Srinagar, Aug 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has hailed HDFC Bank as a vital partner in Jammu and Kashmir’s economic progress, praising the institution’s growth, resilience and commitment to the region.
Speaking at HDFC Bank’s annual function at SKICC yesterday evening, the Chief Minister underscored the bank’s expanding footprint in the state, with 124 branches and an extensive ATM network serving both urban and remote areas. He highlighted its contributions across deposits, lending, priority sector financing and community-driven initiatives, calling them “a reflection of deep-rooted commitment to the people of J&K.”
“HDFC Bank’s presence here today is not just a celebration of financial success but a reaffirmation of faith in Jammu and Kashmir’s potential and its future,” Omar Abdullah remarked, thanking the bank for selecting Srinagar as the venue for its prestigious annual gathering.
Turning to tourism, the Chief Minister reminded the audience of Kashmir’s enduring legacy as the “heaven on earth,” a phrase inscribed on the walls of the Red Fort centuries ago. While many regions today promote themselves with catchy slogans, he said, Jammu and Kashmir has always stood as the original symbol of natural beauty and tourism promotion.
He urged visitors to look beyond Srinagar and experience the wider beauty of the state, stressing that sustainable tourism must remain the focus. “Our success will not be measured by bringing you here once, but by ensuring you return. Repeat visits are the true measure of our tourism efforts,” he said.
The event was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, legislators Farooq Ahmad Shah and Tanvir Sadiq, senior managers and officials of HDFC Bank, as well as delegates from across the country.
With the Chief Minister’s words framing banking growth alongside tourism revival, the evening highlighted a shared vision of economic strength and cultural pride for Jammu and Kashmir.
