(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive) As the Parliament session is underway, it is essential to remember two great Kashmiris who were pioneers in shaping and strengthening India’s Parliamentary functioning through their extraordinary contributions: Maheshwar Nath Kaul and Sham Lal Shakdher. Both hailing from Srinagar, their work in establishing and laying the foundation for Independent India’s Parliamentary Secretariat […]
(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive) In the early 1900s, the “Kashmir Darpan” magazine captured the spirit of young Kashmiri poets driven by wanderlust and a deep love for Persian poetry. Among these seekers of new horizons was Pandit Lachhi Ram Saroor, whose life story unfolds through the rich oral traditions and historical accounts preserved in the magazine’s […]
(By: K R Ishan) June 20th is globally observed as World Refugee Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the resilience of refugees, honoring their contributions, and reflecting on their vulnerable situations. It is a day when the world is called upon to recognize the struggles of those who have been forced to leave their homes. […]
(By: Dr. Rajesh Bhat*) Shadipur Kashmir Dashaar, often likened to the revered Purna Kumbh Mela, used to be a unique and ancient festival celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits. Unlike the regularly scheduled Kumbh Melas, the timing of Kashmir’s Dashaar depends on ten specific astronomical and astrological configurations, occurring roughly every 10, 12, 36 or 75 years. […]
(By: Kanwal Krishan*) January 1979 – The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir was rocked by the explosive and visionary proposals of Balraj Madhok, a veteran leader of the Jana Sangh and a former Member of Parliament. Known as a “son of the soil,” Madhok’s controversial views on the reorganization of the State drew widespread […]
The story of June 1, 1990, at the Kheer Bhawani shrine is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Kashmiri Pandits and the profound respect for faith that transcends communal boundaries. It is a story of loss and resilience, of the sacred and the profane intertwining in the valley of Kashmir. As we look back, it is a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, the flame of devotion burns brightly, undeterred by the shadows that seek to engulf it.
(Kashmir Rechords Presentation) `Soi‘ (nettle), ‘Pamb Chalan‘, ‘Koth‘, or ‘Tethwan’ are among the wild grasses and herbs of Kashmir that hold a significant place in the local psyche. These plants evoke a range of emotions among Kashmiris, from fear and trauma to disdain. The sting of a ‘Soi Shalakh’ or the bitter taste of ‘Tethwan’ […]
(By: Bhushan Parimoo*) In the late hours of November 16, 1896, the serene night in Chinkral Mohalla, Srinagar, was pierced by anxious whispers and fervent prayers. The household of the late Pandit Mukund Ram Zutshi was abuzz with nervous anticipation as Vishmal Dar, lovingly known as Kisser Ded, endured the trials of labour. As dawn […]
(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive) Operating flights to and from Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, one of the world’s highest airports, is a testament to a pilot’s skill and experience. Situated at an altitude of 3,256 meters (10,682 feet), Leh Airport is surrounded by the rugged Himalayas and is notorious for its challenging approach paths and unpredictable […]
(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive) In the annals of the Kashmiri Pandit community, names like Tika Lal Taploo, Neelkanth Ganjoo and Prem Nath Bhat are often mentioned with reverence, each symbolizing the community’s enduring struggle and sacrifice. However, the story of Ruchir Kumar Koul from the picturesque town of Bhaderwah in the Jammu division remains largely unknown, […]