Mushtaq Bala
As Kashmir steps deeper into the summer season, a quiet yet powerful rhythm is returning to the Valley—a rhythm shaped not just by scenic beauty or snow-fed streams, but by renewed hope, meaningful dialogue, and a spirit of inclusive growth. Over the past week, several significant events—both within and outside the Valley—have signaled that Kashmir is ready to re-embrace its place on the global, national, and cultural map.
One of the most notable milestones comes from New Delhi, where after a long gap of 42 years, India is all set to host the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). With 1,700 delegates from over 350 global airline companies expected to attend, the significance of this event reverberates far beyond aviation. It sends a strong message: global mobility, trade, and connectivity are central to India’s growing influence, and by extension, Kashmir’s tourism potential stands to benefit immensely.
Adding to this positive momentum, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has announced that it will be holding its General Body Meeting in Srinagar from June 10 to 12, under the compelling slogan:
“TAAI’s RALLY FOR THE VALLEY – Let Us Go to J&K: Reviving Tourism Together.”
This initiative appeals to its wide membership base across the country, calling on them to be part of a landmark movement to revive tourism and support livelihoods in Jammu & Kashmir. The TAAI J&K Chapter is proudly hosting the event in the summer capital, marking a strong endorsement of the Valley’s readiness to welcome back organized travel and large-scale delegations.
Back home, tourism is gradually picking up after the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which had briefly shaken public confidence. However, the resilience of the local people, combined with swift efforts by the administration to restore normalcy, is reassuring visitors that Kashmir remains a place of unparalleled beauty and heartfelt hospitality. From Gulmarg’s meadows to Sonmarg’s alpine charm, the tourist trail is once again coming alive.
A deeply symbolic and spiritual gathering at Tulmulla further echoed the Valley’s age-old ethos of harmony. The annual Mela Mata Kheer Bhawani, which concluded peacefully this week, witnessed a remarkable participation of Kashmiri Pandits and devotees from across the country. The gesture of welcome extended by both the administration and the wider Kashmiri society was not merely ceremonial—it was emotional, dignified, and reassuring. For a region still healing from the scars of conflict, such cultural reaffirmations are not small events—they are vital affirmations of who we are and what we aspire to become.
In the political landscape, a development worth noting was former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s meeting with the Lieutenant Governor, the first such interaction since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The meeting, reportedly centered on concerns about public welfare and political engagement, offers a glimpse into the shifting dynamics of governance and dialogue in the Union Territory. While political differences remain, the very act of engaging in institutional discourse is a step forward in restoring democratic normalcy.
In many ways, this week reflects a subtle but significant revival—a revival of Kashmir’s historical openness, its soft power through culture and tourism, and above all, its will to reconnect with the world, not just as a geopolitical talking point but as a living, breathing, thriving society.
Yes, challenges remain, and the path ahead is complex. But if this week is any indicator, the Valley is rediscovering its vibrations—rhythms not of tension, but of trust. Not of fear, but of festivity. And in that, there is hope.
Mushtaq Bala ,a filmmaker and Editor In-Chief of Kashmir pen, can be reached at mushtaqabala@gmail.com
