In the beautiful valley of Kashmir, where tall mountains watch over age-old traditions, a single act of violence on February 2, 1990, marked the beginning of a devastating period in the region’s history. This is the heart-wrenching story of Satish Tickoo ( Satish Tikoo), a 22-year-old Kashmiri Pandit whose life was cruelly taken away. His…
In Kashmir’s beautiful yet troubled land, stories of strong women like Kota Rani, Lal Ded, Rupa Bhawani, and Habba Khatoon have long inspired hope and resilience. However, the narrative surrounding women in this region has taken a dark turn, transforming from tales of strength to a haunting reminder of vulnerability. The story of Prana Ganjoo stands as…
The gradual erosion of Kashmiri Pandit festivals and rituals is a pressing concern. This article explores the Lost festivals and rituals of Kashmiri Pandits after being forced out of Kashmir in 1990. There was a time when the snow-covered evenings of Kashmir were filled with anticipation. We, as children, would eagerly wait for our Guru…
Between 1988 and 1990, Kashmir faced a dark era of terrorism that claimed many innocent lives. Notable figures such as Tika Lal Taploo, Justice Neel Kanth Ganjoo, Satish Tikoo, Sarvanand Kaul Premi and his son, Girija Tikoo, Sarla Bhat, Prana Ganjoo, K.L. Ganjoo, and others were tragically murdered. Lassa Kaul was also a victim of…
In the dark days of 1990, as terrorism gripped the Kashmir Valley, a sinister pattern emerged. Those working in telecommunications, radio, and television found themselves in the crosshairs of radical militants. The twisted logic of these extremists painted innocent civilians as spies, leading to a reign of terror that would forever scar the region. Among…
Jo shakhs ho zinda to phir kya khaak marta hai Hunar ke saath insaan amar ho jaata hai These words by Josh Malihabadi resonate profoundly with the life and legacy of Sarvanand Kaul Premi, a luminary whose diverse talents and unwavering spirit continue to inspire long after his untimely demise alongside his younger son, Virender…
The NEET scandal exposes deep-rooted problems in India’s education system. The removal of Pradeep Kumar Joshi as the Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) has raised serious concerns about the fairness of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). How could someone in such a high-ranking position be trusted to investigate irregularities within…
Imagine the magic of Kashmir – snow-capped peaks glistening, warm fire crackling, and the aroma of Kahwa and Ksheer chai ( Noon Chai) swirling in the crisp mountain air. But amidst these wonders, there’s a simpler magic, a symbol of Kashmir’s soul – the Kangri. The Kangri is an earthen pot, a beacon of hope in…
The Brutal Killing of Sarvanand Kaul Premi On the fateful night of April 30th, 1990, armed men with extreme views barged into Sarvanand Kaul Premi’s home in Kashmir. They forcefully gathered the family into one room and looted all their valuables like gold, jewellery, cash, and fine clothes. The men even yanked off any gold…
Main Kashmir Pandit Hoon, Apne Hi Desh Mein Dandit Hoon (I am a Kashmiri Pandit, Tortured in My Own Country). For over three decades, this has been my reality. The exodus, meant to be temporary, stole my home, my land, and my very identity. We, the Kashmiri Pandits, were driven from our ancestral lands by…
Who Was Sarla Bhat of Kashmir? By Rohit Tikoo | Kashmir Historian · Kashmir History Project · Kashmiri Pandit Originally Published: 2024 | Comprehensively Updated: March 2026 | Reading Time: ~13 minutes A Note From the Author I have written about atrocities. I have documented massacres, named the murdered, and traced the arc of an…
Here are the correct answers to yesterday’s Indian Film quiz#1 Question 1: The Enigmatic Detective In this classic Indian film, the protagonist is an enigmatic detective with a penchant for deductive reasoning who unravels the mystery behind a baffling murder in a remote hill station. The film was shot in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Can you name…