What do Kashmiris want?

 

What Do the Average Kashmiris Feel About the India-Pakistan Conflict?

(From ChatGPT)

The feelings of the average Kashmiri about the India-Pakistan conflict are complex and deeply influenced by decades of political instability, violence, and unfulfilled aspirations. This article presents a balanced overview based on various regional perspectives and sentiments.

1. General Sentiments in Indian-administered Kashmir

• Frustration and Fatigue: Many Kashmiris are tired of being caught between two nuclear-armed states. They often feel like pawns in a geopolitical struggle that disregards their wellbeing.

• Distrust Toward Both Sides: There is often mistrust of both the Indian and Pakistani governments. India is criticized for heavy militarization and human rights abuses, while Pakistan is seen by some as exploiting the Kashmir issue for its own political ends.

• Desire for Autonomy or Independence: Especially in the Kashmir Valley, there has long been an aspiration for azadi (freedom), interpreted by some as independence and by others as greater autonomy or union with Pakistan.

2. Sentiments in Jammu and Ladakh

• Jammu: The population here (more Hindu-majority) tends to support integration with India and is less sympathetic to separatist sentiment.

• Ladakh: After being made a Union Territory in 2019, reactions are mixed. Some welcomed direct control from Delhi, while others are disillusioned by the lack of political representation and development.

3. Views Toward Pakistan

• Mixed Opinions: While some Kashmiris historically felt culturally closer to Pakistan, disillusionment has grown due to:

·          - Lack of clear support during crucial times.

·          - Pakistan’s internal instability and poor governance of its own territories.

·          - Rising extremism, which many Kashmiris do not relate to.

4. Views Toward India

• Resentment and Hope: While there's resentment about India's political handling and military presence, some young Kashmiris are also interested in opportunities and integration into the broader Indian economy.

5. What They Truly Want

Across regions, there's a deep desire for peace, dignity, justice, and the right to shape their own future. Most want:

·          - An end to militarization and violence.

·          - Economic opportunities and development.

·          - Freedom to express their identity and aspirations.

·          - A say in their political future.

6. Evolution of Kashmiri Sentiment Over Time

1947–1980s: Idealism and Hope

·        - Hope that autonomy or independence aspirations would be respected.

·        - Article 370 was seen as a safeguard for identity.

·        - Mixed feelings: Some leaned toward Pakistan; others favored remaining with India if autonomy was protected.

1989–2000: Insurgency and Disillusionment

·        - Armed uprising in 1989 due to political frustrations and Pakistan’s involvement.

·        - Heavy militarization by India led to human rights abuses.

·        - Disillusionment with both India and Pakistan.

2000s–2010s: Exhaustion and Rise of Civil Movements

·        - Decline in militancy, rise of civil protests (e.g., 2008, 2010, 2016).

·        - Pakistan support more symbolic than real.

·        - Focus shifted to education, jobs, and a peaceful life.

Post-2019 (Abrogation of Article 370)

·        - Anger and grief in the Kashmir Valley.

·        - Communication blackouts and political detentions.

·        - Some youth pursuing professional ambitions pragmatically.

·         

7. Generational Divide in Kashmiri Sentiment

8. Urban vs Rural Differences in Kashmiri Sentiment

HAVE A MEANINGFUL WESAK 2025 - Who should we mentor

 

Have a Meaningful Wesak

Who should we mentor

Mentoring is not for everyone.

Mentoring focuses on nurturing high-potential individuals, creating an environment where top performers can excel. It prioritizes the development and growth of our most promising talents. As such, we must learn to differentiate between diamonds and glass if we want to ensure success.

Here are 5 criteria in choosing a potential mentee.

Firstly, the talent must be career-oriented, not job-oriented (the typical 9-to-5 type). These individuals are willing to go the extra mile and take mentoring seriously. They are prepared to work after office hours and on weekends.

Secondly, talents who are ambitious and eager to learn. They are willing to take on responsibilities beyond their job scope and possess a strong sense of ownership. Their energy, gifts, and time can be effectively channelled toward learning new skills, gaining experiences, taking on new tasks, and expanding their network.

 

Thirdly, minority groups — talents who are less likely to secure a mentor compared to others. These include individuals who may be overlooked due to gender, social class, ethnicity, or cultural background. A neglected talent is a wasted gift.

 

Fourthly, challenging people with potential. These individuals are often independent, strong-willed, and difficult to manage. However, with the right mentoring, their energy can be focused and refined. They are like wild stallions — full of raw power, spirit, and potential but untamed. Left alone, they may never reach their full capacity.

Lastly, and most importantly, talents who can support and align with the company’s goals, needs, and strategic plans. When mentored effectively, they will directly contribute to the company’s success.

Let us add value,

Have a meaningful Wesak.

Peace, anas

Bhikkhunī Khemā was one of the foremost female disciples of Gautama Buddha. He declared that she is his foremost female disciple in wisdom.

 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY - A Mother's Light Inspired by the Qur'an (by ChatGPT 🙂 )

 

A Mother's Light
Inspired by the Qur'an (by ChatGPT  )

She bore us in pain,
then loved with grace,
A mercy sent in time and place.
"Be kind to parents," the Qur'an said,
Her prayers still guard the paths we tread.

Through nights of tears and whispered prayer,
She gave us all, beyond compare.
A garden lies beneath her feet—
In serving her, our faith’s complete.

Peace

INDIA -PAKISTAN AND GANDHI

I ask ChatGPT, "If Mahatma Gandhi is alive today, how would he deal with the current India-Pakistan conflict/war?"

This is the ChatGpt's take....

What Would Gandhi Do Today? A Peaceful Vision for the India-Pakistan Conflict

If Mahatma Gandhi were alive today, observing the tense and often hostile relationship between India and Pakistan, he would not call for arms or retaliation. Instead, he would stand unwavering in his belief in non-violence, reconciliation, and the moral responsibility of nations to protect human life and dignity.

Gandhi’s philosophy was never passive—it was an active, courageous resistance to hatred and violence. In today’s world, with nuclear weapons, cyber warfare, and rising religious nationalism, his approach may seem idealistic. But for Gandhi, idealism was the only true realism, especially when human lives were at stake.

Non-Violence: A Universal Principle

At the heart of Gandhi’s approach to any conflict was ahimsa—non-violence. To him, violence only deepened wounds and prolonged suffering. He believed that wars may produce temporary victories, but only peace brings lasting solutions.

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind,” he famously said—a warning he would surely repeat today.

Gandhi would challenge both India and Pakistan to lay down their arms—not out of weakness, but out of strength: the strength to seek dialogue in the face of provocation, to listen in the face of anger, and to replace hostility with understanding.

Hindu-Muslim Unity: A Lifelong Struggle

Gandhi’s life was defined by his mission to bridge the divide between Hindus and Muslims, especially in the final years leading to and following Partition. He fasted, marched, and risked his life to stop communal killings. He would be devastated to see how religion continues to be used as a political weapon in the India-Pakistan conflict.

He would urge both countries to remember their shared history, culture, and human bond—and to reject hatred, revenge, and fear. Gandhi once said, “I am a Muslim, and a Hindu, and a Christian, and a Jew—and so are all of you.” This inclusivity would guide his efforts to ensure that no one—Hindu or Muslim—should die because of another’s faith.

Dialogue Over Distrust

Gandhi believed in the power of direct, honest conversation. He met with British leaders, Jinnah, Nehru, and others not to win arguments, but to find common ground. In today’s context, he would urge:

Bilateral dialogue without preconditions

People-to-people initiatives, such as cultural exchanges and business cooperation

Community peacebuilding, especially in border regions

He would emphasize that no issue—whether Kashmir, terrorism, or nationalism—is more important than preserving peace and saving lives.

Standing With the People, Not the Politicians

Gandhi always stood with the most vulnerable—those who bore the brunt of political conflict. Today, he would walk among the victims of shelling in Kashmir, the families of soldiers lost, and the countless civilians silenced by fear.

He would call on leaders and citizens alike to remember: the real enemy is not each other, but hatred, ignorance, and the dehumanization of “the other.”

A Moral Appeal in an Immoral Time

In a world consumed by power politics and national pride, Gandhi would remind both India and Pakistan of their moral obligation—to their own people, to the subcontinent, and to humanity. His dream was a South Asia where religion unites, not divides; where borders are respected, but peace flows freely across them.

Conclusion: Courage to Forgive, Strength to Rebuild

Gandhi would not offer quick fixes. He would ask for something far more difficult: the courage to forgive, the humility to listen, and the patience to rebuild trust.

If we truly honor his legacy, we must move beyond vengeance and war, and instead embrace the courageous path of peace—not just for ourselves, but for future generations of Indians and Pakistanis who deserve to inherit a world free from fear.

....................................................

Peace, I am with Gandhi. How about you?

CHINA IS GODLESS?

Just had brunch with a very respectable change expert in human development this morning.

He spent more than a decade consulting in China. He shared that they may not have a God but practice Islamic values in so many facets in their live as compared to his experience in Malaysia.

Nobody asks for bribes. Hardly anyone steals time during work other than making sure their job tasks are completed.

They are serious about helping the underprivileged, getting as many out of poverty, etc.

I remember Muhammad Abduh said, "I went to the West and saw Islam, but no Muslims; I got back to the East and saw Muslims, but no Islam."

These things always remind me of Quran 9:105

"And say, "Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so, will] His Messenger and the believers. And you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do."

It's about our deeds.

Peace

HAVE A MEANINGFULL LABOUR DAY 2025 What does the Quran say about work and labour?

 HAVE A MEANINGFULL LABOUR DAY 2025

What does the Quran say about work and labour?

1)    We are told to be hard working and not lazy 😊. We are to be rewarded based on our deeds alone, “… and that each person will only have what they endeavoured towards (Q53:39)”.

2)    We are to be compensated equally for the same job – male and female, “I will never deny any of you—male or female—the reward of your deeds. Both are equal in reward (Q3:195)”

3)    Spend a little time in prayer but a lot of time at work to seek his bounty. But, always have Him in your heart. He is the real boss. At the end of the day, we report to God 😊. So no cheating, corruption or curi tulang – theformula of success, “Once the prayer is over, disperse throughout the land and seek the bounty of Allah. And remember Allah often so you may be successful (Q62:10)

4)    Follow-up to number 3, “ The Devil threatens you with ˹the prospect of˺ poverty and bids you to the shameful deed ˹of stinginess˺, while Allah promises you forgiveness and ˹great˺ bounties from Him. And Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing (Q2:168)

5)    The most successful amongst us are called ABRAR – those who practice BIRR. An Abrar is one who is savvy both in spirituality as well as in his daily job and tasks. He believes and does a good job. He sees them as not separated, but one. He makes money. Although he loves his wealth, he shares. He keeps his promises, is committed, disciplined, have lots of patience and does not give up easily.

“AL BIRR is not in turning your faces towards the east or the west. Rather, the AL BIRR are those who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Books, and the prophets; who give charity out of their cherished wealth to relatives, orphans, the poor, ˹needy˺ travellers, beggars, and for freeing captives; who establish prayer, pay alms-tax, and keep the pledges they make; and who are patient in times of suffering, adversity, and in ˹the heat of˺ battle. It is they who are true ˹in faith˺, and it is they who are mindful ˹of Allah (Q2:177)”

Have a meaningful Labour Day 2025

Peace, anas