OYK 2011-SummitReport

One Young Kashmir Youth Leadership Summit Report Culture, Rights & Economy
DISCLAIMER
This report is a compilation of the diverse views and ideas articulated by and shared between the 759 Kashmiri youth who participated in the One Young Kashmir Youth Leadership Summit 2011 held at SKICC, Srinagar between March 20th and 27th 2011. The summit was the culmination of months of discussions, dialogue and participatory-planning led by youth participants of the Mercy Corps Kashmir Youth RAFT Project. This report focuses on three key issues that were identified by youth (i.e. Culture, Rights and Economic Recovery) and which were explored through a participatory problemsolving process during the weeklong summit. The diverse mix of views, ideas and individual opinions expressed by the 750+ participants of the One Young Kashmir Summit and presented in this report are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Mercy Corps Kashmir Youth RAFT Project or the youth organizers/volunteers of the One Young Kashmir Youth Leadership Summit.
A Tribute
The youth organizers of the One Young Kashmir Summit put forth their humble efforts in tribute to all the mothers, fathers, sons and daughters of Kashmir who have suffered and survived the loss and tragedy of Kashmirs conflict and in memory of all those peopleirrespective of caste or creed who lost their lives in the strife. Let us build a better Kashmir and pass on a hopeful future for the generations to come.
In Memory of
Sajid Iqbal
June 19, 1984 May 18, 2011
Sajid Iqbal was an invaluable part of the Mercy Corps project team that trained, mentored and supported youth participants of the Kashmir Youth RAFT Project to develop their negotiation, communication and leadership skills over an intense 6-month period. He worked tirelessly towards the success of the overall project and was a key contributor to the One Young Kashmir Youth Leadership Summit. In fact, Sajid oversaw the tedious work of transcribing the enormous collection of notes from the OYK Summit and put together the initial drafts of this OYK Summit Report. Sajid is dearly 7
missed and will always be remembered by his Mercy Corps Kashmir colleagues and by all those he touched through the Kashmir Youth RAFT Project.
The One Young Kashmir Youth Leadership Summit

The One Young Kashmir Youth Leadership Summit was a youth-led initiative aimed at enabling fruitful, focused and rewarding discussions among youth, pursuing a novel participatory planning process that harnessed the combined value of Youth Imagination and Expert Knowledge. The goal of this summit was to mobilize youth to develop an effective voice, and initiate and share processes of leadership, responsibility and action to build a better Kashmir. The year 2010-11 is being observed all over the globe as the "Year of the Youth." The One Young Kashmir Youth Leadership Summit marked the year of Kashmiri youth through a first of its kind youth-led effort. The Summit focused on Kashmir in the context of the priorities, roles, responsibilities and rights of the young generation of the Kashmir Valley. The event was spread over a week from the 20th to the 27th of March 2011 and was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. 759 diverse Kashmiri youth, young men and women between the ages of 17 to 30, gathered together, participated, shared their experiences and freely expressed their views during this event. The One Young Kashmir Youth Leadership Summit was a youth-led initiative supported and mentored by Mercy Corps through its Youth RAFT Project. The event was the culmination of months of training, mentoring, participatory planning and dialogue. The main objectives of the One Young Kashmir Youth Leadership Summit 2011, were: To increase youth knowledge on various issues, and greater awareness of youth rights and responsibilities in society. 9
To strengthen the leadership skills of youth, and foster within them, a sense of leadership and responsibility. To help Kashmiri youth develop an effective youth voice using good process to get results. To assist youth in diagnosing problems and developing possible solutions. To inform decision-makers of issues youth are concerned about, and advocate solutions developed by youth. To create an opportunity for youth to inspire each other, so as to take action and build a better Kashmir. To showcase youth creativity & expose them to creative and cultural means of expression. To identify first steps that Kashmiri youth can take towards making a positive difference. To create an opportunity for youth-to-youth networking (synergy unleashed by 1+1=11).
The event provided a physical platform beyond social networking to Kashmiri youth, enabling them to share their thoughts and ideas on three broad issues identified by youth, i.e. Culture, Rights and Economic Recovery. The overall aim of the summit was to incubate the idea of individual and collective leadership and responsibility taking among Kashmiri youth to address the issues that concern them. The main feature of the summit was a well defined expertly designed problem-solving process, focused on the themes of Culture, Rights and Economic Recovery, with special emphasis on Kashmir. Groups of youth got together to express their opinions on the various facets of these issues, attempting to diagnose them and problem-solve. All issues were identified by the youth themselves, and problem solving proceeded through a novel 10
participatory planning process allowing focused discussions with in a large public gathering. The participants of the Kashmir Youth RAFT Project facilitated this problem-solving process. The views of youth and key ideas that emerged within small group discussions (tables of 12 people each) were recorded by youth facilitators and were reported out to the larger gathering. The participating youth analyzed issues and suggested solutions through the use of a 4 Quadrant Tool. The technology-enabled participatory planning problem-solving process ensured that: Everyone participated; No idea was lost; Iterative discussions took place; Participants' anonymity was maintained; that there was a clear articulation of priorities/issues; There was timely and transparent reporting of the ideas and views expressed by participants.
The following report is the result of this participatory problem-solving process; the diverse views of the participating youth on the three issues of Culture, Rights and Economy are presented in the same 4-Quadrant format that was used to guide the discussions and to record views and ideas that emerged in the discussions.
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One Young Kashmir (OYK)

The One Young Kashmir Youth Leadership Summit was organized by a group of 112 Kashmiri youngsters of diverse backgrounds, who originally came together through the support and mentoring of Mercy Corps as beneficiaries of the Kashmir Youth Relationships and Alliances for Transformation (Youth RAFT) Project. These youth were trained in Strategic Negotiation, Communication & Leadership Skills and were also trained in dialogue and problem-solving process facilitation skills. The One Young Kashmir Summit was conceptualized by these youth as a joint relationship-building project and youth leadership challenge to be accomplished as part of Mercy Corps Kashmir Youth RAFT Project. Thus, One Young Kashmir (OYK) was born. The OYK Summit tagline of "dream, think, discuss, and act best defines what the OYK youth stand for and what the weeklong summit was all about. To keep updated with the ongoing activities of the One Young Kashmir youth, please visit: www.oneyoungkashmir.com
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The 4 Quadrant Tool
The Circle Chart divides the task of problem solving into four modes of thinking: I. Problem: Identify the gap between disliked symptoms and a preferred situation. Begin by defining the problem as the gap between what is and what might be. The Circle Chart helps problem-solvers invent ways to close the gap between these two lists. II. Diagnosis: Consider possible causal explanations underlying the disliked symptoms. List all possible causes that one might affect. Note: The goal is 13
to develop more specific diagnoses that will shed better light on possible prescriptive approaches. III. Approaches: Invent a wide variety of possible approaches that might solve the problem by dealing with the causes we have identified. These approaches should be general, i.e. capable of being implemented in several different ways. IV. Action Ideas: Invent specific plans to implement the general approaches. We examine each of the general prescriptive approaches and invent several specific action plans for implementation.
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HOW TO UNDERSTAND AND USE THIS REPORT

This report is not a consensus document or declaration from the OYK summit. Neither is it presented as a youth manifesto. Rather, it presents the mix of views and plurality of ideas that were expressed during the participatory process of analyzing and problem-solving the three issues of Culture, Rights and Economic Recovery by youth participants of the OYK Summit. These were individually recorded in real-time using the 4 Quadrant format and these ideas are presented in this report in the very same mode. The following One Young Kashmir Summit Report presents the diverse feelings, thoughts, ideas and opinions that were expressed and shared during the dialogue and problem-solving process. These are recorded and shared with the hope that they may be of value to others. Beyond the youth participants of the OYK Summit, it is likely that this report will be read by two other key categories of readers: 1) decisionmakers of various types and 2) other Kashmiri youth who did not attend the OYK Summit. It is humbly suggested that decision-makers could read this report to know and understand the mix of views and feelings Kashmiri youth have on various issues and the numerous solutions and steps they advocate to address them. By no means is this report reflective of the entire Kashmiri youth community rather it is a randomized, mixed sample of a very small size (759). It is hoped that the diverse ideas expressed by youth and recorded in this report would influence better decision-making on the various issues raised. It is also humbly suggested that Kashmiri youth readers should read this report to know and understand the mix of views and feelings that a diverse section of their fellow Kashmiri youth have on various issues and the numerous solutions and steps they advocate to address them. Again, the 15
report is reflective of a randomized, mixed sample of a very small selection (759) of Kashmiri youth. It is hoped that other youth readers of this report would join in the conversation and get together with their own peers and discuss this report and add their own inputs and ideas about these issues using the 4 Quadrant Tool. These could be then recorded and shared by email: ask@oneyoungkashmir.com During the OYK Summit, participants expressed hope that their discussions and ideas would spur a change and make some positive impact in the real world. Ultimately, that will depend on the sense of responsibility and actions taken by the youth participants themselves to address issues and contribute to solutions. However, some excellent action ideas and a range of possible solutions on the issues of Culture, Rights and Economic Recovery were developed by participating youth during the OYK Summit. It is hoped that each individual reader of this report young or old - will identify and circle those individual ideas, actions and steps they agree with. It is also hoped that these readers will commit themselves to advocate for and work towards these actionable ideas in their respective ways.
Dream, Think, Discuss and Act . . . . . . . and be the change!
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ISSUE I: CULTURE
The following is a background/briefing paper on the issue of Culture that was prepared by the OYK youth organizers in advance of the problemsolving discussions that took place during the OYK Summit. This background/briefing paper was shared at the OYK Summit to help initiate the conversation. The Question of Preservation and Revival of Kashmiri Culture We must not let go of our culture. When culture is lost, or fails to keep pace and maintain relevancy, key aspects of our unique identity and priceless aspects of our social life are lost forever. Indigenous Kashmiri culture embodies concepts of environmental sustainability, respect for diversity and promotion of social cohesion. Traditional Kashmiri culture has embedded within it a rich repository of knowledge and wisdom that must be preserved for generations to come. Culture embodies the intellectual development of a society. Culture is a repository of our indigenous knowledge and values. Our ethos, manners, way of communicating with one another, are important components of our culture. Culture is a living and relevant force in any vibrant society a living culture stays relevant to contemporary realities facing a society and should serve the social, economic, and intellectual needs of a society. Of all the successful societies that we know, not one has abandoned their language. At the same time, of all the languages that have survived the test of time, not one has failed to adapt and evolve. Our discussions on the Culture Problem Solving Day will centre on the idea of Cultural consciousness. Without a doubt, Kashmiri culture has to be saved, preserved, revived and sustained and all of us do realize this. Precious indigenous Kashmiri cultural assets, embodying our ethos as a people, are in danger of being lost if action is not taken to restore Kashmiri culture. 17
Now is the time to act and make it happen. But before we do that, we must identify the elements that need to be preserved, those are the basic components of our culture, the characterization of components and what differentiates it from other cultures, being the key points. We, at One Young Kashmir, have identified key elements of Kashmiri culture through a rigorous process of extensive brainstorming. The following is the list of elements, so as to facilitate our discussion on culture in an organized manner: 1. LANGUAGE: Language, we believe, is the driving force for any culture but not the only element of culture. Our approach to the revival of culture is holistic, but language is the faster medium of bringing about the change. A language survives as long as speakers verbalize it. If the speakers abandon a language, it loses its existence. Koshur zabaan, is losing its identity over the passage of time and that is the reason Kashmiri history is vanishing as ancient documents containing Kashmirs history are in Kashmiri language. None of our youth are acquainted with the language, which is supposed to be their mother tongue. At the same time, if we look at the languages spoken worldwide (English, French, Arabic, etc.) there is one unmistakable trend adaptability! Languages (and cultures) that adapt and absorb new words and new customs have survived and continue to grow. As a matter of fact we are losing our language due to the education system in place in Kashmir presently. Even as English is the Lingua Franca and as such the language of communication on the International level and one needs to study it, we are also paying the cost of losing our individuality by losing touch with our Kashmiri 18
language. There are several other reasons responsible for the loss of language and that is for all of us to identify and work upon. Looking at the current scenario of the Kashmiri language the primary effort has to be taken by every individual in respecting and grasping the language. Fortunately, the Education System has incorporated Kashmiri language as a subject to be taught in schools to endow coming generations with the knowledge of the language. But this step having come late, what we have lost till now needs to be recovered by our extra efforts at a personal as well as social level. Today, we want youth to come up with solutions based on this assessment and their original ideas and experiences to save Kashmiri culture, through the preservation and revival of language. 2. HISTORY: Culture, like all other things, is contextualized through history - a history that documents its evolution. Cultures are discovered upon studying history and are obliterated when history is lost or manipulated. History, not only means the formal study of written history, but also oral history - history that our ancestors have passed on to us by word of mouth in the form of tales known as Daleel. Earlier, kids used to listen to these tales and read about Lal Ded, Nund Rishi and other major characters in Kashmirs rich cultural history. The decline is such that there are only two story tellers left in the Valley, both in their eighties. Today we dont even know the names of the basic components of Kashmiri Cultural History - busy as we are studying other histories at the cost of our own. Propagating our history is of prime importance in order to pass on Kashmiri legacy to our future generations. The main cultural holders are in the twilight of their life, with dim hopes of passing on this rich culture to our generation next. 19
3. EXPRESSION AND HERITAGE: Expression means something that can be articulated like folk art (chhakker te rouf, ladi shah), poetry, theatre, sufiana music, aesthetics including the heritage that comprises of Pheran, Kangri, wood carving, carpet-weaving, samovar, etc. It also includes cuisines (wazwan), architecture (dab, dajji diwari, khatamband talav etc). Age-old houses in the downtown areas of Valley are turning into ruins and being razed to be replaced by concrete structures, is the best example of how fast Kashmiri heritage is degrading. The typical Kashmiri techniques of construction are no more in use. Many of our religious and spiritual places need attention and restoration on not just the aesthetic but also the emotional front, so that a sense of belonging and shared heritage is fostered. Sufiyana music, which has had a telling influence on the Kashmiri way of life, is slowly breathing its last. Only two elderly Sufi singers are keeping this spiritual and cultural legacy alive. Band Pather, a Kashmiri folk theatre is rarely performed, even as it tethers on the brink of extinction, due to the lack of avenues and patronage. All these elements visibly represent our culture to the outside world and to our own selves. Instead of abandoning them, we need to look for innovative ways to make them appeal to the younger generation. Today, all of us are somewhere responsible for disregarding the authentic elements of Kashmiri Cultural Heritage; landing them on the verge of extinction. We need to reproduce them and incorporate them in a contemporary way, so that our heritage is preserved and passed on. 4. SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS : One of the reasons why Kashmir came to be called the Paradise on Earth is its natural beauty and breathtaking picturesque landscape. Another major reason is the 20
hospitality of Kashmiri people. Somehow, over all the years of distress we seem to have lost it - in part, if not completely. Brotherhood, tolerance, pluralism, concern and hospitality are among the distinguishing elements of our culture. Lets take a pledge to revive our traditional ethos and essentially work out ways of doing so. 5. ENVIRONMENT: The majestic mountains, the clear water, blooming flowers- they all find a mention in our poetry, carvings, illustrations and even in the casual patterns crafted by experts of handicrafts. Knowingly or unknowingly, portraying of Chinar (maple) leaves, birds, water, the rising sun and the mountains in our poetry, illustrations, etc. all the time is an example of the pleasing environment that surrounds us. Many of the above-mentioned elements of our culture are incomplete without the mention of our water bodies or mountains. If we still continue to act least-bothered about conserving our environment, many of the works of art, history, aesthetics, etc. shall be rendered irrelevant. Many of the things portrayed and talked about shall be gone astray before we could even know the existence of our environmental elements. All the suggestions, ideas and opinions are welcome. Its an open discussion that involves all the innovative solutions keeping in mind the preservation of our rich culture with a contemporary approach to the problems.
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PROBLEM-SOLVING REPORT ON THE ISSUE OF CULTURE

Preservation and Promotion of Kashmir Culture & Identity I. QUADRANT ONE: PROBLEM 1.1 The loss of Kashmiri identity and culture. 1.2 We do not know enough about Kashmiri history and culture. 1.3 We have limited means and efforts to propagate our culture and preserve our heritage. 1.4 Kashmirs unique environment is part of our cultural heritage and is also vanishing. There is massive deforestation in Kashmir. Our water bodies are also shrinking. 1.5 Too many of us do not know Kashmiri language and those of us who do know Kashmiri language, dont use it frequently enough.
II. QUADRANT TWO: DIAGNOSIS 2.1 Efforts to preserve and revive Kashmiri culture as a living culture are too few and are disconnected. 2.2 As prosperity rises, people have a tendency to move on to what they consider modern and ignore the need to preserve Kashmiri culture as a living culture and ethos. 2.3 Every time we make an effort at cultural preservation, we feel that we are on our own; we become cynical and we play the blame game and never think to look within and take responsibility. 22
2.4 There is a lack of patronage for cultural studies and preservation. There are few professional prospects to engage in cultural preservation. The study of the humanities is actively discouraged in Kashmiri society. 2.5 We are inconsistent and adopt one-off approaches. For instance, we may go to clean up the Dal once, but hardly ever do we follow-up and sustain efforts. 2.6 Kashmiri culture is a composite culture that embodies pluralism. Kashmiri society had more diversity in past. For instance, the departure and absence of Kashmiri Pandits has affected our culture. Many Kashmiri Pandits are experts and purveyors of Kashmiri culture and heritage and they must be involved in preserving culture. 2.7 Our family setup is becoming more nuclear, leaving less scope for learning from our families, especially elders, about our cultural expressions and nuances. 2.8 In terms of culture, we believe too much in tokenism rather than conscientious action; for instance, we promote symbols such as the wazwaan and the kangri, while we ignore important aspects of our indigenous ethos, traditions and values that are the soul of Kashmiri identity. Also, very important artistic and folk traditions lack patronage and we do not take action to show interest or support these Kashmiri forms. 2.9 There are various laws that are supposed to protect historical places, but they are rarely implemented. We do not take enough action to protect and preserve these treasures of Kashmir. 2.10 We are unaware of the activities taking place with respect to cultural preservation. For instance, most of us do not know about the existence and efforts of individuals and organizations that are striving to preserve key aspects of Kashmiri culture and heritage. Also, we do not volunteer to work with and practically support these efforts. 23
2.11 Too many of us have adopted an attitude that anyone wearing ethnic Kashmiri clothing is thought of as backward. We dont encourage those who express their traditional culture. 2.12 Our cuisine still lacks commercial promotion. Restaurants dont serve nun chai, for instance. Also, many traditional recipes of Kashmir are being abandoned for more global cuisines. 2.13 Kashmiri artists and other cultural holders are not experimenting with new formats, such as digital mediums, to reach wider audiences via television and internet. Also, Kashmiri artists are not addressing contemporary issues in their work therefore, they are becoming irrelevant and lose audiences. 2.14 Our attitudes are accelerating the decline of Kashmiri culture. For example, traditional cultural practices are looked upon as outdated or as something belonging to the past. 2.15 Kashmiri history is not taught in schools, which directly affects our cultural preservation and sense of identity. There are not enough private efforts to create learning resources on Kashmiri history or to archive and preserve traditional knowledge. 2.16 We lack knowledge of traditional daleels. There is no effort to preserve or promote this indigenous repository of knowledge and traditions. 2.17 The decline of cultural traditions like Ladisha has also led to a decline in other traditions, since the very purpose of Ladisha is to raise awareness and highlight what is wrong with our society, albeit in a satirical way. There is no effort to innovate this tradition so that it can reach younger audiences.
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2.18 The modern way of life has made time a very precious commodity. Therefore, even for those of us who want to learn about their culture, there isnt enough time to do it. 2.19 As a society, we have a materialistic approach to things. Culture is not seen as a lucrative sector. As a society, we must put a check on the current tendency to value only material things. We must place high value on our tangible and non-tangible cultural assets. 2.20 Globalisation offers us an opportunity to export Kashmiri culture and share our unique traditions with other cultures. Unfortunately, we are only importing from other cultures. There is a sense of passiveness among many youth about our culture. 2.21 Much of our popular music is not in Kashmiri, and therefore, many young people do not know any Kashmiri songs. Without losing its essence, Kashmiri music needs to be innovated towards new audiences and should not remain static. 2.22 There is not enough governmental, private sector and community support for the promotion of Kashmiri culture and patronage of Kashmiri arts. 2.23 We do not have self-discipline, or a work-life balance, which is why we do not have the time to pursue cultural activities. 2.24 Our culture is not flexible; we have made it rigid, and arent making enough efforts to make it adaptable. No initiatives are being taken with respect to innovation in Kashmiri music; as a result, it is not very pleasing or attractive for the new generation. Kashmiri artist do not experiment to popularize Kashmiri music. 2.25 Something that particularly hinders innovation in culture is conservatism. 25
2.26 Some of us are uncomfortable with cultural expression; it embarrasses us. This is especially true because of globalisation. Some of us just dont care about culture. 2.27 Cultural attire is not permitted in corporate offices, other workplaces, and during interviews, etc. 2.28 Our artists and artisans feel extremely discouraged, as they receive scant respect and too little remuneration for their creations or trade; this may cause our culture to die out altogether. 2.29 One of the leading causes for our loss of identity is that we are not free enough to express ourselves as Kashmiris; the moment we are recognised as Kashmiris, we immediately come under a cloud of suspicion and stereotype. We need to prove our identity and bonafides, often to persons who dont speak our language, and have to converse with them in their language or in English. 2.30 The conflict and political instability in Kashmir have affected our culture negatively. So many other problems exist in the valley, that culture takes a backseat and does not get priority. 2.31 The conflict causes people to leave, and outside, many Kashmiris don't want others to know that they belong to Kashmir because they face prejudice and stereotypes. 2.32 As our spiritual and cultural identities are deeply entwined, spiritual ignorance often translates into cultural unawareness. 2.33 The necessity of globalisation is often used as an excuse, for why cultural expression may not always be possible. The truth is that globalisation is an important tool, which can be used to promote cultural expression. Kashmiri culture could participate in cross-cultural exchanges and get highlighted across the globe. Unfortunately, people have a tendency to avoid these new avenues of cultural promotion. 26
2.34 There is a lack of innovation on our part, with respect to culture, which is why we have let something like the kangri, for instance, fade into irrelevance in the face of modern living. 2.35 We are careless and complacent; we think of culture as perpetual, and think that it will endure, irrespective of anyone or anything. 2.36 We take short cuts, like in the case of fake saffron, which result in the destruction of cultural representation. 2.37 We dont have the requisite knowledge of the international market that would enable us to market our indigenous products effectively. 2.38 Our modernisation is superficial; we do nothing to develop strong economic foundations and technological achievements. 2.39 With respect to our architecture, since people have limited economic resources, they can no longer afford to build houses in our traditional style. This translates into a grave threat to our architecture. 2.40 Our water bodies are getting polluted. This is our failure as a society and because the concerned authorities and departments are not doing their job effectively. 2.41 There is a general lack of environmental consciousness in Kashmir. We assume that the government is responsible for everything and we dont take enough responsibility. There is also a lack of public education and awareness about environmental hazards. 2.42 We have no institutions dedicated specifically to teaching the Kashmiri language, and not enough importance is attached to it at the state level.
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2.43 Speaking Kashmiri is complex. The Kashmiri language is difficult to learn if you have not adopted it at a young age. Further, even for people who can speak Kashmiri, most cannot read or write it. 2.44 The introduction of new languages, in the family and schools, is sidelining Kashmiri language. The education system does not encourage the Kashmiri language enough, and the state government is not doing enough about it. In schools, the third language is Hindi, and not Kashmiri. 2.45 Our elders often speak of the importance of preserving the Kashmiri language, but seldom practise what they preach. Parents teach their kids to speak in other languages, so that they get admitted into good schools. 2.46 There is a general lack of confidence in speaking Kashmiri, on the part of those who know the language partially. 2.47 There is hypocrisy in us when it comes to culture. We talk of preserving our culture, but seldom do we act upon our words. Many discussions about preserving the Kashmiri language are had while conversing in English. Kashmiri language must be used as part of the solution. 2.48 Another reason as to why the Kashmiri language and culture are under decline is the mobility of Kashmiris: when they go abroad, they too often neglect Kashmiri language and culture. 2.49 Kashmiri language and culture is being eclipsed by influences from other cultures. Mass media and globalisation is playing a major role. We now watch satellite and cable TV, which does not properly represent our traditional culture. Theres just one Kashmiri language channel, whose programs are uninteresting, which no one wants to watch. 2.50 We dont take people who speak in Kashmiri seriously. We rather look down upon them. This is a colonial legacy. 28
2.51 Also, the danger to the Kashmiri language also has to do with what is considered fashionable; it is thought of as more trendy to speak in English or Urdu than in Kashmiri.
III. QUADRANT THREE: APPROACHES 3.1 One generation of Kashmiris must pass on cultural nuances and practices to successive generations. We must approach our elders to learn our culture, including various art forms and traditions. 3.2 It is we who are responsible for protecting our culture and it is we who have to take initiative in preserving it. 3.3 We must use modern technology to promote our cultural heritage. For instance, we could manufacture t-shirts with quotes in Kashmiri that inspire pride in being Kashmiri. 3.4 Traditional Kashmiri architecture has been scientifically proven to be earthquake proof. For this reason and for its aesthetic value, it must be revived and integrated into modern construction. 3.5 We need to improvise our traditional techniques with respect to art and architecture, so as to adapt to changing times. Unnecessary modernisation however, leads to a loss of culture. We must know where to draw the line and find a balance between old and new. 3.6 We would do well to learn from other communities who have found ways to revive and preserve their culture. 3.7 We must retain our cultural values and identity even when we travel outside and settle outside Kashmir. 3.8 Kashmiri Sufiyana music must be protected and promoted. 29
3.9 We must intensify our efforts to save the Jhelum and other water bodies. 3.10 The state must take some responsibility for addressing the present decline in Kashmiri culture. 3.11 Awareness is required with respect to why culture is required in the first place; this can be done through digital and possibly other media. 3.12 Disconnected and redundant efforts will not help. We all must follow the Kashmiri proverb, Akh Tae Akh Gae Kaah a slogan adopted by Mercy Corps Kashmir as its guiding principle in letter and spirit. We must all join hands and work collectively and productively to promote and preserve our culture. 3.13 Elements of our culture perhaps need to be modified, so as to maintain their relevance among modern generations. Cultural expression and symbols are bound to change, and we should not panic about it. Cultural practices and traditions also need to be marketed innovatively. For instance, Harissa and Tsoechwaru can be branded as Kashmiri fast food. 3.14 We must try to make our literature and art more interesting and relevant to contemporary reality, and try to translate it for people who dont understand our culture and literature. 3.15 There must be a door-to-door awareness campaign, giving people data, and the views of respected experts on language and cultural heritage. 3.16 The media must play an active role in reviving and promoting the Kashmiri language.
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3.17 Our social set-up, and traditional ways in which our social relationships used to function, must also be revived. For instance, we must strengthen Mohalla Committees to try and amicably resolve civic disputes, instead of taking them to court. 3.18 We must try to revive traditional Kashmiri games such as Saz Long.
3.19 Movies, dramas and television serials on Kashmiri history must be promoted. 3.20 Books on Kashmiri history must be available in schools, colleges and public libraries. Private libraries and online resources on culture should be developed and be made easily accessible. 3.21 We must preserve the quality of our handicrafts.
3.22 The Chinar is an integral part of our culture and heritage; any effort at reviving them must always focus on the preservation of the Chinar. 3.23 Our traditional moral values and Kashmiri ethos needs to be rediscovered and needs to be emphasised and revived. 3.24 We must strive to remove social disparities from our society.
3.25 Cultural activities, that promote Kashmiri folk-art and history, must be conducted. We can also promote our culture by having Kashmiri souvenirs available to outsiders. 3.26 Kashmiri history can be presented in the form of a narrative, which is an interesting way to make it more popular. 3.27 We must develop a sense of belonging towards our culture, and thus need to inculcate in ourselves, a curiosity as to what our culture is all about. In this regard, an individual effort is also needed. 31
3.28 The corporate world must promote Kashmiri culture on festivals, events and other occasions. 3.29 We may consider having comic books that reflect our cultural values, and heroic stories of our culture. We can also have cartoons in Kashmiri so that children are aware of our language and culture right from the very childhood. 3.30 More exhibitions of art and craft must be organised for the benefit of Kashmiri artisans. 3.31 What we need to preserve is the basic essence of our culture; absorbing new words into Kashmiri will only serve to enrich our language. Using new tools and formats to purvey our culture will also help. 3.32 Kashmiri language must be given equal importance, at par with other languages. In addition to making its study compulsory, we must generate interest in the study of Kashmiri. That way people will take more ownership over its learning. 3.33 The learning and promotion of the Kashmiri language and culture must be incentivised at home, schools and colleges. 3.34 Kashmiri women should be encouraged to speak in Kashmiri with their kids, since a mother is the first teacher of a child. 3.35 We need more magazines in Kashmiri, to ensure survival of the language. 3.36 We must introduce and encourage Kashmiri literary activities. There must also be seminars and debates in the Kashmiri language.
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3.37 We must try to popularise and improve Kashmiri music and art. Kashmiri poetry must be promoted. We must use Kashmiri proverbs and apply their teachings to daily life. 3.38 Kashmiri plays and songs can help revive the Kashmiri language.
3.39 Events like One Young Kashmir are the need of the hour. Workshops and seminars must be held for those among us who lag behind in their knowledge about the Kashmiri language. 3.40 There must be a Kashmiri dress-code at public functions, and conferences must be conducted in Kashmiri language. 3.41 If we speak our language, the world will also recognise its value, and Kashmiri can then even be translated into many other languages. 3.42 Kashmiri songs must be promoted at the international level.
IV. QUADRANT FOUR: ACTION IDEAS 4.1 We must actively learn from our grandparents and parents about Kashmiri history, traditions and values. 4.2 We must start and observe an annual Kashmiri Cultural History Day. 4.3 We must organize Kashmiri Cultural Awareness Camps educational institutions can play an active role. 4.4 We must organize art exhibitions and activities to promote awareness of Kashmiri history. 4.5 We must regularly feature Ladi Shah at seminars and gatherings. 33
4.6 We must advocate for protection of heritage sites ensuring that strict action is taken against people vandalizing heritage structures. 4.7 4.8 We must organize plantation drives organised by students. The law must be enforced strictly against timber smugglers.
4.9 There must be a ban on using polythene and it must be strictly enforced. Instead, we should all try to use jute bags and other alternatives. 4.10 There must be a recycling process introduced by the government, so that we can limit the waste that we produce. Youth should consider establishing recycling businesses. 4.11 We must vow not to give or receive bribes. We must launch an advocacy campaign against corruption. The government must take strict action against people who give and receive bribes. 4.12 Interaction within families is the best way of learning how to speak Kashmiri. Parents must encourage their children, making them curious about their culture, and not discourage them. We must all speak with our friends and acquaintances in Kashmiri. 4.13 The government must ensure the revival of radio and TV programs like Zun Dab, etc. Excellence-oriented mass-media expression of culture, folk-art, dance forms, etc., must also be promoted, to make them more appealing to youth. For instance, the privatisation of local media channels along the lines of Star Bangla, Zee Telugu, etc., would help. 4.14 The wages of Kashmiri artisans must be increased so that their art doesnt die, and so that our culture is promoted and protected. Fair Trade approaches should be introduced.
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4.15 We must buy from Kashmiri artisans, and promote our crafts among our non-Kashmiri friend circle. 4.16 Kashmiri fabrics could be used to stitch caps and mufflers, so that we could wear those instead of branded merchandise. This would encourage self-reliance. 4.17 New marketing methods should be used to promote cultural attire and encourage well-known dress designers to use Kashmiri fabrics and patterns in their clothes. 4.18 We must use Kashmiri as our language of interaction in schools.
4.19 We must feel proud while dressing in Kashmiri attire; we must also always be respectful towards people who speak in Kashmiri. 4.20 We must start interactions on Facebook and other social networking sites, quoting quotes of Kashmiri poets, translating them for nonKashmiris. 4.21 Kashmiri literature must be translated into other languages, and vice versa. 4.22 Awareness programmes on environmental degradation must be conducted and we must promote practical ways for people to live ecofriendly lives. 4.23 We must plant more Chinar trees, and also encourage other to do same, since Chinars are a very important part of our Heritage. 4.24 We must keep a check on extravagance particularly at marriages at the individual and community levels. We could also campaign for austerity measures to check extravagance.
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4.25 We must raise awareness about Kashmiri heritage in a fun way, through mediums such as school magazines, almanacs, leaflets, pamphlets, etc. School children must be given project-work related to Kashmiri culture and history. 4.26 Cultural entrepreneurshipfor instance promoting saffron production and handicraftswill prosper if there are better financing options. The promotion of indigenous Kashmiri crops and better training and entrepreneurial skills for farmers, artisans, etc. will help in reviving local crops and goods. 4.27 Using new technology and fusion of music with a youthful touch will help reinvigorate Kashmiri music. 4.28 We must ask our elders, consult history books, search the Internet, etc. and make a concerted effort to know our history. 4.29 We must organise cultural events on Eid and other festivals. Stageshows must also be organised on a large scale showcasing rich Kashmiri traditions. 4.30 We must all use social networking sites to promote Kashmiri culture. We must, for instance, like Facebook pages on Kashmiri culture, post and share videos about Kashmiri cultural heritage and create email forwards of Ladisha and other videos and articles on culture. This would ensure greater levels of cultural awareness among youth. 4.31 The Kashmiri language must be taught, in both primary schools and in colleges. Studying the Kashmiri language must be made compulsory from Nursery to the 10+2 level. Further, Kashmiri must be prioritized over Urdu; the government must also establish an institute dedicated to the study and promotion of the Kashmiri language. Existing forums promoting Kashmiri language and literature should be supported and private institutes should be established for the same purpose. 36
4.32 We must encourage people to speak in Kashmiri by speaking it ourselves. We must also use and discuss Kashmiri proverbs with our parents and grandparents. 4.33 We must organize an advocacy campaign seeking that all public signboards should be in Kashmiri apart from being in English. These bilingual signboards can go a long way in promoting the Kashmiri language. 4.34 We can press for the government to protect Kashmiri art and craft as intellectual property. Young lawyers should work towards this end. 4.35 Private schools can put knowledge of Kashmiri language as a criteria for selecting students and make it part of the interview process. 4.36 The best way of preserving the Kashmiri language is making it the medium of instruction in schools. 4.37 Teaching Kashmiri history, proverbs and poetryparticularly of Sheikh-ul-Alammust be made mandatory as part of a Kashmir cultural curriculum in schools. 4.38 More newspapers must be published in Kashmiri and more books written in Kashmiri. 4.39 Universities and colleges must encourage research in Kashmiri and teaching Kashmiri.
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ISSUE II: RIGHTS

The following is a background/briefing paper on the issue of Rights that was prepared by the OYK youth organizers in advance of the problem-solving discussions that took place during the OYK Summit. This background/briefing paper was shared at the OYK Summit to help initiate the conversation. Strategic Ways of Generating Rights Awareness and Effective Means of Expression And Assertion Of Opinions Throughout Kashmirs turbulent past, its youth have yearned for a voice, a platform upon which to assert their views, their convictions and thoughts. Their voice has refused to be bogged down, even though youth have not had an effective say in any affair or decision that affects their lives. The need for an effective youth voice has been discussed, its importance recognized, but a concrete roadmap to achieve the same has seldom been debated. We, at One Young Kashmir, realize the significance of providing young Kashmiri men and women, an opportunity, a platform where they can express themselves uninhibitedly. Everyone has an opinion, and youth as the future of society, need a safe space for addressing issues. With this in mind, One Young Kashmir felt that we must take an initiative for providing that important youth space, along with an effective, result-oriented process, for better results. Rights is, quite understandably, a key issue, the importance of which cannot be stressed enough. This holds true since we live in a conflict zone. To encapsulate this idea into a theme, the One Young Kashmir team chose what we thought was an extremely relevant problem to solve, as a positive outcome here would be critical. Following intense deliberations, we felt that one problem which needs to be addressed on priority is: ''Strategic ways of generating rights awareness and Effective means of expression and assertion of opinions'' 39
Generating very specific awareness about the rather broad topic of rights is very essential, and we at OYK, feel that it is absolutely necessary, given that injustice and denial of rights is a common occurrence. How can young people first learn about their rights, advocate for those rights and then exercise those rights with full responsibility? This question thus needs to be addressed concertedly today. Domestic and international laws have enshrined in them, numerous provisions that guarantee us the right to free speech and unhampered expression, and it is very important that youth express their innermost concerns and misgivings about an environment that is often perceived of as intolerant of youth opinion. We feel that youth must have a say; a powerful voice that will affect decision-making and the path our society takes. That is what we aim at today: recognizing the problem, analyzing its nature, debating upon approaches and framing a set of action points and recommendations to effectively address it.
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PROBLEM-SOLVING REPORT ON THE ISSUE OF RIGHTS

Strategic Ways of Generating Rights Awareness and Effective Means of Expression And Assertion Of Opinions I. QUADRANT ONE: PROBLEM 1.1 There is no serious process of dialogue or negotiation to resolve the conflict with a vision to safeguard the individual and collective rights of the people of Kashmir. 1.2 Political instability in Kashmir is a major problem as it weakens society. 1.3 There is an alarming lack of basic awareness about fundamental human rights in our society, particularly among the youth community. 1.4 Youth expressions and youth voices are often stifled in Kashmir and youth do not fully enjoy the freedom of speech and expression. 1.5 With rights come responsibilities. There is also lack of awareness about our responsibilities in society. 1.6 More space should be given for dissenting opinions and diverse views are not tolerated enough. 1.7 Human rights violations are a serious problem. There is a lack of effective judicial review and the governmental system does not function effectively to safeguard peoples rights. 1.8 Less attention is paid to the social issues in Kashmir. The conflict has degraded our moral values and has increased selfishness. 1.9 There exists a trust deficit between the government and the people. Promises made to us have remained unfulfilled. 41
1.10 Hartals/strikes, as a form of protest, cannot be sustained for long and cause great difficulty to people. Creative and effective methods of voicing dissent are lacking. 1.11 Social and economic inequality is widespread in Kashmir.
II. QUADRANT TWO: DIAGNOSIS 2.1 The conflict is the major cause of the denial of our rights and its solution is interlinked with the realization of our rights. 2.2 Youth have a limited role in decision-making processes on the various issues that affect and concern us. 2.3 There is arrogance, insensitivity and stubbornness on the part of all stakeholders. The sanctity and value of human life is not respected in Kashmir. 2.4 The lack of a concerted strategy and effort to protect peoples rights particularly the freedom of expression is problematic. We shy away from opportunities to engage in a real debate on how best to raise our voice including the pros and cons of various methods. Instead, when issues and emotions arise we again raise our voices through ineffective means. 2.5 The Kashmir conflictand the interference of different groups in the effective implementation of peoples rights are the main reasons for the stifling of youth voices, and for the denial of peoples rights. 2.6 There are insufficient initiatives to increase rights awareness in Kashmir. 2.7 Political instability and lack of awareness about our rights are important reasons for their denial. The government is not always to blame. 42
2.8 The focus of talks and policies is always territory and never the people - our needs and aspirations are ignored. 2.9 The political issue of Kashmir is in focus only when something bad occurs or when people come out onto the streets. It is not discussed in comprehensive and sustained ways so that it can be resolved and people can move on to pursue a bright future. There is a lack of will on all sides to address this issue once and for all. 2.10 We always look outwards and unrealistically expect outside powers (UN, etc.) to address the political issues of Kashmir. We should take on more responsibility and should ourselves fully engage in efforts and processes to resolve this issue. 2.11 There is also denial of justice in Kashmir. The judiciary is weak and not completely independent. Justice delivery is very slow. Public Interest Litigations are rejected without merit; most people do not even want to learn about rights because of the perceived weakness of the judiciary. The repeated imposition of preventive detention laws on a person goes against the concept of due process. 2.12 The conflict itself has hampered rights protection; the government and the people are more engrossed in the conflict and less concerned about safeguarding rights. 2.13 There is also ever-present in peoples minds, a fear of repression and retribution from different quarters. There is limited space for dissent. 2.14 When we express ourselves, it does not count for making any sort of change. Our statements do not matter and youth are not taken seriously enough.
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2.15 There is presently a complete crisis of leadership in Kashmir, and no person can claim to represent even a majority of the people. This confusion disempowers society and prevents effective efforts to safeguard our rights. 2.16 Competent and sincere people from within our society are unwilling to come forward and take up the issue of peoples rights. 2.17 The government seems reluctant to address our problems and has been reluctant to let us express ourselves. 2.18 Kashmiri youth are stereotyped and there is a deliberate attempt to deny our right to be heard. The national media routinely misrepresents the situation in Kashmir. 2.19 The state repeatedly uses disproportionate, unnecessary, unlawful and lethal force while dealing with protests. The state is also accountable to the law. There has been no serious effort or public process to review these incidents and to hold those officials found guilty of abuse of power accountable. 2.20 Kashmir-related coverage in the media is often biased and does not accurately cover incidents of human rights abuses. 2.21 The government often denies the media its rights. Whenever media tries to highlight rights violations, it is put down. Also, people hesitate in speaking to the media on rights issues out of fear of persecution. 2.22 There is a deliberate delay and a lack of concerted effort to resolve the Kashmir issue. The key actors and decision-makers are unwilling to think outside of the box and seem to have a material stake in continuing the conflict.
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2.23 There is a heavy and over-bearing presence of armed forces in Kashmir. 2.24 There are chaotic and undemocratic means of protest. We seem to portray our opinions only through stones. 2.25 We are barred from protesting. We cant protest on social networking sites and public forums. Children are booked for protesting. Gatherings are targeted. We feel our ways of protesting are questioned no matter how we do it. 2.26 Too much impunity is enjoyed by the armed forces under laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the Public Safety Act and the Disturbed Areas Act, and there is a total lack of accountability for their actions. They routinely misuse the powers conferred upon them and do not respect the rights of the people of Kashmir. 2.27 There is a serious lack of flow of accurate information in Kashmir. State records continue to remain largely inaccessible to the public, as the Right to Information Act is very weakly implemented in Kashmir. 2.28 Corruption has been almost institutionalised in government departments and the government is unable to curb it. Nepotism is particularly common. Corruption has taken deep root in our society and is a major barrier to realizing our rights. 2.29 There is largely an absence of forums that allow people to discuss, debate and learn about their rights basically express themselves freely so that they may then be understood and implemented effectively. 2.30 There is a serious lack of communication between people and their social and political representatives. 45
2.31 The government has largely failed to curb the growing instances of human rights violations in the valley. 2.32 Different groups often exploit young people in Kashmir. Young people see violence and turmoil as a natural part of everyday life. 2.33 There is a lack of inter-community exchange of ideas in Kashmir; of joint efforts to identify and demand rights. Civil society is disorganized and does not effectively engage youth in decisionmaking. 2.34 International bodiesincluding rights groupsrarely ever intervene publicly with respect to Kashmir. 2.35 Theres inequality in the present system in Kashmiri society. Its the have-nots that protest about violations; the haves are conspicuous by their silence. Elite exploitation of youth is prevalent. 2.36 There is also callousness on our part; we do not protest long enough or well enough to make an impact. We are more luxuryloving, and love our comfort too much. We do not take a determined and sustained stand and therefore our demands for safeguarding of rights are not taken seriously. 2.37 We have also developed a victim mentality; we feel overpowered and live constantly with this persecuted frame of mind. People have gone through terrible experiences, and that inevitably shapes their perceptions. 2.38 Something that directly hampers our freedom of expression is frequent imposition of curfew, shoot-at-sight orders and/or Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. In such situations, even ambulances are not allowed to ply. 46
2.39 People are largely ignorant about the Kashmir conflict at both the national and international levels. We do not know our history well, and the legal and constitutional aspects of the conflict. This leads us to developing misinformed and emotional opinions about the conflict. 2.40 Many children do not have the right to education in Kashmir. Even such education as we do receive is superficial, failing to inculcate in us, a sense of responsible, individual thinking. The lack of education also contributes to rights ignorance. There are no courses where we can learn of human rights at the primary level. Lack of awareness about the Kashmir issue is also a problem. The conflict affects every aspect of our life yet there is no proper education about it. 2.41 People need not to be self-centred; they usually first think about themselves, and only then about the interests of larger society. 2.42 There exists a deviation from the primary issues facing the state. Our social and political discourse is full of jingoism and lacks substance. 2.43 There is an absence of good governance in Kashmir province, and this serves to complicate issues. 2.44 There is among us a lack of both social consciousness, and self-confidence that we can bring about real change to our situation; we arent committed, we are materialistic, and yet we look for political causes in everything. We talk big and raise our views emotionally, yet we dont act. 2.45 Everybody is focused on shortcuts; nobody wants to take a serious and sustained approach to demanding and realizing our rights. 47
2.46 We also lack unity among us, since different people have different views and priorities. We protest in a way that harms us: half the society protests and the other half just sits back and watches. We need to evolve consensus about issues in society and prioritize them first. 2.47 There is a lack counselling centres for people suffering from diseases such as depression, stress, trauma, etc. There are hundreds of cases of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) in every part of the valley. The victims of trauma and rights abuses are least empowered to seek justice. 2.48 The problems of the people in Kashmir are unheard and unreported. Youth have limited platforms to express their views. 2.49 Kashmiri society largely lacks an effective intellectual class.
2.50 Frequent hartals/strikes wreak havoc on an individuals psyche, disrupt the work process and affect the economy. This hartal culture is lazy and does not empower us. 2.51 Though we have rights, their implementation is very weak.
2.52 There is a serious dearth of juvenile courts/juvenile homes to implement juvenile justice in Kashmir. Going through the adult justice system serves to harden stances among juveniles in Kashmir. 2.53 Rights are always compromised at the altar of security. Kashmir is always seen through the security prism. 2.54 The government has placed severe restrictions on our mobility, and on our communications; a case in point is the ban on text-messaging or SMS. 48
2.55 Promises made by the government to the people, especially with regards to investigating injustices, are rarely fulfilled. 2.56 Kashmiri society is patriarchal and men take all the decisions. 2.57 Womens rights have been compromised; many women are harassed for dowry, subjected to domestic violence, and lack access to basic healthcare. Women have also greatly suffered in the conflict, directly and indirectly, having been raped, orphaned, widowed, and half-widowed; they are harassed by the armed forces. Womens rights in Kashmir are violated in the name of religion, politics, culture and family commitment. 2.58 We do not have power over our own resources, like our rivers, forests, etc. 2.59 Disabled persons are discriminated against in Kashmir; there is a taboo against them in our society. 2.60 The power situation in Kashmir is appalling. We face unscheduled power-cuts, despite the fact that our power resources are immense and we export power to other states. 2.61 There is a lack of basic infrastructure in Kashmir, as the money available is invested in wrong areas; road-connectivity is abysmal. 2.62 There is a serious lack of knowledge about the political status of Kashmir. 2.63 There is a serious lack of environmental knowledge in Kashmir and therefore our environmental rights are not sought.
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2.64 We only selfishly agitate for our rights, and completely forget our duties. We never consider the rights of others. We never support each other in fighting for our rights, especially since we dont want to get into trouble. We lack the love and unity we need in our society. 2.65 Some unemployed youth protest only for fun. This is wrong and has nothing to do with a rights struggle. 2.66 The first priority of the people is the protection of their lives and those of their families; thinking of rights comes much later. 2.67 Our land and other property are under the direct control of the various armed forces. 2.68 The influence of militants poses a threat if we try to raise our voice about our rights. 2.69 We are creating fear and insecurity among tourists who come to visit the place. In pursuing our rights and protesting against injustice, we should not weaken our economy. 2.70 We have a negative attitude, are indecisive and tend to get swayed. We havent been able to form one voice. There are differences of opinion and our opinions and views are inconsistent. 2.71 When everything is peaceful and calm, no one is bothered about rights; we dont respect laws, or follow them. Its only when something untoward happens, we are reminded of rights. 2.72 There is a huge gulf between the formulation and implementation of laws.
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2.73 The recommendations of the State Human Rights Commission and of organisations such as Amnesty International are not followed up or taken seriously. 2.74 Some human rights organizations and activists exaggerate or manipulate the facts for political agendas this weakens efforts to advocate for justice and protection of rights. 2.75 People protest and take to streets because they are discriminated against. 2.76 We lack a professional intelligentsia that is truly committed to the public good. Our intelligentsia is self-serving and is not a force for reform. 2.77 Since people assert their rights towards the fulfilment of contradictory causes, it serves to hamper the fulfilment of their rights. We indulge in double-speak. 2.78 There are unhealthy levels of suspicion and cynicism among Kashmiris. We dont have opinions of our own. We repeat borrowed ideas and are indirectly exploited in this way. We cheat our own people, and dont bother to act. There is lack of cooperation; if anyone takes an initiative, other Kashmiris doubt intentions and do not cooperate with them. There is lack of connectivity among people, and our civil society is weak.
III. QUADRANT THREE: APPROACHES 3.1 The Kashmir issue must be resolved peacefully and as per the aspirations of Kashmiri people. In this regard, a constructive atmosphere conducive to resolution of the issue must be created. It must be the one where peace, freedom and rights are respected. 51
3.2 The conflict must end so we will have the environment to exercise our basic rights. 3.3 The dialogue process between India, Pakistan and the Kashmiri people must be initiated seriously and all stakeholders involved must be taken on board. The people of India have to involve the people of Kashmir in the resolution process and fully respect their opinion. 3.4 Basic human rights must be identified and their importance recognised, and proper methods must be employed to disseminate information about these rights among people, especially at the grassroots level. We need to know the basic definitions of rights. People must make every effort to know their rights. 3.5 Gap between formulation and implementation of law must be reduced. 3.6 The government must not compromise our rights for purposes of security. The government should think about the peoples welfare only, and must ensure that there is an end to all human rights violations in Kashmir. 3.7 The government must make genuine efforts to know the genuine concerns of people. 3.8 One should be free to move/speak according to his/her wishes, as long as its not in contradiction with anybody elses rights. Also, there must be more programmes like this so that we can discuss our problems and develop solutions. 3.9 We must educate ourselves and commit ourselves to universal rights and to fulfilling our responsibilities to society.
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3.10 If we believe in something, we must have the courage to take criticism and peoples opinions about what we say. If we succumb to criticism, we can never pitch for our rights. 3.11 Civil society should be aware of peoples rights; it must also be conscious and active, so as to avoid exploitation at the hands of the government or any other agenda. We should organize effectively and create rights-awareness locally. 3.12 We must practice what we preach. 3.13 People must be informed, educated and apprised of rights that a person can enjoy under human rights conventions and treaties, and we must exercise all our rights. 3.14 Every right has a corresponding duty; we must perform our duties. That is one way of safeguarding our rights as well as the rights of other people. 3.15 We have to decide what we actually want; youth must be clear about their goals and interests. 3.16 We must protest killings by militants the same way as we do when the army is involved. 3.17 Youth must participate more and more in political, social and economic activities. 3.18 There must be complete accountability and transparency in government and other institutions, and corruption must be stamped out completely. However, we must be primarily accountable to ourselves; people at every level must take a strong stand against corruption. 3.19 Everybody must have the right to speak his or her mind, even if going against the grain. We must unlearn criticizing everyone and 53
everything; unlearn our name-calling, and must learn to have respect for everyone, no matter their ideology; we need to respect ourselves first, and only then will people respect us. Self-respect is important. 3.20 Youth represent a change and a break from the past. We must assert ourselves actively in the process of resolving the Kashmir conflict. We must not be dumb-driven and must not allow insincere and incompetent people to keep Kashmir stuck in endless conflict. 3.21 Women should be respected, and treated as equal members of society. They must be made part of any solution. 3.22 There should be no child labour in Kashmir. All the children have a right to education. Those who force children into labour need should be bought to book. 3.23 We can highlight the plight of our people through surveys, socialising, and through platforms that have a reach anywhere in the world. 3.24 We must be self-sufficient. We must also learn to say no. 3.25 We cannot blame the government for everything; we must take pains, make an effort to change ourselves and people around us to build a better Kashmir. We must practice what we teach and think; try to find underlying reasons for everything. We must stay updated, must develop our curiosity and build a positive attitude. We must also always be humble and hospitable. The role of parents in all of this is very important, but ultimately youth have to stand up and take responsibility. 3.26 Kashmirs economic resources must be identified, they must be placed under the full control of the people of Kashmir and a mechanism that allows them to be utilised in a sustainable manner must be devised.
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3.27 There must be improved governance, along with effective communication between leaders and the common people. 3.28 Governmental records must be made easily accessible to common people. Right to Information must be implemented. 3.29 There must be an end to the exploitation of youth at all levels. 3.30 Existing laws, governing the basic rights of the people of Kashmir, must be strengthened, to include more provisions to safeguard peoples rights. Collective rights must also be strengthened. 3.31 There must be equal opportunities for all youth in getting jobs, so that they may improve the socio-political and economic position of the valley. 3.32 Forums and institutions, giving more space to youth, must be established. Platforms such as student unions must be encouraged, so that youth can voice their concerns. 3.33 Educational and other skill-development institutions must be established in Kashmir. We must have quality education and other basic facilities. 3.34 The right to education should not be limited to studying just anything; students must have the right to choose their field of study without pressure from their parents or other people. Everybody should be given a good education in accordance with global standards. Government schools and colleges should provide quality education. 3.35 We need a representative, effective leadership urgently. 3.36 We must have the right to raise our concerns through any medium, be it Facebook, SMS, or anything else. We can also use new media to 55
effectively communicate with other people, to clear their misconceptions about Kashmir and Kashmiris. 3.37 We must have the right to express any little thought or idea that comes to our mind. This is essential to our overall personality development. 3.38 We must find viable alternatives to express ourselves, without fear of being held guilty for no fault of ours, such as advocacy campaigns, rallies, etc. 3.39 We must first deeply think about what we believe in; what our ideology is; why it must be so, etc. Only then must we start struggling for it. 3.40 We must develop cross-societal consensus. 3.41 We must ensure that our voices reach the international community. In this regard, all Kashmiris must always project a united front. 3.42 We must also fight for other rights, such as the right to have proper laboratories, libraries, sanitary facilities, infrastructure, etc. 3.43 The media and the judiciary in Kashmir must be completely free and totally immune from external influence, including government influence. 3.44 We must express our problems through the media. More Kashmiris must join the media and excel in it, so that they are heard. 3.45 Justice must be delivered speedily for victims of human rights violations. 3.46 Democracy must be implemented in letter and spirit in Kashmir. 56
3.47 Our medium of communication must be one that everyone is comfortable using. 3.48 Our leaders must follow a clear vision, policy and pattern. They have a lot to think about: there are moral responsibilities on their shoulders. They must consider each and every perspective. 3.49 We need counselling; everyone has a passion, but there is no one to guide him/her towards the right path; whether to carry on with his/her passion or not. 3.50 People in the valley must take up greater responsibility with enthusiasm. We must work both individually and collectively to make Kashmir better. 3.51 Youth must make strategies and plans to guide our leadership. 3.52 We should seek justice for those innocents who are behind bars. 3.53 People in Kashmir must learn to speak minus their political affiliations. 3.54 We must start from ourselves: what are the rights of our neighbours, parents, etc. from us? 3.55 We must work for peace. Its difficult to secure rights for everyone unless there is peace. Whatever we demand must be feasible and viable, and not just rhetorical. 3.56 Kashmiris are compromising on many fronts. We must be critical of this and question it. We must form an intellectual forum; Kashmiri youth must be part of the system so as to change it, and not so as to merge with it.
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3.57 We must bridge the gap between communities; we must actively seek to bring Ladakhis, Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims together and act as one state. IV. QUADRANT FOUR: ACTION IDEAS 4.1 The government must take an initiative to release all detained youth, and put an end to the crackdown that has been launched against them. 4.2 All concerned parties must identify the Kashmir problem as political. We must have patience. 4.3 Representatives of Kashmiri people have to be included while seeking any solution to the long-standing Kashmir issue. We must choose our leaders carefully. Dialogue between all stakeholders must be institutionalised. 4.4 The police and other armed forces must be given only limited powers and be held accountable. The Army must stop harassing Kashmiri women. 4.5 We must be allowed to protest on issues that concern us it is a democratic right. No one should be injured or killed while exercising that right. There should be tolerance for dissent. 4.6 Draconian laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the Public Safety Act and the Disturbed Areas Act must be immediately repealed. 4.7 There must be demilitarisation in Kashmir. 4.8 We must collectively ask the government to vacate our properties from the occupation of the armed forces.
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4.9 The governments claim of zero tolerance for human rights violations must be implemented in letter and spirit. 4.10 We must use Public Interest Litigations as a tool to secure our rights. 4.11 Our protests must always be peaceful and effective, i.e. focused on specific issues, demands and actions. We should promote e-protests. 4.12 The government must increase economic opportunities available to youth; we must be given control over our resources. 4.13 Existing laws that safeguard the special status of Jammu and Kashmir must be safeguarded and strengthened. 4.14 Reportage of the Kashmir conflict by media must be absolutely unbiased. Also, the government must ensure press freedom. It must not clampdown on the rights of media. Journalists must be treated with respect and journalists must follow their professional ethics. 4.15 Instead of creating many channels, let us create one news channel, so that the whole world can see what goes on in Kashmir. 4.16 All youth must be treated equally; their ethno-cultural identities must never be any sort of factor for discrimination. 4.17 Our protests must have direction, must be targeted and on specific issues. Also, we must use innovative and non-violent methods of protest. 4.18 The practise of stereotyping Kashmiri Muslims as terrorists must be put to an end. 59
4.19 The government must always grant permission for youth activism, the administration must facilitate people in expressing their opinion (including dissent), and not curb it. 4.20 Also, outdoor activities are important for the unhindered growth and development of children, and the same must be allowed at all times. 4.21 The government must do away with security checks completely, or resort to them only when totally necessary. People must be free to move around unhindered. 4.22 We should print pamphlets and distribute them in educational institutions, to make students aware of their rights and duties. We must go to schools and colleges directly to address this problem. Educational institutions and teachers have a role to play. There must be special classes on rights awareness. 4.23 Counselling centres must be set-up to provide people relevant information about their rights. We must make full use of the Internet. 4.24 We must organise massive youth rallies.
4.25 We must use the Right to Information Act properly and make people aware of it. Anyone can do it, by filing an application; the information will be made available within days. 4.26 We must use social networking sites to make the people aware of their rights and duties. 4.27 The government must introduce the study of human rights into school curricula. Orientation courses in human rights must also be given to policemen and armed forces.
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4.28 The government must immediately lift the ban imposed on the broadcast of news bulletins on local Kashmiri cable TV channels. Local channels must follow professional standards and ethics. 4.29 Kashmiri history and law must be taught as independent subjects at the secondary school level itself. 4.30 Kashmiris must actively try to get into key decision-making positions, and conscientiously appear in large numbers in the civil services examinations. We must excel in our professions, and understand that well only be taken seriously when we are in strong positions. 4.31 Rights awareness must begin at the very micro-level itself; in peoples friends circles, in mohallas and masjids. 4.32 The government must be fast and time-efficient in delivering basic services - time-consuming procedures must be done away with. That will go a long way in removing corruption. 4.33 We must hold seminars and debates and talk about rights and what they mean to us. We must be clear about our concepts. 4.34 We must make more documentary movies on Kashmir.
4.35 We must write columns, blogs, etc. about rights awareness. Everyone must do their bit for making others aware and conscious of their rights and responsibilities through any media available to us. 4.36 We must not be reactionary in our approach, and must be articulate in our communication; we must develop our writing skills and channelise our anger and feelings.
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ISSUE III: ECONOMY AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The following is a background/briefing paper on the issue of Economy that was prepared by the OYK youth organizers in advance of the problemsolving discussions that took place during the OYK Summit. This background/briefing paper was shared at the OYK Summit to help initiate the conversation. Enabling Effective Entrepreneurship ECONOMY: KASHMIR OVERVIEW The people of Kashmir have been witnessing the conflict since decades, which has had an impact on its economic development. Though there is a huge potential for growth and development in terms of the availability of natural resources and the entrepreneurial spirit, which may act as an engine for development - economic policies, corruption, and the conflict are key challenges. At the present in Kashmir, the majority of the population is youth. With such a dramatically young population, most of them being educated, Kashmir faces a serious social and economic challenge in terms of lack of employment opportunities for the youth. The states physical infrastructure is crumbling and development has become significantly dependent on central governments grant -in- aid and its potential revenue generating sectors and industries are not being fully exploited and fairly administered. (Budget 2011: 8000 cr. as special development assistance in addition to 28,000 cr. already earmarked under PMs Reconstruction plan 62
Activities of Kashmir Economy Sector wise (i) Primary Sector (ii) Secondary Sector Agriculture, livestock Forestry logging Fishing Mining Quarrying Manufacturing and Construction
(iii) Tertiary Sector
Transport, storage communication Trade, Hotels and Restaurant
Electricity, Gas and Water Banking and Insurance Supply and Real Estate, ownershi dwellings, business and services
Kashmir is mainly an agrarian based economy, agriculture and its allied sectors contribute 27% to the SGDP, with 70% of the population directly or indirectly relying on agriculture for their livelihoods. Out of the total area under apple orchards in the state, 90% is concentrated in valley due to suitable climate. With an annual turnover of over US$ 75 million, apart from foreign exchange of over US$ 20 million, this sector is the next biggest source of income in the states economy next to agriculture. Agriculture is one of the key factors and the mainstay of the state's economy. Rice, maize and wheat are the major cereals of J&K. J&K is largest producer of Apple, Walnut, Almond and many other temperate dry and fresh fruits. J&K holds number one position in saffron production in India, about 56.601 quintals in the year 2008-09. J&K is a major exporter of superior quality carpets, wooden art, embroidered clothes and many other valuable crafts.
State Economic survey , 2008-09
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90 percent of Mushroom is canned and exported from the state.
Jammu and Kashmirs GSDP (gross state domestic product) As per the official statistics, contribution of the primary Sector to the GSDP in the financial year 2009-10 is estimated at 21.10%. Likewise, the contributions of the Secondary and Tertiary Sectors have been estimated at 29.82% and 49.08% respectively. This reflects a growth rate of 10.35% as against 10.22% growth rate recorded last year. Key industries in Jammu and Kashmir Food processing and agro-based industries (excluding conventional grinding and extraction units) thrive in the state because of an excellent climate for horticulture and floriculture. Handicrafts, being the traditional industry of the state, has been receiving priority attention of the government in view of its large employment base and exports potential. The state is famous for some small-scale and cottage industries such as carpet weaving, silks, shawls, basketry pottery, copper and silverware, paper-machine and walnut wood. The Question: How can Kashmirs youth be effectively enabled to take up entrepreneurship to drive self-employment, economic growth and selfreliance?
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PROBLEM-SOLVING REPORT ON THE ISSUE OF ECONOMY

Enabling Effective Entrepreneurship I. QUADRANT ONE: PROBLEM 1.1 Social and cultural attitudes towards youth entrepreneurship are mostly found to be negative. 1.2 There is a serious lack of enterprise education in Kashmir, especially among Youth. 1.3 There is an extremely limited access to start-up finance. 1.4 The administrative and regulatory framework is very discouraging and not conducive to self-reliance. 1.5 There is a dearth of business assistance, development and support. 1.6 There is often a lack of soft skills in aspiring entrepreneurs in Kashmir. 1.7 There is an absence of inspiration and visible role models/success stories for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn from. 1.8 Sufficient dedication and perseverance is missing. 1.9 There is also a lack of imagination about entrepreneurship as a viable career path. 1.10 There is a lack of interest in even learning about entrepreneurship among certain Kashmiri youth.
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II. QUADRANT TWO: DIAGNOSIS 2.1 The Kashmir conflict is a major hindrance to the development of Kashmir, and to the introduction of entrepreneurship. There is fear and uncertainty among businessmen, local and non-local, and they hesitate to invest here. Kashmiris have become pessimistic over the past 63 years. People feel isolated and alienated. We are not ready to risk and invest in new ventures when the market is unstable and unpredictable. 2.2 We are a consumer economy and not a producer economy. 2.3 The best entrepreneurial brains leave Kashmir to pursue successful careers outside the valley; our human resource thus gets severely depleted. In the face of this brain drain, governmental policy is often less economically sound and effective. 2.4 Our older generation is risk-averse. Parental pressure with respect to career choice is a major hurdle in enabling effective entrepreneurship in Kashmir. Parents thrust their aims and dreams upon their children. Also, if the parents are in government service, they expect their child to follow in their footsteps. There exists a generation gap and disconnect from the contemporary market and career opportunities. 2.5 Most of the youth want jobs, especially in the government sector. They dont want to be self-employed or have an enterprise of their own. Kashmiris are content with any small time jobs that they are provided. 2.6 There is also a major lack of support for entrepreneurs from their family and friends. Students personal environment their parents and family members are always neglected. Social acceptance of entrepreneurship is low.
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2.7 People tend to be very orthodox, and occasionally narrow-minded. This would include our easily satiable nature and poor work culture. 2.8 Kashmirs climate is unpredictable, and this serves as a major hindrance to effective entrepreneurship in Kashmir. Financial security and career progression are additional hurdles. 2.9 People do not engage in unorthodox businesses. They dont see business as a continuous source of income, and instead want a dependable salary-based income, i.e. govt jobs. 2.10 We unfortunately look down upon some professions and livelihoods and this has resulted in a decline of potentially lucrative small-scale industries and ventures. 2.11 Dishonesty and corruption has also crippled the industrial sector in Kashmir. 2.12 Engaging in entrepreneurship is viewed upon as breaking some very important social convention, and is as such frowned upon. There is a consequent lack of societal experience in entrepreneurship. 2.13 We have an unhealthy sense of competition towards the market. Those who are established in business do not encourage others to do so for fear of losing market share. 2.14 Youth have difficulty getting married in Kashmir, unless they are in some form of government employment or the other. Financial security is the single most important concern of Kashmiris and government employment is viewed as the lone option of providing that. Kashmiri society does not appreciate anything other than government jobs and only people in those jobs are given respect. This is a major deterrent. 67
2.15 The media does not play enough of a role to encourage entrepreneurship and to present success stories and inspiring role models in entrepreneurship in Kashmir. 2.16 There is little information on how to get into various markets and sectors. People instead resort to rent-seeking behaviour and conduct business purely for governmental subsidies. 2.17 Certain business ideas go against religion; for instance, interest is forbidden in Islam, while the entire banking system is based on interest. 2.18 Womens movement is often limited in orthodox families and they thus often find it difficult to start-up businesses. 2.19 No one wants to take a risk, or accept responsibility. There is a why should I? state of mind among people. 2.20 Our resources remain largely untapped, acting as a hindrance to the starting-up of entrepreneurship. Access to infrastructural resources such as road-connectivity, electricity and proper communication network, Internet is very unreliable in Kashmir. We are poorly connected and therefore supply chains for businesses are unreliable. 2.21 The lack of evening flights connections between Srinagar and business metros hinders business travellers from visiting and prevents Kashmir from becoming a hub of business. 2.22 Entrepreneurs are not taken seriously by colleagues and business contacts and are often looked down upon. They are seen as the ones who failed to secure a government job for him/herself.
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2.23 There is age discrimination shown by suppliers or customers towards young entrepreneurs, as also by financial institutions and the government. 2.24 Entrepreneurs in Kashmir thus have great difficulty in attracting funding /financial support for their businesses; the lack of adequate start-up finance is a common impediment for young people yearning to start their own business. 2.25 Lack of savings and resources on the part of aspiring entrepreneurs in Kashmir is another major hurdle to successful entrepreneurship in Kashmir. Extravagance at marriages and on other occasions is a major drain on any savings that a person or a family may have accumulated. 2.26 There is a further lack of securities and credibility, and of business experience and skills, for debt financing. Many people cannot provide collateral in exchange for financial support for their ventures. 2.27 Credit-scoring methodologies and regulations in Kashmir are too strict. 2.28 The documentation procedures stipulated for young entrepreneurs when they apply for finance are too complex. There is intense red-tapism, and long waiting periods are involved, while an application for funding is being decided upon. 2.29 Business registration procedures in Kashmir are quite complex and the costs are very high. 2.30 There are no concerted efforts to encourage entrepreneurship education at the secondary school level.
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2.31 Governmental focus on the development of the private sector in Kashmir is woefully inadequate. In fact, it serves to de-motivate, since there is a lot of corruption involved. It seems policymakers dont ever want us to be self-sufficient. 2.32 There is a further lack of business connections in Kashmir; resources such as business contacts, suppliers, suitable partners and networks. 2.33 For those start-up financing possibilities that exist, there is a lack of knowledge, understanding and awareness about them. There is a further lack of knowledge about the legal status/form of an enterprise. 2.34 Lack of successful micro lending/finance and seed funding for aspiring entrepreneurs in Kashmir is another major drawback. 2.35 Industry and firm characteristics Employees are over-worked and under-paid. are unfavourable.
2.36 There is also a general lack of introduction and adoption of enterprise education. 2.37 There are inadequate curricula and study programmes in entrepreneurship. 2.38 Theres a lack of trained and educated teachers who can effectively impart useful knowledge to aspiring entrepreneurs. People who are themselves employed and lack market experience impart entrepreneurship education. 2.39 There is also a lack of career information and business possibilities for entrepreneurs in Kashmir. There is a further lack of knowledge about available business support services. 70
2.40 There is a serious dearth of tailor-made business training and advice for young start-ups in Kashmir. It is a giant leap from earning degrees to practical work. 2.41 There are no trained counsellors, development workers and/or adequate support agencies for young entrepreneurs in Kashmir, and no mentoring capacities. 2.42 There are very few exchange networks, forums and meeting places, and a lack of other business development. There is also a lack of institutions at the community level for encouraging entrepreneurship. 2.43 Business and education linkages for aspiring entrepreneurs are also very rare in Kashmir. 2.44 There is a further lack of workspace and ICT infrastructure and capability. 2.45 Agri-business is specifically disadvantaged in Kashmir because people have started building houses in their agricultural fields. Agriculture production is steadily declining for a number of reasons. 2.46 In the future, energy needs are going to be the worlds biggest challenge, and in this regard, the Indus Water Treaty is a dent to Kashmir. III. QUADRANT THREE: APPROACHES 3.1 Resolution of the Kashmir conflict will not only improve the economic stability of Kashmir but also that of India and Pakistan. But we must not use the conflict as a convenient excuse for inertia.
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3.2 More people must be introduced to the importance entrepreneurship in improving the economic setup of the state.
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3.3 Experience has a major role to play; if parents have reason to believe their wards can do well, they will allow them to be entrepreneurs. 3.4 Unemployed youth must join hands and raise awareness in order to create employment through entrepreneurship. 3.5 We must ask our friends and family to support our entrepreneurial ventures; we must also consider partnership opportunities with others. 3.6 There must be entrepreneurship. active Public Private Partnership over
3.7 There must be an improvement in business contacts, and in the selection of appropriate suppliers, partners and subsequently networks. 3.8 The services of skilled counsellors and proper agencies must be used to propagate information about the importance of entrepreneurship. 3.9 There must be an end to the dependence on government jobs, and the private sector in the valley must be strengthened. 3.10 We must all develop a better work culture and work conscientiously. 3.11 Authorities must be made accountable and must take all necessary steps to develop entrepreneurship-enabling infrastructure in Kashmir. 3.12 Registration methods must be simplified, and low cost, effective entrepreneurship projects must be recognised. 72
3.13 There must be identification of various schemes enabling easy loans for entrepreneurship, which include various financing mechanisms in place, such as grant financing (free money ) and debt financing (soft loans). These schemes must be brought to public notice. 3.14 Easy methods of credit scoring and straightforward regulations must be introduced. 3.15 Entrepreneurship must be encouraged in both rural and urban Kashmir. At the community level, panchayats must encourage entrepreneurship. 3.16 There must be identification and sustainable exploitation of all resources available within ones access area. 3.17 Already established and successful projects/persons must be publicised as inspiring success stories. 3.18 Industrial tours to other places must be organised for school and college students. Online discussions with entrepreneurs outside Kashmir must be facilitated. 3.19 Efforts to institutionalised. encourage entrepreneurship need be
3.20 There must be serious efforts by the government to build capacity among youth, motivating them to be economically selfreliant. 3.21 There must be a change in societal attitude towards entrepreneurship.
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3.22 Existing and traditional entrepreneurs must be actively encouraged. 3.23 A sense of financial security must be imbibed among people with respect to investment in entrepreneurship. Alternate ways to generate finance must be actively explored. In this regard, established businessmen can be approached to fund start-ups. 3.24 One way to arrange finance is to present ideas to foreign investors say Kashmiri Diaspora living abroad. These are called angel investors. Some angel investors work in conflict zones: one of them is UNICON. 3.25 Entrepreneurs must learn from their mistakes and failures, to be better, successful entrepreneurs. They must work for a couple of years in the sector they want to invest in, gain experience in that field, before starting their own unit, as most companies start from zero. We must get rid of the notion of shortcuts and a get-rich-quick attitude. No pain, no gain. 3.26 Entrepreneurs must have a vision and leadership qualities, and be bold enough to face competition and failures. They must also be completely honest in their dealings. 3.27 Rampant corruption in Kashmir must be rooted out.
3.28 There must be seminars, debates and workshops conducted on the pros and cons of entrepreneurship, in places such as educational institutions. Events like One Young Kashmir must be encouraged, since they bring together people from varied backgrounds. Pamphlets on entrepreneurship must be prepared and distributed.
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3.29 Trust between Kashmir and other markets needs to be built, so as to ensure an investment environment for entrepreneurship to flourish. 3.30 We must highlight, promote and use local products. We must take pride in our traditional businesses and actively pursue them. 3.31 Successful entrepreneurs must be appreciated encouraged. In this regard, middlemen must be cut out. and
3.32 Businesses must be taken seriously and conducted professionally; scientific and expert advice must be sought for running a business. Modern practices must be employed to improve agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and other key industries. There must be workshops on the development of saffron. Agriculture production must be boosted and farmers should be linked to the market in an equitable way. 3.33 Eco-friendly products must be introduced. Also, the kangri can even be promoted as a decorative item. 3.34 Micro-level entrepreneurship projects/pilot projects must be developed and introduced in niche areas. 3.35 The government must create adequate market promotion opportunities for our local handicrafts in other parts of world. 3.36 The government must also try to revive the tourism sector of the Kashmir economy, since that has immense potential for effective entrepreneurship. New tourist resorts must be developed; the IT, poultry and animal husbandry sectors also have immense potential for development. Poultry units can even be started in individual households just as they once were thus creating hundreds of micro-entrepreneurs and producers at a grassroots level. 75
3.37 Investment in run-of-the-river hydroelectric power projects must be promoted at all levels. 3.38 The cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants and adventure sports must be encouraged in Kashmir; sapphire mining is another sector that could be revived, as the Kashmiri sapphire is world famous. 3.39 Sewage treatment plants and the recycling industry are two more sectors whose development can be examined. Private intervention into these sectors can be viable. 3.40 The privatisation of the governmental department of PDD and R&B must be explored at the governmental level. This would ensure the weeding out of corruption in governmental contracts. 3.41 The entertainment industry has great scope in modern times. It means commercialising art and theatre. Photography can also be developed as a formal industry. There is a strong local demand for entertainment in Kashmir such as cinemas, etc. 3.42 Awareness among youth about the ills of corruption must be imparted from a very early age, so that our next generation may be corruption-free. 3.43 Religious places can be used as a platform for promoting ideas and encouraging people to enter business. 3.44 Volunteers can try to spread entrepreneurial awareness in society. IV. QUADRANT FOUR: ACTION IDEAS 4.1 The government must introduce economic incentives, encouraging people to generate self-employment. Budding youth entrepreneurs 76
must be given tax waivers for starting their businesses. Easy loan facilities and more financial institutions that support and encourage entrepreneurship would also be positive steps in this direction. 4.2 There must be counselling of youth, parents, religious scholars, politicians, youth peer groups, so as to motivate our youth towards entrepreneurship. This can extend to the introduction of psychosocial counselling of youth and their parents/families, so as to overcome societal prejudices against youth entrepreneurship. 4.3 The government must place a moratorium on creating new government jobs. The government should also consider shedding off all dead wood and unnecessary posts. E-governance can improve service delivery and reduce the need for so many government employees. Similarly, all government holdings such as JKTDC should be auctioned off and privatized. There should not be a 7th pay commission government salaries should not be inflated in such a way that private firms cannot compete. 4.4 Experts and those who have excelled in the field must be involved in encouraging entrepreneurship. 4.5 Youth must be connected with role-models, introducing them to successes already achieved by bright Kashmiri entrepreneurs 4.6 Youth must analyse market trends: what to produce, how to produce and how much to produce, as also whether our society is capital intensive or labour intensive. 4.7 Management graduates must take on bureaucratic responsibilities in government, so that effective entrepreneurship can be easily facilitated through them. 4.8 The government must open more trade routes across the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control, that separate Kashmir from 77
Pakistan and China respectively. In fact, all of Kashmirs ancient trade routes must be thrown open for business again. Let Kashmir become a hub for business and trade. 4.9 The development of personal savings must be encouraged. 4.10 Also, the Islamic banking system and finance must be introduced by the government in the Kashmir market. The Auqaf must also provide interest-free loans to budding entrepreneurs. 4.11 Cost-effective projects and plans must be encouraged to begin with. 4.12 The government must reduce the tax levied on start-ups.
4.13 Micro-lending/finance institutions must be established, and procedures to get finance must be made customer-friendly. Local self-help groups must also be formed by communities to help people to finance their projects. 4.14 If financial institutions find an idea viable, they should finance it; they can even become partners in the business. 4.15 Product quality must always be maintained in Kashmir.
4.16 The government must ensure that necessary and expert based education on entrepreneurship is imparted at all levels of the society. The process would include inter-personal and mass communication methods and tools for better results. Month-long/semester-long courses on entrepreneurship must be introduced in colleges and universities. The key would be to make these courses creative and interesting.
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4.17 Economics as a subject, must be introduced early preferably at the 9th or 10th grade levels so that children may develop a sense of economics at an early stage. 4.18 The government must simplify registration and regulatory mechanisms, and these must be both online and offline. Also, counselling centres must be in registration offices. 4.19 There must be serious efforts by both the government and the private sector to build the necessary entrepreneurship-enabling infrastructure in the valley. 4.20 Community-based entrepreneurial conducted by existing entrepreneurs. education must be
4.21 Young entrepreneurs must strive to develop really positive relationships with their customers. 4.22 Young entrepreneurs must also use necessary tips and evaluate the market before investing in any project. 4.23 Young entrepreneurs must also target a specific segment of customers, evaluating the need for and demand of a particular product, in a specific location. Market research is thus extremely important. 4.24 All private enterprises in Kashmir must have dedicated Research and Development (R&D) departments, and the intellectual property rights of any products that they develop must be legally protected. 4.25 Mass awareness must be made about the benefits of entrepreneurship, and in this regard, the power of the media, documentary films and social networks must be harnessed. 79
4.26 We must first change our thinking to change others mindsets positively, change our outlook towards business at individual levels. We must accept that every profession is respectable. It is we who create these biases and it is we who must remove them. 4.27 Entrepreneurship education must be imparted from an early age, using plays and other informal methods. 4.28 Experts and entrepreneurs must do columns, editorials and stories in newspapers and magazines on the subject of entrepreneurship. Regional business journals must also be started and widely circulated. 4.29 Instead of a why-me, we must all develop a why-not-me attitude. 4.30 Qualified business graduates have an important role to play; they can set-up consultancies to help other businesses grow. 4.31 Youth must stand against injustice in the market. Citizens should form clubs, speaking out against social and economic injustices. The exploitation by middlemen in the handicrafts and agriculture sector must end so productivity increases. 4.32 The banks must accept gold as sufficient collateral for disbursing loans. 4.33 Instead of asking for a guarantor or a mortgage from young entrepreneurs, moneylenders must instead look for promise and honesty in a young entrepreneur. The credibility of an idea must be given preference, and not the person who is yet to prove himself. 4.34 District-level units of the JK Entrepreneurship Development Institute must be set-up across the valley. They can impart viable entrepreneurial education, help in getting financial assistance from 80
banks, and even evaluate the viability of projects for financial institutions. 4.35 Bio-fertilizers and manures must replace chemical fertilizers.
4.36 Formal Institutions must be established that focus on career development in the filed of entrepreneurship. 4.37 The government must actively engage in facilitating the private sector investment in Kashmir. Kashmir should be promoted as an investment-friendly destination and Kashmiri Diaspora must be encouraged to invest in Kashmirs economic growth and selfreliance. 4.38 The SEZs must be established in the Kashmir Valley allowing for 100% FDI. 4.39 Entrepreneurs must design and present business plans professionally. 4.40 Youth must engage in part-time jobs to raise funds for their start-ups. 4.41 Entrepreneurship can be practised even in schools, where students can run canteens, bookshops, etc. 4.42 The government must establish an independent monitoring agency that can swiftly remove irregularities/corruption in the system. Laws dealing with the stamping out of corruption must be made harsher. 4.43 The government must introduce a social security system for everyone, and increase minimum wage levels. It must also compile a complete database of Kashmirs resources and make it available to budding entrepreneurs. 81
4.44 The private sector must take immediate action to market our cricket-bats industry effectively in national and international markets. The branded final product should be produced in Kashmir to capture full value. 4.45 The manufacture of vermi-compost fertilisers is an unexplored market and a good option for aspiring entrepreneurs. 4.46 NGOs must design projects that teach people self-reliance.
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ANNEX One Young Kashmir Action Day Flyer Lets Learn and Live Our Culture
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ISSUE III: ECONOMY AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY

(iii) Tertiary Sector

Transport, storage communication Trade, Hotels and Restaurant

State Economic survey , 2008-09

90 percent of Mushroom is canned and exported from the state.

PROBLEM-SOLVING REPORT ON THE ISSUE OF ECONOMY

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