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.
The Mumbai Tragedy
Shuhab sees ripple effects of the Mumbai tragedy affecting Kashmir and beyond(Shuhab Hashmi, 38, was born in Baramulla, and graduated from the Degree College in Sopore, and completed his M.A. from the University of Kashmir. He is a Columnist, and in his spare time...
Politics by Deceit
Arjimand highlights how Naukri Politics fails to deliver everytime(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 33, is from Srinagar and matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in 1991. He subsequently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Bangalore...
Can a Nation be Built by Citizens Lacking Character and Credibility?
Sajjad bares open the cupboard hiding Kashmiri traits(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 44, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar. He received his bachelor's degree in Media and his master's degree in Mass Communication and...
Can Endless “Chalo” Calls Constitute a Vision for the Future?
Rekha assesses reasons behind the surprising high participation in recent polling(Prof. Rekha Chowdhary, 55, was born in Jammu and has been a university teacher for the past 30 years. She is currently the Professor of Political Science, University of Jammu. During her...
When C (for Corrupt) Governance Dominates Over E (for Electronic) Governance
Want to know why state’s departments are not on Information superhighway yet? Read this, here is the reason!Srinagar: While the world is steadily leaping towards having a global E-parliament to harness Information Technology for progress and welfare of global public,...
The Urban-Rural Divide
Ashraf wonders if he should call Kashmiris unpredictable, when it is clear that rural folks are finally challenging the "whine and dine" system perfected by urbanites(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 65, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the...
Does Good Governance Matter for a Society Embellished in Rhetoric?
Good Governance is a 24/7 activity. In Kashmir it becomes a passing issue every 6 years. Sajjad looks at possibilities following the latest elections(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 44, was born in Srinagar. He attended the Khalsa high school and the Sri Pratap College in Srinagar....
A Tragedy Called Srinagar – Part 2
Afshana thinks Srinagar is becoming more like Mumbai. The irony is that most outsiders drawn to the city see it as their local Dubai(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 34, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government...
The Smallest Room in a Kashmiri Home was Always Special
Zahid shares his childhood memories of a tiny space called "Kotheur"(Mr. Z. G. Mohammad, 59, was born and raised in Srinagar. He earned his Master's degree in English literature from the Kashmir University and has completed a course in Mass Communication from Indian...
Can Obama Really Affect Kashmir’s Future?
Shuhab puts a well deserved damper on unrealistic expectations(Shuhab Hashmi, 38, was born in Baramulla, and graduated from the Degree College in Sopore, and completed his M.A. from the University of Kashmir. He is a Columnist, and in his spare time enjoys reading,...