January 19 marks the exodus/displacement day of Kashmiri Hindus from the valley. The Hindus of Kashmir valley started leaving Kashmir on this day in 1990 because their blood was sought by Islamic fanatics. Around four lakh Kashmiri Pandits took a hard decision of leaving their ancestral homeland in order not to get slain. They left…
Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes says, “Writing is struggle against silence”. I say, writing is struggle against distortions too. Whenever there is an attempt to distort your story, you have to raise your voice and reiterate your story because your story, the truth, is the struggle for your existence. More so when you are away from…
Last night, I watched the film, The Monuments Men, directed by Hollywood star George Clooney. The film is loosely based on the book, The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by American writer Robert M Edsel. It’s about a group of men who were given the task to…
In a joint address to the Parliament of India – the first after the formation of the new government – President Pranab Mukherjee spoke about Kashmiri Pandits. President Mukherjee said, “Special efforts will be made to ensure that Kashmiri Pandits return to the land of their ancestors with full dignity, security and assured livelihood”. [Source:…
Exactly 24 years ago, on January 19, 1990, the biggest ever exodus of people happened since the partition of India. The minority Hindus of Kashmir, Kashmiri Pandits, fled the valley leaving behind their homes and homeland to save themselves from persecution at the behest of Islamic extremists/terrorists. Around four to five lakh Kashmiri Pandits were…