Mumbai, Jan 30: Sajjan Jindal, the billionaire Chairman and Managing Director of JSW Group, unveiled several initiatives aimed at transforming the renowned ski resort of Gulmarg in northern Kashmir into a premier holiday destination.
This announcement followed his meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who conducted numerous high-profile discussions during the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) event held here.
“I had a fruitful meeting with Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. We focused on the development of Gulmarg, including its ski slopes, to elevate it as a world-class destination for skiing and holidays. The JSW Group will launch various initiatives through the JSW Foundation!” Jindal shared on X.
Located approximately 50 km from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is a major attraction for tourists, particularly winter sports enthusiasts.
The resort is set to host the fifth Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 from February 22 to 25, with over 1,000 athletes from 35 states, Union Territories, and sports boards expected to compete in events such as alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, and a demonstration sport—snowshoe racing.
Abdullah, who also shared Jindal’s post, mentioned engaging in critical discussions with industry leaders at the MICE event to tap into Jammu and Kashmir’s immense potential.
“…we are focused on preserving ecology, celebrating heritage, and emphasizing immersive experiences instead of sheer volume. J&K isn’t just heaven on earth—it’s India’s all-season gateway to wonder,” the chief minister noted in another post shared by his office on X.
A spokesperson for the J&K government reported that discussions on Wednesday evening between the chief minister and business leaders revolved around fostering collaborations across various sectors, including sports, fashion, culinary arts, wellness, healthcare, and technology.
Among the pivotal interactions, tennis legend Vijay Amritraj and his team discussed ways to promote golf tourism and enhance sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, Anita Dongre and her team investigated avenues to showcase Kashmir’s traditional textiles and craftsmanship on global platforms through her Kashmiri fashion label.
Additionally, Michelin-starred Chef Vikas Khanna and his team explored how to leverage Kashmir’s distinctive cuisine to boost culinary tourism and cultural exchanges, according to the spokesperson.
Furthermore, wellness expert Mickey Mehra suggested integrating wellness tourism with Kashmir’s tranquil landscapes.
The health team also participated in discussions focused on advancing public health initiatives and preventive care systems in the region.
The spokesperson added that representatives from tech unicorns and a coalition of rapidly-growing startups explored technology-driven innovations to enhance entrepreneurship and strengthen digital infrastructure in J&K.
