A local resident of Sonmarg in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district returned a tourist’s lost bag containing cash, an iPhone, and important belongings without touching its contents. The bag was lost while the tourist was enjoying the scenic beauty of Sonmarg.
A Gesture of KindnessThe tourist was grateful and praised the local people for their honesty. “This kind of honesty—you can only witness it in Kashmir,” she said. A local shopkeeper, Fayaz Ahmad, attributed this act to the cultural ethos of Kashmiriyat, which emphasizes harmony, compassion, and mutual respect.
Reflecting Kashmiriyat ValuesThis incident showcases the timeless values of Kashmiriyat, where locals prioritize helping others and treating guests with kindness. Similar acts of generosity have been seen in the region, such as locals providing shelter and food to stranded tourists during snowstorms.
