Shahid Shabir Makhdoomi
India, the land of Vedas, virtues, and values, has long been recognized for its deep-rooted traditions of spiritual enlightenment, moral righteousness, and cultural richness. At its core, Indian civilization promotes dignity, modesty, and respect for social and ethical norms. Kashmir, often referred to as Pir Vaer (the land of saints), has been a cradle of Buddhist, Sanskrit, and Islamic learnings, shaping an intellectual and moral fabric that stands in contrast to any form of obscenity and vulgarity. However, recent incidents in Gulmarg, where elements of nudity and objectionable content were reportedly filmed, have raised serious concerns regarding the sanctity of Kashmir’s social and cultural ethos.
The outrage over this issue is not merely about an act of indecency but about a larger attempt to disturb the peace and harmony of Kashmir. The deliberate organization of such events in the pristine valleys of Gulmarg, known for their spiritual and cultural significance, is an attack on the values that Kashmir and India have upheld for centuries. The government must take stringent action against those responsible, ensuring that such acts are neither repeated nor normalized.
Kashmir, with its profound heritage, has never been a land that tolerates or accommodates obscenity and vulgarity. The region has been home to some of the greatest intellectual traditions, from the teachings of Buddhist scholars like Nagarjuna to the deep philosophical reflections found in Kashmiri Shaivism. The rich Sanskrit heritage of Kashmir contributed immensely to the Indic knowledge system, while Sufi and Islamic traditions brought an ethos of purity, piety, and restraint. From Lal Ded to Sheikh-ul-Alam, Kashmiri spiritual figures have always emphasized inner purity over external extravagance. The ethos of Kashmir has never aligned with the modern consumerist culture that promotes sensationalism over substance. The attempt to introduce elements of obscenity in such a sacred land is, therefore, not just an affront to Kashmiri society but a well-orchestrated attempt to provoke unrest.
It is often argued that artistic freedom and entertainment should not be restricted. However, such arguments fall flat when they attempt to justify the invasion of a region’s cultural and moral fabric under the pretext of artistic liberty. While India is a democratic nation that upholds freedom of expression, this freedom is not absolute and comes with responsibilities. The Supreme Court of India has on several occasions ruled that obscenity is not protected under the right to free speech. Obscenity in public spaces, particularly in places of cultural and natural heritage, is an outright violation of societal norms. Gulmarg is not just a tourist destination; it is a revered land that has spiritual and historical significance. The filming of inappropriate content in such locations not only degrades the sanctity of the place but also sends a wrong message to society, particularly to the youth who look up to the media for guidance and representation.At a time when Kashmir is moving towards normalcy, peace, and economic resurgence, such acts serve as deliberate provocations. The timing and intent behind such activities must be scrutinized. Is it an attempt to incite anger among the people and create unnecessary tensions? Is it a move to malign Kashmir’s image at a time when the region is gaining recognition for its cultural and economic revival? The sudden surfacing of such controversial activities in Kashmir must be seen in light of a larger design that seeks to disrupt the peace process. Forces inimical to Kashmir’s progress have historically used every possible means to keep the region embroiled in controversy. Today, when Kashmir is witnessing unprecedented development in tourism, trade, and infrastructure, it is imperative that the social fabric is protected from external influences that seek to erode its core values.
The government has a moral and constitutional duty to uphold the cultural and moral values of the society it governs. In the case of Gulmarg, it is not just the organizers of the event who must be held accountable but also the officials who facilitated such activities. A thorough investigation must be conducted, and strict action should be taken against those responsible for permitting such an event to take place. Additionally, all filmed and photographed material must be seized to prevent its circulation, which could further damage the cultural ethos of Kashmir. The government must also introduce stricter regulations regarding the content that is being produced and promoted in culturally significant locations. Tourism, which is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, should not come at the cost of moral degradation.
While the government must take firm action, the responsibility also lies with the people of Kashmir and the larger Indian society. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and must refrain from glorifying or normalizing content that is detrimental to societal values. Sensationalism should not overshadow ethical reporting. Religious and social leaders must also step forward to educate the youth about the importance of preserving Kashmir’s moral and cultural heritage. Awareness campaigns, discussions, and public debates should be encouraged to ensure that people remain vigilant against such deliberate provocations.
Some politicians and commentators have expressed their condemnation of this act by stating that it is unacceptable in the holy month of Ramadan. While their concerns are valid, it is equally important to emphasize that obscenity and vulgarity are unacceptable at all times, not just during religious occasions. Such acts do not suddenly become permissible after Ramadan or any other religious observance. The moral and ethical framework of society must be upheld throughout the year, not just during specific periods. To suggest that these acts should be avoided only during Ramadan implies that they can be condoned at other times, which is a flawed and dangerous narrative. Moral values and cultural integrity must be upheld consistently, without seasonal considerations.
Kashmir stands at a crucial juncture, where it must decide the direction in which it wishes to progress. Will it allow itself to be dragged into a culture of obscenity, or will it safeguard its rich traditions of wisdom, virtue, and sanctity? The answer lies in the collective will of the people. The recent incident in Gulmarg must serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders—government authorities, civil society, religious leaders, and the common people—to remain vigilant against any attempt to erode the moral fabric of Kashmir. The responsibility of preserving Kashmir’s sanctity does not lie with one group alone but with every individual who values the legacy of this great land.
India, with its deep-rooted civilizational ethos, has always upheld the ideals of dignity, decency, and cultural preservation. Kashmir, as an integral part of this civilizational continuum, cannot be allowed to be turned into a playground for obscenity and vulgarity. The incident in Gulmarg is not just a one-time event but a symptom of a larger malaise that seeks to dilute the moral and ethical principles of Indian society. The government must take strict action against the perpetrators, and society must remain ever-vigilant to prevent such acts from recurring. Artistic expression and entertainment must always be in alignment with the cultural and moral values of the land. The sanctity of Kashmir must be preserved, not just for its people but for the generations to come.
It is time to reaffirm our commitment to India’s spiritual and cultural heritage and ensure that obscenity and vulgarity find no place in our sacred spaces. Let Gulmarg remain a symbol of Kashmirs breathtaking beauty, spiritual depth, and cultural richness, untainted by the shadows of moral degradation.
The Author is a freelance writer.
