G20: Kashmir goes into overdrive to welcome guests

SRINAGAR: Call it a feel-good factor, Kashmir is waiting with bated breath to welcome G20 guests.

All preparations have been finalized for the biggest international event in 37 years.  Srinagar is all dolled up to welcome the guests. 

From ordinary citizens to top artists, and from handicrafts artisans to businessmen, Kashmir has gone into overdrive to welcome the guests.  

Banners have been put up to welcome the delegates. Artists have posted videos on their social media timelines to express their feelings.

“I want to express my gratitude to the government for hosting G 20 in Kashmir. It is a great opportunity not for art but also for tourism and trade. I appeal to Kashmiri people to support it wholeheartedly so that we can embark on the path of progress,” said Bilal Ahmad, noted singer.

The three-day meeting will kick off at Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Center (SKICC) from May 22. The first Working Group meeting was held in February at Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The second meeting was held from April 1 to 3 in Siliguri, West Bengal.

This is the first biggest international event in Kashmir since India-Australia one-day match at Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in 1986.

The meeting will see a galaxy of delegates from the G20. Group of Twenty is a forum of the world’s advanced and emerging economies that collectively represent approximately 80% of global economic output and two-thirds of the world’s population.

 “G20’s 3rd tourism working group meeting starting from May 22nd is a historic opportunity for 13 million citizens of J&K UT to showcase priceless culture, heritage, tourism, and warm hospitality. All the citizens should come forward and be a part of this memorable event,” said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.

“We welcome the delegates wholeheartedly. It will bring peace and property. It will the beginning of a new era for Kashmir.  We want there is development in Kashmir,” said Gulzar Ahmad Ganae, a noted Kashmiri folk singer.