Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Kashmir on Thursday (7th March) was not just about inaugurating development works, but it also brought to light the heartwarming backstory of his long-standing friendship with a man named Ashraf Azad.
Amidst the dignitaries at the Srinagar airport, PM Modi took a moment to meet the 60-year-old Azad, whom he fondly referred to as “Azad Saheb” and appreciated his efforts, stating, “your hard work has paid off. Many people had come to the gathering.”
Azad, known as the ‘Host and Dost’ of PM Modi and the BJP’s first Muslim leader from the valley, hails from the Budgam district. Their friendship dates back over three decades, even before Modi became the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Their journey together began in 1992 during a Tiranga Yatra led by Modi and BJP President Murli Manohar Joshi in the troubled times of militant insurgency in Kashmir. Azad, who was associated with extremist organizations at that time, was inspired by Modi and Joshi’s courage to hoist the Indian tricolour in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk despite death threats from terrorists.
Moved by their commitment, Azad shed his extremist leanings and joined the BJP. Modi, recognizing Azad’s potential, invited him to Delhi and visited his village in Budgam personally. The two then embarked on a 10-day journey across all six districts of Kashmir, engaging with the locals and discussing their aspirations for peace, development, and progress.
Since then, Azad has remained associated with the BJP, campaigning for their candidates and contesting assembly polls. Despite not receiving any higher position or material benefit, Azad is content that the mission they started in 1992 has been largely successful.
Their enduring friendship and understanding of Kashmir’s ground realities were evident when they met again at the Srinagar airport during PM Modi’s recent visit. As they inquired about each other’s well-being, the bond between the two friends, despite the passage of time, remained strong.
Image Source: Opindia
