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

The two-day international conference on Amarnath Yatra in South Kashmir on Thursday, June 25, 2026, explored the potential of the pilgrimage for “national integration and bonding between communities in Kashmir”.

Former President Professor of the Center for Freedom Struggle and Diaspora Studies, New Delhi. “Yatra is an irreplaceable tool for building emotional bridges between diverse communities. Apart from its vast employment potential, the economic vitality of the pilgrimage also nourishes local ecosystems,” said Kapil Kumar.

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

Calling the yatra “an irreplaceable tool to build emotional bridges between different communities”, Mr. Kumar said, “Symbols of national pride and the national anthem are the way to bridge social divides.”

The conference also focused on the adoption of practices compatible with the ecology of the region during the pilgrimage; as ecologically sensitive forest areas in south and central Kashmir in Pahalgam and Sonmarg are used for trekking to the cave shrine during pilgrimage.

Abdul Rouf Farooqi, a research fellow at Desh Bhagat University in Punjab, focused on the fragile nature of the high-altitude ecosystem and suggested “strict conservation rules”.

Dr., who works at DY Patil School of Allied Health Services, Pune. On increasing healthcare services for pilgrims and reducing mortality rates, Maajid Mohi Ud Din Malik said, “Amarnath route is located at an altitude of approximately 3,088 meters above sea level, where pilgrims often experience heart problems, blood pressure fluctuations and breathing difficulties due to low oxygen levels. Creating robust digital monitoring and emergency medical systems is the need of the hour to reduce these casualties”.

Kashmir has been hosting the yatra for decades. However, the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, which killed 26 civilians, affected the influx of pilgrims last year.

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

Speaking at the Farewell Session of the Conference, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said: “Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a living example of India’s spiritual consciousness, cultural heritage and human values. We must preserve, enrich and transmit this great tradition to future generations. The sacred Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra represents social unity and deep inner reflection.

He said that at a time when divisions are increasing in many parts of the world, the Yatra offers a unique model of co-existence. “Pilgrimage expresses that the true purpose of faith is to bring people together. It is a spiritual journey towards the common values ​​of humanity. The Holy Yatra is also a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural diversity,” Mr. Sinha said.

He said it was a collective responsibility to maintain the balance between development and nature conservation. “We have been committed to zero waste yatra and pilgrims are encouraged through campaigns such as 100 per cent waste recycling, organized waste collection networks and ‘Bring plastic, buy a bag’ initiatives for environmental protection,” Mr. Sinha said.