Author: Rooh Bhat

Freelancer Blogger, Creative Writer and an avid Reader .Sociology and History are my pet subjects. Learning new things and sharing the learnt makes my life rich and wise.

PIOUS JOURNEY OF SHRI AMARNATHJI YATRA

“The Himalayan pilgrimages are the oldest organised travel system, evolved over time by Hindu sages and embodying the spirit of wander, adventure and spirituality”.

TRYST WITH HEAVEN

“ Gar firdaus bar rue zameen ast/hameen asto, hameen asto, hameen ast” (If ever there is Paradise on Earth/It is here!)

ROMUT NAFAR: A MISSING MAN

To all Anti-nationals Conflict Stakeholders, You can take man out of Kashmir but cannot take Kashmiriyat full of patriotism out of a man.

CALL FROM GOD’S ABODE

How beautiful and peaceful more would have been this place if there had been no social unrest and militancy in this “Heaven on Earth” Kashmir.

THE FORGOTTEN FACE OF KASHMIRIYAT

Kashmir is our homeland, this is where i was born and this is where i will live. I believe in Kashmiriyat and Kashmir will take care of me.

SUFISM: THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE HEARTS

The Sufi saints played an important role in bringing the Muslims and Hindus together. They used local language to make religion accessible and meaningful to the common people.

RELEVANCE OF SHARADA PEETH IN KASHMIR VALLEY

Sharada Peeth, meaning ‘the Seat of Sharada’ is said to be a renowned ancient center of learning where the texts written by great Sanskrit scholars and grammarians like Adi Shankara, Virotsana and Kalhana were stored.

SOPORE: TURNING THE TIDE

Over the years there has been a transformational shift in North Kashmir which can now be seen as a progressive region of UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Even the few ‘disturbed’ pockets, are now at the cusp of leaving the baggage of terrorism behind.

RAMADAN KAREEM

Prayers, donations and food for the month of Ramadan are characteristics of the Muslim majority valley. The streets lit up with festive colours and the mosques echoed with prayers. After a pre-prepared meal, the air is filled for prayers and hundreds of people fill the mosques and shrines, looking at the landscape of the valley.

LAL CHOWK: SYMBOL OF KASHMIRIYAT

Lal Chowk is equivalent in its name and well known as an old business centre since decades in Srinagar like famous Delhi’s Connaught Place. Its an attraction centre for local and outside tourists.

GILGIT BALTISTAN VS REST OF UNION TERRITORY OF J&K AND LADAKH

People of UT of j&k have realised the actual meaning of “Azadi” which is education, better living conditions and peace, contrary to what they were made to believe earlier by anti-nationalists. But still a lot more has to be done with consistent and honest efforts of all stakeholders.

NATION BUILDING & J&K – ARE WE HEADING THE RIGHT WAY?

Nation-building aims at the unification of the people within the state so that it remains politically stable and viable in the long run. Nation-building in Indian concept is the process whereby a society of people with diverse origins, histories, languages, cultures and religions come together within the boundaries of a sovereign state with a unified constitutional and legal dispensation.

DEVELOPMENT AGENDA OF SOPORE

Sopore is known as an orchard town of the Kashmir valley. Horticulture has a great importance in the region as its share makes a handsome contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the region.

LANDSCAPE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR

For most the word Kashmir springs an image of mountains in their mind, but the state offers a lot more. From the plains of Jammu to the glaciers of Siachen, a lot is hidden in 40000 Sq. kilometers of area of the state.

YOUTH OF KASHMIR- THE GAME CHANGER

Kashmiri youth- inspiring, optimistic, busy in chasing their dream. They are the driving force behind the valley’s progress. They are shaping a better tomorrow.

KASHMIRIYAT & SUFISM IN SLOW MOTION

Kashmiriyat, when experienced as a culture is so syncretic that it inspires and epitomizes the co-existence of the unity of nature and humanity.When Kashmiriyat is recognized as a belief is a fusion of four major traditions. aboriginal unification philosophy and popular wisdom of Kuran, Buddhist, and Sikhism.

EMPLOYMENT AVENUES FOR KASHMIRI YOUTH

The higher unemployment rate in J&K is a cause of concern as there seems to be no improvement in the job scenario in the Union Territory. In comparison to previous years, the unemployment rate has further increased.

HEAVENLY TASTE: KASHMIR

The cuisine takes the Kashmir to the paradise not only of beauty but also of taste buds and allow us to forget the world’s taste and just fall in love, every second for the taste of Kashmir.

MERA KASHMIR: SWACHH KASHMIR

The need for cleanliness in Kashmir may be viewed from multiple vantage points. Apart from the physical garbage and filth, terror and propaganda also account for filth at the psychological level which also need to be addressed.

DELIMITATION EXERCISE IN J&K

Following the abrogation of Article 370, the Central government has set up the delimitation commission under the J&K Reorg Act, 2019 to redraw the boundaries of assembly and parliament constituencies in the Union Territory.

HISTORICAL PRECINCTS OF BARAMULLA

Baramulla was a major urban city and a prominent trade center before suffering extensive damage during the 1947-48 India &Pakistan war.

TAPPING THE POTENTIAL OF J&K YOUTH

The UT of J&K has persistently witnessed violence and conflict due to Pakistan sponsored terrorism. People were getting swayed by the false narratives and adverse publicity.

‘KASHMIR’S PLEA TO HER CITIZENS’

I am Kashmir. I am immortal. I was known as ‘Jannat’ or ‘Paradise on earth’ due to the incomparable natural beauty. I find myself constantly caught between the insurgent, the soldier and the innocent local.

EXISTENCE OF GUJJARS AND BAKARWALS IN THE VALLEY

Gujjar and Bakarwals constitute 12% of the state‘s population and are the third largest ethnic group after Kashmiris and Dogras.They are known as the preservers and caretakers of the environment and forests.

DARD-SHINS OF GUREZ

Dard-Shins are an ancient community that is believed to be descendent of ancient Aryan settlers, who came to India during 2000-1500 BC.

THE PLUMMETING GLORY OF CHINAR

A recent ban has been enforced to curb cutting of Chinar trees as they are now being registered and are considered as heritage of state

MEHREEN AMIN: SETBACKS MAKE US STRONGER

In Kashmir from last few years, women are breaking societal stereotypes and touching new heights. Ms  Mehreen successfully broke the taboos to create her own niche to become Kashmir’s first female fitness trainer and gym owner.

CRICKET: BRIDGE TO PEACE

Sports has always proved its worth to create a healthy nation and a sense of nationalism in the hearts and minds of the dwellers. Cricket is the glue that holds the people of the country together and symbolizes peace and harmony.

KASHMIRIYAT AND ITS CORE VALUES

Kashmiriyat is the centuries old indigenous traditions of communal harmony and religious syncretism in the Kashmir valley. In the spirit of Kashmiriyat festivals of Hinduism and Islam are celebrated by adherents of both faiths.

ADVENTURE SPIRIT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR

The booming business of adventure activities in the state of Jammu and Kashmir has a great scope of becoming popular worldwide. It will not only help in increasing the economy of the state but also help the local population to merge with the mainstream population of the country.

THE DIVERSITY OF KASHMIR

It will be sagacious to state that Kashmir is a mosaic of different cultures, wherein different cultures have blended perfectly to produce unique culture which is popularly known as “Kashmiriyat”.

TOURISM IN J & K, SETBACKS AND WAY AHEAD

J&K has tremendous tourism potential and being an employment intensive industry, it provides a very immense scope for employment for the locals as compared to other enterprises.

TRANSFORMATION OF EDUCATION SYSTEM IN  MODERN KASHMIR

2020 has been a momentous year in education also for diverting the orthodox mindset of imparting education from classrooms to digital learning methods. The education not only develops the mindset of an individual but also improves the confidence level to stand separate from the general public.

DREAM OF A YOUNG KASHMIRI BOY

Every child in Kashmir yearns to bring back those days, and by days one means the era, the era of prosperity, love, brotherhood and happiness.

EMERGING FACE OF WOMAN EMPOWERMENT

Kashmir Golden Girl Saadia Tariq won the gold medal on 28 Feb and became the international champion in the final match of the Moscow Wushu Stars Championship held in Moscow, Russia from February 22 to 28.

TAKING THINGS TO A NEW LEVEL

Ms Iqra is dreamer, a believer and an inspiration for thousands. Her sole belief in dreams and clarity of perception gave her the will to fight against all the adversities, now having gained all the momentum and fame she still keeps her head on donning the Indian colours.

ZAIKA-e-KASHMIR : A FOOD TRIP TO KASHMIR

Kashmir cuisines contain a wide range and varieties of flavorful and aromatic dishes. Kashmir is not only the land of picturesque mountains and lakes but also a land of flavours and aroma. 

THE CRAFT SAFARI SRINAGAR

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has picked up Srinagar among 49 cities as part of the creative city network under the Crafts and Folk Arts category.

MERA KASHMIR BADAL RAHA HAI

Within 3 years the corporation announced around 600 infrastructure projects of immense public importance which had been left languishing for 25 years and has been completed. In the year 2019-2020 around 1200 projects were financed under this corporation worth of 2280 crore rupees.

HOSPITALITY BUSINESS IN KASHMIR VALLEY

Tourism is regarded as a multi- segmented industry, therefore provides different types of jobs like hotel managers, guides, receptionists, travel agents, tour operators, photographers, artists of different kind & many other which are required to strengthen the tourism.
As the hospitality business grows it will help in providing different types of jobs like hotel managers, tour operators, guides, Artists and chefs etc. which will further strengthen the Kashmir economy by increasing income and standard of living of the people.

KASHMIR THE PRIDE OF INDIA

Kashmir as it signifies has a wide spectrum of domain to develop and grow in itself in terms of secondary and tertiary sectors like industries, education, civil services and of course in politics. However, the sanctity of this holy land dwells home to bit negativities but as hope and optimism eliminates these out, undoubtedly Kashmir remains the Pride of India.

JUNAID: THE MARTIAL ART BOY

everything for free. So, he literally turned himself into a different personality by learning all the new techniques and tactics of martial arts which he really enjoyed. With his mother’s financial support, he subsequently joined “Olympians Fight Club” in Handwara and started learning martial arts over there. He gives all the credit to his mother for being a huge support system for him in the end, without her he couldn’t have reached where he stands today.

COMMUNITY RADIO STATION : RADIO RAABTA

serves a definite community and is a form of public-service broadcasting. It reflects the culture, ideology and thoughts, norms and values of a particular community. Community radio as the media of citizens of a particular community has become popular and new opportunity for both the media practitioner and grassroots people.

From Wheels to Wings

A tragic accident and getting bound to wheelchair, this condition is enough to limit anybody’s life to wheelchair. But not enough to Inshah Bashir. The girl from a small district of Kashmir became first wheelchair basketball player and her life is nothing short of an inspirational story.

GIRL CHILD IN KASHMIR

The government has also initiated schemes for the welfare of the girl child in the valley. On the streets of Kashmir in the remotest of areas, young girls can be seen walking to schools with their bags on, towards a better future at the larger level. Women have also ventured into business, politics, research, academia, sports, law, the military forces etc. The enthusiasm of girls on seeing a fellow lady wearing the uniform is reflective of a lot of hope, aspiration and will that these young girls are brewing within themselves. They are becoming future ready with all that’s accessible to them.

Places to Visit

झेलम सी बहती तेरी जुल्फे,इनसे तेरा रुतबा औरो से कामिल कर दिया हैतेरी गुलमोहर की चान में,जादों की रातो में,ये इस्तेराब गिरोह क्वार कर दिया है। बड़ी नादान मलूम पड़ी है तू,अपने हुस्न का कोई गुरूर नहीं,जन्नत से कामिल तेरे माताबीक हो,इसलिए नाम तेरा कश्मीर रख दिया । हिमालय की बर्फीली चादर ने,रेशम सी तेरे…

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THE STORY OF A NEW DAWN

Story of a lady who hails from one of the worst terror hit regions of the world in the entire century. A story of a woman who fought all odds to bring hope of a new dawn in the Valley.

इसलिए नाम तेरा कश्मीर रख दिया

इनसे तेरा रुतबा औरो से कामिल कर दिया है
तेरी गुलमोहर की चान में,
जादों की रातो में,
ये इस्तेराब गिरोह क्वार कर दिया है।

A HOPE FOR WOMEN IS A HOPE FOR KASHMIR…

SHGs in Kashmir have a vital role to play in the social and economic advancement of people in the valley, even in the far-flung areas. The women strata have particularly benefitted from them by becoming financially independent, ensuring sufficient and regular income. The government actively supports them through financial assistance through loans and subsidies, and training.

BEGINNING OF A JOURNEY

I was so mesmerized watching the beauty which resides in these valleys that I totally forgot that I was riding a bike and also needed to focus on the road. All I was thinking and imagining that what it would be like to live in a place as beautiful as this and made a mental note that I have to visit this place once in a while.  With these thoughts we reached Srinagar.  The very evening we visited Dal Lake.  Although the sun had set and it was dark, the view was enchantingly beautiful. That just justified the lake’s given title of being the “Jewel in the Crown of Srinagar”.

LOLAB : THE LAND OF LOVE AND BEAUTY

Lolab Valley is located approximately 120 Km from Srinagar near Kupwara town in Northern part of Kashmir. Lolab is blessed with picturesque landscape with mesmerising valley floor surrounded by majestic snow-clad mountains. It is bounded by Kashmir valley to the south, Kishanganga valley to the north and is separated by Nagmarg meadows from Bandipura. Paddy is widely cultivated in the valley floor along with apple, cherry, peach, apricot and walnut.
The ancient caves of Kalaroos, lush green meadows of Nagmarg overlooking Wular Lake, Chandigam, Varnow and Dhoban are few of the preferred tourist destinations in the valley. People of Lolab have unique culture and traditions due to its geographical isolation. They are friendly and warm-hearted people with intrinsic hospitality. In spite having so much to offer, tourism in Lolab is next to nil due to decades of negligence and mismanagement. Lolab used to be hot bed of terrorism during the 90’s, however, with combined effort of Army, Police and the Govt, the situation in Lolab has increased tremendously and it is moving towards normalcy. The locals including the surrendered terrorists have joined the mainstream and are slowly but steadily working for the prosperity of Lolab.

WINTER CUISINE IN KASHMIR

“If there’s heaven on earth, it’s here in Kashmir”. As it is justifiably mentioned that Kashmir is heaven on earth and therefore the enriched beauty about this heaven enhances in winter season. In winters Kashmir turns into white-carpeted heaven. Kashmir is in a different zone from December to March, the enriched beauty of Kashmir increases with decrease of temp.  The snow-covered mountains with shredded chinars leaf, lovely pine trees, and frozen lakes boost Kashmir’s beauty and the people get hypnotized. The temperature in Kashmir drops as low as -6 to -8 degrees. In Kashmir the coldest are forty days from Dec 21 to January 31 and are known as ChilaiKalan. At this period, Kashmiri locals have different things which are specially designed to be used in winters and to shield the body from the weather condition. In the houses they have Bukhari’s to keep them heated. Bukhari is also utilized in houseboats, hotels, huts etc. to keep them heated. Folks within their house wear Pheran and keep kangris to stay themselves warm. In winters, folks in Kashmir enjoys the fancy winter sports like skating, skiing etc. There are many changes in the food habits and lifestyle of people throughout winters to apt with the climate changes.

WINTER SPORTS AND GAMES

Govt agencies have been on the job to give impetus to the various winter sports and games by organizing events in Gulmarg and other places of Kashmir. Every year a Mega cultural and sports events are being organized, world famous ski destination Gulmarg will play host to five day ‘National Winter Games’ under ‘Khelo India program’.
Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by rules, to know what it feels like to win and lose, it teaches you about life.

FOLK MUSIC OF GUREZ

Folk music of a place is the representation of culture, traditions, clothing and most importantly the tales of a particular place. This music travels from generation to generation and becomes immortal within the people of that place. Gurez is a beautifully placed valley located in the northern Jammu & Kashmir. This valley is also blessed…

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KASHMIR’S GOT TALENT

Kashmir is the Indian state where people possess limitless talents. The people here probably have something special embedded in their genes to be able to possess such multitude of gifts. Be it any field like sports, acting, dancing, singing etc the Kashmiris have excelled and left the world mesmerized by their performance. Virtues of hard work, dedication, willingness to proof and exploring their own limits provides them the X factor required to create indestructible marks in the history of any particular field. Just like any passionate youngster, they take great pride in representing their state and country, thereby giving every ounce of their energy so that they can bring glory to the nation. Belonging to a state that is torn apart by the terrorists and provides very less opportunities of growth in any sector, they face a lot of struggles for their basic rights. Growing in such a hard environment, struggling to meet basic necessities, they become born fighters. This spirit combined with unreal talent makes a deadly combination, which is reflected in their performance. All we need to do is to present them with necessary opportunities. In subsequent paragraphs I would cover few of the illustrious Kashmiris who had contributed and created a niche for themselves in their respective fields.

Make Hay While It’s Snowing

Kashmir is geographically blessed with snow-covered slopes ideal for sports like snowboarding. Without a doubt, it is one of the most popular winter games in Kashmir. People from all over India including the locals enjoy snowboarding here as a recreational activity as well as a sporting activity

REHMAN TASS : A TALE UNTOLD

I  was  born  in  a  small village  called  „Muhri‟,  in  the  year  1978  near  the  Line  of  Control  in Kupwara  District.  The  village  takes  its  name  from  the  word  „Moori‟  which  is  a  poisonous  herb, found in Shamshabari Ranges. Since then the name of this place is known „Moori‟ & over a period time it…

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A VISIONARY IN UNIFORM

India’s foremost military officer and the first Chief of Defence staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, YSM, SM bid his countryman a final goodbye on 08 Dec 21. In the unfortunate helicopter crash which led to loss of life of the General along with 13 passengers has brought the entire nation together in mourning and paying heartfelt tributes to the ‘People’s General’. Nation, often divided due to differences in political leanings, religion, caste, domicile, views etc. came together in an unprecedented manner only reserved for the public figure revered and respected across all platformsIndia’s foremost military officer and the first Chief of Defence staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, YSM, SM bid his countryman a final goodbye on 08 Dec 21. In the unfortunate helicopter crash which led to loss of life of the General along with 13 passengers has brought the entire nation together in mourning and paying heartfelt tributes to the ‘People’s General’. Nation, often divided due to differences in political leanings, religion, caste, domicile, views etc. came together in an unprecedented manner only reserved for the public figure revered and respected across all platforms

EXPONENTS OF EDUCATION SYSTEM IN KASHMIR VALLEY

Education is the most important pillar on which a developed and sensible society is established. It is the basic backbone of personal growth and development for any individual(s) in the society. The importance of proper education system in any society is acknowledged by all including the younger generations and children. Likewise, the importance and requirement of basic and higher education is also felt in the Kashmiri society since the very beginning. Kashmir Valley has been known and acknowledged by many historians and intellectuals as the “Land of Knowledge, good habits and Literature” or in other words “Land of Alim, Adab and Ilm”. An educated person has the ability to differentiate between right and wrong or good and evil. It is the foremost responsibility of a society to educate its citizens.

Success Stories of Kashmir

Ka:han garan kuniy t:v goes the famous proverb meaning “Eleven households sharing one pan / Facing acute scarcity and hard times”. Such was the story of every other household from far-flung areas of North Kashmir a few decades ago. Waking up to the brutal realities of destitute conditions was an unfortunate realisation. Coming out from a…

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A TRIP TO WADI-E-LOLAB

What a magical feeling it is, when you have a dream, you march in its pursuit and you see it becoming a reality. I doubt, if there is any man who would not have ever dreamt to see heaven and in next thought he would not have imagined of Kashmir. Every Indian would at sometime…

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