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.
Reservation Policy – Does it cater to vote bank politics or levels playing field for economically disadvantaged?
According to the author, Reservation policy is inadequate and does not yield the desired resultsReservations about Reservations!Ajaz Ahmad (Rising Kashmir)There is a very poignant story I once read that aptly sums up the irony of the reservation policy.Eklavya is a...
Home to birds, useful for locals, this wetland is under threat due to flawed decisions
Syed Basharat describes how knee-jerk decisions by the State Government are about to destroy the only breeding habitat for Mallard ducks in Kashmir(Mr. Syed Basharat, 28, was born in Kreeri, Baramulla, and did his schooling in Kreeri, and later in Uri and Sopore. He...
Saving Rich Heritage of Kashmir
Yusuf Jameel hopes the apathy shown by the State and the public will be a thing of the past(Mr. Yusuf Jameel, 50, was born and raised in Srinagar. He completed his B.A. (Humanities) from the Kashmir University and went on to complete a Master's degree in Political...
A Breeding Ground for Yes-men in a Paradise that has become the Sycophantic Swamp
Syeda Afshana suggests that while others call them "chamchaas", are home grown breed are "Chonchaas"(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...
Relating Paradise to Kashmir’s Historical Gardens
Saleem Beg, an advocate for preservation of Kashmir's culture and heritage, discusses historical significance of our fabled gardens(Mr. Mohammad Saleem Beg, 57, was born and raised in Srinagar. He was educated at the S.P. College and the Gandhi Memorial College,...
A Civil Society That Fritters its Passion Obsessively on Politics is Hardly in a Position to Safeguard Cultural and Social Assets
To quote the author: "Not disconnecting the international politics of Kashmir from local politics is our greatest blunder. If our human and natural resources are being abused it is not about the faults in our political and administrative set up as it is about the...
Introducing the Concept of Organic Farming
A Kashmiri scientist explores the potential for community-supported agriculture based on organic farming (Rafia Tafazul, 28, was born and raised in Kashmir. Rafia attended St. Joseph's School and received the post graduate degree from the Aligarh Muslim University....
Child Labor is Illegal and Unethical, and Even More so When Victims are Only Females
Afsana shares the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a doctor but is condemned into child labor(Ms. Afsana Rasheed, 29, was born and raised in Srinagar and attended the Minto Circle High School. She graduated from the Government College for Women with a...
A Somber Assessment of the Global Climate Change and its Impact on Kashmir
Arjimand suggests that time has come for Kashmiris to become aware of the impending global catastrophe(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...
Kashmir University Students Succumb to Evils of Modern Life
Jehangir reports on a survey conducted by the Hindustan National Social Society (HNSS) shows illicit drug use by Kashmiri women is reaching alarming proportions. However, it is doing something about it.(Mr. Jehangir Rashid, 34, was born in Nowshera, Srinagar. He...