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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Preservation of Identity

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.

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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….

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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…

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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 &…

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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…

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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…

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