The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, has appealed to the administration of Jammu & Kashmir to provide a plot of land to construct a Maharashtra Bhavan in the region. The aim of this initiative is to strengthen ties between the two regions as well as promote tourism and cultural exchange. Shinde made the request during his recent visit to the area, where he met with Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha to discuss the matter.
Shinde stated that the Maharashtra Bhavan would provide accommodation facilities for tourists from Maharashtra and also give people of Jammu & Kashmir a glimpse into the state’s rich culture, cuisine, and arts. The institution would also play a pivotal role in establishing relationships between students, entrepreneurs, and senior officials from both states.
Sanjay Nahar, the founder of Sarhad, a prominent Pune-based NGO, also spoke on the matter. The organisation proposed a similar initiative 10 years ago, but it was kept in cold storage due to fears that it would spark similar demands from other states in the country. However, Nahar stated that they are still ready to take on the project, provided that the Maharashtra Bhavan in Srinagar is managed by Kashmiri Muslim youth who wish to repay their debt to the state for hosting and helping them during difficult times.
The proposal has been welcomed by Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, who believe that it will further cement ties between the two regions. Shinde assured that the state government will construct the building in consideration of the culture and environment of Jammu & Kashmir, provided that a suitable piece of land is provided.
This initiative could strengthen ties between Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir at a time when cultural exchange and tourism are of the utmost importance. By giving people a glimpse of each other’s cultures and traditions, ties between the two regions would be further solidified.
