Introduction to KashmirForum.org Blog
Vijay K. Sazawal, Ph.D.
I launched the website and the Blog after undertaking a thorough search of literature dealing with Kashmir. Finding existing choices that varied from harsh zealotry as expressed by multiple political antagonists and religious bigots, I undertook multiple visits to the valley to make a first hand assessment of the situation as well as seek input from those on the ground – common people, civic and academic leaders of both genders, minorities, and bureaucrats both in Srinagar and New Delhi. After having spoken to government officials, political analysts and security experts specializing in South Asian affairs from three continents, it became clear to me that when Kashmiris are suffering and the world has its own set of prior-
-ities, we need to find ways to help each other. We must be realistic, go beyond polemics and demagoguery, and propose innovative ideas that will bring peace, justice and prosperity to all the peoples of Jammu and Kashmir. Above all, it is incomprehensive how violence can lead to any political closure or human justice when it simply impedes any healing, development or normalcy.
We encourage hearing from the disfranchised “silent majority” in Jammu and Kashmir. Please send your comments by contacting us. Thank you.
Lacking Intellectuals, Kashmir’s Civil Society Thrives on Hyperbole
Amin Sofi explains how irrelevant polemics in Kashmir sucks the oxygen out of any possibility to nuture intellectualism in the society(Dr. Mohammed Amin Sofi, 55, was born in Handwara. He received his early education from the Higher Secondary School in Handwara, and...
Empty Words, Empty Slogans
Nadeem contemplates on the fall of leadership from grace, but many others would argue that happened decades back(Mr. Nadeem Jahangir Bhat, 27, was born in Rakhi-Lajurah village in Pulwama district. He received his early education in a local private school and...
Bankruptcy of Leadership
Feroz looks at the "maximum leader" and finds some glaring shortcomings(Mr. Feroz Ahmad Paray, 23, was born in Kalampora in Pulwama District. He completed his B.Sc. degree (pre-medical stream) from the Government College in Pulwama, and is currently pursuing post...
Reconstructing a Shaken Psyche
Zafar pitches for people who suffered from vagaries of nature and then became victims all over again(Mr. Zafar Iqbal, 32, was born in village Tarar, Rawalakot, in the Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He did his early schooling in a private school,...
The Unavoidable Truth
Dr. Dabla presents timely information that is usually lost in the din to blame all crime to non-local offenders for political expediencyFrom Crime-Free to Crime-RiddenDr. Bashir Ahmad DablaIt is generally believed that the traditional Kashmiri society of 60 – 70 years...
Surviving a Paradigm Shift
Kashmir's libraries have to offer more than new magazines and old books to pull in interested readersDeclining reading culture affects attendance at libraries in KashmirFarzana Syed (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: The public libraries in the Valley are witnessing a...
Higher Education is Good, but are late Marriages Bad?
Study indicates that Kashmir is following a global social phenomenon, but Kashmiri public sees politics in every societal changeHigher education cause of late marriages: KU studyAbid Bashir (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: A new study of Kashmir University Monday revealed...
Interesting Numbers Related to Water Supply in Srinagar
Note that capacity of a water processing facility is expressed in units millions of gallons per day (MGD). A pump having a capacity of 1 MGD is capable of moving 1 million gallons of water during 24 hours (one day)Srinagar requires 62 MGD water against availability of...
Kashmir Produces a World Class Mountaineer
The mantle falls on Nasim Akhtar Kashmiri to lead Everest expeditionSrinagar: Nesim Akhtar, an experienced mountaineer from Kashmir would lead an expedition in 2011 from Northeast to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.Akhtar, who is also a member of the Governing...
Either as Vyeth or Hydaspes, Jhelum is Eternal
An editorial in the Greater Kashmir ponders about the future of a great river that sustains a shallow minded societyNational ShameJhelum is not just a water body that needs attention of environmentalists. It is the repository of our history and ethos, emotions and...