Upgraded Grid Infrastructure will vastly improve power scenario in Kashmir : Hashmat Qazi

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Chief Engineer, Power Development Department PDD Kashmir , Hashmat Qazi  is an able administrator and professional of par excellence . In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, he talks to Rameez Makhdoomi .

 

What is your take on prevailing electricity crisis in Kashmir as it has got worse than previous years?

 

I don’t think there is electricity crisis in Kashmir and what qualifies as crisis is debatable. On the pragmatic side, we have as Power Development Department with reference to distribution system an agreement to provide 800 Megawatts to consumers but we are providing 1300 Megawatts much beyond the agreement. we have .

See during night almost there is negligible load shedding despite water heating and in day time heavy loading especially in form of room heating creates problems for us as people use much beyond their stated agreements.

 

We have our own power projects but still we face too much loadshedding. Your take?

 

I want to via your medium clear many things and set the record straight, see power availability is no problem for us as we can get 2500 Megawatts anytime, but irony is most of us are not aware that our grids do not have yet handling capacity and grid infrastructure everywhere is being upgraded to find a lasting solution to this problem. In coming months our capacity of handling is witnessing a leap of further 300 Megawatts, which means a great further stride forward .

On a larger point everyone without knowledge is making hue and cry that despite our own projects we don’t have continued power supply (I by no means we should not have due share in our projects. )

One more important things our water resource is not being consumed in these power projects ,it is not like coal or petroleum which gets depleted, water has to move anyway whether project is set on it or not.

 

Why we face more burning electricity issues in winters?

The biggest reason behind this phenomenon is that all our hydel power projects dependent on water and in winters flow of water gets depleted and they produce just about 25 percent of the power, and we literally produce not much thus dependent on importing power from outside states projects out of which some are nuclear and some thermal.

 

As you yourself told handling capacity is issue, what is being done to upgrade grid infrastructure?

Within a month or two a huge improvement in grid infrastructure is coming up with Grid at Delina to be augmented and several other grid stations coming, and in next eighteen months a boom is going to be witnessed with GIS Grid station coming up in the core of city at Nowshera and other in Batpora area unlike the previous ones which were located  at peripheries.

In coming times our electricity scenario would improve greatly with dynamic and upgraded grid infrastructure coming up throughout length and breadth of kashmir.

 

What about rural areas as Kashmir is not just about Srinagar and districts like Bandipora and shopian face huge power cuts?

 

Well we are developing Srinagar as core and with infrastructure coming up here in shape of circular Aliastaing Grid, now the Zainakote grid feeding wanganpora, Habbak will go to North and similarly Pampore grid feeding Cheshmahi-Habbak circuit will go to south .With Delina grid to be upgraded to 160 Megawatts and Amargarh Grid also to be upgraded the situation will hugely improve.

Bandipora like areas have been Achilles heel for us as the huge power curtailments are reality there as the place has no grid of its own and gets partially fed from different grids Now within a month Bandipora having its own grid the power issues would get sorted out.

In South Kashmir grids were not big issue for us but clogging of lines is what creates problems in Kulgam Shopian and other areas and upgraded Lasipora grid and another grid coming up at Pulwama in next few months is going to resolve the issues there.

 

How can net transmission distribution power losses be curtailed?.

The biggest reason behind these losses is the power theft and it is mainly by domestic households and we are hopeful that by increased education, drives and awareness the power theft in coming years would come down.

 

Where do you see our power picture in 2020?

I am an optimist and I see very bright picture with reference to electricity in Kashmir in year 2020 and it is not just about building grids but ensuring we manage demand side and ensure judicious use of electricity and we are definitely taking steps in this regard.

 

We will make Srinagar a great city : Sheikh Imran

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Eminent businessman of Srinagar  Sheikh Imran, an independent corporator backed by Congress, was in November  elected Deputy Mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC).

He has also been an active figure on resolution and peace process front . In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir , he talks to Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi .

 

We have limited the contours of Srinagar City to few areas and overall it looks a Grand mess. Your take as Deputy Mayor?

The observation that Srinagar City is not just a place of few areas is quite valid as it is not just about karanagar or Rajbagh only but from khanyar to Pandch, Hiaderpora to Gulabagh  and scores of other areas make the historical Srinagar city . The reason Srinagar City has been mess is that exploitative and wrong minded politics has been played by vested interests to ensure that just ten percent vote and ninety percent remain aloof from the progress and development .

Those who dream to be real change makers are put to series of hurdles and problems .To stop my journey JK Bank loan issue is being cropped.

What is the bank loan issue about and your pendency of about 128 crore?

The bank has itself settled my case at 78 core out of which 51 crore are already paid and I am ready to pay further 27 crore.

Basically some earthly demigods tried best to stop my dream of becoming Deputy mayor but failed as I have firm faith in Allah. The irritants are being caused because I have been against a particular party which I am still.

 

How can we bring positive change in Srinagar?

The Srinagar City has faced unprecedented mess and misgovernance and it is like last stage of Cancer. Although I never lose hope when a place like Old Delhi can be given good ambience why not Srinagar, we are one of the historical cities of world. Srinagar Municipal Corporation will be having 35 services in hand and we will make Srinagar a great city in terms of development and infrastructure. We seek effective support of people as without them we cannot bring positive change. The employees of SMC too will also feel proud to be part of the corporation and it is our goal.

 

How does it feel as Posts like Mayor, Deputy Mayor have been revived after long?

Well the valley currently has just four elected people Muzafar Baigh, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Mayor, Deputy Mayor and  I guess two more Rajya Sabha members .

I feel we need these municipal elections regularly and not having these posts has been deceit with common people and their dreams as Municipal governance is the grassroots governance and we need it to change the face on  ground zero which is possible only via this form of grassroot governance .

 

NC, PDP had boycotted these elections and some voices   among these parties questioned the credibility of these elections, do you believe once if any of these parties form government they will cause impediment in your way?

Well be it NC or PDP, Congress or BJP I guess on large scale everyone is interested in better urban governance in the state and for that municipal corporations are backbone.

We are getting overall warm gestures from every party and few isolated voices don’t matter and my opinion  is that we won’t have any problems whoever forms the government in the state.

Some believe there are too many departments handling Srinagar like the famous adage goes too many cooks spoiling the broth?

I disagree with you on this as there is still burning need of increasing officials, officers and Departments that cater to needs of Srinagar.

But then what about lack of coordination?

Yes lack of coordination has been a serious issue. PHE has been going One Direction, R and B other, SDA other, that is why we have seen one department repairing roads other digging it.

We have the act for same purpose wherein all is done under one roof in Municipality department  to ensure better urban governance, similarly to achieve better and progressive Srinagar SMC is going to have 35 services under its belt and all departments coordinating with it effectively and thus lack of coordination will finish.

What is being done to improve garbage dumping system ?

There is already waste to energy programme and there is company that has participated in it .We are not new to garbage neither is garbage new to us .As a Deputy Mayor I would ensure world class dumping site come up which does not cause any smell problems to vicinity .When Singapore can use solid waste for farming and dump it in sea or lake why can’t we .

 

 

Dog menace is a serious issue, but then animal rights activists have raised question mark, how will you strike balance?

I would like to say Dog Menace has been serious issue for our city and my predecessors either have been ignorant or their intentions are questionable, we will implement the same standard pattern of sterilization as is being done in parts like Delhi. Standard sterilization centres would be established across Kashmir.

Electricity crisis in Srinagar city and other parts of Kashmir, your take on it?

The electricity problem is a very big problem. We are having problems at transmission end I have talked on this issue with engineers and commissioners. By February I assure their would not be major electricity issue in Srinagar.

What about safeguarding wetlands ?

Wetlands are of paramount importance to us and unfortunately we have lost many of them in past few decades but now we will take every step to protect them and I believe we should be grateful to Mahraja who gave us flood channels and institutions of excellence but after that since some decades our progress has come to halt.

You are very active in peace process and facilitated meet of Joint resistance leaders with former Norway PM  according to some reports, why don’t you use same repo with government of India which matters most ?

I am very grateful to Shri Shri Ravi Shankar for aiding our efforts of peace . For six years Hurriyat leaders shut doors ,and ex Norway PM came and met trade, lawyers and Hurriyat .  if we want to stop bloodshed then peace process in form of dialogue and talks is must . USA has failed somewhere .

Your suggestions are valid we need to prepare government of India for talks and taking  other countries also on board is must .Bloodshed is destroying kashmir . The way things are going it looks Kashmir is born to get killed and each one of us need to make efforts to save our generations   .

 

Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan Unplugged

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Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan Unplugged

 

The Show Must Go On !

News Kashmir Exclusive

 

Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan is an actor of stage, Radio, Television and a filmmaker. He is also a theatre practitioner. He started his career back in 1988.

 

Born and brought up in Srinagar, Khan has acted in and has directed more than two dozen stage plays. He is one of the leading filmmakers of Kashmir and for the last more than 3 decades he has produced and directed more than 300 hundred documentary films / Tele Films/episodes of serials/music albums for DD Kashir, DD Urdu, J&K Tourism, Excise Department, Kashmir University and other clients.

 

Having completed his post graduation from Kashmir University in 1982, Khan has been awarded, honoured & felicitated from time to time by state cultural academy, other prestigious organisations and associations for his contribution in the field of theatre and filmmaking.

 

The filmmaker has also attended ‘Film Appreciation Course’ held under the joint auspices of NFAI (National Film Archives of India) & FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) in Pune (1997). He also attended “Basic Videography Course” held at FTII in 2006.

 

 

 

The Stalwart, who defied all barriers to bring World Class films to the Valley, who struggled against all odds, the cultural activist and The Man behind KWFF !!!

 

 

Recalling his struggling days, Khan said: “People have struggled in Bollywood but my struggle began from Kashmir itself. It was not easy to get the space in Radio, TV and Theatre in the beginning. In Radio, I cleared my audition in the third chance. In Theatre, I was made to serve tea to my seniors and I never felt ashamed of it. That’s how I have grown up”.

 

When asked about what kind of person he is, Khan replied with a smiling face, “I am a simple human. I love music, photography, theatre and films. I am an artistic person. I want to be surrounded by art, peace, love and everything that gives me solace. Earlier, music was my first passion and after music, it was acting. I acted extensively for Theatre, TV & Radio and enjoyed it. And later I started directing stage plays and TV films and TV Serials. Now I love both of the professions”.

 

Adding some flavour to the story, Khan said that he had to leave the dream city because of the unavoidable circumstances. “I was in Mumbai for two years. I acted in some serials. I had few meetings with film directors for few assignments but I couldn’t make it as I didn’t stay there for a long time due to some domestic issues at my home in Kashmir and I had to return back”

 

He is the first filmmaker of the valley, who produced & directed documentaries for UGC’s countrywide classroom through AVRC of Kashmir University.

 

He is the founder and director of ‘Kashmir World Film Festival’ – a first of its kind and magnitude in Kashmir. He is also working as Consultant with North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala at its Srinagar office. He is the Chairman of Actors Creative Theatre (ACT), an organisation, active in the field of Art, Culture, Film & Literature, since 1976.

 

Khan has been conducting film festivals, theatre festivals, theatre workshops, seminars, interactions, discussions and other functions on subjects like art, culture, film and literature involving hundreds and thousands of art loving people, especially youth.

 

Till date Khan has been felicitated with many awards – Infotel Award” for his meritorious services in the field of “Theatre, Radio & Television”, presented by Hon’ble Minister of J&K State, Mohtarma Asiya Naqash (12th Nov. 2017), Was presented “Award of Honour” for his meritorious services in the field of Theatre and Film Making by “All Artists Welfare Association Jammu”, presented by State President BJP Shri Sat Sharma and Secretary Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Mr Azeez Hajni (22nd Dec. 2016 at Jammu), Short Film “Sula Mout” directed by him was awarded by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. The award was presented by the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Mr Kavinder Gupta (12th Oct. 2015), “Infotel Award” for his meritorious services in the field of “Theatre, Radio & Television”, presented by Hon’ble Minister of J&K State, Jenab Ghulam Hassan Mir (Dec. 2014), “Athwas Award” for his meritorious services in the field of “Theatre, Radio & Television”, presented by Hon’ble Minister of J&K State, Jenab Ali Mohammad Sagar (April 2011), The films “Ek afsana chaman ka” and “Tresh Ta Tarpan” produced and directed by him got “IInd Best Production” and “Consolation Award” respectively, in the first Film Festival/Competition of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, presented by Hon’ble Minister of J&K State, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani (March 2010), “Award of Excellence” for “Best contribution in TV & Theatre” awarded by Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, presented by Hon’ble Minister of J&K State, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora (October 2009), “Best Direction” and “Best Set Designer” for the stage play “Taqdeer Saaz” in the Theatre Festival of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. The play was also awarded Best Production and got a total of nine awards, presented by Shri Vijay Baqaya (25 May 2009), “Academy’s Special prize of Best Direction” and “Best Set Designer” for the stage play “EK POTLI ARMANOON KI” in the Theatre Festival of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. The play was also awarded Best Production (jointly), and got a total of eight awards, presented by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Saifuddin Soz (2006-07), “Best Set Designer” for the play “Jheel Bula Rahi Hai” in Doordarshan Srinagar’s Theatre Festival. The play which was directed by him was also awarded “3rd Best Production” and got a total of four awards, presented by His Excellency Gen. S. K. Sinha Governer of J&K State (2005), “Best Director” (Shakir & Aslam Memorial Award”) by Jehlum Art Media for directing Tele-film “Phirsaal” (2000), “Best Acting Award” for acting in the stage play “Bhoma” by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (1986) and “Special Prize” for acting in the stage play “Juloos” by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (1983).

 

He has many achievements to his credit. He has been awarded senior fellowship in the field of folk theatre for a period of two years by Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India (2009 – 2011). Has worked as a subject consultant in the Hindi Feature film “TAHAAN”, directed by Santosh Sivan (2007-08). The documentary film titled “KASHMIRI MUSIC” produced & directed by him in 1994 was screened in the International Film Festival, held in Srinagar, organised by Films Division and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (June 2007) and others.

 

Mushtaaque has also served as an expert and the judge for his outstanding knowledge regarding the subjects like art and culture. He was an expert in the selection committee of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, for the selection of Costume designer (Aug. 2006), a member of the panel of Jury in the Painting competition in Kashmir University (Nov. 2008), a member of the panel of Jury in the Theatre Festival/ Competition organised by ANHAD (Aug. 2009), a member of the panel of Jury in ANHAD’s Young Filmmakers Documentary Film Festival (Nov. 2009), was member of the panel of Jury in Folk Theatre festival organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages and North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala (Nov. 2009), was Judge in the 3-day Talent Hunt Programme, held at Bandipore by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (May 2011), an expert in the Auditions conducted by Song and Drama Division in Srinagar twice (July 2009 & May 2011), a member of the panel of jury in Theatre Festival organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages in Srinagar (July 2013), a member of the panel of jury in the Drama Audition held by Radio Kashmir Srinagar (5th & 6th Aug. 2015), a member of the panel of jury in the Theatre Festival organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages in Abhinav Theatre, Jammu (7th to 20th Dec 2015) and an expert for evaluating the plays for Theatre Festival organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages in Srinagar (2017).

 

Being into the profession of filmmaking, Khan asserted that the Bollywood has not explored many destinations in the valley. “Be it for what reasons, but I believe that the film industry has not explored the valley properly. There are many beautiful places that I know personally, where they have not filmed so far and in contrary, I will say that in Kashmir there is a saying that wherever you open your camera, you get a perfect frame”

 

Explaining about Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF) Khan’s latest venture, he said: “From the past few years, I had a dream of holding a film festival in Kashmir. I was planning for more than a year and finally, in 2017, I did it. The first edition of Kashmir World Film Festival was held in July 2017. In November 2017, we did its second edition and in June 2018 we returned for the 3rd one. Now, we are all set to host its 4th edition in November 2018,” Khan said.

 

“In the festival world, class films and the films from different states of India are screened. The films made on Kashmir get a special emphasis,” he added.

 

For his initiative of the film festival, Khan has been receiving an overwhelming response and support from all sections of the society and also from the Mumbai film industry. “I kept moving and people kept joining me. My wish is that the KWFF should continue even after my death. I strongly believe in “THE SHOW MUST GO ON,” he concluded.

 

 

Downtown Srinagar is the best place for women in the world : Mehreen Amin

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Mehreen Amin  is shining example of  how determination, dreams can be turned in to reality  This Downtown young girl established Srinagar’s first female only gym near the famous Islamia College .

In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir, she talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.

 

How did you get the idea of starting all exclusive women Gym?

I had some health issues and had joined fitness center for women in Delhi, I got an idea to start same here and I was propelled to give pragmatic shape to my dreams when I had awful experience in unisex gym under male trainers feeling uncomfortable. Despite hailing from Downtown I never thought I would start it from here. My father, brother initially did not support my idea, they wanted me to invest in any other ideas rather than all exclusive women gym. Finally my mother’s great support and unrelenting determination of mine paved way for me to give my dream actual shape. I was passing from here and got to know about unoccupied space and the landlord cooperated like anything.

Media usually tags Downtown under negative headlines, did you ever feel fear ?

I have no fear working in Downtown, the local boys have on overall paradigm helped me like anything with their great cooperation and support. Downtown is one of the best places in world for women. They told me women in their household face different  health issues and they definitely need such gym. Here no one comes for figure Maintenance  as is wrong perception but in today fast world we have thyroid, diabetes and due to rampant  fast and junk food use the obesity related issues have flared up. This Gym offers hope to women to fight their health issues and stay fit.

How has been the response so far?

The response has been overwhelming with grace of Allah. The tremendous support of local populace has made this much success possible.

The world is usually difficult for women, did you ever feel it?

Yes there were usually taunts from some that my initiative is bound to collapse, but with my determination and firm support of family I stood like rock and the support of building owner was always immense. In first few days I used to get some fake feedback but with time the realistic feedback had poured like anything. Here women in presence of women trainers openly discuss their issues , feel comfortable and give positive feedback.

Do you feel such all exclusive women gyms should be established in other parts of Kashmir valley as well?

The unrealistic and false vibes we have developed that women and girls will not join all exclusive women gyms and fitness centers has to fall apart, I plan to start these all exclusive women gyms in other parts of Kashmir valley as well and it is my dream.

How is the cooperation from other women?

There are  very few who pass taunts as like men, women too are diverse in nature. The overall response from women is quite heartwarming and I would say quite awesome cooperation.

Since you have seen work atmosphere in cities like Delhi, do you feel Downtown Srinagar is better for women?

Downtown Srinagar is one of the best places for women in world in terms of safety and other things . I leave late in evening and never has anyone passed any comments on me I am proud to be women from Downtown.

Do  we here in Kashmir dearth of women fitness trainers?

Yes without doubt I believe we have to go a long way in terms of getting atleast the bare number of women trainers and I hope parents encourage their girls towards fitness related realms.

Does the upheavals in the our part of world impact your working?

I respect the strike calls and sentiment of masses and I reschedule the working norms like such that we overcome the lost time.

What are the specific problems for which women join your fitness center?

Today many young women are grappling with problems like PCOD which acts as irritant in  birth mechanism and Doctors accordingly advise them exercise and also weight issues is another thing. Women has to cater  so many things from family to her profession and she needs exercise, gyming more than men need it. Here in presence of women trainers being an exclusive women gym they feel comfortable and it logically also thus respects religious aspects.

What is your message to other girls who dream big ?

My message is fight for your rights and never lose hope. We should always stay calm and learn the art of seeing every storm in Composed way. I once again want to via your esteemed medium thank the boys of Downtown for their great support.

 

 

Artist Should Have Broad Mindset : Arshad Sualeh

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Kashmiri artist Arshad Sualeh is a prolific painter and has via his work made  Kashmir proud on global radar . He has recently bagged the master award of honour in the International Art Festival  at Jaipur organised by team Artistry International. The award was presented to Sualeh by Bollywood actors Anuradha Patel and Kanwaljeet Singh. He bagged the award for his outstanding work and lifetime experience.

 

In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir, Arshad Sualeh converses in-depth about his endeavors with Rameez Makhdoomi .

 

 

 

 

 

Tell us a bit about your childhood days and inclination towards painting ?

 

My childhood was spent in a learned and friendly environment as my father Mirza Mohammad Sualeh Baigh was an institution in himself having trained more than 300 artists in Paper Machie Art . since my early childhood days i had great love towards painting and used to sketch on different surfaces ranging from canvass to paper .There is an interesting story once I was beaten and scolded by my father as I  had used  charcoal and drawn huge sketches on government building and was reported by chowkidar .

 

Overall my father encouraged me greatly and witnessing my love for fine arts and got me enrolled in Fine Arts college to polish my love towards painting in more professional way .Fine arts is in my blood .

 

How was the transition in journey possible?

 

I had instinctive forces and qualities towards painting and love for fine arts was in my blood. I was self taught artist and I took some qualities from father as he was great artist and had  high degree of aesthetic  taste  and he had sense of coloring and  combination , shapes and drawing lines , composition and used to guide me those days and due to myself taught nature I used to paint diverse landscapes  . During my studies at primary and secondary school I always used to draw different sketches, drawings  and  paintings  and finally after I reached Music and Fine arts college I met my great teachers late Gayoor Hassan, late Shuja Sultan, Ma Mehboob and Shafiq Mirza . I was found of making big paintings and had different concepts within me and  I had great religious atmosphere in home and meanwhile when my brother  who is a doctor took me to Delhi and there at Iran cultural house I saw impressive Calligraphic  paintings combined with landscape probably by Mahmood fraschin, one of the great artists of Iran  . The painting touched my heart and I had calligraphic hand right from beginning so I tried to write different types of verses on paper and canvas .My grandfather Hakeem Akthar Ali was great calligrapher of Kashmir and he used to write down  different verses of holy Quran , Persian, Arabic  and  Urdu poetry in a magnificent calligraphic way .He possessed khati nakhoon ( Specific nail calligraphy ) as he has had preserved that nail and used to write verses of holy Quran , and different scripts and texts  . Accordingly  I started giving my calligraphic art a voice and thrust and started  painting Quranic calligraphic with landscape .

I have painted hundreds of calligraphic works .

 

What motivated you to calligraphy ?

 

I knew calligraphy very well . As I told you I had religious atmosphere at home and after being highly impressed by painting that I saw at Iran cultural house I started calligraphic paintings and Wama arsalnaka illa rahmatan lilAAalameen

 

was my first  painting calligraphic work. I have painted hundreds of calligraphic works . I had this urge to convey divine message of Almighty Allah  with the help of paintings because  I was stimulated  and impressed by Christian art with paintings of Mother Mary with child , virgin and child and Jesus Christ on cross . I got the idea that those artists from Italy and France  were influenced by Christianity and I was impressed and influenced by message of Holy Quran so I started  writing and draw different script of holy Quran in form of paintings so that I  can convey  divine message of Allah in form of paintings .There are 3000 each of my Quranic reproductions of paintings painted  by me in USA, SAUDI ARABIA AND CANADA .

 

You work on four subjects , what are those ?

 

I work on Quranic Calligraphy Paintings combined with landscape  , Abstract, semi  abstract figurative work paintings , Realistic Paintings, Surrealistic paintings .  .Mostly kashmiris love  Quranic calligraphic with landscape as Muslims are majority here and love Islam  and  I paint thus more Quranic calligraphy , -there are two benefits -one being verse of holy Quran and other it being painting with beautifully painted .

 

You started your journey with ?

 

I started my journey with realistic paintings and realistic portraits  as basically I was portrait artist and painted scores of portraitures  but left it as it involved huge amount of time  as I do not have much time  now as I have to teach as well fine arts to teachers at cluster university . Whatsoever leisure time I have I try to divert It to calligraphy although I also love realistic art.

 

I have participated in  different types of contests and also participated more than thirty art workshops in India and also in many  international workshops and exhibitions. Different people have collected my work as  their own personnel memorable collection .

 

Challenges faced by artist especially in Kashmir ?

 

There are so many  challenges faced by artist as our emotions are different . Artist’s world is all together a different  world and temperament difficult to  understand  . Sometimes I  might be so close to you that you will think Arshad has some problem  as you will think he wants to get something . When we connect eyes with other human we get very close and other person should have sense to understand . Here in kashmir we do not have favorable atmosphere as it is often filled with stress , pain and turbulence. Sometimes I want to display paintings but we feel short of art lovers  and no body to appreciate or purchase our work. We cannot just survive by token appreciation. Artist must  have congenial atmosphere, art lovers which is unfortunately absent here . We also tragically do not have art galleries here .

Does Art lead to Spirituality ?

Art basically leads to spirituality and divinity .If an artist is perfect,  sincere in his work  he or she will achieve automatically achieve spirituality .Whenever we paint nature like moonset, sunset, waterfall, gushing water, Greenland  it automatically leads us to divinity, spirituality  close to God .One of the names of Allah is ya Musaviro ( one who is artist ) and he has created  human as best of creations . Every art like poetry,  painting, music , sculpture we try to recreate and get fully stimulated by beauty of almighty Allah  .

 

Is Painting your first love?

I mostly do paintings and can do installations and paintings has always been my first love.

Your favourite artists ?

Bikash BAHATACHRYA is among my favourties , Jatin Das is also among my favourties as he is my teacher and I have contributed my works to his personnel museum and his paintings have been appreciated allover world. Ram Kumar, MF Hussaein,  Ramkrashinan, Bhaskaran, Mr Balan etc are my other favouries .

 

Some families discourage their children towards fine arts, your take?

 

Those families that discourage their children from art do not have aesthetic taste and love for diverse arts ranging from poetry to painting as they falsely think it will yield noting while in reality it pays huge dividends . If our children have tendency towards art we should fully encourage them as it is such a wonderful thing .

 

What would be your message to young artists ?

 

Hard work leads to destination if somebody has tendency for art he or should  understand it is not easy but so difficult . One has to work with dedication. So one has to tolerate and pass through many difficulties with full calm and composure and have broad mindset . One great painting does not make you artist as it is continuous process . We need to have large heart to stay relevant .

 

Your take on infrastructure with reference to art like paintings outhere ?

 

Infrastructure like galleries are lacking here .Everywhere in world there are platforms for arts and in India we have academies and galleries . We have art and culture academy here in Kashmir and they work good but unfortunately we do not have art galleries outhere

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noted awards you have received ?

 

I have been conferred three state awards and one national award from  Raskala manch  Haryana , international award by government  of Iran Ministry of Heritage and culture and   and one more international award I got Masters award of honor recently in Jaipur Rajasthan in international art festival  .I have received scores of local awards .

 

Have you painted on turmoil and others things you would like to share ?

 

I have painted so much of paintings on bloodshed, pain and humans in distress . Art can also help to come out of depression,. Doctors give art therapy like give something to draw and paint. We do not have unfortunately have exposure . Most of the people want to take this subject but are worried about sustenance but once we do with dedication we can live like king .

 

Sometimes our greatest fears or strengths are revealed to us when we are by ourselves: Sakie Ariyawansa

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Sakie Ariyawansa , a well known traveler and writer from Srilanka  in an exclusive interview with news Kashmir talks to Rameez Makhdoomi .She also describes her wonderful experiences as traveler in kashmir.

She is also founder, writer  http://www.thetravellore.com/

 

.Tell us a bit about your childhood?

 

 

My childhood was a pretty calm one. My parents were both Arts graduates and the environment at my home was always filled with talk about history, politics, and geography. My father had an excellent collection of books on Soviet Russia, Che Guevara, Mahatma Gandhi and other inspirational characters and places. The news was not only watched at home but also discussed. This developed a hardcore reading habit in me, and interest to know about other countries, cultures, and people who lived in them. I always dreamt about traveling to those and seeing in real every scene I had imagined while reading.

 

 

How was it growing when the conflict was on in Sri Lanka?

 

 

Well, the conflict was taking place in the North East provinces of the country, but surely was a wound for all of us. (Sri Lanka is very small in area) I was born and brought up in Colombo, and it was a matter of life and death and not a single family member in any household was sure of being able to return home from work or school. Suicide bombers and explosions targeting public gatherings had become so common that one would easily suspect almost anyone in public transport. People had lost trust. Fear was everywhere. Every day, someone known was dead. Breaking News was always on TV. Colombo was a grey city to me back then. Looking at it now, I am truly happy and proud as a Sri Lankan to have overcome the menace of terrorism. I am thankful that one day my children will not see such cruelty that I did.

 

 

A bit about your travel experiences?

 

 

A bit is too less! I believe, traveling is what made me who I am today. I feel I saw almost a world within India, with so many religions, traditions, languages, and dressing styles. It definitely taught me to become flexible, confident and adjust according to the situation. Ability to speak Hindi and some Indian regional languages came in handy majorly. I realized that what media feeds to us is sometimes completely against to what it really is. This made me a very liberated person, I would not believe anything for the sake of it. I came back home as a very different person from my childhood. Ever since I could not be stopped. I am intoxicated by different landscapes I think!

 

 

My concept of “Inspire Traveling” is based upon how best it is to learn things yourself, rather than depending or being influenced by external opinions. We get misled because we don’t make an effort to find the truth ourselves or don’t have the time for it. Traveling is not visiting a place and taking photographs of it, but to acknowledge oneself of the lives, friends, and simplicity behind it, which is what enlightens the mind. Traveling is the key to a free mind and productive traveling can be a cure for racism and hatred too. It is the best teacher, and lessons that never bore!

 

. How was experience in Kashmir like?

 

 

Kashmir is no more a traveling destination to me, it is like home. I had grown up knowing of Kashmir through Bollywood movies. The Roja movie of Mani Ratnam was a great inspiration. As a child, I wanted to climb those mountains, and see the snow-covered trees. I remember my mother telling me about how far away it is (she has never been there, but she is a fan of old Bollywood movies-70% of them were shot there) We all knew it for the conflict, so traveling to Kashmir was considered totally unsafe and hectic. The first time I went to Kashmir, my mother was shocked, happy and worried at the same time! I extended my two weeks stay to 1.5 months as I fell in love with it. My mind grew to overlook the violence and to see the warmth of the people and the mesmerizing sceneries of it from my mother’s tales. The Internet is quite poor in Kashmir so I can never Skype to show my life in Kashmir to my folks in Sri Lanka. I discovered a different beauty about it that is unknown to the outside world, so started writing on it. My trips kept on increasing and I am glad my stories and findings have been able to create a positive mindset in many Sri Lankans on Kashmir and Kashmiris.

 

 

 

 

Would you call yourself a feminist?

 

 

Definitely not. Speaking for women’s rights would not make me a feminist. I think it will only make me human. Rights should be given to all men and women equally. Just that I see certain topics are considered taboo for women, and surprisingly are created and enforced by women at certain instances. Therefore, it sometimes comes to it that to save women, one needs to fight some women itself. Aspire a career they dream, acceptance and respect to all occupations, and not just doctors, engineers and teachers should become more ordinary. One such concept I have seen is that “teaching” is considered the best job for a girl. Or girls are forced to take science subjects only to become a teacher, ultimately. The unsystematic plan of education shuts the doors to wisdom and an open mind. And the circle will continue. They should be encouraged to reach out to opportunities, and witness what the outside world is like. They should also have their own findings, stories to tell others than the vice versa all the time. An educated acknowledged force of women can prosper a nation.

 

 

Advice for solo travelers?

 

 

A.) Be interactive. You have no idea what stories could come your way and how life-changing they can be only if you become a little open. Sometimes its therapy that you could not find in an expensive hospital. You learn to realize how small your problems are sometimes.

 

 

  1. B) Be confident. You could be freaking out within, but never show that so much that you could be a target! Always act as if you have been in that place for 100 times already especially with auto drivers. The trick is to build a conversation with them and become a not-a-total stranger. Point A could probably resolve this situation.

 

 

  1. C) Enjoy your one-ness.

Traveling alone does not only reveal the outside world to you but makes you discover your own self. Sometimes our greatest fears or strengths are revealed to us when we are by ourselves.

 

 

 

Whenever I am called for service to humanity I am always ready to go to any extent: Jeevanjyot Singh, Khalsa Aid

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Jeevanjyot Singh, a prominent Khalsa Aid volunteer from Jammu & Kashmir recently became the poster boy of Khalsa Aid in its noble efforts to aid Rohingya Muslim refugees of Burma at Bangladesh Burma border .

Jeevanjyot’s picture went viral on social media while helping the Rohingya Muslims.

In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, Jeevanjyot Singh Talks to Rameez Makhdoomi

 

 

How bad is current situation on Burma Bangladesh border?

Situation is so catastrophic; nearly 1 million people have reached Bangladesh Southern border. Situation is worsening day by day due to fluctuating weather.

What is your focus on ?

Our main focus is on providing majorly food to everyone as it is now the basic necessity and also water. We are providing hot prepared meals to almost 25k people every day.

What motivates Khalsa aid to work in such risky situations ?

Our Guru Granth sahib has always taught us SARBAT DA BHLA it means Betterment of whole mankind and we are doing that in various parts of this world wherever it’s a disaster, any war zone any sort of complications.

Is Bangladesh Government cooperating ?

Yes Bangladesh  government  is  fully cooperating.

 

What will be your appeal to donors ?

 

Our appeal to donors is just donate for humanity ,Religion never divides and in every holy book it is specified that we are humans first .

How much is local people & refugees cooperating  in easing Crisis ?

People are accepting us with open arms we have heard refugees  saying that everyone is helping with money, clothes and other basic things  and refuges state  the way you cook food for us is just amazing.

What are future projects of Khalsa aid?

Khalsa aid is running different projects in whole of the INDIA and projects are abrupt as I said we work in disasters and war zones. We are running Two schools in Punjab where kids of Rickshaw pullers, labourers etc study free of cost and the strength is 900, we have skill development centers in Punjab, an adopted hospital in Jammu, we are sponsoring many medical cases throughout the country and it keeps on adding every month.

A bit about yourself  ?

As a Khalsa aid volunteer my basics are very much clear, whenever I am called for  service to humanity  I am always ready to go to any extent. We are specially trained for these sort of projects and managing crowds.

Solar Energy is now cheaper than other forms: Dr P R Dhar

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Jammu And Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JKEDA) is among the prominent departments of Jammu and Kashmir state looking after energy needs of masses.

 P R Dhar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) JAKEDA, in an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir talks to Rameez Makhdoomi & Farzana Mumtaz

Tell us something about JKEDA Mandate?

JKEDA has a mandate to implement renewal programmes in the J&K state and main thrust is on  hydroelectricity and solar sources .In solar we are undertaking Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission , under the mission the ministry has a target of 175 Gigawatt, out of 175 Gigawatts the one lac megawatts i.e 100 Gigawatts have to be developed under solar energy .

In JK upto 25 megawatts is segregated in two parts .Upto 10 Megawatts the mandate is with JKEDA, LREDA, KREDA, above 10 to 25 Megawatts the mandate is with Power Development authority .

Earlier the whole mandate was with power development department . In 2011 the mandate upto 2 Megawatts was given to JKEDA and recently it has been enhanced to 10 Megawatts. Under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar  Mission to achieve the target of 100 Gigawatts we have segregated it into different schemes – one is Rooftop scheme under which ministry has target of 40000 megawatts i.e 40 Gigawatts till 2022.Under the same states have been allotted their own targets .JK state during 2014-2015 had target of two megawatts , 2015-2016 56 Megawatts, 2017-2018 54 megawatts till now we have completed around 112 megawatt target, while as 450 megawatts target is to be achieved till 2022.

Pertinently, they have sanctioned one  project for two megawatt only unless and until we don’t finish that then only they will sanction balance  , because under MNR 70 percent subsidy is provided to JK for the domestic sector and for institutions registered under societies act. For the government side the subsidy is given only when project is completed within given period of time as any delay above three months the subsidy gets reduced substantially and further reduced if delay is more under roof top scheme. Than we are promoting off-grid solar power planets as well as decenteralized systems i.e solar  home lighting systems till now we have covered  all un-electrified  villages of jk .84000 solar lighting system have also been provided for partially electrified areas.

Ministry under PDMP has sanctioned 20000 solar  street lighting system to be installed in streets, community places i.e shrines,  temples, mosques and other important places. We have already placed orders for diverse lighting systems which would be available within one month.

Can solar generated power be answer to load-shedding problems ?

Yes solar as source of power can definitely be an effective answer to our woes of power curtailments especially to those large areas where heavy snowfall cuts power supply for days together .The system is simple as getting charged during day when we don’t require light  the solar panels will provide non- stop solar power at night.

Would be it right to say solar energy is costlier ?

Solar energy is now much cheap if you go by recent bids finalized at national level. The tariff has come to as low as 2.50 paise per unit , as it now varies from 2.50 paises to 3.50 paise .Earlier when Jawaharlal Nehru national solar mission was launched in 2010 the agreement was as high as 70 Rs per unit than it got reduced to Rs 30 in 2012 and then to Rs 9 and now it is cheaper than hydro, thermal sources.

What is being done to upgrade human resource of the department ?

We have kept the provision of employing about  48  JES and 34  Aes to improve the efficiency of the Department and these very posts will be advertised next month .

Are we going to see establishment of solar parks in our state by JKEDA?

We have already identified 6000 kanals of land for establishing mega solar park in Samba district of Jammu region and in this regard have to pay Rs 18 crore ( 16.5 crore for land cost towards forest Department and 1.5 crore for plantation) and once formalities are complete we will establish it .

As far as establishing any such park in Kashmir is concerned we don’t have a long stretch of land available at anywhere to establish same. We have to bear in mind for one Megawatt you require 40 kanals of land and for 100 megawatts we require 4000 kanals .

What is the data of unelectrified households and have you reached those?

The data as per PDD is about 3500 household that remain unelectrified in the state and they were long back in year 2003-04 provided solar lighting, as we had procured around 8300 solar home lighting that time under remote village electric mission   and given to such households.

Tell us more about the realms of rooftop solar scheme ?

The rooftop scheme is a visionary project .It is a recent scheme for those areas which have grid as the energy which you generate via solar panel gets transferred to grid. Under Rooftop scheme the household is a energy generator  and your solar panel is connected to grid .During day time excess energy gets transferred to grid and in night you utilize, the bidirectional meter is installed wherein you pay for the difference between generation and consumption. Pertinently, one kilowatt generates 4 units a day which is priced at Rs 3 per unit for domestic sector  that means you earn 12 a day .For year you earn about 4000 to 5000 and you recover investment after four to five years and start earning after this. Importantly, the one kilowatt solar panel is priced at Rs 65000 but here in JK State it is attractive due to subsidy of 70 percent and one has  to just pay RS 19500.

Tell us a bit about hydro electricity power projects ?

We have framed policy of mini hydropower projects up to 2 megawatt and allotted 30 sites  to Independent Power  Producers i.e local entrepreneurs , they will develop these projects at their own costs as it is sort of business generation .We have been sanctioned  1000 crore allotted under Prime minister development package to be used  for hydropower projects  till 2022.

We have in this regard identified 13 project sites and work will commence soon on 5 projects.

A bit about upcoming projects?

We are developing 100 megawatt under EPC mode, they will be all commissioned within a period of 3.6 years .We have prepared DPR’S for five projects sites and tenders bidders have qualified and in second stage rates will be finalized .In the month of October the final bidders will qualify after proper tendering.

Your message to common masses?

My message to masses is that do take full benefit of rooftop solar panel scheme so that we in the J&K state become self sufficient in producing solar energy and met our electricity needs. We will also by this be producing clean, green sources of energy.

 

 

 

You will fail 99 times before getting success: Ritu Pandit

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Ritu Pandit is a fashion stylist of par excellence .In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir , Ritu Pandit talks to Rameez Makhdoomi

 

A bit about your early life ?

I belong to a traditional family in Palwal district of Haryana, India. My life has been very simple since my town was not very developed. It’s my dad who agreed for my abroad studies after one straight year of persuasion.

 

 

How was academic life like ?

I have studied computer engineering & did my masters from England. I had some months of visa available to stay in England which made me to join a short course in fashion & media styling from one of the renowned “Institute “London College of fashion”.

 

What motivates you to become fashion stylist ?

There is lot of motivation from my friends & known people who used praise my dressing & outfit ideas. Like all women I loved to dress different everyday & experimenting. I used to wear matching shoes & purses which led to piles of merchandise in my house.. I had this internship period with fashion production house in Leicester. So, this was the force which pushed me in fashion industry after coming back to India also.

 

What are your priorities as a stylist ?

 

I have worked as a freelance fashion stylist. Now, I have a better & transparent medium to encourage people more about fashion & spreading awareness about culture, travel & anything I find interested to share with my followers on my website www.oimfashion.com.

Now, I just love doing stuff which keeps my followers happy & beautiful.

.

You are also vivid traveler .A bit about your traveler experiences?

Travelling is something where you get the solitude from worldly things be its a small town visit or any international country. Every-time I am pissed with situations I want to take an escape to anywhere from my current city. I won’t call myself a traveler but I have traveled quite a bit while studying abroad in Europe, friends’ visits in Asian neighbor countries & India of-course. My best travel experience was during my reality TV show with NDTV India “Godrej Green Champion” where we explored India throughout the road journey from Delhi to Bangalore. I recently went on this 7 day trip to Himachal Pradesh with “Big Bang Trip” who gather people from around the globe & provide them experience for lifetime. I am still waiting for my long train travel may be south soon.

 

Your take on condition of women in India ?

Well, I am feminist myself. But, many people are mistaking the word feminism. We have fought over year to reach the position we are here today & it will take many more generations to give the due respect to women be in India or abroad. Feminism is not about putting male power down, but it’s lifting up the level of women in society. Equality begins from your house & upbringing. Parents are the first teachers to give right pictures of men, women & world. Equality is not only giving equal education & spending money on daughters. Equality is not treating them like sons. For me there is just one line:

”

We don’t want special respect; We just want ordinary equality to live”

 

Your message?

I am a very optimistic person & I felt over year that being optimistic does not make you smile all the time. You will fail 99 times before getting success. Just sick to your decision & this entire universe will get fixed itself.

 

There is a dire need of madrasa reforms: Mushtaq Ul Haq Ahmad Sikander

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Mushtaq Ul Haq Ahmad Sikander is a Valley based Writer, Activist and Independent Researcher. In an exclusive interview with NewsKashmir magazine Executive Editor, Rameez Makhdoomi, he talks about his new book, need for madrasa reforms, gender issues and domestic politics.

What is your debut book “Bridging the Divide: Call for a New Dawn” all about?

Madrasas as the institutions of Islamic learning have always inspired me. Madrasas played a pioneering role in the knowledge building. With the colonization of Muslim lands, the knowledge came to be divided into worldly and religious, quite an alien divide to the Muslim world. Though now we exist in a post colonial era, but the division of knowledge as a colonial remnant still continues. Both the madrasas and schools do not intend to learn from each other, incorporate the subjects or texts that they have artificially compartmentalized and unnaturally divided. There have been attempts to bridge the prevailing antagonistic divide among the knowledge systems, but they have achieved little success.

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) as the oldest reformist Muslim educational institution, under the able leadership of its ex Vice chancellor Lt. General Zameer uddin Shah started the Bridge course for the madrasa students. It is an attempt to bridge this artificial divide among the knowledge systems. The one year course acquaints madrasa pass outs with English, social sciences and computer literacy. On the completion of the bridge course the students are given 10+2 certificate that renders them eligible for admission in bachelor courses of different streams of social sciences including law and mass communication. The present Director of Bridge course that runs as a part of Centre for Promotion of Educational and Cultural Advancement of Muslims of India (CEPECAMI) and a Muslim intellectual, reformist thinker and writer Dr Rashid Shaz invited me to study the impact of Bridge course on students and how it is viewed by traditional madrasa scholars and Muslim educational institutions as a whole. The book “Bridging the Divide: Call of a New Dawn” is the outcome of ethnographic and textual study. It took me over a year to complete this research and with the institutional support of CEPECAMI and individual encouragement of Prof. Rashid Shaz I was able to complete this study.

What was the main motive behind writing the book?

The main motive was to understand the attempt of Bridge Course and how successful it is in evolving the madrasa cadres to respond to the challenges of modernity, that include social, political, epistemological, educational and gender issues. Also I tried to understand and analyze the historical attempts of bridging the divide between traditional and modern educational systems in Muslim world particularly in South Asia. The shortcomings, flaws of earlier attempts and suggestions to overcome such pitfalls in the present attempt of CEPECAMI have been critical evaluated too.

So what are the Preliminary findings of your study?

The preliminary and concrete findings of the study can be discovered by reading the book. I leave it for the readers to evaluate my research.

How far you have found the need for reforms in madrasas?

There is a dire need of madrasa reforms. Madrasas need a lot of reforms as they only concentrate on their unique education system and curriculum. The Ulema see madrasas as manufacturing factories producing future Ulema but there are many students who drop out and even some which follow a different line after completing their education in madrasas hence wasting the pool of resources that are used to educate and train them, hence stringent measures must be adopted admission process in madrasas. A minimum eligibility of matriculation must be set up and counseling adopted so that students consciously choose madarasa education and life. Till then the local maktabs can fulfill the basic religious requirements. The madrasa people have no institutions which can absorb the surplus Ulema hence they need to be educated about how to start a NGO and avail the government schemes.

Madrasas further need to undergo drastic changes viz a viz their curriculum is concerned. Madrasas must not teach only religious sciences and theology but a bit of Pure sciences and deep concentration must be laid on Social Sciences too which are necessary to understand the contemporary problems facing the Muslims. More stress must be laid on contemporary Fiqh and they must not waste time in discussing the issues like Slave-Master relationship as were prevalent those times but it is irony of fate that Fiqh like this is still taught but there is no contemporary Fiqh included in the curriculum (Nisaab). Also the Tafsir exegesis which is taught is not compatible with the modern times but still it is taught while as nothing is taught about the contemporary Islamic thinkers.

Do you think any more changes are needed in the overall development of Madrasas?

Islam is a missionary religion and it does not believe only in preaching but in Social Work and Activism but we find very less number of socially engaged Ulama. To counter the propaganda against Islam and Muslims as well as to remove the misunderstandings in the minds of Non Muslims Ulama and Madrasa students have to come out of their forts and islands and get in contact with common people as well as non muslims. They must shun the polemical and debating approach but must initiate Inter Faith and Inter Maslak dialogue because muslims are in minority in India and they must take the lead. Also there is a deep wedge between the Ulama and Rich in the North India though in South India they both are socially engaged, this division further needs to be narrowed down.

Though there are lacunas in madrasa administration too like the non conformity to Shura and exploitation of teachers by the hereditary administration but the Muslim Middle Class is doing nothing to rectify the same and become socially engaged in the community issues. The Middle Class mostly is professional one and they are afraid that if they would engage themselves in Social Activism they are destined to be branded as Fundamentalists and Fanatics by the hostile media hence they keep these activities at arms length so as to remain non controversial but they must shun this stance and take a lead in mediating between the Ulama and Non muslims.

Do you think Madrasas in India preach hate based on selective reading and interpretation of the text?

It is difficult to generalize this statement for all of them as Pakistani and Indian madrasas are different, though the rival claims of superiority exist among them all & all claim that they are on the true path & decry others as deviated. There are rival claims among them regarding the superiority which they exploit to spew hate against each other.

Are the allegations about madrasas promoting extremism quite true?

Extremism is a very loaded and relative term. By extremism if you mean exclusivism, upholding the right to be the sole guided sect, righteous people and decrying others as deviated, so yes some madrasas do promote it based on their selective interpretation of religious texts while subverting the plurality of Islam and its message. But this extremism is confined to intra muslim community only not towards Non Muslims. There is some silver lining and Bridge course is trying to rectify this extremism through its intra faith classes and it certainly has positive results.

How much scope is there for feminism in Islam, since you are an advocate of feminism?

I am an advocate of gender justice and if that is feminism I have no inhibition of being a feminist but in a religious sense, because Islamic feminism is a growing body of knowledge. Islam is gender just so as such this query about scope does not arise. Islam is the most gender just among all religions and Islam gave women revolutionary rights in every sphere of life. But it is a sad reality that patriarchy and muslim men snatched most of them. The need of the hour is to reclaim those rights by gender just interpretation of Islam and its scriptures.

What is your take on present student agitation in Kashmir?

Students have always been on the forefront of every phase of resistance politics in Kashmir. But they always have been an exploited lot and used as cannon fodder in the conflict. The old vanguard of leadership never helped any student leadership to be developed in Kashmir. So the present student agitation will again follow the footsteps of its predecessors if it fails to evolve any new student leadership.

Is Non violence relevant in current resistance politics?

Non violence is relevant in every resistance politics. But the irony with resistance of Kashmir has been that it has tried to romanticize with every form of resistance without understanding its contours or consequences. There has been no serious ideology, introspection or understanding about the use of methodology of resistance. Non violence has first to be understood, believed and accepted as a creed rather than a strategy. Civil resistance is a form of non violence, that has proved immensely successful in social and political resistance but there is little or no information about it among the resistance circles.

Where do you find the talk of Kashmir issue on global level?

Kashmir issue is a forgotten conflict and every stakeholder has no political will to resolve it. We lack non renewable sources of energy like Oil and gas, (though we are rich in water resources and future conflicts will be about water), so no big power is ready to intervene on our behalf. Both India and Pakistan have its supporters among the big powers that thwart any attempt aimed at permanent resolution of Kashmir. The Muslim world and nation states are not united, they have failed in resolving the Palestine issue, so to have any hope from them is futile. Also in the post colonial world, secession and establishing a new state is abhorred so we are confronting bleak times.