Impression of Kashmir

 

I had seen the film The Kashmir Files one week back and was very biased about what had happened between the Hindus and the Muslims as two communities.

There was almost a prejudice against the Muslim community for doing what they had done to Hindu pandits.

However, my experience in engaging with the Muslims of Kashmir was extremely different. They were extremely humble, polite, and welcoming to all of us who went as tourists.

They were saying that we are their bread and butter and would do anything to make us part of the Indian context that all of us were part of.

They very clearly said that this prejudice was more political and media-driven but in their minds there was equal love and care for Hindus and Muslims.

For us, it was an amazing experience to interact with the poorest of the boatman to sikarawala to the richest shopkeeper who sold artistic and crafted carpets.

Hence my entire impression of the prejudice that I held slightly in my mind because of the cultural and social prejudice that prevails in all of us.

Can we actually engage at a deeper level and review and redefine these feelings we have within us?

Author:-Dr. Nayana Shah (Ph.D.)

           Director, Manthan

             Ahmedabad

Comments

  1. Sudeshna bhojiaMay 9, 2022 at 11:21 PM

    I haven't seen the movie. In fact I have purposely kept away from it. I have worked very closely with the Muslim community during the post 2002 genocide relief and rehab in Ahmedabad. I don't intend to watch a film to define my feelings. Yes, as you rightly said, increasing interactions and understanding communities is important to grow perceptions or alter them. Media can be misleading and highly convincing.

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