Srinagar, Apr 25 : Meeting began with song by Anjali Kaul expressing pain of Kashmiri Pundits as they desire to return to their homeland. Mata Laleshwari’s soulful rendition of a spiritual yearning for heaven.
Letter of Ex Vice Chancellor of IGNOU read out by Rakesh Sapru. Letter expresses sad plight of the common Kashmiri and expresses full support for the foundation’s efforts. Earlier Rakesh Sapru who is the mind behind the entire initiative spoke of the support from various quarters for the NMUFB and its wide ranging agenda. For some time now he has been meeting with various intellectuals, thinkers, movers and shakers and professionals to discuss how best to go about implementing the foundation’s various goals. From organizing the meetings to inviting guests from a wide spectrum of society, it has been his behind-the- scenes efforts that are seeing fruition as the foundation is beginning to take shape. It is clearly emerging as a platform to discuss and air opinions and find what can be done to better the situation.
Prof Zutshi : We just want our identity back. That means language. Urdu was never our language. It was imposed on us by the Dogras.
The call from many participants was, ‘What is Kashmiri culture? Why are we being targeted?’
Former Health Director Dr._ ‘We have seen the death of Kashmiri culture’ Stressed on revival of Kashmiri heritage.
Ramesh Razdan: One aspect of revival is that of the Kashmiri art of carpet weaving.
As participants debated on the wiping out of the Kashmiri language Manzoor said:
Kashmiri language was never promoted. It had no employability. No one has a foreign language as the official language but Kashmir did.
Anjali Kaul: On Language. Small things were wiped out like names of villages and landmarks. The original names were retained in written documents but were replaced in common usage. The original names should be brought back.
Kamar Agha: Peace, stability and brotherhood should be brought back. Original names should be brought back. Economic activity should be revived. A starting point could be an outreach program involving professionals like teachers, lawyers, etc.
Zafar Shah: There should be interaction between youth of both communities. That will help resolve differences. Interaction should be a priority.
There was a general consensus that theground situation is tense .Even intellectuals, it was said are cautious because there have been some shocking crackdowns.
Anjali Kaul: Suggested as an addition to points mentioned by Mr Agha. Small steps to help tourists for example identify and carry forward the original names of important landmarks. Booklets containing these can be distributed. ‘Our culture is a Tahiri culture. Lets start with that.’
Prof Zutshi adding some humour said that there is no mention of Kashmiri history or culture even in textbooks because he said someone once mentioned that Kashmiris don’t write, they talk.
Mr Khan : Kashmiri culture and a love for Kashmir is vibrant and alive among expats.
Heated discussion after this but common consensus was that the agenda is to bring together the people. Reality is very bitter but NMUFB can contribute by implementing programs in keeping with PM Modi’s vision.
Raja Zutshi: We’re talking about interactions with youth but what are the concrete steps we are taking towards that?
Suggestions for action
Write a letter to the govt outlining our objectives and plans, thereby gaining support.
Group to visit J&K to promote Kashmiri culture
Preparation of a calendar of festivals
Interact and communicate with the youth to increase awareness of Kashmiri culture so that it does not die out.
distribute booklets with important events and lives of great personalities as also ancient names of historical and religious sites
Discussions conclude with a decision to host the first of such interactions in Baramulla. Also echoing throughout was the idea that the themes of action to be taken should be and will be in keeping with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for Kashmir.
