SHEHJAR - Web Magazine for Kashmir

RECENT UPDATE Promoting Kashmiri Hindu issues of this decade and bring the diverse needs of the community in a format that is easy to read and navigate.

CURRENT ISSUE

Author’s Article

Spotlight Priya Raina

Mumbai's Multi-Talented Voiceover Artist and Entertainment Dynamo

Author : Arun Koul More

Spotlight Atal Dulloo

Atal Dulloo's journey from a school and college topper to Chief Secretary is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the resilience and dedication

Author : Arun Koul More

Happy New Year 2024

We started in 2007 and it has been a long journey together. We have not been consistent in bringing our Shehjar issues in the recent years but are working to fix this going forward.

Author : Arun Koul More

Happy New Year

We are delighted to present the 2022 New Year Issue of the online magazine with rich content.

Author : Deepak Ganju- Arun Koul More

Kashmir from my eyes

I was never interested in learning about my heritage, but now I realize how important it is. Like many other youth,

Author : Esha Salman More

2021 Greetings from Shehjar

seek elegance rather than luxury, refinement rather than fashion. I will seek to be worthy more than respectable, wealthy and not rich.

Author : Arun Koul & Deepk Ganju More

JAMMU BATTLES FOR INDIA AND A DEMOCRACY OF EQUALITY

It is instead recognition that the people of Jammu may have started 'India's Revolution', which would secure equal consideration for all Indian citizens and ensure nationalism from people of all its regions, castes and religions.

Author : Arun Koul More

Milestone Journey with Shehjar - IV

The world knows that there has been a low-grade military conflict ongoing in Kashmir. Pakistan?s national army and intelligence agencies operating covertly are spearheaded above ground by Pakistan trained and abetted Muslim fighters and they are pitted against a secular India. The stated goal of these military efforts is the establishment of Kashmir as a theocratic Islamic state, separate from secular India.

Author : Arun Koul More

Shehjar - 100th Issue

We bring to you Shehjar's 100th issue, as we close in on the year 2020. Shehjar's first issue was in August of 2007. So it has been a long journey and in all these years, a lot of water has flown under Srinagar's bridges.

Author : Arun Koul More

Nitibha Kaul

I honestly feel grateful for surviving that long in the Bigg Boss house- but I also am clueless as to why the audience loved me so much since I was one of the quieter- more decent/less controversial contestants

Author : Arun Koul More

Hamidi Kashmiri

The world lost a doyen in education, a most renowned critic of Urdu literature and an embodiment of the sophisticated, composite Kashmiri culture of yore.

Author : Arun Koul More

The Times of 2018

One often wonders what we celebrate on New Year’s eve! Is it a fond farewell to the year that went by or good riddance? Is it warm welcome to the new year or is it the celebration of a milestone reached?

Author : Arun Koul More

Dhananjay Kaul - Singer, Musician, Personality, Ambassador, Mentor

Dhananjay was a prodigy of sorts from the very beginning. He was easily the best singer in his school and would be called out a lot for that

Author : Arun Koul More

Gopinath Raina in conversation with Arun Koul

One would think that there is a lot of time remaining to do that. Papaji recently turned 93 but it would be impossible for any person not in the know to place him in that quadrant.

Author : Arun Koul More

2016 - Let's talk about it

There is a lot of learning from what was a difficult year for many, but there is also a great deal of enthusiasm about the future.

Author : Arun Koul More

New Years Eve 2015 -2106

I am proud of the year that we just had and excited for the new year to come. As we leave behind a wonderful year, it is our duty to make sure that we make the next year a thousand times more wonderful.

Author : Shyan Koul More

The Harmonius Journey of a Musical Family

Anurag was born in the beautiful valley of Kashmir and grew up in Steel-City, Jamshedpur. At the age of 4 he gave his first 45 min solo recital and then became a regular performer for All India Radio.

Author : Editor More

2014 - A Tribute

Wish you a happy, healthy and productive new year 2015 full of family and fun times.

Author : Arun Koul More

P Not K. Pretending Not Knowledgeable

Ghazni came to India and said what Amir said in the movie, that idols are foolish. He broke the idols with swords and Messrs Amir and company broke the faith and reverence contained in them.

Author : Arun Koul More

2014 Assembly Elections in J&K

This time, the BJP is fighting to win and actually form the government. That may be a far fetch because 46 of the 87 seats are in the valley, where the BJP has had no winning presence in the past

Author : Arun Koul More

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's U.S.A Visit

The curtain has come down on the high intensity visit of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi's to the U.S.A. However, the stage that he performed on is still rocking from the effects.

Author : Arun Koul More

ModiFying the Face of India

When they cannot beat him while debating issues or in elections, they attack his person. He is painted as a dictator instead of as a leader who he is, beholden to industrialists instead of as a champion of the economy who he is, supporter of murderers instead of a guiltless person who the courts have ruled him to be.

Author : Arun Koul More

For the Graduating Class of 2014

To those who are graduating from high schoolin 2014, Congratulations and best wishes from Shehjar for your future endeavors.

Author : Arun Koul More

Spotlight Ashish Kaul

What greater tragedy can befall a race when our own ethnicity belittles us with ridicule and snort. Some of our own blood feel ashamed of being called a Kashmiri and even shun the heritage and pride that shone bright as an endearing beacon of spiritual light and knowledge to the entire world.

Author : Arun Koul More

Karmayogi AmarNath Vaishnavi

His battle cry "Jaykara, Har Har Mahadev," had earned him the sobriquet of Jaykara and countless fans and followers.

Author : Arun Koul More

NO MORE

Vijay Malla, well known for his charismatic personality, personal strengths and wondrous singing, as for human fallibility is no more with us. So much did many who had only heard him or heard of him, want to see him live in concert and meet him in person.

Author : Arun Koul More

Kashmiri Humor

While speaking about Kashmiri humor, we need to separate it from pure laughter or comedy. It is a lot more subtle than that. Humor improves our life experience even in times of adversity and takes us in a direction opposite of stress and anger.

Author : Arun Koul More

Kashmiri Humor

Kashmiris by nature find humor in most occurences and experiences of life. For some reason, they are more readily able to express themselves so while conversing in their native language, which is Kashmiri. Hence a Kashmiri conversation, even on more serious topics is likely to include humor created through banter, wisecracks, repartee, sarcasm and wit

Author : Arun Koul More

Pran Nath Kaul

ith more than 2 decades of selfless service in supporting the educational requirements of the displaced Kashmiri Hindu community, Mr. Pran Kaul has dedicated his life to the upliftment of our underprivileged community members.

Author : Arun Koul More

2012 - A Year of Great Challenges

I wrote this title for 2012 based on a personal evaluation and gut-estimation. But when I probed further, it seemed to be very much a fair conclusion for much of the world.

Author : Arun Koul More

But why the blood Money?

What a dampener this message is to you as a Kashmiri Hindu; Oh when you had just become so enthused watching those glossy pictures uploaded by the last tourist to Kashmir! Or after another tourist had you sold about dreamland Kashmir, which you could visit as a pilgrim visitor to a select list of shrines prescribed by the government.

Author : Arun Koul More

REFUGEE IN MY OWN COUNTRY

Bulbul Bhan and her family live a beautiful life in the valley of Kashmir until everything changes. Terrorism forces them to flee from the violence of their homeland. Arriving in the refugee camps of Jammu, India, the family must learn to live in poverty and cope with their loss.

Author : Juhi & Manik Kuchroo More

Herath Aye

Herath aye, Aav Bhata Bazara, Nadir ta Chaman, Duen te Samgri Hyeth

Author : Arun Koul More

2011- The Year of Collaboration

1-1-11 means �God is 1�, �We are 1� and this 1 and 1 adds up to 11. - This could be the year when we form a bond with God and are therefore carried in our missions.

Author : Arun Koul More

The Kashmiri � Oppressor and Oppressed

The demographics of Kashmir were comprehensively altered through genocide to the extent that only a proverbial 11 Hindu families remained. Yet, there were subsequent periods of relative religious tolerance which helped to create a composite culture where the society was able to contain the followers of more than one religion.

Author : Arun Koul More

The Stone Pelter

From the trouble makers, it goes to the stone pelters and active militants, among others. The children of these �paymasters� have modern education, travel the globe and live well. The Jihadi lifestyle they have reserved for the common man.

Author : Arun Koul More

Spotlight � Renu & Ashok K Mattoo

How often do we meet a married couple, of independently distinctive personalities, each leaving a lasting impression! And when it happens, even a casual meeting acquires the dimensions of a cherished and memorable evening, something to write about.

Author : Arun Koul More

2010 - The Year of Hope

As we celebrated the New Year on January 1, following a date choice made by the Roman Senate in 153 B.C, made mandatory by Julius Ceasar in 46 B.C., we must wonder why?

Author : Arun Koul More

Return, only to Panun Kashmir

Interview with Dr. Agnishekhar, Chairman and Ashwani Charangoo, President - Panun Kashmir

Author : Arun Koul More

Life, Death, Liberation

Who does not want to know the secret of death? But the more that one tries to find an answer, the more the questions that remain unanswered.

Author : Arun Koul More

Priya Raina

Indian audiences the world over were recently witness to a special event, a Kashmiri girl from small city Jammu winning raves for her performance on the India�s Got Talent show. Priya Raina embodied great, charismatic stage presence while delivering a powerful performance.

Author : Arun Koul More

The World is a Stage

We at Shehjar want to use those words in another context from how they were used in the play. Our observation is that the displaced and dispersed Kashmiri Hindus are presently unable to make a substantive social or political impact by keeping concentration in a geographical area.

Author : Arun Koul More

We belong to Kashmir

Robbers took away their valuables, their personals, even their homes, sent them packing and now they want to take away even their belonging to Kashmir and the belonging of Kashmir to them!

Author : Arun Koul More

3rd World Kashmiri Pandit Conference

It has been our earnest endeavor to invite a cross section of our community for participating in various sessions of the programme. We have also ensured all KP organizations, irrespective of their ideology are invited to the conference.

Author : Arun Koul More

What one can enjoy affordably

Many of us are facing some level of nervousness in these present times. There are though things that we can enjoy doing, affordably.

Author : Arun Koul More

SHEHJAR 2009

To begin with, please accept these wishes for a joyful New Year 2009 from all of us at Shehjar, where we are collaboratively building a vision for our Global Kashmiri community while being a source of Kashmiri culture information, news and views to rest of the world.

Author : Arun Koul More

I follow when my duty calls me

Dedicated to the brave Indian men of the armed forces who unflinchingly risk their life to follow the call of duty.

Author : Arun Koul More

TEEing off on Terrorism, Economy and the Environment

Terrorism, Economy and the Environment; these are no longer matters for the faint at heart. Yet, these beg involvement of the masses and utmost seriousness of action from the powers that be. Economy is the top issue at this exact time and so let me talk a little bit about that first.

Author : Arun Koul More

KOA's Silver Jubilee Camp held at Moodus, CT

Sunrise, Moodus has always been a location of choice for KOA Camps. This resort has everything for everybody and hence three cheers for Sunrise and Bob Johnson as well for being there for the KOA Community. There is also a poignant note on this because the future availability of this location for KOA camps is in doubt due to an expected change in ownership.

Author : Arun Koul More

A DREAM AND MANY HOPES

In a movie, things keep getting worse, till it comes the ending, the grand finale. In onexs final thought, the ending makes a movie "feel good" or a tragedy. I am an optimist and believe in happy endings. In that vein, there is a dream that many of us have for Kashmir and many hopes rest on the fulfillment of this dream.

Author : Arun Koul More

The New Year and Shehjar

To begin with, please accept these Wishes for a joyful New Year of Daily Celebrations from all of us at Shehjar. And what meaning might the New Year hold for us? New Years feels like ones own birthday........... Every day has the potential for an amazing achievement and every day is the best for beginning the process.

Author : Arun Koul More

The New Year and Shehjar

Author : Arun Koul More

Milestone Journey with Shehjar - II

What are the present ground realities and what do you think does the future behold? In the coming issues, Shehjar embarks with you on the journey to find out.

Author : Arun Koul More

Milestone Journey with Shehjar - III (List of Nominees)

As we continue our Milestone Journey ? With Shehjar, we have been approached by several people with nominations of people we should conduct interviews with. While most of the nominations contained named individuals, some went further and gave us multiple names. In one case, we were presented with a complete list of people nominated as community activists or leaders, imploring us to connect with all and to present all their viewpoints, be it that these are similar or divergent.

Author : Arun Koul More

INTIMIDATION OF PILGRIMS TO AMARNATHJI: WHAT NEXT

Arun Koul has been volunteering with several social services organizations and forums. He is on the editorial board of Shehjar E-Magazine - Kashmirgroup.com Portal and also manages their IT infrastructure needs and Software Application platforms.

Author : Arun Koul More