Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’
rajeshwar68@gmail.com
Book Name: KASHMIRIYAT_ A Saga of Trials and Tribulations
Author: KanishkaGhildiyal
Editor: Anita Ghildiyal
Pages: 208
Publication: 2025
Cost:Rs 550
Publisher: Surya PrakashanMandir, Bikaner
Kashmiriyat is more than just a regional identity. It is a philosophy of co-existence, compassion and collective belonging that defines the spirit of the Kashmiri people.This concept evolved over centuries in the Kashmir Valley, where Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam interacted peacefully to create a syncretic culture, a beautiful fusion of beliefs and practices.The idea of Kashmiriyat took shape during the medieval period, when Sufi saints and Rishi mystics spread messages of love, peace, and unity.Their teachings inspired both Hindus and Muslims, forming a common moral ground that became the essence of Kashmiriyat. The collection of essays titled ” KASHMIRIYAT_ A Saga of Trial and Tribulations” is in fact an encounter with the turmoil in the past that threatened this very essence quite unsuccessfully.
About Author and Editor:
Kanishka Ghildiyal, hailing from the village Tandiyun, Tehsil Dhumakot, District Pauri in Uttarakhand and now residing in Dehradun, is a Class 12 student. Daughter of DIG BSF Arvind Ghildiyal, she aspires to join the National Defence Academy and wear the uniform that symbolizes honour and duty. This book is her tribute to her gallant father and to every hero who stands guard at the nation’s borders. Anita Ghildiyal, the editor of the book,is the mother of the author who has lived the life of a soldier’s companion marked by courage, grace, and quiet strength. A scholar with degrees in Science, Education, and Management, she left behind a corporate career to walk shoulder to shoulder with her husband through India’s most challenging frontiers, including Kashmir during the turbulent years of 2016-2018. An avid reader and homemaker, she finds her stories not in fiction but in the valour and sacrifice that surround her life.
About Book:
Kanishka Ghildiyal ,the author of the book is quite young and has herself admitted that she has made an effort to pen down the stories as narrated by her father Arvind Ghildiyal, a proud officer of Border Security Forces (BSF).In preface of the book, the author gives a detailed account of her first encounter with hostile conditions in the valley which was burning after Burhan Wani, the dreaded terrorist was killed. Ironically, he had become heart throb of misguided youths. It was a dramatic entry of young author with her sister and parents in a paradise lost to circumstances. She experiences the worst at a place where even the nature at its peak doesn’t amuse you and you experience something missing to touch your heart and smile. When she starts recounting those moments, her pen bleeds with the psycho fear experienced from the tension gripping and death echoing in the forceddeserted land, where life was scared of coming outside to encounter death on the streets, roads and everywhere. But soon the time changes, darkness paves way to light and autumn leaves for spring knocking at the door. The flowers start scattering fragrance of faith and inhabitants extend their hands to welcome the outsiders. She was surprised to see this part of Kashmir. Here, she experiences what’s Kahmiriyat all about and her pen starts maintaining a balance between the dark side and the future hope in the comfort provided by present.
The collection carries articles on the thought provoking subjects that have hit the valley drastically like baptism by fire at Pulwama, lakes on Pir Panjal with celestial courtesans, false convictions, the “Hakim Saheb” of Tral, Pulwama, Kashmiriyat is lost, manjoor militant again? Moulvi of ashmander, down the memory lane : intelligence coup or fluke, rum party at doba dhok, the last call by a smiling face, the unrequited love or what, the ruffian of Pulwama the grand spectacle of support and epilogue.
Kashmiriyat is lost is an episode that shows the helplessness of common masses who have nothing to do with Jihad or subversive activities going on in Kashmir. But because of these inhuman activities, the Kashmiris going outside Kashmir had to face trauma with trust being lost and everyone under the radar. Life became a hell not only at home but outside even. That’s why Haji almost shouts in choaked voice that Kashmiriyat is lost forever. What remains is piece of land called Kashmir and nothing else,soul of this land has gone. This beauty is without essence, without aroma and just a mirage.
The last article EPILOGUE shows the anguish of author on unfortunate Pahalgam massacre that resulted in Operation Sindoor. But the author is sure that even such nefarious designs from across the border can’t dent ‘Kashmiriyat’ that forms the essence of the Kashmir. It will be fare to add here that despite turmoil, the emotional and cultural bond among Kashmiris continues to endure through poetry, music and collective memory. No force on earth can harm it. At the same time through these articles which are in fact the anecdotes narrated by her father, the author pleads that if Kashmir is able to maintain its spirit, then the significant role played by our brave security forces cannot be ignored. Kashmir’s soil is sanctified by the blood of heroes who laid down their lives for the nation. Every inch of Kashmir is a testament ofthe sacrifice of our soldiers.
Here I would like to add that although Kashmiriyat, the centuries-old spirit of harmony, tolerance, and co-existence stands as a shining example of unity in diversity, yet, the journey of Kashmiriyat has not been without its trials. The Paradise on Earth has endured deep wounds, political upheavals, displacement, violence and the erosion of trust. Over the decades, these tribulations have tested the very foundations of that composite culture. Still, amidst pain and loss, the essence of Kashmiriyat refuses to fade. It survives in the songs of its poets, the resilience of its people, and the longing for peace that continues to echo in every heart. This book advocates the same spirit in real terms.
The cover page having leaf of Chinardesigned by Gourishankar Acharya is very attractive. Chinar holds cultural, historical and ecological significance and is often called soul of Kashmir. The language is simpleand connects with readers easily. The book is recommended for those who wish to get into details of significant incidents that took place during peak of militancy in the region and close encountersby security forces to get Kashmir out of the clutches of enemy of humanity.
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