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 Pillar of Civil Society
Nazir says that a good and conscientious journalist has no borders(Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani, 59, is a jurist. He was born in Naranthal (Jalshree) village near Baramulla and was a student at the Government Degree College in Baramulla. Subsequently, he studied English...
Creating World Class Products for Export Market
Mohi-u-Din believes the success in exports of crewel embroidery and chain stitch rugs over traditional carpets and shawls is due to innovation in manufacturing(Mr. Ghulam Mohi-u-Din Khan, is a Crewel and Chain Stitch Manufacturer/Exporter. He is a member of Excutive...
Public Health is a Challenge in Kashmir
Water borne diseases kill 200 kids every yearNew Kashmir ChallengeMehboob Jeelani (Rising Kashmir)Srinagar: After 20 years of violence, Kashmir has identified its new enemy – the water borne diseases that are alarmingly proving to be fatal, particularly among the...
The K-Word: Is it Kashmir or Kentucky?
Ashraf wonders why Separatists keep writing letters to American Presidents, especially when America could not care less. But wait, there is more .... Kashmir actually belongs to America!(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 66, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P....
Home of Ancient Civilizations
Iqbal pleads for preserving Kashmir's ancient manuscripts written in Sanskrit and Persian(Mr. Iqbal Ahmad, 48, was born in Parigam Chek, Kulgam. He is a graduate with Diploma in Numastics, Archaeology and Heritage. He is an archaeologist, writer, and a cultural...
A Tragedy of Immense Proportions
In March 2009, Lal Ded Maternity Hospital records the highest number of infant deaths in any month in its historyDeliveries go wrong in Lal DedSrinagar: Eleven newborns died in Lal Ded (LD) hospital during March, allegedly due to mishandling of deliveries and wrong...
Bridging the Industry-to-Industry Divide in J&K
Mehmood discusses dilemma in reconciling needs of vocal businessmen with rural activists on industrial policy(Mr. Mehmood-ur-Rashid, mid-30's, lives and works in Srinagar. His commentary is published by the Rising Kashmir.)Talking industrySectoral typology of economy...
Reviving Agricultural Sector in Kashmir Requires Change in Priorities
An editorial in the Rising Kashmir puts emphasis on money, but equally or even more important is a change in public perception about the importance of agrarian economy on alleviating poverty in rural countryside of the StateReviving agro-economyNow that the new...
KPSS Holds an Exhibition Displaying Photos of Desecrated Temples in Kashmir
Sanjay's organization hosted an exhibition that drew audience from all major separatist organizations in the valley(Mr. Sanjay K. Tickoo, 46, was born and raised in Srinagar. After graduating from Hindu High School in Sheetal Nath, Srinagar, he completed his B.Sc....
Paranoia Runs Deep in Kashmir, Especially When it Comes to Dealing with the Success of a Miniscule Minority
It is unfortunate that some Kashmiris display characteristic insecurity in coming to grips with the success of a handful of minority Pandits, forgetting conveniently that significantly higher proportion of the majority community - intellectual or otherwise - work for...