Srinagar, March 28 (IANS) The 'Spirit of India' run - an initiative of former Australian parliamentarian Pat Farmer and the tourism ministry - entered the Kashmir valley on Monday.
On entering the valley after crossing the Bannihal or Jawahar tunnel - which connects Kashmir with Jammu and the rest of the world by road - Farmer said Kashmir was safe for tourism and the people should shun their prejudiced views to visit the beautiful place and enjoy themselves.
The eight-member team of Farmer comprises his wife Tania, crew manager Katie Walsh, doctor Joseph Grace, journalist Kevin Nguyen, film director Anupam Sharma and his three assistants.
The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department organised a cultural programme to welcome the team, in which artistes showcased Kashmiri art and music.
The 'Spirit of India' run under the aegis of the 'Incredible India' programme began on January 26 from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu and will culminate at Srinagar on March 31 after travelling through various states.
It provides a unique opportunity to showcase Jammu and Kashmir's historical places of tourist interest in the Australian market.
