Kashmir Pandits in search of solace :

Kashmir Pandits in search of solace :

The ancient history of Kashmiri Pandits dates back to the Pro-Vedic era, around 1700-1100 BC. and they are believed to be the original inhabitants of the Kashmir Valley, with a rich cultural heritage and distinct traditions. The Kashmiri Pandits are indeed known for their peaceful and harmonious nature & they have a rich cultural heritage and have traditionally been a community that values education, spirituality, and coexistence. Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, the Kashmiri Pandits have consistently demonstrated resilience and a commitment to their values of peace, education, and community. I hope you would  like to know more about their culture, traditions, or history as here  are some aspects that highlight their peaceful nature:

1. Spirituality and Philosophy : 

The patriotic Kashmiri Pandits have a deep-rooted spiritual tradition, with a strong emphasis on Shaivism and the teachings of Kashmiri saints and sages.

2. Education and Scholarship : 

 The community has a long history of valuing education and scholarship, with many notable scholars and intellectuals contributing to various fields in India and abroad.

3. Cultural Contributions :

Kashmiri Pandits have made significant contributions to art, literature, music, and cuisine, showcasing their creative and peaceful nature. Many artists are still trying to preserve art,  culture , civilizations and working hard on it in exile also.

4.  Community and Family :

The community places great importance on family and social bonds, with a strong sense of belonging and mutual respect which is inherited from their ancestors.

5.  Non-Violent Traditions : 

Historically, the Kashmiri Pandits have been known for their non-violent and peaceful approach to life, with a focus on spiritual growth and self-realization.They believe in peace, progress and prosperity of every one.

Early History :  

The patriotic Kashmiri Pandits are descendants of the great sage Saraswat Muni, who lived on the banks of the river Saraswati. According to Kalhana's Rajtarangini, the oldest Sanskrit chronicle, Brahmins were brought to Kashmir by Kashyapa Rishi, who was philosophers engrossed in the pursuit of knowledge and practicing lives of purity. Buddhism had a significeant impact on the community during the time of Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, leading to a blending of traditions. The Kashmiri Pandits have been religiously rooted in Shaivism, with a school of Shiv Philosophy called Pratyabhijna originating near Kailasha in the Himalayas in the 9th century.

Ancient Kingdoms and Rulers : 

The Kashmiri valley was ruled by various dynasties, including the Karkota dynasty, which began in AD 627 & notable rulers include Avantivarman, who ruled from 855-833 AD and brought cultural development to the valley, and Lalitaditya Muktapida, who built the Martand Sun Temple.

Challenges and Exodus : 

The patriotic Kashmiri Pandits faced grave persecution and violence, particularly during the 14th century under Sultan Sikandar Butshikan, who destroyed many non-Muslim religious symbols & the community experienced multiple exoduses, with the most significant one occurring in the late 1980s and early 1990s due to rising militancy and Islamist extremism in the region that was largely supported by Pakistan sponsored. The Kashmiri Pandits faced several migrations approximately seven exoduses through out their history &  Some  notable forceful migrations include:

1. 14th century :  

During the reign of Sultan Sikandar Butshikan (1389-1413), many Kashmiri Pandits were forced to flee or convert to Islam due to persecution and violence.

2. 16th-17th centuries: 

Another wave of migration occurred during the Mughal and Afghan rule in Kashmir, when many Pandits faced persecution and harassment.

3. Late 19th and early 20th centuries :  

Some Kashmiri Pandits migrated to other parts of India, such as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, due to economic and social factors in late 19th and early 20th centuries in search of their honorable livelihood and better future prospects.

4.  1989-1990: 

The most significant and mass  exodus occurred during the late 1980s and early 1990s, when thousands of Kashmiri Pandits were forced to flee the valley due to rising militancy and Islamic fundamentalism . These migrations had a significant impact on the community, leading to displacement, cultural disruption, and loss of traditional ways of life. Today, the patriotic Kashmiri Pandits continue to face big challenges in their forceful  exile despite passing more than 37 years with many seeking rehabilitation and a safe return to their ancestral homeland, thus in search of permanent solace. They are living a miserable life in different camps in Jammu & other non camps in different parts of the country for last more than. Three decades far away from their ancestral roots and they always remain in search of complete solace on this front which appears to be far away from the reality so far.

 Conclusion : 

The resettlement of patriotic Kashmiri Pandits back  in the valley after 37 years of their forceful exodus is a complex issue, with both hopeful signs and significant challenges and despite  the other main obstacles in this direction include security concerns, economic rehabilitation, social integration, illegally occupied immovable properties restoration , Community Involvement, the Kashmiri Pandit community's active participation is vital for the success of resettlement efforts. Their insights, experiences, and aspirations must be central to the planning and implementation process.

It is pertinent to mention here that the community desires to return back to their ancestral roots in Kashmir  with honour and dignity permanently for which  all the community  social organisations, social activists,  philanthropists and intellectuals must come on one platform to pursue the Nobel cause. However, it will require a collaborative effort, prioritizing security, economic rehabilitation, and social integration, to create a future where Kashmiri Pandits can reclaim their rightful place in the valley. The Kashmiri Pandits have faced various atrocities throughout their history due to a complex interplay of many factors but despite braving all such odds and hardships,  is still in search of permanent solace on this count.

It is pertinent to  mention here that many social activists and community leaders are working  very hard in the direction of return and rehabilitation of more than seven lakh kashmiri Pandits back to valley with dignity and honour for last more than thirty seven years  and their work is highly  laudable in all its forms and they need to be encouraged and supported because sooner or later, the goal will be surely achieved.

The need of the hour is that  maximum prominent social activist, community leaders along with heads of social and religious organisations must rise above their  political and  social affiliations and   must unite under one umbrella for the cause as United the community stands, divided it falls because  the community has many  tough challenges ahead to face for their complete rehabilitation and return back to their native places in valley including other community issues to address.

Note : 

I hope every kashmiri Pandit will share this blog for sake of information and community spirit.

~OUR BEST ALWAYS~ 

         ~TEAM PANAROMICSPOTS~  

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