SRINAGAR,18-SEP: On Saturday night Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC) witnessed an electrifying atmosphere as Lions Clubs International (LCI) Lucknow held its district cabinet installation in Srinagar.The organization choose Srinagar as the destination for the event where lions of LCI Lucknow or District 315-B1 roared while tourism stakeholders from Kashmir urged the lions to act as ambassadors to counter negative perception against visiting the ‘Paradise on Earth’.As part of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism destination) Srinagar was the perfect destination for LCI Lucknow for its 25th District Cabinet Installations at shores of famed Dal Lake.At an impressive ceremony here with myriad activities, the organization gleefully embraced the venue at their first sight and without any second thought made they comfortable.While Secretary Tourism and Culture, Sarmad Hafeez welcomed the members, it was his compliment that “it is heartening to see lions are roaring here in Kashmir,” that touched the right chord with the LCI Lucknow. And the response was prompt with a huge round of applause from the participants. To this, Hafeez thanked the Lions Clubs Lucknow for choosing Srinagar as their destiny to hold their District Cabinet Installations and hoped that the organization will continue to visit the place in future also.While commenting over the impressive work being done by the organization in humanitarian field worldwide and across India, Hafeez termed LCI Lucknow as an institution with a sacred mission to serve humanity.“I compliment the organization for their humanitarian works and the people who are associated with this organization,” Hafeez said.The Secretary urged the organization to act as Kashmir’s ambassador to help counter negative perception about Kashmir against traveling this beautiful place.“Be our ambassador across India and tell people that Kashmir is a beautiful place with awesome people imbibed with hospitality in their culture,” he added.Earlier, during an impressive ceremony, the organization facilitated past district governors and present district governors.While addressing the participants, past district president Lions Clubs Lucknow or District 321-B1, Gurnam Singh thanked the Tourism Department local tourism players for their immeasurable hospitality and their honest efforts in making the event a grand success.On the occasion, Lion Clubs Lucknow Ashish and Lions Clubs Lucknow Premier unveiled their flags which received a resounding welcome from participants. Besides, a short video was also played wherein a detailed profile of the organization was given from its past presidents to its domain of works in humanitarian areas. The district 321-B1 has 3116 members with 110 clubs in this single district and among which 281 lions (members) participated in the event.Addressing the installation event, Director Tourism Kashmir, Dr GN Itoo seconded the Secretary Tourism over his remarks about the wrong perception among people outside of Kashmir and called upon the Lions to Kashmir is enriched with culture, hospitality and of course beauty.“Enjoy Kashmir, its beauty and hospitality of Kashmir. We wish to see you coming back to Kashmir. There is a negative perception which needs to be addressed and this forum can be our great ambassador in this regard,” Dr Itoo hoped.Famous hotelier from Kashmir, Mushtaq Chaya also spoke on the occasion, while Deputy Director Tourism (Publicity), Dr Ahsan-ul-Haq Chisthi, Showkat Ahamd Pakhtoon, a houseboat owner from Kashmir and other concerned were also present during the occasion.About Lions Clubs International: Founded in 1917, we are best known for fighting blindness, but we also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects – including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.(CNS)
