Kashmir & Kashmiriyat with Shah Faesal (IAS) NIJPodcast

00:00 🔍 Kashmir has undergone positive changes, with increased patriotism, stability, and opportunities, but the speaker reflects on the impact of militancy and violence during their childhood.

• In the past, people in Kashmir were scared to have the national flag, but now there is a change as Kashmiri youngsters proudly hoist the Indian flag and celebrate the idea of Indian unity.
• Kashmir has experienced positive changes, with a stable law and order situation, no more encounters or stone pelting, and Kashmiri youth now aspiring for new jobs and engaging in tourism and social media.
• Kashmir has undergone a positive transformation with the opening of startups, cafeterias, and cinemas, leading to increased opportunities and a welcoming environment for people from around the world.
• Growing up in Kashmir during a time of intense identity crisis and militancy, the speaker reflects on the impact it had on their life and the nation as a whole.
• During the speaker's childhood in Kashmir, they witnessed the disintegration of the USSR, the rise of militancy, and the presence of foreign terrorists, which led to tensions between Kashmiri pundits and Muslims.
• The speaker shares personal childhood memories of witnessing the violent deaths of a Kashmiri Pandit photographer and an old man suspected of being an informant, highlighting the disturbing visual imagery of their childhood in Kashmir.

08:34 📚 Stone pelting in Kashmir became mainstream after the Amarnath land row in 2008, but has largely disappeared in recent years, and it is important to understand the origins of Article 370 before forming opinions on the issue.

• In the early 90s, the speaker recalls being taken out of a government school and briefly attending a private school in Kashmir, where they had unusual holiday schedules, but also had positive memories of spending time with their educated father and being taught about life, as their grandparents were also scholars known for teaching literature and spirituality, and overall, Kashmir during that time was a difficult place for their generation.
• Stone pelting in Kashmir became mainstream after the Amarnath land row in 2008, with media possibly overplaying and romanticizing the idea, and it was used as a way to mobilize the masses, even involving school kids and toddlers.
• Stone pelting in Kashmir was a significant grassroots manifestation of the larger indiscipline and disturbance, which has largely disappeared in recent years.
• The speaker recounts personal experiences of being stopped by stone-throwing protesters in Kashmir, highlighting the emboldened and disruptive behavior of the youth during that time.
• People in Kashmir were facing restrictions and curfews, and there was an incident where a pregnant woman was questioned by youngsters when she was being taken to the hospital.
• Article 370 is a significant part of the history of Kashmir, and it is important to understand its origins and main players before forming opinions on the issue.

16:33 🗻 The complex issue of Kashmiri identity and its relationship with India is discussed, including the historical context, the role of Article 370, and the importance of quick action in the face of changing circumstances.

• During the time of India's independence, princely states like Kashmir were given the choice to join either India or Pakistan, and while the standstill agreement was in place, tribal raiders from Pakistan attacked Kashmir, leading the Maharaja to seek accession with India.
• The temporary provision of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution was meant to facilitate the integration of Kashmir into India, giving some autonomy to the local ruler, but over time it became a mental barrier defining the identity of the people.
• The speaker discusses the complex issue of Kashmiri identity and the struggle to reconcile it with Indian identity, questioning the relationship between Kashmir and India from historical, national, and civilizational perspectives.
• The special status of Jammu and Kashmir led to a perception among Kashmiri youngsters that laws made by the Parliament did not apply to them.
• Kashmir's integration with India and the historical politics behind it, including Nehru's role, is discussed, with the speaker expressing admiration for Nehru's liberal and idealistic beliefs.
• The speaker discusses the importance of being cautious and taking quick action in the face of changing circumstances, as failure to do so resulted in the loss of territory and put the Maharaja's life at risk during the tribal raid in Kashmir.

27:46 🔍 The speaker discusses the lack of universal morality in geopolitics, the unnecessary decision to take the Kashmir issue to the UN, the relevance of outreach with neighboring nations, the importance of Kashmiri identity, the impact of disruptions in Kashmiri schools, and the shift in Kashmiri consciousness towards embracing Indian identity.

• There is no universal morality in geopolitics and international relations, despite the belief that being nice to others will result in them being nice to us.
• The decision to take the Kashmir issue to the United Nations for legitimacy was unnecessary and lacked realism, as Kashmir was already under India's control and there was confidence that it would remain so.
• The speaker discusses the surprising decision to voluntarily give up control of three rivers to a neighboring country in hopes of fostering peace and trade, but questions whether this idea of outreach and engagement with neighboring nations is still relevant in today's world.
• Kashmiri youth have always aspired to be a part of the larger Indian consciousness, studying and working in other parts of the country, but the issue lies in the sense of identity and self.
• The identity of being a Kashmiri is important and associated with language, accent, and cultural experiences, but it evolves with education, training, and exposure to the diversity of other states in India.
• Kashmiri schools have faced disruptions and closures for approximately six years, resulting in a generation of Kashmiris who have lost significant schooling, but recent events have shown a shift in Kashmiri consciousness towards embracing Indian identity and the removal of Article 370.

38:42 🌍 The inclusive and syncretic nature of Kashmiri culture promotes tolerance and inclusiveness, emphasizing core values of compassion and humanity, and overcoming differences such as religion to collectively address future challenges affecting the entire human race and ecosystem.

• The new generation of Kashmiris, including the speaker's child, will not have to grapple with questions of identity and religion due to the inclusive and syncretic nature of Kashmiri culture and the continuity of civilization.
• Kashmiri pundits and Muslims had a strong bond, celebrating festivals together and showing respect towards each other's religious places, symbolizing the essence of Kashmiriyat which promotes tolerance, inclusiveness, and a sustainable way of living.
• Religion originated as a means of correction and to answer existential questions, providing different answers in different religions, such as preparing for the afterlife in Islam, focusing on karma in Hinduism, achieving enlightenment in Buddhism, and being good to humankind in Christianity.
• Religion, when kept as a personal and private affair, can unite people by emphasizing a larger spiritual continuity and core values of compassion, humanity, tolerance, and inclusiveness, rather than being a source of division and power.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing our common vulnerabilities and overcoming differences, such as religion, in order to collectively address future challenges that affect us all, including AI, technology, environment, and the welfare of the entire human race and ecosystem.
• Swami Vivekananda was an emancipated, internationalist, cosmopolitan, and modern figure in history, who was misunderstood by many, but his ideas and values are still relevant today.

54:16 📚 Religion, particularly Islam, has been misused for political purposes, but change can come from within by reinterpreting Islamic scriptures in a modern and reasonable way; the responsibility of Muslim intellectuals is to convey the correct message of Islam to combat violence and extremism.

• Religion, particularly Islam, has been misused for political purposes, with some interpreting it as a means to establish a community governed by Sharia, which excludes non-believers and restricts societal progress.
• The regressive interpretation of Islam in Afghanistan and Kashmir excludes women, promotes discrimination against diverse groups, and leads to violence, but change can come from within by reinterpreting Islamic scriptures in a modern and reasonable way.
• The speaker discusses the authenticity of Hadiths and the interpretation of scriptures, emphasizing the need to understand the original Arabic context and avoid inserting personal biases.
• The responsibility of the Muslim intellectual is to convey the correct message of Islam, as the misinterpretation of the religion has led to violence and extremism, primarily driven by elite groups seeking power, while the common Muslims in rural parts of India live in peace and uphold the ideas of Indian Islam and syncretism.
• UPSC provides an equal opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to have a share in the power and governance of the country, allowing them to make decisions and change lives in a short period of time, which is a fundamental requirement of a democracy.
• Preparing for the civil services exam is a transformational journey that equips individuals with valuable information, teaches them how to handle failure, and enables personal growth, even if they do not ultimately qualify.

01:09:45 📚 Despite the removal of article 370, Kashmir has seen positive changes in law and order, tourism, and peace, leading to increased opportunities and aspirations among the youth, while Shah Faesal emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal growth.

• Don't be discouraged if you don't qualify for the UPSC exam, as there are many opportunities in the world and it is not uncommon to fail.
• Kashmir has experienced positive changes in terms of law and order, tourism, and the perception of peace since the removal of article 370, resulting in a peaceful environment, increased tourism, and the exploration of new destinations.
• Kashmir has undergone significant transformations, including improved public health indicators and the implementation of a unique insurance scheme, leading to positive changes and increased business opportunities in the region.
• The youth in Kashmir have experienced a shift in narrative and are now aspiring for new jobs, creating content on social media, starting their own ventures, participating in sports activities, and embracing positive changes in the region.
• The speaker, Shah Faesal, discusses his desire to continue learning and taking on new challenges in various fields, such as language, music, writing, and film, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning regardless of one's career stability.
• To grow personally, it is important to develop new skills, listen to music in different languages, meet new people, and explore new places.

01:22:48 🎙️ The speaker emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and expresses gratitude for the thought-provoking conversation, inviting feedback and promising more exciting episodes in the future.

Key Insights

Shift in Consciousness and Positive Change in Kashmir

• 🇮🇳 The transformation in Kashmir: "Two days ago on 15th August, thousands of Kashmiri youngsters, children, teachers, men, and old people were lifting the tri-color with pride, marching in huge processions, celebrating the idea of Indian mess."
• 😊 Kashmir is experiencing a positive change with a stable law and order situation, no more encounters or stone pelting, and the youth are now aspiring for new jobs and engaging in tourism.
• 💡 The smart city project in Lal choke has completely transformed the place, with new startups, cafes, and cinemas opening up, and the youth joining universities and getting jobs.
• 🇮🇳 The removal of Article 370 in Kashmir has led to a shift in consciousness among Kashmiri youngsters, reconciling with the larger reality and voluntarily embracing the idea of being a part of India.
• 🌍 The perception of peace has greatly boosted tourism in Kashmir, with tourists from around the world visiting and struggling to find accommodations, indicating a positive change in the region.
• 🌍 The business climate in Kashmir is improving, with a flexible industrial policy attracting both national and foreign investors, as seen by the unprecedented presence of ambassadors and CEOs in Srinagar.
• 😊 The narrative about Kashmiri youth has shifted from negativity to positivity, with many aspiring for new jobs, creating content on social media, starting their own ventures, and participating in sports activities.

Transformation and Development in Kashmir

• 🐄 The unique tradition of Kashmiris being extremely respectful towards cows, even mourning their natural deaths for four days, showcases the synthesis of different religious and cultural traditions in Kashmir, promoting kindness towards all beings and sustainable living.
• 🌍 Confusing religion with identity and mobilization for power is destroying the world, emphasizing the importance of embracing core values like compassion, humanity, tolerance, and inclusiveness.
• 🌱 Moving towards a universalistic mindset, where humans see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem and prioritize the welfare of the entire human race and nature.
• 🗳️ The fundamental requirement of a democracy is equal opportunity, and in India, anyone can aspire to hold any post in the country, from a lower division clerk to the prime minister's post.
• 🌍 The journey of preparing for the civil services exam not only equips individuals with knowledge but also teaches them resilience and the ability to handle failure, enabling personal growth and development.
• 🎓 "The day you stop learning is the day you die."

Challenges and Difficulties in Kashmir

• 🌍 Shah Faesal discusses the challenging environment in Kashmir during the early 90s, emphasizing that it was a difficult place for his generation to grow up in.
• 💔 Stone pelting became more prevalent and mainstream after the Amarnath land row in 2008, with even school children and toddlers participating, highlighting the extent of mobilization in Kashmir.
• 🚗 Shah Faesal shares a personal experience of being surrounded by stone pelters in Kashmir, highlighting the challenging and dangerous situations faced by officers in the region.

Q&A

Q1: What were some of the reasons behind stone pelting in Kashmir and how has the situation changed in recent years?

A1: Stone pelting in Kashmir was a prominent phenomenon that gained mainstream attention after 2008, mobilizing the masses, including school children. The media may have played a role in overplaying or romanticizing stone pelting. However, in recent years, the situation has significantly changed. Stone pelting has largely disappeared from Kashmir, and the law and order situation has stabilized. This transformation has created a positive and aspirational atmosphere in Kashmir, with Kashmiri youth now aspiring for new jobs, creating content on social media, and joining universities in the country.

Q2: What is the significance of Article 370 in the context of Kashmir's integration into the Indian Constitution?

A2: Article 370 was initially a temporary provision for the integration of Kashmir into the Indian Constitution. It was meant to facilitate the transition and ensure consent from the people of Kashmir. However, over time, Article 370 became a mental barrier and defined the identity of Kashmiris, leading to an identity crisis. Despite amendments and extensions by the Parliament, the idea of special status for Kashmir persisted. The historical politics surrounding the accession of Kashmir to India and the role of Nehru in this process are complex and subjective.

Q3: How did Sardar Patel's approach impact the timely accession of Kashmir, and were there any mistakes made in handling the situation?

A3: Sardar Patel's aggressive approach played a crucial role in ensuring the timely accession of Kashmir to India. His efforts were instrumental in integrating Kashmir into the Indian Union. However, there were also mistakes made in handling the situation. The lack of foresight to anticipate dangers led to blunders in handling the complex situation in South Asia. These blunders had long-term consequences and shaped the trajectory of events in Kashmir.

Q4: How has the perception of Indian identity changed among Kashmiri children?

A4: In recent times, Kashmiri children are proudly celebrating their Indian identity. They now hoist the national flag in large processions, and youngsters are no longer scared of expressing their Indian identity. This shift in perception reflects the transformation and positive changes that Kashmir has witnessed. It indicates a sense of belonging and acceptance of the Indian national identity among the younger generation in Kashmir.

Note - This content is generated by AI, we believe it is accurate, but we don’t claim any liability of inaccuracies in the AI generated content.

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