This writer and a few other Indo-Caribbeans have been invited to participate in an academic international conference on November 25 and 26 on Jammu and Kashmir, the northern union territories of India bordering Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. The conference is of hybrid mode at a leading university in the state of MP. Some presenters will deliver their papers virtually on line. This writer will present in person as guest of the university organizers.
The theme of the conference is “Jammu and Kashmir: Continuity and Change”. It is organized by Department of Political Science, Pandit Shambhu Nath Shukla University, Shahdol (Madya Pradesh) in “Academic Collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir Study Centre”, a NGO in Madhya Pradesh (MP). This writer did post doctoral studies and teaching in MP and in other states in India as a visiting scholar. Several Guyanese and other descendants of indentureship trace their roots to MP.
Presentations are on various topic relating to J/K. This writer will speak on two different subjects: Geo-strategic issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir; and Indian Guyanese and Diaspora Cultural & Emotional Attachment to Jammu and Kashmir. Several Guyanese traced their roots to Kashmir.
Several Guyanese studied medicine in Kashmir University, which was at one time one of the leading universities in India up until four decades ago. Kashmir itself was at one time, several centuries ago before the Moor invasion, the center of learning in India and Asia Students from all over Asia came to study in Kashmir.
Kashmir had been a leading tourist destination including for Guyanese who visited India to trace their roots. The reign of terror over the last several years has resulted in bypassing Kashmir. It also has led to occasional closure or suspension of classes of universities and public schools and to challenges in learning.
Many Bollywood hit films were shot in Kashmir, attracting Guyanese who have developed a desire to visit the place. But because of terrorists, Guyanese tour groups have avoided the area. The conference will address that subject, among others.
