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.
Harnessing Women Power for Societal Good
Afshana hopes that women empowernment goes beyond mob dynamics and contributes to betterment of the society as a whole in the future(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 34, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government...
A Time to Reflect and Cherish Your Family and Friends
Nida loses a close relative and a special friend(Ms. Nida Rafiq Shiekh, 22, was born in Srinagar. She passed her Matriculation from the Presentation Convent High School and completed her 12th grade from the Mallinson Girls High School, both with distinction. She...
Analyzing Lal Ded’s Message During the Contemporary Turbulent Era
Afshana re-interprets the message of Kashmir's first Feminist poet and social rebel (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...
In Every Desert, There is at Least one Blooming Flower
A lonely voice stands tall among the sea of rabble rousersRaise a voice (Kashmir Observer)Dear Editor,My humble greetings. I write to you as a brother of Islam and a fellow human being. The mockery of religion and politics that is unfolding in the Valley brings me to...
Please Shed a Tear for Kashmir’s Disappearing Grasslands
Prof. Kak pleads to scientists of all spheres, NGO's and the interested locals of the state to come forward and work for the protection of our grasslands as well their wealth (flora and fauna)(Dr. A. Majeed Kak, 62, was born and in Nowhatta, Srinagar. He received his...
Investigative Journalism is Here to Stay, but Will it Ever Make it to Kashmir?
Afshana looks at how far journalism has progressed in the rest of the world and wonders why Kashmiri journalism is still hostage to press releases and shutdowns(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 34, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari,...
An Academic from the University of Jammu reminds her colleagues up north that we live in the Age of Reason
Prof. Chowdhary says what saner elements of the Civil Society in the Valley should have said days back. Having an uniformly single point of view is like being elected by 100% of electorate - it has no credibility(Prof. Rekha Chowdhary, 55, was born in Jammu and has...
Broken Logic and Misplaced Zeal
The same hotheads who are denouncing potential ecological damage elsewhere are doing real ecological damage closer to home Badmawari ransackedSrinagar: Protestors on 25th June ransacked the recently opened Badamwari at Hawal in old city here. Protestors barged into...
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a Local Reality in Kashmir
Afsana shares a deadly reminder about a silent menance stalking our young on 25th June which is observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse(Ms. Afsana Rashid, 29, was born and raised in Srinagar and attended the Minto Circle High School. She graduated from...
Today is a Special Day (Actually Night) for the University of Kashmir With the Telecast of Video Digest “Quest”
The video digest is the brainchild of Mr. Shahid Rasool Bhat, director of EMMRC and the recently appointed head of the MERC, with Abdullah Danish in the anchor chair(Mr. Abdullah Danish Shervani, 25, a native of Baramulla, was born in the city of Khamees Mushayt,...