Srinagar, Feb 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday felicitated the winners of the Photography and Reel Competition held as part of the inaugural celebrations of the Chrysanthemum Garden in Srinagar.
The felicitation ceremony, organised by the Department of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, honoured participants for their exceptional creativity and artistic expression in capturing the beauty and grandeur of the majestic garden.
The Chief Minister presented Certificates of Merit along with cash awards to the winners with ₹20,000 as first prize, ₹10,000 as second prize, and ₹5,000 as third prize in each category.
Congratulating the winners, the Chief Minister said such initiatives provide an important platform for creative engagement and youth participation.
“Kashmir’s gardens are not merely landscapes of flowers; they are living symbols of our heritage, creativity and cultural pride. Through photography and reels, our youth have beautifully captured the spirit of this garden and shared it with the world,” he said.
He added that encouraging artistic expression around nature and public spaces strengthens community bonding and promotes eco-consciousness.
“When our young people use their talent to celebrate nature, they become ambassadors of Kashmir’s beauty and values. Such platforms must continue to inspire innovation and cultural expression,” he remarked.
The competitions witnessed enthusiastic participation from both young and seasoned photographers, reflecting the growing interest in nature-based creative pursuits and digital storytelling.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Director Floriculture, Gardens and Parks Kashmir, along with senior officers of the department.
