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.
Brisk Business in Outdated Medicine Sales in Kashmir
An unspoken corollary from the massive exodus of Pandit chemists is the sad truth that many replacement chemist shops do not hold to the same highest ethical business practices that departing Pandits did Illegal medicine business continues as authorities lament staff...
Disposal of Bio-Medical Waste in the Valley is Creating a Controversy
A lack of clear laws, coupled with mis-governance, is leading to a stinking cause-and-effect which may lead to some serious health issues in the future Between LD Hospital, SMC Bio-medical waste segregation triggers controversySamaan Lateef (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: A...
Educating Youth on the Impact of Global Warming in Kashmir
An Editorial in the Kashmir Images highlights a major challenge facing Kashmir todayClimatic WorriesIt is heartening to note that Kashmir University is gearing up to the challenges of climate change and has formed a working group which would suggest strategic plans to...
Basharat describes Cultural Academy's efforts to keep Kashmiri folk theater alive(Mr. Syed Basharat, 29, was born in Kreeri, Baramulla, and did his schooling in Kreeri, and later in Uri and Sopore. He graduated from the Degree College in Baramulla and completed his...
Heritage Tourism
Can heritage tourism do the trick in Kashmir?One Heritage Zone would fetch Rs 200 CroresMehboob Jeelani (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: The setting up of one heritage zone in old-city can generate Rs 200 crore annually for Kashmir’s tourism industry, according to...
State Government Must Introduce a Bill on Domestic Violence in the J&K State Legislature
Rifat wonders why the Bill on domestic violence against women, passed by the Indian Parliament in 2006, is getting the cold treatment in J&K(Rifat Kawoosa is a member of the Lawyers Collective Women's Rights Initiative (LCWRI), serving as its Legal/Advocacy...
Are Some Kashmiri Parents Dumping Their Drug Addict Wards at the Psychiatric Hospital?
Musavir has an on-the-spot report from a place that the society would rather not talk about(Mr. Musavirr Wani, 28, was born in Srinagar and attened the Burn Hall School. He graduated from the Meerut University and joined the Kashmir Times as a reporter. Loves driving...
Quality of Education Must be Improved
Riyaz says the education system is unable to produce results because key core targets are not being pursued(Mr. Riyaz Ahmad Qureshi, 34, was born in Kandi village in the Karnah tehsil, generally known as Tangdhar (Kupwara District). He was educated in a private school...
Kashmiri School Children Lead the Way
Kavita describes the Global Warming campaign promoted by school children in the valley(Dr. Kavita Suri was born in Jammu and did her primary schooling there. She received two Bachelor's degrees from the University of Jammu, one in Science from the the Government...
International Collaboration on Energy Research Awareness in J&K
The University of Kashmir joins with institutes in U.K., U.S.A., and Italy to create a new consortiumEnergy Research & Training Consortium Being set upGulmarg: Universities of Kashmir and Jammu have agreed to collaborate and work together to set up "Energy...