"When there is talk of Kashmir, lotus, flowers, and fragrance, it is natural to think of Maa Sharda, who is seated on a lotus flower. The Great Temple of Maa Sharda was inaugurated in Kupwara a few days ago. This temple is built along the same path that one would take to visit Sharda Peeth,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his 99th Mann ki Baat.
“The locals have contributed significantly to the Temple's development. I congratulate the people of Jammu and Kashmir on this auspicious work," he added.
"The first image that springs to mind when we think of Kashmir or Srinagar is of her valleys and Dal Lake. We'd all like to appreciate the beauty of Dal Lake...But, Dal Lake has one more unique feature. Dal Lake is also famous for its delectable Lotus Stems, commonly known as 'Kamal Kakdi'. Lotus stems are called by several names in different parts of the country. In Kashmir, they are known as Nadru. The demand for Kashmiri Nadru is constantly increasing," the Prime Minister noted.
In response to the increased demand for Nadru, growers formed a Farmers Producer Organization (FPO), with 250 farmers joining. Farmers are now authorised to export FPOs to other countries. They just sent two sets to the UAE. This not only honours Kashmir, but also enhances farmer revenue," he explained.
PM Modi also mentioned the farmers who have switched to growing lavender and the benefits they are receiving under the government's fragrance scheme.
Another initiative by Kashmiri farmers is spreading the scent of success. Actually, Bhadarwah is a small town in Jammu & Kashmir's Doda district. Farmers traditionally grew maize, but some farmers decided to try something new. They shifted their focus to floristry. Almost 2,500 farmers grow lavender under this programme.
They have also profited from the Aroma programme run by the government. This has more than doubled their revenue. And today, the smell of their accomplishment is spreading alongside the lavender," he continued.
He stated that we have been very busy with festivities in March, from Holi to Navratri. Ramzan, the holy month, has already begun. In the next days, the auspicious holiday of Ram Navami will also be observed. Following that, Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday, and Easter will be observed. In April, we also commemorate the birth anniversaries of two notable Indian figures. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Babasaheb Ambedkar are two great men. Both of these great men made extraordinary contributions to the abolition of discrimination in society.
