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.
Kashmir’s Roads are a Disgrace – CM Reacts
The new Administration seems to be listeningCM forms task force for speedy work of city roadsJammu: Chief minister (CM) Omar Abdullah has set up a task force headed by Cabinet minister Ali Muhammad Sagar to gear up the work on road projects in Srinagar City.An...
Can This “Patient” be Revived?
An editorial in the Greater Kashmir restates what should be the number one challenge in the valley but always gets second billingCalling Civil SocietyThe most vexed problem after the “Kashmir issue” the state is confronted with is preserving the Dal Lake. Is talking...
Saving Kashmir’s Forests
Jehangir examines a sad reality in Kashmir(Mr. Jehangir Rashid Malik, 36, was born in Srinagar, and did his primary schooling at the Green Land Educational Institute in Hawal, Srinagar. He studies at the Sri Partap Higher Secondary School for classes XI and XII, and...
Breaking the Gender Ceiling
Kavita discusses the UGC’s initiative on nurturing women managers in higher education in the State(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...
Can Kashmir Valley Become Another Silicon Valley?
Shahid hosts an important 2-day meeting bringing Indian expertise (NASSCOM) and Kashmiri finance (J&K Bank) together to develop an ambitious plan to equip 5000 students for global IT industry every year(Dr. Shahid Rasool Bhat, 44, was born in Handwara. He...
Archeological Discoveries on the Banks of Lidder
Iqbal shows how Pahalgam is indeed special(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 historian. Mr. Iqbal Ahmad has published 12 reference...
Can Education Lead to Moral and Ethical Decay?
Javaid examines the dilemma facing the contemporary society in Kashmir(Professor Javaid Iqbal Bhat, 30, was born in Anantnag. He completed his Bachelor's degree from the Amar Singh College, Srinagar, and his M.A. and M. Phil. from the Centre for English Studies in the...
Saving the Kashmiri Stag also known as “Hangul”
Hangul population has dwindled from 3,000-5,000 in early 1900's, to 150 todayGovt starts census on endangered HangulSrinagar: The Government has started a fresh census on the Kashmir stag or Hangul which is on the verge of extinction mainly due to human interference...
Kashmir’s Loss is India’s Gain
For internally displaced Pandits, parting with their sacred books is almost like giving away a treasureKashmir’s tribute enriches country’s manuscript coffers Nearly three decades ago, when the militant struggle in Kashmir made fleeing an honourable option, Dr B N...
Kashmir University Hosts a Civil Society Initiative Against Torture
Basharat reports on a workshop on custodial torture held in the Department of Law(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...