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.
Open Season for Dubious Doctors and Chemists
An Editorial in the Kashmir Images says it allSick Health SystemEveryone seems to be taking advantage of the ignorance, innocence and unawareness of the masses in Jammu and Kashmir. Exploitative elements have a free run in this land of unaccountability. And people in...
It is the Season
Spring is hereBadamwari Comes Alive With BloomSrinagar: The early bloom of flowers on Almond trees in the sprawling historic Badamwari garden in the Hari Parbat area has become a source of attraction for nature lovers and tourists, alike.Situated on foothills of Hari...
Sweeping a Change for the Better
Nusrat introduces a person who changed the life of those at the very bottom of the social ladderGiving Voice to VoicelessNusrat AraGhulam Hassan Sheikh (40) began everyday the same way. He picked up his twig broom and set out to clean the streets of Srinagar.Sheikh...
Saving Srinagar
Efforts are underway to spruce up the ancient city - as examples Nishat, Lal Chowk and Dal are under the scannerAt last Nishat Bagh attracts some official attention Srinagar: Authorities are restoring medieval Mughal buildings inside the Srinagar’s Nishat Bagh in a...
Is Something Fishy Going on at the University of Kashmir?
Recent articles on questionable dealings by the University and its CEO cast a long shadow if there some "palace intrigue" underway - 5 related news articlesKU hikes fee to keep lavish VC in good humorJammu: The lavish lifestyle of Kashmir University's Vice Chancellor...
“One Step for Women, Ten Steps for a Nation”
On this International Women's Day, Roshan Ara highlights challenges faced by women in today's society(Ms. Roshan Ara, 45, was born in Warihama, in Budgam district. She attended the Government High School Aripanthan, and the Government Higher Secondary School Beeru....
Paying the Price for Folly of Their Elders
Rafiuddin Bukhari describes the jarring impact of repeated shutdowns called either by state employees or separatist tanzeems on impressionable students(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media...
With the Information Communication Technology (ICT), Sky is the Limit
Malik describes the power of ICT to transform our educational institutes into true learning centers as good as anywhere in the world(Dr. Mohammad Amin Malik, 43, was born in Ayathmulla village in Bandipora District. He passed his Matriculation (10th grade) from the...
The Power of “Shakti” in Kashmir
Imtiyaz discusses how Lal Ded and Habba Khatoon left an indelible imprint of feminine sensibility on the Kashmiri literary world(Mr. Imtiyaz Ahmad Aafreen, 25, was born in Kanir Chadura, Badgam. He completed his schooling from the Government Higher Secondary School in...
A new Instrument to Prevent Violence on Women in Kashmir
Rifat provides a perspective on why there is an urgency to enact a Domestic Violence Act in Jammu and Kashmir(Ms. Rifat Kawoosa, 31, was born in Srinagar. She went to the Presentation Convent High School in Srinagar, and received her Bachelor's degree from the...