The week gone by has been one of remarkable contrasts — a blend of introspection, aspiration, and renewal. From the fields of sport to the corridors of policy, from the classrooms of our universities to the creative spaces of literature, Kashmir once again reminded us that progress, though uneven, continues to find its rhythm.
The inauguration of the 69th National School Games in Srinagar, with over 4,000 young athletes participating, infused the Valley with youthful energy and optimism. At a time when our social discourse often gets entangled in politics, this spectacle of unity through sports served as a gentle reminder of the power of discipline, teamwork, and national integration.
On the cultural front, the Kashmir Literature Festival (Second Edition) at SKICC reaffirmed that ideas, when freely exchanged, can build bridges no political slogan ever can. Writers, poets, and readers converged to celebrate the written word — an act of faith in a society still healing from decades of conflict.
Equally heartening was the initiative of the Department of Psychology, University of Kashmir, and the Department of Psychiatry at SKIMS Medical College, both of which observed World Mental Health Week. These events marked a significant step toward breaking the silence around mental health — an issue long brushed aside in our collective consciousness. The focus on wellness, empathy, and resilience reflects a maturing social sensibility that deserves to be nurtured.
Meanwhile, governance and development took center stage with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewing CAPEX and CDF expenditures, and the Chief Secretary evaluating IT and land digitization projects — both exercises that underscore the need for accountability in public spending. The government’s resolve to convert the Achan landfill into an eco-friendly site is another milestone in environmental governance, long overdue yet deeply welcome.
In the political arena, as Budgam and Nagrota prepare for key elections and parties like the PDP strengthen their grassroots structures, democracy continues to find its local expression. The Supreme Court’s directive to the Centre on J&K statehood rekindled the ongoing debate about constitutional identity — a reminder that the story of J&K remains unfinished but evolving.
The week also bore moments of grief and gratitude. The passing away of Zahid Mukhtar, a beloved artist and anchor, left a void in our cultural landscape. His life symbolized the quiet dignity of those who devoted themselves to art and truth.
Beyond the news cycle, initiatives like NIT Srinagar’s Alumni Back to Classroom program and the “Know Your Artisan” campaign on the Jehlum River Front reaffirmed the importance of reconnecting with both our intellectual and cultural roots. These projects signify that development must be as much about preserving identity as about embracing innovation.
Kashmir today stands at a crossroads — striving to balance tradition with transformation, memory with motion. The voices emerging from our classrooms, studios, and community spaces suggest that the Valley’s narrative is no longer confined to conflict but is increasingly defined by creativity, participation, and purpose.
If this week taught us anything, it is that hope, much like the Dal Lake at dawn, may ripple quietly — but it never disappears.
— Mushtaq Bala
Editor-in-Chief, Kashmir Pen
