Skål International India has installed its 20th club, Skål International Kashmir, with a grand ceremony held at Taj Dal View in Srinagar. This historic event marks the first time an Indian Chief Minister has inaugurated a Skål Club of India. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, presided as the chief guest, bringing together Skålleagues, tourism leaders, hospitality stakeholders and dignitaries. The inauguration highlighted the growing importance of tourism in the Kashmir Valley, widely known as the paradise on earth.

The ceremony followed official Skål protocols with the oath-taking, pinning of office-bearers and founder members, certificate presentations, and recognition of contributors to tourism in the region. This new club further strengthens Skål International India’s expanding presence, following the installation of Skål International Jammu & Kashmir earlier this year as the organisation’s 19th club.

Speaking about the moment, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir, expressed confidence in the valley’s tourism strength, saying: “Kashmir welcomes Skål International with open arms, together, we will invite the world to rediscover our peace, beauty, and hospitality. Any B2B networking is good for the Kashmir economy. Tourism is our key business and Skål International India is doing excellent work, we are happy to see Kashmir in the spotlight for Skål International India.”

Mohan NSN, Vice President, Skål International 2026 & President-Elect 2027, highlighted the global appeal of the valley and added: “Kashmir is a destination that touches hearts, Skål International stands committed to empowering its tourism community with global opportunities. India is now one of the most dynamic forces in the Skål World community, our progress is truly outstanding.”

Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, reflected on the organisation’s growth and said: “Our 20th club in India reflects our belief in Kashmir’s power to inspire global travel and drive sustainable tourism growth. Our goal is to establish at least one club in every State and Union Territory and even multiple clubs where the industry size demands it.”

Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon, Vice President 1, Skål International Kashmir, shared the club’s mission: “Our mission is to unite every tourism professional here to showcase Kashmir’s timeless heritage and unmatched experiences to the world.”

• Office Bearers — Skål International Kashmir
  
  
• President — Sk Zahoor Ahmad Qari
  
  
• Vice President 1 — Sk Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon
  
  
• Vice President 2 — Sk Shamim A Shah
  
  
• Secretary — Sk Ather Yameen Narwari
  
  
• Treasurer — Sk Mir Anwar
  
  
• Membership Development Officer — Sk Tanveer Ahmad Khan
  
  
• Director — PR, Communications & CSR — Sk Irshad Hazari
  
  
• Auditor — Sk Rahil Patloo

Skål International India reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable and responsible tourism, strengthening alliances with valley-wide stakeholders, enhancing global visibility and exchange, and contributing to socio-economic progress through tourism excellence.

The installation evening celebrated Kashmiri culture with musical performances, felicitations and warm camaraderie, reflecting unity, pride and a shared vision for the future of tourism in the valley. With this landmark inauguration, Skål India continues to embrace its philosophy of “Doing Business Among Friends” while strengthening tourism leadership across the country.