Introduction to KashmirForum.org Blog

I launched the website and the Blog after having spoken to government officials, political analysts and security experts specializing in South Asian affairs from three continents. The feedback was uniformly consistent. The bottom line is that when Kashmiris are suffering and the world has its own set of priorities, we need to find ways to help each other. We must be realistic, go beyond polemics and demagoguery, and propose innovative ideas that will bring peace, justice and prosperity in all of Jammu and Kashmir.

The author had two reasons to create this blog. First, it was to address the question that was being asked repeatedly, especially, by journalists and other observers in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, inquiring whether the Kashmiri society was concerned about social, cultural and environmental challenges in the valley given that only political upheaval and violence were reported or highlighted by media.

Second, the author has covered the entire spectrum of societal issues and challenges facing Kashmiri people over an 8-year period with the exception of politics given that politics gets all the exposure at the expense of REAL CHALLENGES that will likely result in irreversible degradation in the quality of life and the standard of living for future generations of Kashmiris to come.

The author stopped adding additional material to the Blog once it was felt that most, if not all, concerns, challenges and issues facing the Kashmiri society are cataloged in the Blog. There are over 1900 entries in the Blog and most commentaries include short biographical sketches of authors to bring readers close to the essence of Kashmir. Unfortunately, the 8-year assessment also indicates that neither Kashmiri civil society, nor intellectuals or political leadership have any inclination or enthusiasm in pursuing issues that do not coincide with their vested political agendas. What it means for the future of Kashmiri children and their children is unfathomable. But the evidence is all laid out.

This Blog is a reality check on Kashmir. It is a historical record of how Kashmir lost its way.

Vijay Sazawal, Ph.D.
www.kashmirforum.org

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A Daughter's Requiem


Lubna pays a tribute to her beloved father on his first death anniversary. She is the only child of late Haji Hafiz-ullah Khan, who was a geologist and a prominent social activist

 (Dr. Lubna Khan, 39, was born in Srinagar. She did her junior schooling from Presentation Convent School, and completed her school education from the Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh, Srinagar, Dr. Khan received her medical degrees (M.B.B.S. and Post Graduate Diploma) from the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS). She is currently employed as a Medical Officer in the State health system. Dr. Khan is a dedicated social activist working on issues related to women, women empowerment, child health, mental health, and adolescent clinics. She organizes free medical camps and counselling in rural areas of Kashmir, and has started livelihood programs for rural women through revival of Kashmiri handicrafts. Dr. Lubna Khan also coordinates the valley chapter of the "Save the Girl Child" program.)

A TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED FATHER

One year has passed… I will never forget the day.
As you took your final breathes… And looked into my eyes.
For as hard it was for me… It was hard for you to say goodbye.
My agony is that you left so soon...At this young age… the time was not for you.
The pain is the same like an open wound.
There are days I don’t utter a sound… Some days the pain is beyond control.
It makes me shiver, helpless & weak…I can’t stand this much longer any more.
I just sit down quietly & weep. Your grand children keep asking me where you have gone.
Missing loads of love you showered them all the time.
I have shut my private door… And let no one in.
Locking my self in a box with memories of just you & me.
You were the strongest man … that I ever knew.
You were like a rock ..bold, faithful & true.
Such a kind & loving father… who had a heart of gold.
Your humble nature makes me proud of you.
What worth has my life… Now I don’t have you.
I was your only born.. papa’s asset girl… Treated me till end like a new born child.
I took my own path… but was still your world.
To see me happy… was your ultimate goal.
I was not the best…but u know papa dearest.
You were always my ideal… want to follow your footsteps.
I always loved you my papa…my greatest star.
Now my pain is to worship you from afar.
I love u more now as I did back then…I just hope one day I will see you again.
I am so proud of you … Brave and Strong to the end.
You said you were never afraid of death...That u were prepare for it any time.
Now that you are there in the real world … Silently watching my every step.
Please keep a vigilant check on all my deeds…& guide me from there as you used to do.
To be a good human being & of help to the world.
I hope that you have found peace in heaven...& I hope I am strong enough to survive.

May Allaha grant you highest Place in Janat (Ameen)

Your only Daughter
Dr.Lubna Khan
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