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.
A Forgotten Badshahi Type Monument
Iqbal describes a small but a glorious architectural piece of late Mughal period that is in utter neglect at the left bank of river Jhelum at Shah Mohalla, Safa Kadal(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numastics,...
Interesting Study of Social Trends
Unfortunately, the news is not goodKashmir on brink of social precipiceZulfikar Majid/ Gowhar Bhat (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: Acute poverty, unemployment, dowry, modern education and the about two decades of conflict are some of the major reasons for late marriages in...
The Original Kashmiri Bravado
Zahid takes you on a journey of enchantment that only old-timers can recall with relish(Mr. Zahid G. Mohammad, 60, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English literature from the Kashmir University and has completed a course in Mass...
A Special Bond Unlike Any Other
Rafiya speaks from her heartMiss you Mom: Mothers day passed, but your memories remainRafiya MunshiSome days back while managing books my shivering hands got hold of some notes written years back for me by my mother. I felt myself quite close to life, as these were...
Grounding the Tourist Mania
Ashraf discusses the on going debate in the valley between preserving natural beauty and creating artificial beauty to look natural(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 66, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the S.P College before joining the...
Where Materialism Trumps New World Curiosity
Citizens of the state with the highest VAT would rather buy a TV then go on a vacation!Kashmir outbound tourism also catches the stagnation bugSrinagar: With inbound tourist flow to Valley almost stagnant, the outbound tourism is also facing the same fate as...
A Unique Civilizational Experiment
Balraj Puri wonders if diversity is a virtue, how come Ladakh and Jammu lose out in history books?(Mr. Balraj Puri, 80, was born in Jammu city and attended the Ranbir High School and the Prince of Wales College in Jammu. He is a journalist, human rights activist and a...
The River of Tragedy
Jhelum is the lifeline of Kashmir, save it from chokingSave water bodiesMohammad Yusuf, University of Kashmir“Save Water Bodies”, an awareness rally launched jointly by the Tourism Department, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Kashmir Rafting Operators Association on...
Promoting Quality Education in J&K
Iftikar says that teachers should be held responsible for the poor performance of government schoolsTake them to taskIftikar Rashid WaniWhile going through various recently published newspaper articles about the performance of government schools, it seems that a rosy...
Silence of the Lambs
Afshana laments on eerie silence in a culture that traditionally feasts on loud demonstrations(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in Srinagar where she...