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.
Food habits in Kashmir are Consistent With Global Trend Towards Indulgence
Dr. Dabla, head of the Department of Sociology, University of Kashmir, examines dietary habits among KashmirisChanging Food Habits in KashmirDr. B A DablaThe traditional Kashmiri society was till the recent past characterized with extreme poverty and miserable life...
Juvenile Delinquency is a Growing Menace in Kashmir
Iftikar think school teachers can be most helpful in tackling the social disorderFighting the evilIftikar Rashid Wani (Rising Kashmir)Finally an institution of international repute woke from a deep slumber to have deliberations on a serious social problem -...
Tackling Unemployment
Tanvir describes his blue print for the most pressing problem of the day (Mr. Tanvir Sadiq, 31, was born in Srinagar and attended the Burn Hall School. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Information technology and management from Orissa University. He is the...
Saving Manuscripts – Government Wakes Up!
The J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) takes the chargeJ&K govt launches Mission ManuscriptsJammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages has launched a "Mission for Manuscripts", to help catalogue and preserve rare...
Dream Kashmir
In Mehmood's dream, Kashmir is a model for justice, knowledge and beauty(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, 36, was born in Srinagar. He graduated from the Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He has been active in journalism for over ten years, and currently works at the Rising Kashmir...
Did Hurriyat Flunk the Elementary “Politics 101” Test?
Javid suggests that the Hurriyat Conference should introspect and correct its politics in order to remain relevant(Mr. Javid Ahmad Dar, 26, was born and raised in Srinagar. He received his Bachelor's degree from the Amar Singh College, Srinagar and secured first...
On Corruption, Good Governance, and Effective Leadership
Three thought provoking articles on ways to overcome J&K's uncertain futureFighting CorruptionBashir Ahmed (Greater Kashmir)The officialdom in Kashmir has strangulated the process of our progress and development. It is responsible for the miseries of the common...
Decadent Culture – that too, but it is mostly bad laws that inhibits transparency and liberalization
Mr. Qalander is seeking patrons within state bureaucracy when he should be asking for dismantling of the "License Raj"‘Decadent industrial culture’ led to Kashmir business downfall: FCIKSrinagar: The industrial sector in Kashmir has reached to its nadir, owing to what...
First 100 Days of the Omar Abdullah Administration
Fayaz conducts a prognosis of the new State administrationEvaluating performanceFayaz Malik (Rising Kashmir)As Omar Abdullah government in Jammu and Kashmir completes 100 days in office, it is customary for both print and electronic media to present before its readers...
RTI Act is Only as Good as its Implementation
Abid reports on a seminar that emphasized the role of the civil society in maximizing benefits under the RTI Act(Mr. Abid Bashir Wani, 27, was born in Srinagar. He attended the National School, Srinagar, and went for college studies to the Government Degree College,...