Two-day international conference on Amarnath yatra focusses on national integration, safeguarding environment

A two-day international conference on the Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir on Thursday (June 25, 2026) delved into the potential of the pilgrimage in “national integration and forging bonds between the communities in Kashmir”.  

“The yatra is an irreplaceable tool for building emotional connecting bridges between diverse communities. Besides the vast employment potential, the pilgrimage’s economic vitality feeds into local ecosystems,” said Prof. Kapil Kumar, former Chair Professor, Centre for Freedom Struggle & Diaspora Studies, New Delhi.

He was speaking at the International Conference on Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, organized by the Government Degree College for Women, Anantnag, in collaboration with the District Administration Anantnag in south Kashmir. The pilgrimage will start from July 3 this year.

Terming the Yatra as an “irreplaceable tool for building emotional connecting bridges between diverse communities”, Mr. Kumar said, “Symbols of national pride and the national anthem are the path to dissolving communal divides”.

The conference also focused on adopting practices during the pilgrimage in tune with ecology of the region, as ecologically fragile areas of forests in south and central Kashmir from Pahalgam and Sonmarg are used to trek to the cave shrine during the pilgrimage. 

Abdul Rouf Farooqi, a research scholar at the Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, put focus on the fragile nature of the high-altitude ecosystem and proposed “strict conservation guidelines”.

On augmenting the health care of pilgrims and reducing mortality, Dr. Maajid Mohi Ud Din Malik, who works at the D.Y. Patil School of Allied Health Services, Pune, said, “The Amarnath route sits approximately 3,088 meters above sea level, where pilgrims frequently experience cardiac problems, blood pressure fluctuations, and respiratory difficulties due to low oxygen levels. Building robust digital monitoring and emergency medical systems is the need of the hour to reduce casualties”.

Kashmir has been hosting the yatra for decades. However, the Pahalgam attack in April 2025 which left 26 civilians dead, impacted the footfall of pilgrims last year.  

“The Yatra highlights India’s identity as a great nation built on enduring values and communal harmony,” said Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag. He lauded the collaborative synergy between the administration and academia. 

Addressing the Valedictory Session of the conference, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a living embodiment of India’s spiritual consciousness, cultural heritage and humane values. We must preserve, enrich, and pass on this great tradition to future generations. The sacred Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra stands for social unity and deep inner reflection.

He said at a time when divisions appear to be rising in many parts of the world, the Yatra offers a unique model of coexistence. “The pilgrimage conveys that the true purpose of faith is to bring people together. It is a spiritual journey of the shared values of humanity. The holy Yatra is also a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural diversity,” said Mr. Sinha.

He said it was a collective responsibility to maintain a balance between development and nature conservation. “A zero-waste yatra has been our commitment, and pilgrims are encouraged through campaigns such as 100 percent waste recycling, organized waste-collection networks, and “Bring plastic, take a bag” initiatives for environmental protection,” said Mr. Sinha.