The emblematic backdrop of the Clock Tower in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk was host to history in the making. The first-ever live televised conclave done from this venue, ‘The Lal Chowk Manch’ was telecast on India News & NewsX and carried live across 9 other regional channels operated by the iTV Network.
The Lal Chowk Manch began with a tribute to ‘Kashmiriyat’ and the momentum building for a ‘Naya Kashmir’. The conclave brought together the who’s-who of voices from New Delhi via remote-link, local political and business leaders as well as entrepreneurs, all stakeholders in the future of the state. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, DGP J&K Dilbag Singh, former DGP J&K SP Vaid, former Army Chief Gen JJ Singh addressed the conclave podium.
The conclave also marked the beginning of national TV broadcaster India News’ ‘Sabse Pehle Desh’ (‘India First’) flagship dedication. Themed around ‘Sabse Pehle Desh’, discussions ranged from development, infrastructure, leaders for tomorrow, politics, business, entrepreneurship and start-ups. A special tribute was paid to the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign with the entire venue decorated with Indian flags.
This was the first time in the history of independent India that a live summit-level telecast was held from Lal Chowk in Srinagar. Tributes were paid to the Indian Army and the J&K Police for having created a security atmosphere that made this possible.
During his interaction Hon’ble Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, “Har Ghar Tiranga is a matter of pride for all Indians. It is a way of connecting with our heritage. The flag belongs to all Indians, irrespective of religion or political affiliation.”
Former Army Chief Gen JJ Singh speaking at the conclave said, “China will continue attempts to take over ‘claimed’ territories. India must let go of the belief that if it tries a soft approach vis-a-vis the Chinese, that the latter will agree to stay within limits. Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai push of 1954 was India’s biggest mistake.”
J&K DGP Dilbag Singh speaking at the conclave said. “The future of the youth of Kashmir is now transforming. I congratulate the Kashmiri youth for working towards their own betterment and for the betterment of Jammu & Kashmir as a whole.”
Former J&K DGP SP Vaid speaking at the conclave said, “The fact that you’re being able to do a Live telecast is an example of new hope for Kashmir. What you’re seeing today is vastly different from what Kashmir was once. Tourism is booming, seven medical colleges have been made, AIIMS, IITs, IIMs are all coming to Kashmir, there’s almost 50 thousand crores worth of investment, a UAE delegation visited, all of this is creating a new hope for Kashmir. Slowly the next generation will be able to harness these opportunities and get a new direction in life.”
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