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.
Grandmother’s Souvenirs
Zahid affirms his place as a master story teller(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 Institute of Mass...
Profile of a Pandit Youth Dreaming big in Kashmir
Pandits in the valley has few things to cheer about, but this is one such news'Immersion' offers Kashmir some band aidIzhar Wani (Kashmir Images)SRINAGAR: As a Hindu whose grandfather was shot dead by Muslim militants, Amit Wanchoo has long had reason to quit Kashmir....
Afshana stumps for civil public debate on issues of common concern(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 34, 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. degree. She...
J & K Bank Woman Entrepreneur Of Year
Rubeena's floriculture venture touches new heightsSrinagar: Behind every successful man, there is a woman, may sound a cliché. But its paraphrasing has seldom been done as few men have contributed to the success of females in their entrepreneurial ventures or other...
Promoting Tourism in the age of Climatic Changes
Two articles of relevance on September 27, the World Tourism DayTourism and climate challengeMahesh KaulJammu: Tourism is an economic activity that has an impact on almost every sphere of human life. It cannot thrive in isolation as it depends on peripheral industries...
Will Cross Border Trade Replace Cross Border Violence?
If the cross LOC trade is allowed to turn into a functional reality, it will certainly be the most powerful CBM, notwithstanding scepticism and cynical rejection(Shuhab Hashmi, 38, was born in Baramulla, and graduated from the Degree College in Sopore, and completed...
Bringing Knowledge to People Obsessed With Politics is not Easy
Forget books, even free internet does not overcome public indifference towards librariesTrove Of Knowledge Lies Shunned, IgnoredSrinagar: A rare collection of almost 80,000 books has failed to evoke any interest from the book lover. The treasure trove of rare books in...
Walnut Industry gets News to Cheer About
Kashmiri walnuts records bumper growth Srinagar: In spite of the bad weather during its flowering season, the walnut industry has recorded a bumper yield this year.According to official records, this year the annual production is likely to cross last year's total...
Kashmir gets its first steel processing plant
When will the agriculture sector (agrarian economy) get its due?A First for KashmirSrinagar: Counseling the youth to be part in the industrialization, the Governor N. N. Vohra Monday said that central and state governments were providing immense incentives for the...
Work is worship, but why not in Kashmir?
Is it our culture that manifests in delay and denial about everthing unpleasant?Why isn't a healthy work culture evolving in the valley?Javaid Malik (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: "Work is worship," thus goes the old adage. But in Kashmir it seems to have lost its...