The ‘Spirit of India’ run - an initiative of the former Australian Parliamentarian, Pat Farmer, and Union Ministry of Tourism, entered Valley of Kashmir after crossing the Banihal Tunnel today.The team of ‘Spirit of India’ Run was accorded a warm reception at Jawahar Tunnel at 7 a.m by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Muneer Ul Islam, Director Tourism Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, SDM Dooru and Bollywood Actor, Imran Khan, besides prominent citizens of the area, media persons and officials of Tourism department.On reaching the Valley, Pat Farmer said that Kashmir is a place of eternal landscapes and mesmerizing vistas, which the world needs to see and eulogize. He said that Kashmir is a safe place for any kind of tourism related experience and people should shun their prejudiced view to enjoy this beautiful place.The eight member team of Pat Farmer comprises his wife Tania, Crew Manager Katie Walsh, Doctor Joseph Grace, Journalist Kevin Nguyen, Film Director Anupam Sharma and his three assistants.
The State Tourism department also organized a cultural programme, to welcome the team, in which the artists performed in different genres of Kashmiri art and music. Later Pat Farmer along with his crew attended a function at Lavidora Qazigund and left for Awantipora.
Speaking at the occasion, Director Tourism said that the run ‘Spirit of India’ under the Incredible India Program, which started on January 26 from Kanyakumari will culminate at Srinagar, Kashmir onMarch 31, 2016 after travelling through various States of the country. He said ‘Spirit of India’ provides a unique opportunity to showcase touristic and historical places of Jammu and Kashmir in the Australian market and will boost tourism industry.State Tourism which has coordinated Spirit of India run in the state dedicated the event to showcase the touristic and historical places of the state to the world in order to boost tourism especially adventure tourism.Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag said that people should complement the dedicated team of ‘Spirit of India Run’ which will have positive effect on the tourism industry especially the district Anantnag which is known for its unique tourist spots.