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Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressed the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir. He highlighted the region’s economic progress, increased democratic participation, and recent investments.
Shri Dhankhar noted that Jammu & Kashmir saw its highest voter turnout in 35 years during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with the Kashmir Valley witnessing a 30% increase in participation. “Democracy has found its real voice. The region is no longer a story of conflict,” he stated.
He further emphasised the significant economic transformation of the region, revealing that in just two years, investment proposals worth ₹65,000 crore have been received. Additionally, for the first time since 2019, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has entered Jammu & Kashmir, with multiple international companies expressing interest.
Reflecting on the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the Vice President described it as a pivotal moment that marked the transition from “isolation to integration.” He highlighted that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar refused to draft Article 370, and Sardar Patel was unable to integrate Jammu & Kashmir at the time.
Shri Dhankhar also pointed to the surge in tourism, stating that over two crore tourists visited Jammu & Kashmir in 2023, significantly boosting the local economy.
He reiterated the importance of national unity, citing the vision of “Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan” and emphasised the need to prioritise national interest above all.
Addressing the youth, the Vice President urged them to uphold their civic responsibilities, stating that a shift from “Danda Vidhan to Nyaya Vidhan”—moving away from colonial-era laws—will propel India towards development.
He concluded by highlighting India’s growing global presence, stating, “Today, Bharat is being recognised as a leading destination for investment and opportunity.”
