Kashmir RootStock

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

وادی کشمر

WADI -e- KASHMIR Mohd Aasif Gojri اےوادیِ کشمر اےوادیِ کشمر وہ چاندنی میں رات کی رانی کے نظارے اٰٹھی ہوہی موجوں کی راونی کے نظارے دنیا میں ہے جنت تجھے فردوس کی اےوادیِ کشمر اےوادیِ کشم اللہ نے وادی کو بھی کیا رنگ دیا ہے دنیا میی ہے نرنگے قدرت کی تجھے تفصیر اےوادیِ کشمر…

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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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…