On 15th August, India would be busy celebrating its Independence Day. India broke off the yoke of British colonialism in 1947 on the same date. Indian people would be paying homage to those who fought for India’s freedom in the past. Also Indian Tricolor would be fluttering on many house roofs and government buildings in India. Glorious and bravado stories of Indian freedom fighters would be broadcast and published.

I am sure almost every Indian knows about the hardship their ancestors had...

Bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand lays the country Burma/Myanmar. Burma in 19th century was under British rule then under Japan and finally faced military rule till General elections were held under the new constitution in 2010. Now Decades-old tensions between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in coastal Rakhine state have exploded with new ferociousness. The Rohingyas are the largest minority of Burma, and it is believed and some historians say that this...

The issue of loud speakers has been much debated but no fruits borne, instead, now we experience more ‘volume’ in worship with increasing nausea and irritation but who will solve this problem?

The problem has been created over a period of time by our worshipers, who now exercise monopoly even in religion. Interestingly, recently a writer invited a debate on Facebook for a new possibility of incorporating information technology particularly the projectors in Masjids so that sermons...

As I watch in bewilderment over the years, unfolding of the myriad labyrinths juxtaposed against varied intertwined dynamics, the concept called “Kashmiriyat” seems to falter and tragically lose its way at times, though it goes without doubt that it is this very indestructible phenomenon of mysticism and universal brotherhood that enables Kashmir to catapult back to glory akin to the “Rising of the Phoenix’.

However, I as a native, living outside Kashmir consider myself as a...

Every evening most of the localities (Mohallas) of Kashmir are running an unofficial race; race to finish Taraweeh earlier than the other. Recently I happened to offer Taraweeh at a mosque in Srinagar. First I couldn’t make out when the Surah Fatiha ended or when did the Surah that followed started. Besides I also was not able to make out even a single word recited by the worthy Imam.

In Atayehiyat I was only half way through Darude Ibrahim, when Imam Sahib notified the angels on his...

Four days after Army had shot dead 25 year old Hilal in a fake encounter in north Kashmir Bandipora, the police have claimed to crack the case. It has been reported that ‘the main accused Muhammad Ramzan Bhat (Army informer) had struck a deal with 27 RR (Indian forces), for helping them in trapping a militant, allegedly in exchange for money. After inking the deal, he chose Hilal Ahmed Dar as the poor boy was tall with long hair and a beard, a perfect resemblance for a ‘foreign...

It has been eight-long winters now. Since I started walking alone through the desolate street which connects our house to the main road. I have taken up this route before, in fact from my childhood. I remember every morning dressed in clean, ironed school uniform, with wet, side parted hair and my hand in the soft, compassionate cosset of mom’s palms-racing to catch the school bus.

But now, I am 14. The mother does not accompany me to the bus stop. Now many things have changed. Gone are...

Romeo and Juliet
House of Aseels……House of kameens
Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Kashmir, where we lay our scene…

Metaphysics

The Old man lived in Jammu for last eighteen years. He believed he was living in Srinagar. Last evening, he was killed in Maisuma encounter and body was found in Jammu.

Survival

America has no myth. It survives because it produces myths.

India has myths. It survives because it does not have to produce one.

Kashmir is a myth.

Hey! See...