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.
Narcissism Redefined: Seeing Your Outside or Reflecting on Your Inside?
Afshana sees a world of difference between an actor and a politician both in love with themselves(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...
Not Just an Unplanned City but a Concrete Jungle
Two stories that highlight receeding beauty of Srinagar and PahalgamCitizens of Srinagar have never been serious about the development of their city.With a slight shower, lanes and by lanes of the city are filled with rain water. As the drainage system in not properly...
The Power of Expression Captured in a Mundane Life
Murassa sees a portrayal of common man's life in books written by R. K. Narayan and even a family resemblence(Ms. Murassas Shamshad, 21, was born in Srinagar. She matriculated from the Caset Walden High School and completed higher secondary education at the Mallinson...
Only in Kashmir – The Rites of Corruption Begin at Birth
Having a baby in Srinagar's only women's hospital is a learning experience in extortionLast week a baby was held hostage for ransom in the Valley’s only maternity hospital named after a Kashmiri saint, Lal Ded.The incident of holding a newborn baby hostage for...
An Odyssey of Faith: Baring Soul (to God) by Baring Feet (to Nature)
Zahid Mohammad Recalls the march of bare feet in an ancient land of great believers(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...
Can Art Survive in a Weak Civil Society?
Following story illustrates a yet another aspect of Kashmir's tragedy where press releases from dubious characters living in far off lands generates more headlines than cultural events closer to homePublic apathy killing Kashmir theatreAfsana RashidSrinagar, April 12:...
War on Corruption: Chief Minister is all talk and no action
The Daily Etalaat reports on how the Jihad on corruption in J&K is not backed by government actionSrinagar, April 12: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad reiterated his claims on the so called Jihad against corruption in a public meeting held at Ganderbal on Thursday...
Corruption in Kashmir – it is more than just easy money and ugly mansions
Spurious drugs exemplify the growing face of a new human tragedy in KashmirMeasures to assures quality must be very stringentIt is the duty of concerned agencies that are put in place by the government, to maintain a strict vigil on the markets of the valley so the...
A Young Man Probes into Global Passion for Work Ethic That is Sadly Lacking Close to Home
Feroz Paray believes society would have fewer problems if each person were committed to his work and avoided unethical methods of wealth accumulation(Mr. Feroz Ahmad Paray, 22, was born in Kalampora in Pulwama District. He completed his B.Sc. degree (pre-medical...
How Has Corruption Usurped any Semblance of Normalcy in Kashmir? Hear From the Chief Minister Himself
Chief Minister Azad says most Kashmiris are corrupt‘If I open Pandora’s Box 50% of people will land in jail’Ganderbal, April 10: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday accused most of the Kashmiris including leaders and officials of being “corrupt” and said that...