Atul Kulkarni’s Journey to Pahalgam: A Stand Against Terrorism

By: Javid Amin
Srinagar 27 April 2025: In a time when fear often overshadows beauty, actor Atul Kulkarni chose a different path — a path of hope, resilience, and solidarity. Following a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, many travelers canceled their long-awaited vacations. Fear seeped into the hearts of tourists, causing nearly 90% of bookings in the valley to be withdrawn overnight, even during the peak season.

But instead of giving in to fear, Atul Kulkarni packed his bags and flew straight into the heart of Kashmir. His visit wasn’t just symbolic; it was a loud and clear message to the world — “Humara Kashmir hai, hum ayenge” (Kashmir is ours, and we will come).

This is not just a story about an actor visiting a place.
This is a story about resilience.
About love.
About standing tall against forces that seek to divide us.
About why Kashmir — with its snow-capped mountains, flowering gardens, and warm-hearted people — needs us now more than ever.

Also Read | Wheels, Peaks, and Hidden Valleys: Conquering Kashmir’s Scenic Highways

Atul Kulkarni’s Brave Stand: More Than Words, It’s Action

When Atul Kulkarni spoke to BBC News Hindi while on his way to Pahalgam, his words resonated with millions across India. He said:

“When an attack like this happens, we often post on social media or talk to friends. But what real action do we take? I thought — why not actually come here, stand by Kashmir, and show the world that we are not afraid?”

He emphasized the importance of not letting fear break the beautiful bond that has been strengthening between Kashmir and the rest of India.

For the past few years, Kashmir has witnessed a tourism renaissance. Travelers from across the country and abroad had begun to return to the valley in large numbers, charmed by its unmatched beauty and warmth.

Atul made a simple but powerful point:
If we allow fear to win, we risk losing this newly rekindled connection.

Kashmir Is Safe: A Message the World Needs to Hear

Atul didn’t just talk; he showed.
His journey — documented beautifully on Instagram — showed images of empty airplane seats, his boarding pass, and the quiet yet welcoming vibes of Srinagar and Pahalgam.

He captioned his post:

“Mumbai to Srinagar. The crew says they were running full. We need to fill them up again. Chaliye ji, Kashmir chalein!”

With hashtags like #ChaloKashmir, #Feet_in_Kashmir, #Kashmiriyat, #Love_Compassion, and #DefeatTerror, Atul made a powerful online movement, encouraging people to reimagine Kashmir not as a place of conflict but as a place of connection.

He highlighted what many travelers experience firsthand — Kashmir is incredibly safe for tourists.
The hospitality, love, and warmth that the Kashmiri people extend to every visitor is beyond words.

Also Read | Secret Towns In Kashmir Hidden From Tourists: Unveiling the Valley’s Best-Kept Secrets

Love, Compassion, and Kashmiriyat: Rekindling the Spirit

As Atul interacted with locals, shared tea with them, clicked pictures of peaceful rivers and green meadows, and met children waving the national flag, he brought attention to the real Kashmir — a land of hospitality, resilience, and undying spirit.

He met locals carrying placards reading:

“We Condemn This Attack”
“Terror Has No Religion”
“We Welcome You With Love”

This was not staged; this was Kashmiriyat — the centuries-old ethos of love, compassion, and inclusivity — shining through even in the face of tragedy.

Why You Should Visit Kashmir Now More Than Ever

Here’s the thing — when terror strikes, it tries to isolate.
It aims to create fear.
It seeks to break the spirit of unity.

But every traveler who chooses to visit Kashmir today becomes a living symbol of unity, strength, and hope.

Tourism isn’t just about seeing beautiful places.
In Kashmir, tourism supports livelihoods — of guides, houseboat owners, handicraft artisans, pony riders, hoteliers, and countless families whose dreams are tied to the land.

When you travel to Kashmir, you don’t just see a destination; you empower an entire community.

Also Read | Springtime in Paradise: Explore Kashmir’s Spectacular Tulip Festival and Vibrant Festivities

Moments of Peace: Atul’s Visual Journey

Atul shared stunning glimpses from his journey:

Clear blue skies over Pahalgam
Gurgling brooks flowing through lush meadows
Snow-dusted mountains standing proudly under the sun
Children playing cricket in open fields
Smiling faces welcoming him at every step

His Instagram became a live album of Kashmir’s true spirit — not fear, but hope. Not destruction, but dreams.

One photo especially touched hearts — a handwritten poem pinned next to a Kashmiri Chinar tree, talking about resilience and new beginnings.

Kashmir Tourism: A Journey of the Soul

Kashmir isn’t just another tourist destination.
It’s a soulful experience.
It’s where you find peace in the lap of Himalayas.
It’s where every local treats you like family.
It’s where you realize how important love, hospitality, and humanity are.

The valleys of Sonamarg, the gardens of Srinagar, the rivers of Pahalgam, and the snow fields of Gulmarg are waiting.
Not just for tourists — but for believers in hope.

Also Read | Mornings at Dal Lake: A Dreamlike Experience in the ‘Paradise on Earth’

Voices from the Valley: “Please Don’t Cancel!”

After the tragic incident, many Kashmiris took to social media, urging travelers:

“Please don’t cancel. We are safe. We are waiting for you.”

Local tour guides, houseboat owners, and artisans said that support from the rest of India means everything.
Kashmir’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism, needs solidarity — now more than ever.

Each visitor becomes an ambassador of hope.
Each smile exchanged in the valley is a silent rebellion against fear.

What You Can Do: 10 Simple Ways to Support Kashmir Today

Travel to Kashmir – Plan your vacation, honeymoon, family trip, or adventure tour.
Promote Positive Stories – Share positive pictures, blogs, and experiences about Kashmir.
Support Local Businesses – Buy handicrafts, dry fruits, pashmina shawls, and other local products.
Book Local Stays – Prefer homestays, local hotels, and Kashmiri-owned establishments.
Educate Others – Encourage friends and family to see Kashmir as a symbol of hope, not fear.
Be Respectful – Understand local traditions and show respect to the culture and people.
Use Positive Hashtags – Spread positive narratives using hashtags like #ChaloKashmir, #SafeKashmir, #LoveKashmir.
Support NGOs – Help local NGOs working on education, skill development, and relief in Kashmir.
Talk About Kashmir’s Culture – Share about Kashmir’s poetry, music, art, and food.
Stand Against Misinformation – Fight fake news and negative stereotypes.

Also Read | Self-Booking Vs Travel Agent: Which is the Better Choice for Your Next Trip?

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Visit Kashmir

Spring and summer turn Kashmir into a living postcard:

Tulip Gardens bloom like a rainbow on the ground.
Apple orchards buzz with life.
Alpine lakes mirror the skies.
Meadows dance in the gentle breeze.

And now, post the tragedy, visiting Kashmir isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s about healing. For them. For us. For India.

Bottom-Line: Together, We Rise

Atul Kulkarni’s brave visit to Kashmir wasn’t just a travel diary. It was a call to action for every Indian.

To see Kashmir not through the lens of terror, but through the eyes of a traveler, a dreamer, a human being.
To stand by a land that has given the world poetry, beauty, music, and the warmest hugs.
To show the world that love always wins over hate.

So, are you ready?

Cancel fear. Not your Kashmir trip. Let’s go, together. #ChaloKashmir