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Pooja Jadhav, a tourist from Beed, Maharashtra, recently shared her eye-opening experience of visiting Kashmir, offering a stark contrast to the common narrative spread by certain media outlets. Often portrayed in the media as a conflict zone riddled with fear and unrest, Kashmir has a very different side that many, like Jadhav, are discovering.
Jadhav’s journey, which was fueled by her desire to witness the beauty and peace of the Kashmir Valley, turned into a testimony of serenity. Instead of encountering the turbulence that is frequently depicted in mainstream media, she found herself surrounded by scenic landscapes, warm hospitality, and an overwhelming sense of calm.
In her blog post and interviews, Jadhav spoke passionately about the contrast between what she had been told and what she actually experienced. “I saw peace, not fear,” Jadhav remarked. She expressed her disbelief at the distorted portrayal of Kashmir that dominates the media narrative, particularly in what is often referred to as “Godi media”—a term used to describe media outlets that critics claim peddle biased, sensationalized views to serve political agendas.
Jadhav’s experience in Kashmir included visiting popular spots like Srinagar’s Dal Lake, Gulmarg’s snow-capped mountains, and the historic Shankaracharya Temple. Everywhere she went, she was met with smiles from locals and stories of resilience. She highlighted the common misconception that the region is always embroiled in conflict, explaining that the true essence of Kashmir lies in its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the warmth of its people.
In one particular instance, Jadhav recounted a moment when she spoke to a local shopkeeper in Srinagar who explained how tourists have become a lifeline for their economy, especially after a period of instability. “Kashmiris just want peace,” Jadhav recalled him saying, “and tourists help bring that, bringing hope and prosperity.”Tourist
She also pointed out how the portrayal of Kashmir in the media could be disheartening for the residents who are often caught in the crossfire of political conflicts. “The media should focus on the positive aspects and show the world the Kashmir that we saw – peaceful, beautiful, and welcoming,” she urged.
Her travel experience is a call to the media and tourists alike to look beyond the stereotypes and explore Kashmir through their own eyes. As Jadhav puts it, “Don’t let the media’s fear dictate your perceptions. Kashmir is not just a conflict zone; it is a land of unparalleled beauty and peace.”
This refreshing narrative of Kashmir comes as a reminder to all — sometimes, the reality on the ground is far removed from the sensationalized headlines. For Jadhav, the Kashmir she visited will always be a place of peace, far from the fear often portrayed in the news.
