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| CM supports inclusion of mountaineering in curriculum | | Says it will create interest among youth in nature | | Early Times Reporter
Srinagar | May 15
Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Thursday highlighted the need for introducing mountaineering as a subject in curriculum to create interest among the younger generation about the nature's gift, adding that Jammu and Kashmir has the best mountains of the world.
Addressing the inaugural 3-day function of year-long golden jubilee celebrations of Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) here, the Chief Minister said that the introduction of mountaineering in curriculum would help in better appreciation of mountains and sensitize the younger generation about environment conservation. He felt that this should have been in focus much earlier. He said the presence of huge mountains could place the youth of the State in better stead to give lead in mountaineering.
Azad said the State offered much potential for promotion of adventure sports that needs to be optimally tapped for generating greater avenues of employment and activating economy. He said Jammu and Kashmir had the rare combination of places both for adventure and leisure tourism. He said snow clad mountains not only add to the scenic splendor and help keep the climate soothing in summers but also serve as our protectors. He said "we should be proud of our mountains and there was need to explore these."
Chief Minister congratulated the IMF and its functionaries for choosing Kashmir as the venue for holding its golden jubilee inaugural function and suggested for organizing the concluding function here as well.
Azad thanked the IMF for setting up of its centre at Leh and urged for creating such a facility at Srinagar. He said this would attract mountaineers from within Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring states. He also asked the concerned authorities to revive the store facility to provide state-of-the-art mountaineering equipment.
Referring to the efforts being made for revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister said that the State was participating in several travel marts all over to woo domestic and foreign tourists. He also underlined the need for creating new attractions to prolong their stay in the State. He said promotion of mountaineering related activities could be one of such attractions.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports, M. S. Gill said that Jammu and Kashmir had unparalleled natural beauty and offered ample scope for promotion of adventure tourism for which he assured full support of his ministry for the purpose. He emphasized the need for protecting environment particularly in activities like mountaineering.
Gill said since tourism provides vast employment opportunities, youth should set up their self-employment units in the sector. He said Ladakh, known as moon land, also offers tremendous opportunities for tourism.
The Union Minister expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for hosting the IMF meet.
The Chief Minister launched posters in English and Urdu on saving Himalayas besides inaugurating a photo exhibition on the subject. A power point presentation on the activities of IMF was also made on the occasion.
Minister for Industries and Commerce, Nawang Rigzin Jora appreciated IMF for organizing its special event here. He said there was need to attract more and more tourists to the State. President IMF, H. P. S. Ahluwalia threw light on the activities of the organization during the past 50 years and its future plan of action to promote mountaineering. Vice President, IMF, Mohammad Ashraf and Director Tourism, Kashmir also addressed the inaugural function. |
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