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.
Is Migration a Blessing or a Loss?
Arjimand suggests returning natives bring good work ethic and worldly wisdom, but can they readjust in a dysfunctional society?(Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, 34, is a columnist/writer and a development professional who matriculated from Tyndale Biscoe Memorial School in...
J&K State in the 19th Century
Javid says that the Treaty of Amritsar wasn’t the sole treaty thrust on Kashmir, there were a series of treaties and agreements signed in March 1846(Dr. Javid Iqbal, 63, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School, Srinagar, and graduated in Medicine from the...
Planet Under Siege
Sajjad ponders on what diminishing rain and snow will bring(Mr. Sajjad Bazaz, 45, 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...
Kashmir and Global Warming
Nusrat Ara examines the impact of climate change on Kashmir's economyKashmir and Global WarmingAfter the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) admitted of a major mistake in its 2007 report, which asserted the Himalayan glaciers would melt by 2035,...
Bound by More Than the Fate
Deepika Thussoo narrates a personal story of helping a distressed stranger far removed from her home which belongs to both.... And When I Saw a Mad Kashmiri WomanNot so long ago, I came across a Kashmiri woman in Jammu.The story of this mentally challenged woman needs...
The Supreme Court to the Rescue
The Supreme Court restores dignity to a disabled manSupreme Court comes to rescue of disabled teacherKhalid Gul (Greater Kashmir)Pulwama: A disabled teacher’s struggle for justice has finally borne fruit. Moved by Syed Bashir-ud-din Qadri’s resolve, the Supreme Court...
Saving Dal (yet Another Attempt)
Can technology overwhelm gross decay caused by humans?LAWDA’s Tryst with ExperimentationsArif Shafi Wani (Greater Kashmir)Srinagar: In a bid to check blooming of harmful Algal blooms, a cause of Dal lake’s deterioration, the authorities have started experiments using...
Vanishing Interest in Reading Books
Reading culture is slowly disappearing in KashmirKashmiris decide not to read … and receding reading culture pushes libraries out of workZehra Shafi (Kashmir Images)Srinagar: The sad reality about gradual decrease in book-reading habits in the Valley may not evoke the...
Declining Culture
Normally increased corruption motivates a few to invest in arts, but in Kashmir the money is simply squandered‘Theatre in Kashmir on decline’Srinagar: Celebrating the World Theatre Day, Actors’ CreativeTheatre (ACT) and Indian Theatre Alliance, held a function toaware...
Preserving Heritage
Valley Citizen Council (VCC) says that local employees of the Archaelogical survey of India (ASI) are negligent and indifferent to proper preservationAncient artifacts in dangerSrinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court today directed Union of India, Archaeological...