“Gar firdaus bar-rue zamin ast, hami asto, hamin asto, hamin ast”
“If there is paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here”.
In the kaleidoscopic landscape of Kashmir, where the lofty peaks of the Himalayas embrace the serene valleys, the ethos of coexistence and spiritual harmony has long been upheld by the intertwined principles of Kashmiriyat. Against a backdrop of geopolitical complexity and historical intricacies, these cultural paradigms have not only shaped the region’s identity but also offered a resilient framework for societal cohesion amidst challenges. In the past 25 years, Kashmiris have witnessed blitz on the democracy of the state which included harassment and unlawful detention, conquest of right to speech, insidious control over the public space and fights over water and land. The territory, divided between India, Pakistan and China, has been a focal point of territorial dispute, resulting in tension and conflicts that have deeply impacted the lives of its people.
Amidst these geopolitical complexities, it’s crucial to remember the human faces and communities whose lives are intricately woven into the fabric of Kashmir’s history and present realities. The term “Awam” refers to the common people or civilians in Urdu and Hindi languages.
What is required is an ear to their voice, understanding their experience, and acknowledging their diverse perspectives. Kashmir is not a monolith; it is a mosaic of identities, languages, and cultures. From the bustling streets of Srinagar to the serenity of Pahalgam, each corner of Kashmir has its own story to tell, its own aspiration and its own challenge. Caring for all people of Kashmir necessitates a commitment to dialogues and reconciliations that lasting peace can only be achieved through mutual understanding and respect. It requires addressing the grievances and injustice that has fuelled the conflict for decades including issues of human rights abuse, political repression and economic marginalization. In the context of the Indian Army’s activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the phrase “Indian Army for Awam” emphasizes the military’s commitment to connecting with and supporting the civilian population. The sentiment that “We care for All Lives in Kashmir” is being embodied by running various prog and manifestations
Humanitarian Missions. Operations like Mission Sahayata and Operation Megh Rahat demonstrated the Indian Army’s role in rescuing and assisting civilians affected by natural disasters, such as severe flooding in 2014. Civic Actions Programs. Initiatives like Operation Sadbhavana focus on winning hearts and minds by engaging in welfare programs that include infrastructure development, medical care, women and youth empowerment, educational tours, sports tournaments, among other programs. Empowerment Initiatives. The Indian Army has also launched programs aimed at empowering women in Kashmir by providing them with resources and training to help them become financially independent.
“We Care for All Lives in Kashmir” encapsulates a sentiment that transcends across the geography & demography of Kashmir-a call for recognition and respect for the dignity and rights of every Kashmiri, regardless of their background or belief. The phrase “We Care” embodies the collective responsibility that the well-being of the people of Kashmir is a shared concern that extends beyond national boundaries. It reflects a commitment for empathy, compassion, solidarity and recognition of universal aspiration for peace, justice and prosperity.
At the heart of “We Care for All People of Kashmir” lies a commitment to build a future where every Kashmiri can live with dignity, security and hope. It means investing in education, health care and economic opportunities that shall empower individuals and communities to shape their destiny. It means safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir, celebrating its diversity and preserving its natural beauty for future generation to cherish. But perhaps most importantly, “We Care” is a pledge to never lose sight of the humanity that unite us all. In the face of division and discord, it is a reminder that we all are members of the human family who are bounded together by shared aspiration of a better world.
As we reflect on the meaning of “We Care for All People of Kashmir”, let us commit ourselves to the values of compassion, understanding and solidarity. Let us stand together to promote peace and justice and thus amplifying the voice of those whose stories remain unheard and let us work tirelessly towards a future where all the people of Kashmir can live with dignity, freedom, and respect. In the end, our ability to care for all people of Kashmir is not just a reflection of our compassion-it is a measure of our humanity, thus bringing the awam closer to IA.
