Fri Aug 01 05:08:11 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, attending a tourism event in Ahmedabad. He shared positive experiences about his visit, including a run at the Sabarmati Riverfront. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight at Abdullah’s visit, highlighting its symbolic importance for national unity and encouraging domestic tourism. Abdullah praised the Statue of Unity and the Sardar Sarovar Dam as symbols of a new India and emphasized the benefits the Dam has provided to the state. He also drew a comparison to the water resource situation in Jammu and Kashmir, noting potential opportunities now that the Indus Water Treaty has been suspended.
**News Article:**
**Abdullah’s Gujarat Visit Hailed as Symbol of Unity, Sparks Tourism Push**
**New Delhi, August 1, 2025** – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent visit to Gujarat, including a stop at the iconic Statue of Unity, has been praised as a powerful symbol of national unity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media on Thursday, July 31, 2025, to express his happiness at Abdullah’s visit.
“Kashmir to Kevadia! Good to see Shri Omar Abdullah Ji enjoying his run at the Sabarmati Riverfront and visiting the Statue of Unity,” Modi posted on X. “His visit to SoU gives an important message of unity and will inspire our fellow Indians to travel to different parts of India.”
Abdullah himself shared images of his run along the Sabarmati Riverfront, describing it as “one of the nicest places I’ve been able to run.” He also lauded the Statue of Unity and the Sardar Sarovar Dam, calling them “symbols of new India” and “a true tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.”
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah highlighted the positive impact the dam has had on arid regions like Kutch, providing much-needed water resources. He contrasted this with the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that past restrictions under the Indus Water Treaty had hindered similar projects. With the treaty now suspended, Abdullah expressed optimism for future water resource development in the region.
The 182-meter Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first home minister. The site, located near Ekta Nagar (formerly Kevadia) in the Narmada district, has become a major tourist attraction. Abdullah’s visit, endorsed by the Prime Minister, is expected to further boost domestic tourism and promote a sense of national integration.
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