been serving pilgrims for generations, reflecting the spirit of coexistence and mutual respect that defines the Yatra.
“At a time when many societies across the world are witnessing increasing divisions, the Amarnath Yatra presents a remarkable example of communal harmony and human solidarity. It demonstrates that the true purpose of religion is to unite people and strengthen the bonds of humanity,” he observed.
LG Sinha said that the pilgrimage celebrates India’s diversity, bringing together devotees from different regions, languages and traditions. Their interaction during the journey fosters understanding, respect and cultural exchange, making the Yatra a vibrant reflection of the country's “unity in diversity”.
The Lieutenant Governor underlined the economic significance of the pilgrimage, stating that thousands of families across Jammu and Kashmir depend directly or indirectly on the annual Yatra for their livelihoods. Pony operators, transporters, hoteliers, shopkeepers, artisans and service providers benefit from the influx of pilgrims, making the Yatra an important driver of regional economic growth.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to balance development with environmental protection. He said the administration remains committed to organising an eco-friendly and zero-waste pilgrimage through initiatives focused on waste management, recycling, biodiversity conservation and animal welfare.
He highlighted campaigns promoting responsible tourism, including structured waste collection systems, recycling drives and public awareness programmes aimed at reducing plastic waste along the pilgrimage routes.
Reviewing recent infrastructure upgrades, Sinha said considerable improvements have been made over the past few years to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. Both the Baltal and Chandanwari routes have been widened to 12 feet, equipped with lighting facilities and strengthened through regular maintenance. Ambulances and emergency services have also been positioned at strategic locations along the tracks.
The Lieutenant Governor said modern technology has transformed the management of the Yatra without compromising its spiritual essence. Facilities such as online registration, RFID and GPS-based tracking systems, CCTV surveillance, digital information platforms and advanced communication networks have significantly enhanced safety, transparency and accessibility for pilgrims.
Looking ahead, LG Sinha expressed confidence that Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra would emerge as a globally recognised destination for spiritual tourism. He said the pilgrimage offers international visitors an opportunity to experience India’s rich traditions of spirituality, meditation, yoga and philosophy, while also serving as an effective medium of cultural diplomacy.
“Pilgrims who visit Jammu and Kashmir become ambassadors of the region’s culture, hospitality and spiritual heritage. The Yatra has the potential to showcase the true essence of Kashmir and India to the world,” he said.
Among those present on the occasion were Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; V.K. Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Javid Iqbal Matoo, DIG South Kashmir; Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag; Amod Nagpure Ashok, SSP Anantnag; Dr. Khalida Hassan, Principal of Government Degree College for Women, Anantnag, along with faculty members, students, civil society representatives and prominent citizens—(KNO)