This 'Paradise on Earth', Kashmir has many distinct facets one being the people – the Kashmiri & 'Pandits'
'Pandits' are Hindus who are considered wise, learned people, 100% literate and their field of expertise is boundless from art, literature, religion, science and more.
Hindu's ruled Kashmir up until the 14th century and history shows that during this period their contribution particularly in the fields of archaeology, literature and philosophy have been embraced by Indian society as a whole.
But almost twenty years ago 350 000 Kashmiri Pandits, men, women and children were 'hounded' out of their beloved Kashmir Valley leaving behind all they owned apart from what they managed to carry.
To take up refuge in makeshift camps in Jammu
Today thousands of men, women and children still remain ‘living’ in the squalid camps.
The following Audio is an extract revealing the lifestyle these camp dwellers have had to endure for over twenty years.
Just like the Tibetans, Kashmiri Pandits greatest fear is the loss of their language, their culture and traditions, but unlike the Tibetans the world knows little if anything of their plight.
Listen to Audio here:
For the full story please contact - apagemedia Images are available. Please refer to Photography and Reportage category.
Text is also available.