As Indian govt is secular in nature, its duty is to create a safe environment where people can choose what they want and how they want to live. Enabling them to make right decision for themselves and not forcing their believes on others. Encouraging the quality to question everything before accepting can do wonders. This can only come from education. Not only children should be provided with world class education but also older people must also be educated.
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.
Things We Don’t Know About Kashmir- The Heaven on Earth
Picturesque and enchanting, Kashmir is cradled high in the lofty of green Himalayas and hailed all over the world for its incredible natural beauty. Surrounded by mountain peaks, lush green valleys, glistening lakes, temples and spectacular Mughal-era gardens, it has inspired poets through centuries. Kashmir is crisscrossed by chinar tree-lined roads and quaint wooden bridges; and is home to busting bazaars, sufi shrines and forts. Add to this, the charms of flavourful Kashmiri cuisine and apples and walnuts from the lush orchards surrounding it. Mainstream population of India has a very different and disturbing image of Kashmir as a place due to insurgency and terrorism in valley. People of all classes and races think twice before visiting this place which leads to the valley staying sidelined in all aspects. Kashmir valley is a treasure which we possess and which needs to be experienced by each and every individual of this country.
ART AND CULTURE OF KASHMIR
Kashmir is also a popular place for its beautiful and unique handicraft. The Pashmina shawl is famous worldwide for its quality and fabric. The design and embroidery work on the shawl is breath-taking. Kashmir is also famous for hand knitted carpets and woolen rugs having floral designs. Basketry, papier-Mache, carved wooden furniture made of walnut wood and silverware is one of the best handicrafts, which are famous worldwide.
THE GENESIS OF TREKKING CULTURE IN KASHMIR
Kashmir’s astounding beauty is capable of rendering anyone awestruck, justifying its identity of “Paradise on Earth“. It is blessed by nature in the form of gigantic snow-clad mountains, beautiful green meadows in summers, mesmerising alpine lakes and a twinkling night sky. Along with the enchanting beauty of nature, Kashmir also offers breath-taking experiences at places…
Kashmiri “Kahwah”
“Kashmir is the delicate reminder of the fact that poetry does not always need pages and words.” If you are in Kashmir and its cold climate is making you shiver even after cladding yourself in multiple layers of clothing and looking for beverages, go grab a cup of Kashmiri kahwah. I assure you that you…
THE PROMISED LAND
Love for beauty is an inborn trait within every human being. Prettiness has served as a source of joy and thrill for the people of all times and clans all around the world since times immoral. This is so because the human being by birth is essentially beautiful and graceful and is moved by an…
KASHMIR: ABODE OF SPORTS
Kashmir is the Indian state where people possess a myriad talent. Like in any other field Kashmiri people also excel in sports. Sports mostly used to be a recreational & leisure activity for the Kashmiris, however with the changing times sports has become a lucrative career opportunity. The youth has also started to pursue sports…
WINDS OF CHANGE: Srinagar on UNESCO creative city list
Srinagar is now part of elite 295 UNESCO Creative Cities. It recognizes innovation, sustainability and creativity as primary drivers for inclusive urbanization. The Kashmir Valley has been embroiled in controversies and turmoil mostly sponsored by neighbouring countries since the last 30 years. The disturbance in the valley led to decline in tourism, especially amongst the…
SUFI & SYNCRETIC HERITAGE OF KASHMIR
Kashmir, also famously known as ‘The crown of India’ or ‘Paradise on Earth’ is a mesmerising valley surrounded by Pir Panjal & Himalayan ranges. It is marked with a history that has seen various faiths & religions grow & prosper within it’s womb. The uniqueness about the place is it’s Sufi culture & Kashmiriyat, which…
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT – FOR BETTERMENT OF SOCIETY
valley is through NC Pass which remains intermittently closed during winters. Due to the remotelocation, proximity to Line of Control and vagaries of weather, Karnah tehsil remains on the lowpriority of the district administration. Besides, due to prevailing gender disparity it remains a maledominated society. The women in the rural areas have limited access to…
SOCIO CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF TULAIL
Tulail is a remote valley in Gurez which lies in North of Samshabari, in the Greater Himalayanrange and is located about 130 kms North of Srinagar. It is situated on the banks of theKishanganga River (also known as Neelam River) and is bordered by Mushkoh valley and Drassto its East, Gurez valley to its West…
GLIMPSE OF THE HERITAGE
The richness of Kashmir’s culture is reflected through its diverse handicrafts like papier mache, willow wicker, wool and pashmina traditional yinder, and, embroidery work like sozni, tilla and chain stitch.
GHULAM SEENO: THE PICKLE OF KASHMIR
“Pickles if consumed in the right amount, are good for digestion. Some are beneficial in curing stress and depression, which is common these days among people.” Ghulam Qadir Seeno, a man in his late seventies, is a living illustration of idealism, confidence and progress — setting benchmarks for others to follow. He had lost three…
REVIVAL OF KASHMIR AS BOLLYWOOD’S FILMING SPOT
Kashmir will now be on the international tourism map again and film shoots will not only generate employment for the people of the Valley but also invite thousands of tourists from worldwide to bask in the glory of this blessed land. Bollywood’s love story with the picturesque Kashmir dates back to the 1960s and 70s….
The Kashmiri Papier-Mâché
Papier-mache is undoubtedly a craft of significance for Kashmir. Today it is a handicraft protected under the Geographic Indication Act 1999 by the Government of India. Papier Mache is one of the handicrafts that are an integral part of the Kashmiri tradition. The art has been handed over by generations of expert artisans. The art…
GUND GUSHI – THE HIDDEN GEM
Gund Gushi is a peaceful village away from the bustling life of the city with an indescribable tranquillity and serene atmosphere. Deep within the off shoots of the beautiful valley of Kashmir sits the village of Gund Gushi. The breath taking beauty of the valley encapsulates the very unconquered spirit of the men, women &…
Tanveer Khan : J&K’s First IES Officer
Kashmir needs to amp up infra for better research: Tanveer Ahmad Khan, Jammu & Kashmir’s first IES officer Bringing glory to the Kashmir valley, Tanveer Ahmed Khan of Kulgam district of Jammu & Kashmir became the first to qualify for the Indian Economic Services exam from the union territory and secured second position at the…
इस्लिये नाम तेरा कश्मीर रख दिया
इस्लिये नाम तेरा कश्मीर रख दिया है।
ABDUL ALEEM: JUNIOR FLAG MASTER
The recent lockdown imposed due to COVID 19 has constrained children to indoors. This has increased the screen time of young children who increasingly indulge in movies, tv shows and gaming. While the world struggles to keep their children off screens, a young Kashmiri has set himself apart by creating a world record, meanwhile watching…
RAJ BEGUM : Melody Queen of Kashmir
Raj Begum, the legendary singer from Kashmir, was not only a singer but one of the pioneers of women empowerment in Kashmir. She followed her passion and started singing at a time when most women didn’t dare to do so. She broke the taboo of the conservative society and opened doors of opportunity to female…
KASHMIR RAILWAY
CORNERSTONE OF INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPEMENT The Kashmir Railway Project (KRP) is being developed to provide an alternative and reliable all-weather transportation system to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian railways is one of the biggest assets of the country and has been serving its citizens for decades. It is the 4th largest railway…
MUSIC & ISLAM : A DEEPER LOOK
“Whoever says that all music is forbidden, Let him also claim that the sweet chirping sound of bird are prohibited as well”. Waking up every morning to the recital of Quran from the nearby masjid has always been so soothing to the eras that it feels like the morning has become more brighter and…
CRICKET AS A SPORT IN KASHMIR
A very famous saying by, the wall of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid, “You don’t win or lose the games because of 11 you select, you win or lose with what those 11 do on the field”. Cricket is a team sport and contribution of each individual only leads to success. Similar to this is…
Pristine Beauty of Gurez
Routine existence rarely provides space for reflection. Kashmir as we all know is undeniably a heaven on earth. With countless snow clad mountains, immaculate atmosphere, picturesque valleys and impeccable landslides, this exotic part of India is no less than a masterpiece by immortals. Tourist across the country flocked the paradise every year. However much of…
Sopore: Transformation of a Dream into Despair
Once the town of a great significance and hope, Sopore suddenly fell into the lap of misfortune and despair with odour of the blood of the innocents caused by the wrath of militancy and anti-national sentiments. Once blooming faces has turned into hazy and gloomy hearts under the clout of greed and opportunism. The lost…
Sopore: A Trove of Beauty and Heritage.
Sopore, earlier known as Suyyapore, stands distinguished in Baramullah district of North Kashmir. This beautiful town is also popular as the Apple orchard of India, running Asia’s second largest fruit mandi. It was known as “Suyyapore” in honour of engineer Suyya in king Avantivarman’s era. Often in the news for the wrong reasons, Sopore houses…
Baking Delights of Kashmir
Each morning, at the break of dawn, the first shops to open are those of local bakers or Kandurwans, the lanes of Srinagar witness people quietly going to these shops and buy Girda bread which is like a Naan. The Girda goes well with Noon Chai or the pink tea and is a staple breakfast throughout…
Ayesha Aziz : India’s Youngest Female Commercial Pilot
She developed her love for flying during her frequent travel to Srinagar as a child with her parents. She would undergo 5-day schooling and would train for flying at the weekends. And finally in 2012, she secured her flying license from Bombay Flying Club. Teenage often finds youngsters toiling between education, family, love and the…
Drangyari, Kashmir’s Hidden Gem Place
Picturesque Kupwara District, which borders the Line of Control, is considered the ‘crown’ of the Vale of Kashmir. The district boasts gorgeous valleys, all of them barely visited and waiting to be explored. These valleys lie between the northern Himalayan range and the snowy pinnacles of the Shamsabari Range that enclose the Vale of Kashmir to the west. The proximity of the Bangus and Drangyari valleys to the LoC, just over the passes on the Shamsabari Range, meant they were closed to the traveller for long.
5 Reasons why fall camping is the best
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5 New Hampshire hikes for the family
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Camping etiquette: a guide to being the best camper
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5 Do’s and don’ts of camping with dogs
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A must-see attraction for your next visit!
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5 Things we’re most excited about this summer
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Tips & tricks for the first time camper
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6 Tips for your family camping trip
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5 Reasons to consider add-ons when you book
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5 Best things to do in the mt. Washington Valley
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Kashmir Marks 5 August for Article 370
On 5 Aug 2021, it shall be two years since Article 370 and 35A got abrogated in Jammu & Kashmir. To exude a sense of what people of Kashmir feel and resonate with the day, this poem is handpicked from Saira, a school student from Baramulla old town. August 5th, a daythat marked history.A history…
DPS Srinagar Girl Bags International Scholarship
Maleeha, a student of Class 12th of Delhi Public School, Srinagar, has bagged a US $70,000 scholarship to the prestigious Georgetown Washington University’s School of Foreign Service in Qatar. Growing up in a joint family, Maleeha says that it has helped her value relations and the people around her.
I am Chinar
I am Chinar, the king of all trees, the evergreen soulmate of Kashmir, standing tall since ages to guard this heaven on earth. I grow as tall as 25 meters, with girth exceeding 50 feet in some cases. My deep roots provide me strength and stability like the ancient heritage of Kashmir. I figure notably…
Kashmir’s First Online Grocery Store: Groxery
The Groxery app, which already has bagged over 5,000 downloads on iOS and 45,000 downloads on Android, allows users to book the items they require. The app then connects the order to the nearest grocery stores and promises to have the items delivered within 70 minutes or less.
Unexplored Top Tourist Spots of Kashmir
Heya, planning Wedding Pre Shoot, Magazine Cover or a freelancer photographer? You could be a just another day wanderer! This list shall unreveal the less traveled places in Kashmir valley to boost your Instagram with awe and fans…. ! Note, here. Picturesque, ethereal, timeless… words fall short when it comes to capturing Kashmir’s virginal beauty….
Pashmina – Made in India
Pashmina wool is one of the finest wool in the world. A Changthangi or Pashmina goat sheds its winter coat every spring and one goat sheds approximately 80-170 g (3-6 ounces) of fibre. During spring season, the goats naturally shed their under fleece, which regrows in the winter. This under fleece is put together by…
Tour to Uri
Post the announcement of Cease Fire Agreement along LOC by both the nations on 25 February, the signs of normalcy are finally visible in the normal populace. A keen observer will definitely take a note of the changing dynamics of the region and increased opportunity for development in the tourism sector in the border areas…
Is Tourism a Tool to win over Terrorism?
The two significant facets of Kashmir as on date are Tourism and Terrorism. Kashmir until the 1980’s not marred by terrorism was a peaceful, serene and a calm tourist destination and attracted thousands of tourists because of its spectacular landscapes, snow clad peaks and its religious shrines. But terrorism and insurgency nurtured by the political…
Unexplored Tourism of Lolab
A virgin valley in northern Kashmir near Kupwara. All shades of green, mysterious caves (folklore takes them all the way to Russia!) and warm hospitable people, Lolab has it all. Adorned with fresh and tranquilized surroundings, the beauty of Lolab Valley is beguile and has all the potential to lure one to come over and…
Music of Kashmir
The Kashmir valley popularly known as ‘Paradise on Earth’ has a very rich cultural heritage and has been a grand arena of arts. There have been poets, dancers, writers, dramatists and musicians, who have attained glory in the literary and art world. Kashmiris have traditionally been great lovers of music. As the Kashmiri language does…
Kashmir Celebrates 1971 Victory of India
India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most artistic materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only! As we all know that 2021 is being observed as…
Turn over a New Leaf
“If you want to achieve something, build the basis for it” I am forced by my consciousness to write this to my fellow Kashmiri brothers and sisters on this extended canvas, because the Kashmir valley is undergoing grievous circumstances. I know, there are many supporters amongst us, who want Kashmir to be on its own…
Kashmir, the Zennat 2032
The streets hummed with a steady flow of traffic and the sidewalks were bustling with happy shoppers and excited tourists, both domestic and foreign. The Taj, Srinagar we checked into is all subdued luxury. Paneled walls, soft Kashmiri rugs and carpets and graceful, courteous staff, mostly young Kashmiris.
Voma, The story of Kashmiri Hindu mother, her Struggle and Courage
Hrishikesh Razdan | Trunicle May 9, 2021 When Sheen is asked to make a documentary on Mother’s Day, she was loaded with stories of Rani Laxmibai (queen of Jhansi) – Kota Rani (last sanatani ruler of Kashmir) – Queen Yashomati (first woman to be crowned as an empress in recorded history as per Neelmat Puran)…
Nightingale of Kashmir
Kashmir is resplendent with tales of folklore and mythology. One of them is regarding a famous poetess, the likes of which Kashmir did not see for another two generations. The name that will come up the most when you search for a list of tourist attractions in the Gurez Valley is that of the peak…
Is Kashmir Spring 2021 Different?
“Behold, my friend, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love.” Spring very aptly described as a ‘time of rebirth, renewal, and awakening‘ is welcomed warmly throughout the globe. In Kashmir too, the coming of spring is a great…
Cook Me a Tale with Kashmir Cuisine
In the winters of 2019, I visited Kashmir – the mesmerizing snowclad land of lakes, mountains, passes, Shikaras and rosy-cheeked people. It was my first visit to the valley as a tourist. I started my journey from Srinagar, drove up to Leh on the SH- 44 Srinagar Bandipora road along the beautiful Jhelum river. Coming…
Papier-Mâché on Verge of Extinction in Kashmir
I am sure atleast once in your lifetime you have been asked this question – “If you are a beach person or a mountain lover?” Some of us may find it difficult to choose one, but for me, I could answer it in a heartbeat. I am a diehard fan of mountains! My love for…
Zero Point at Tithwal
Tithwal or Teetwal village lies in Karnah Tehsil of district Kupwara , Jammu and Kashmir around 82 km from the district Headquarters of Kupwara. A picturesque road from little quaint town of Chowkibal leads to famous NC (Nashta Chun) also popularly called as Sadhna Pass which is the gateway to Karnah. Indian Army and Border…
Save Nature, Save Nahre Zainageer
Background The Nahre Zainageer (Baedth Koul) which is the incredible gift inherited from our fore fathers. Its origin is from the famous Wular Lake which is the famous picnic spot though the major portion of it is under the control of Indian Navy and the entry is restricted. The Nahre Zainageer is also the tributary of the…
How to Save Chinar Trees
“A Tree’s Beauty lies in its Branches, but its Strength lies in its Roots”, said Zimbabwean born Canadian Philosopher Matshona Dilwahyo. Strengthening of Roots is thus the best way to make sure that the Tree becomes beautiful. If one were to draw an analogy of a ‘Chinar’ Tree with the society that today represents…
Winter Joy Cues From Frozen Kashmir
Chilly Winters in Kashmir Chillai Kalan is the 40 day harshest winter period in Kashmir which sends shivers down one’s spine. It is a Persian term. Chilla means 40, Kalan means bigger. Chillai-Kalan begins from December 21 and ends on January 31 next year. There are 3 Chillas namely Chillai Kalan, the Chillai Khurd, and…
Kashmiri Kaleen
Who knows if Walt Disney imported Kaleen (Carpet) for his popular animated series, Aladdin from Kashmir. Remember, the magic carpet that could fly! Well, Aladdin’s magic carpet could fly or not, Persian carpet craft definitely did flew to India. The magically beautiful Kashmiri carpets have undisputed place in international elite market since forever. The handicrafts…
I am Kashmir
A poem by Prince who is an established prolific poet and writer. His creations on Kashmir have found place in many publications and popular blogs on internet viz Soldier Stories of Kashmir. The Kashmir Rootstock Team is grateful to Prince for sharing his masterpiece ‘I am Kashmir’ at onset of new year, 2021. Living under…
Offbeat Explorers to Mount Hamrukh
About 592 mountain peaks in Kashmir makes it a climber’s paradise. The untouched snow peaks and the breathtaking view offered by them attract mountaineers from all over the world in a similar way as ants are attracted to sugar. One such peak which has always stood out, testing the most experienced climbers is Mt Harmukh.
Photographers’ Lens Focus Kashmir
It is said that once God imagined a place filled with natural beauty, a place where people would be so humble and warm that one feels at home and Kashmir happened. Kun Faya Kun. From time unmemorable, Kashmir has been a place of attraction for its pure, virgin beauty. For ancient Rishis and holy men,…
Burhan Wani Episode Played The Next
“Come away, O human child!To the waters and the wildWith a faerie, hand in hand,For the world’s more full of weeping than you can understand.” William Butler Yeats Aafreen, sits quietly in her garden. It’s really hard to miss her with her cute little smile and the curiosity in her eyes. She is awestruck at…
Kashmir’s Chinar
The majestic Chinars (Chinar trees) were brought to Kashmir by the Mughals under emperor Akbar who planted Chinars in the valley, after annexing the territory in 1586. Till date, hundreds of trees continue to stand tall at the site of the Hazratbal shrine in Naseem Bagh. Islamic preachers who travelled to Kashmir four centuries ago…
Kashmir Weddings
Cradled amidst the Mighty Himalayas, Kashmir is not just a picturesque destination but also a fusion of rich cultural heritage. Being situated at the crossroads of civilizations, its customs and values are a distinct amalgamation of the best of traditions. Born and bought up in Kashmir, I grew up being cocooned in the valley and…
Who Wins? Beauty, Heart or Mind !
ऐ गुलबदन तेरा पाकपन , कितना हसीन है तेरा चमन।तू हूर है , पर नूर है ,तेरी सादगी पे गुरूर है। ~Aaishah If you are generous and compassionate, yes, You are beautiful! If you are unbiased in all interests, yes, You are beautiful! If you have a glowing confidence and self belief, yes, You are…
Kashmir RootStock 