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.
An Ode to Women
Afshana adds her voice in glory of her gender on the International Women's Day(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 received a B.Sc....
Kashmir’s Industrial Icons are Fast Disappearing
Who Can believe Kashmir's brand factories like the Silk Weaving Factory in Raj Bagh or the Joinery Mill in Pampore are about to disappear!9 PSUs come under axe, 6 in row MUDDASIR ALI (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: At a time when the economic meltdown has hit the job...
Export of Carpets From Kashmir Nose Dives as Global Recession Grows
Kashmiri economist says that market share for Kashmiri carpets is less than 7% and decreasingGlobal meltdown casts its spell on world famed Kashmir carpet industryShabir Ibn Yusuf (Kashmir Times)SRINAGAR: The last 20 years of unending turmoil could not affect the 700...
Data About Female Foeticide in J&K State Points to Alarming Trend in the Jammu Region
The data is clear - compared to Jammu region, Kashmir valley loves its daughters but needs to do moreJammu: Beset with male child syndrome, the dwindling sex ratio in the state yet again reflected “criminal psyche” of people towards fair-gender in the male-dominant...
Defining Kashmiriyat through the Eyes of a Specialist in Comparative Religious Philosophies
Maroof's thought provoking essay highlights the role of shared spirituality in defining one's cultural identity, and no where is that aspect more relevant than in an ancient land called Kashmir(Dr. Muhammad Maroof Shah, 31, was born in Kunan, Bandipore. He has pursued...
Living the Life to the Fullest
Dr. Beg addresses how golden age is really a golden period in personal development(Dr. Mirza Ashraf Beg, 69, was born in Sarnal, Anantnag. He did his primary schooling at the Primary Hanfia School in Anantnag and completed his F. Sc. from the Government Degree College...
Imagine saffron fields becoming plots for housing construction
Basharat reports on an impending tragedy(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 Master's degree in Mass Communication and...
The Glory of an Ancient Town Named Bijbehara
Iqbal takes us on a historical journey through a Kashmir town named after King Vijay(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....
Catching up With the Times
Javaid's brilliant discourse exposes the disharmony between our Social Spaces and the world beyond(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...
Corruption in Gulmarg
Land mafia in Kashmir runs its tentacles deep into state bureaucracyLAND SCAM AT GULMARGSrinagar: State Vigilance Organization has registered a case under appropriate provisions of law against former Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, former District Collector,...