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.
What if Civilizational Wars Were Replaced by Cola Wars?
While Kashmir consumes Rs 270 Crores worth of carbonated drinks and juices annually, local drinks have only 2% market share Indigenous Industry Lacks Highly Sophisticated Marketing Approaches to Grow Local BrandsSrinagar: The consumption of carbonated and...
UNESCO Listed Heritage Site in Ladakh Undergoing Improper Renovation
17th century monastery may go from World Heritage Sites’ listHemis Gumpha In Ladakh On Verge Of CollapseSrinagar: Due to poor maintenance by the Archeological Survey of India, the 17th century Hemis Gumpha in Ladakh is likely to be dropped from the list of World...
Ghost of Swat Looms Large on Kashmir
As violence subsides and Spring weather returns, people begin to enjoy visits to parks, music and theatre. But Taliban chants are not far behind. First three reports on idyllic charms, and fourth and the last report a grim reminder of what is possibleAll city roads...
Kashmir is Steeped in Hindu Culture
Hindus may have left the valley (for the time being) but the valley resonates with their culture1500-Year Old Hindu Godess Idol Found in BijbeharaBijbihara: A rare stone sculpture (idol) of Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi, believed to be over 1500 years old, was...
Meaning of Azadi in a Land of Indulgence: Is Azadi possible without a movement of reform?
Firdous does a follow-up to an earlier story posted on the Blog on March 22, 2009(Mr. Firdous Syed, 43, was born in Bhaderwah, Doda, and had his schooling in Jammu. He is currently the Chairman of the "Kashmir Foundation for Peace and Development Studies," and...
Kashmiri Floriculture Exports Promoted by a Punjab Based Business Group
A public-private partnership provides a win-win situation for valley floristsFloriculture Department Ropes in Beauscape FarmsAbrar Lone (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: The Valley florists at last have something to cheer about as Beauscape Farms – a Punjab based flower and...
Culture Neutral: Persian Archives Meet (Almost) the Same Fate as Sanskrit Archives
Iqbal finds that after Sanskrit was replaced by Persian in the late 14th century, Kashmiri Sultans did not do much for preserving Persian documents either. Now, the situation is even more pressing: who will archive the material?(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in...
“Before Inviting Tourists, Please Take Care of the Hosts”
An editorial in the Rising Kashmir speaks about the chronic delusion otherwise called water logging in SrinagarSrinagar waterlogged: This city urgently needs an integrated deep drainage systemThe absence of integrated deep drainage system in Srinagar has led to the...
Environmental Challanges Facing the Mughal Road
Zahoor describes the situation that led to the Supreme Court decision on July 25, 2007 related to the Mughal Road Project(Mr. Zahoor Wani is a Srinagar based journalist specializing in environmental issues.)Revival of a historic roadThe revival of a historic road...
Fake Doctors Operating in Srinagar’s Premier Medical Facility
Kashmiri gullibility to trust one and all creates problems everywhereFake Doctors Busy In SMHS, HeldSrinagar: In an audacious case of impersonation, two persons, one of them a woman, have been found to be posing as doctors in Srinagar’s premier medical facility, the...