KASHMIR THE ULTIMATE OASIS

In planning an optimum future for the country and its people and in order for us to develop an economic plan for the country’s future, it has been necessary for us to understand the history, the present political situation and the potential and reality of achieving freedom for the people of Kashmir. In addition, we have looked at and studied Kashmir’s assets such as raw materials, uniqueness of the culture, the indigenous people of the country, the ability to compete in an ever expanding technologically focused world and not least the uniqueness of the country as a destination and potential model for all nations and people of the world to visit and participate in this oasis of Peace, Acceptance, Love, and Happiness.

• The present political situation not least the ability to achieve freedom for its people.
• The present economic environment and the potential opportunities to become a significant presence in the world’s economic fabric.
• The uniqueness and differences that Kashmir could bring to the table.
• A place and destination that answers the need of all societies and their people to a return to self and to a system of eternal basic values as well as to a connected love for all.
• A nation blessed with a beauty that upon seeing, one is led to feel as though they are a part of a mystical kingdom; a Shangri La destination.
• Kashmir will strive to become a shining example of a society noted for its capacity to tolerate, care, coexist, accept, and be a bridge for all nations to walk across and be where there is a Peaceful and Fruitful experience of what it could be.
• “Kashmir! The whisper evokes a portrait of beauty: The stunning snow capped peaks of the Himalayas; the valleys strewn with flowers dazzling the eyes with all the colors of the rainbow and the lakes with its floating gardens teeming with wildlife. Kashmir has a strong spiritual presence which we all crave and the aura of the surrounding beauty provides us with the ability to commune with nature as well as one’s inner being.”

Kashmir Political Reality 

There is and has been a strong movement for freedom by the people of Kashmir. At the present time, three powerful outside forces are standing in the way of this freedom of the Kashmir citizens: India, Pakistan, and to a limited, yet growing sense, China.

Although the various outside forces have their own reasons for maintaining their hold on geographical areas of Kashmir, thus denying the freedom necessary for Kashmir’s people, they must recognize that in the long run this freedom will come about. Just look at the current and past events throughout history.

However, hopefully it will be used as a blue print to make these outside occupying forces recognize that it will be in their best interests to support the will of the people of Kashmir. Not only support but also encourage and be a part of the solution.

This covers many aspects of what a free Kashmir will mean to each of the occupying powers as well as to the people of Kashmir and the South Asia Community of Nations. The following are points to consider for those making these determinations:

• Why are these outside forces in Kashmir at all?
• What are they looking for as a return on their investment of so many of their countries’ assets?
• What dividends will they reap by supporting freedom for the Kashmir people?
• Is there a win-win situation and solution that will benefit all parties?
• Will the support of freedom lead to a major gain economically and influence wide on a continuing basis for these outside powers?
• Will and could there be a new political force of change by having Kashmir as an Oasis of Peace, Prosperity, Growth, and Inner Acceptance and in effect becoming a new model of what life should be all about?
• Will having a free Kashmir allow the occupying powers to shift their needed resources for their own internal use?
• How can this make a difference at all in their thinking and perception of their needs? We believe there are many potential solutions and the following is an example of one.

Similar to corporations issuing stocks, one can see various ways of involvement in Kashmir’s future. There could be voting and non- voting involvement. In this case, the voting shares and ownership of Kashmir will be in the hands of the citizens of Kashmir. The non-voting shares could be distributed to the occupying powers to share in the economic gains of a free Kashmir as well as provide a close connection to the elected government for other issues that would arise. Although control would be in the hands of the Kashmir people the previous controlling powers would have a say in Kashmir’s future through their non-voting ownership. (The approach we just mentioned above is only one of many which will have to evolve over the next few years. The key is to understand the motivations of these outside forces and then determine which approaches would best answer their requirements. It should be noted that supporting Kashmir’s independence movement now will put these powers in the front line of nations to which Kashmir will allow to be a part of its future)

 In our way of thinking Kashmir could be a bridge between the occupying powers. In a sense it could be the moral and spiritual hub of a new union of South Asian countries.

Keeping in view the development of CPEC traversing a part of Kashmir the other model could be to declare both parts of Kashmir as FREE ECONOMIC ZONES with making the present LOC OR CEASEFIRE LINE redundant and India joins the CPEC through Kashmir . This will not only create the model of settlement and at the same time create connectivity to the whole SOUTH ASIA which will remove the greatest road block in the region which is settlement of Kashmir and lead to development to the heights India as well as Pakistan has the potential and presently is held up .

Free Kashmir will and should have the following:

• Insure that Kashmir will be free of corruption
• Freedom should be for all Kashmir citizens regardless of their religion, sex, gender, preferences, age, and disabilities.
• There should be checks and balances on various governmental groups to insure there are no corruptions of power.
• All the citizens of Kashmir should enjoy a minimum standard of living including education and health care and be encouraged to be “What They Can Be.”
• Potentially self-serving groups should not be allowed to influence the direction of Kashmir.
• The society should welcome a vibrant news media, intellectually inquiry, and multiple political parties.
• As a unique nation there should be great encouragement for all forms of artistic expressions.
• Freedom of religion and spiritual thought should be a primary goal with the understanding that along with this freedom comes the responsibilities of the religion to insure fairness and the knowledge that this particular freedom will in no way hurt the country or any of its citizens.
• A responsible immigration policy to maintain Kashmir’s leadership role in its focused areas.
• A major focus should be on education for all citizens. This should be a continuing education regardless of age.

To accomplish the above, those who govern should recognize that there must be a consensus from all parties in the formation of a minimum framework that will satisfy the present occupying powers.

Kashmir: Economic Environment 

In preparing for this section of the report on “Kashmir – its Economic Environment,” it became clear to us that a new approach to the economic future of a free Kashmir was necessary to stay true to the uniqueness of Kashmir.

A free Kashmir will have the opportunity to change the rules of the game. To do so, it would not be logical to disregard all the potential solutions to economic needs that other countries have evolved but to take into consideration which solutions will fit a free Kashmir and what that will meant to all the nations of the world.

In today’s world the pace of change and technological growth is amazing. This factor must be taken into consideration in planning for Kashmir’s future. Rather than trying to compete economically with the fast moving economic powers Kashmir must coexist with them and focus on specific areas where Kashmir can make a difference beyond its scope and size.

As one sees the future there are major trends that are evolving. These Mega Trends will be global and will impact business, economics, societies, cultures, and personal lives.

• URBANIZATION
• Mega cities
• Smart cities
• Technology
• Cloud computing – New concepts in computing
• Robotics
• Advanced consumer electronics
• Advanced wireless communication o Innovative technologies for the future

•  Nano-materials 

• Smart Materials
• Lasers
• Advanced batteries and advanced storage mediums
• 3D integration
• Flexible Electronics
• ETC
• Energy
• Power generation New energy innovations
• E-Mobility
• Electronic Vehicles and Electronic aircraft
• Infrastructure 
• Power, Water, Transportation Corridors
• Business 
• New Business Models
• Health and Wellness
• Health, Wellness and Well-being
• Aging and Aging societies
• Smart Factories 
• Factories of the future: Smart and Green
• Social
• Women’s rising position in social, political and economic territories
• Reverse brain Drain
• Middle class power
• Economy 
• Emerging powers
• Emerging outsourcing powers

New Trade Zones 

The above depict just a portion of the global challenges that lie ahead in the near future. So where does Kashmir focus and where and to whom will the amazing potential of this free Kashmir influence in their value systems and place in this world.

1) – Raw materials: Create individual investment opportunities to develop the enormous potential to be found in the raw materials available in Kashmir. This must be done in a manner, which conserves these materials and has sustainability. The investor should be a responsible partner along with the Kashmir Government and local investors as well as entrepreneurs. A right of first refusal should be given to the present occupying powers if they so desire and are competitive. The government of Kashmir should issue special bonds to the occupying powers in order to provide Kashmir the ability to maintain a line of credit for its economic plans.

2) Organic Farming of uniquely bred Cattle as well as “Agroecology” (organic farming focus) delivers advantages in the food supply chain of enhanced productivity and sustainability.

3) Aromatic and Medicinal Plants: Kashmir is very rich in high value aromatic and medicinal plants in the valley. This is an immediate action item we will pursue – it should be noted that much has been written about this. In the British Pharmacopoeia it is stated that over 50 % of plant species are grown in the Kashmir valley and over 570 different species are of medicinal importance. Multiple joint ventures could be established, as the entire subject of medicines and alternative medicines has also become a huge market.

4) Intelligent mining of raw materials and joint ventures in this area with key partners.

5) Creation of a Free Economic Zone of whole Jammu &Kashmir within the geographical area of J&K prior to 1947. The basic objectives for this are to enhance foreign exchange earnings, to develop export-oriented industries, and to generate employment opportunities besides becoming a trading entrepôt with so many countries on the borders of JAMMU & KASHMIR.

6) Work to get Kashmir to be named as a heritage site by UNESCO

7) Promote the availability of indigenous craftwork, art, music, unique eating experiences, natural beauty, and air quality

8) Making Kashmir a major tourist destination

Old people all over the world have yet never given up desire to somehow visit a place that would not only be beautiful for senses but beautiful for the soul. Imagine developing tourism around this double desire and encouraging this location to be a unique destination for all those wanting this kind of experience. Everybody seeks this but the tribal nature of most institutions as well as destinations do not allow for this to happen. In all our institutions, as well as our beliefs, we have become too self-centered. What Kashmir could provide is the Physical, Mental, Spiritual, and Emotional capacity to allow us all to participate in this magic of existence. 

In so many places today and in future planning, tourism revolves around making money from so called “fun”. Not only are there major Theme Park developments around the world today but primarily in Asia. This region is developing as a hub of the amusement businesses as well as a major gambling destination. We believe that Kashmir tourism should be in a different class and should satisfy the need for beauty in all its elements. Kashmir is blessed with not only natural beauty but also a very spiritual feeling that derives from this beauty. It is only a matter of understanding the values that will be part of a free Kashmir that one can go ahead with the kind of Tourist expectations that people around the world crave for. 

While discussing with a young Japanese Lady of 29 years about her life and what she needed for her completeness. She said she had loving parents; a husband who she also loved and yet she longed for a place to visit that was a place similar to the fabled Shangri La. A place not only having incredible physical beauty but also one that fulfills her innermost dreams. In particular where she can commune with a spiritual quietness and one that exudes peace and serenity. At first, she gave no indication of this need but on reflection she discussed it. Almost everyone we subsequently discussed this with wished that there was this kind of place and an opportunity to visit to gain this peace and serenity. This is our dream for a free Kashmir. 

9) The most important resource of water to be exploited for power generation as well as farming will be the resource which on its own can make the whole of J&K self-sustaining and sufficient.

10) Education : When we look back on our lives, a key to who we are and the love of life revolves around learning. Education should be a key for all citizens of a free Kashmir to whatever level of learning they desire. The learning should not only be available for secular pursuits but also be allowed for religious pursuits.

By educating the free Kashmir people from the earliest age to be tolerant of other people’s beliefs as long as they are not harmful to others will be the key to building the kind of country Kashmir can be.

An interesting idea that we have come across is “VOLUNTARISM” whereby students and others from around the world would take time off to come to Kashmir. They could teach English and other languages, sports training, community building projects, and working with the handicapped people. They in turn would have the opportunity to participate in the beauty of Kashmir in all its senses.

A novel approach has been tried in Holland. They have set up a school with 2 wings and a common middle section. One wing would have a secularly oriented school and the other wing a religiously oriented curriculum. The middle section would be shared by both and have music studies, sports, cafeteria, etc.

11) Infrastructure components: 

• Energy 
• Coal fired plants
• Hydroelectric power
• Solar energy
• Oil generated energy
• Wind power energy
• Volcanic energy
• Natural gas energy
• Water resources
• Telecommunication facilities 
• Higher education facilities 
• Transportation 
• Roads, automobiles, etc.
• To be in synchronization with the ideas presented here there should be consideration for an indigenous automotive factory focusing on creating a special automobile for Kashmir. This automobile should be environmentally correct as well as having the latest technology for fuel conservation including but not limited to electric power or a new fuel resources like hemp. Additionally, there should be a phased withdrawal of all other types of automobiles to insure that Kashmir can fulfill its promise of a Shangri La environment. As an example, in the Channel Islands near the UK and France the use of automobiles is limited to preserve the environment.
• Water
• Rail
• Air
• Tourist facilities 

12) Kashmir as a brand:

Promote Kashmir as a brand in totality and use the same in all products which are exported and at the same time leverage it for new products worldwide.

FUTURE USP OF KASHMIR. 

Center of Excellence (1) 

the aging Society: Kashmir in addition to all the solutions that were discussed above there are additional economic and social opportunities. The area that we believe Kashmir should focus on is for Kashmir to be the worldwide source for information, support, and governmental research in the area of an aging society.

Kashmir will become a Center of Excellence as a unique area focused on the future potential of humanity to live an extended lifetime and the issues that come about because of it. Many societies today and in the future will be faced with an ever-growing aging population. This in turn will affect a declining population trend as seen in countries like Japan.

There has been and continues to be a revolution in the ability to conquer disease and the effects of aging with technological advances in nanotechnology, stem cell research, genetic clarification, biotechnology, and advanced medical devices.

One interesting aspect that gives additional credibility to why Kashmir is suited for this is that there is within Kashmir is a place called HUNZA. This place has been considered as having the largest percentage of those over 100 years in the world. There is something to be said about Kashmir focusing on this ever-growing potential.

Center of Excellence (2)

Integrated Health Care Not only Western medicine, but providing of Eastern medicine including Acupuncture. Ayurveda, Acupressure, Yoga, Herbal, etc. as well as Holistic Medicine. The patient chooses, along with the medical staffs, his or her need for a medical procedure that would be the most optimum solution to his or her illnesses. It should be noted that in the USA, Alternative Medicine has become a major part of the medical scene and the fastest growing part.

The above in turn will lead to the opportunity for Kashmir to be a major Medical Tourism destination. This will be a large and growing opportunity for Kashmir.

In writing this report, we have become enchanted about the possibilities and promises of a Free Kashmir, and the opportunity to make a very positive change in our world.

Centre of excellence (3) 

Kashmir has to be positioned as manufacture of luxury goods in the field of textiles( shawls and other value added articles from pashmina ) and home furnishings including Carpets. This could be the case in other handicrafts for example to use the artisans in paper machie to do their work on glass or ceramics so that the final product gets more value than presently got .The same analogy can be used in fruit processing and floriculture.

Addendum 1: Freedom In reviewing this report, we now intend to add some comments, as we feel they are necessary, in the explanation and enhancement of this report. This addendum is recognition that this report will be just the start of a major thought process in the freedom for Kashmir movement.

WHAT REALLY IS FREEDOM FOR KASHMIR? HOW WILL IT REALLY HELP THE KASHMIR PEOPLE? 

This concept is very important to understand. With an understanding of how freedom will help the Kashmir people we then can move ahead to the birth of a new independent nation. This new nation should not only be based on its magnificent natural beauty and its potential for great economic strength but it should be based on a set of philosophical ideas about what our lives are all about and how can we create for all the people of Kashmir a quality during this life beyond “What can even be imagined”. A free Kashmir should be governed by the concept that all people should be treated equally and that this new free Kashmir should not be dependent on past loyalties to tribal concept or to a military conquest. The only legitimate government must be self-government, which as the philosopher Locke has said “only from compact and agreement, and the mutual consent of those who make up the community”. It must be recognized that all people are initially born free with all the rights of equality and freedom and that these rights must be secured by the governments they create which derive their powers from the consent of the governed.

Addendum 2: economic society What if you lived in a country where 80% of the wage-earning families were in financial trouble if they did not receive a paycheck within 3 or less months? What if you lived in a country where less than 20% of the population owned over 80% of the assets? Economic Society (The continuing and increasingly differentiation between the halves and the have-nots). The above is not a new as this or even a worst economic situation has appeared in almost all societies.

The halves in a society usually follow the following: – Right Family Background – Diligent Decision Making – Being at the right time at the right place and intuition to follow through – In certain cases immorality – Ability to take risks albeit qualified ones – Correct and continuing learning from past mistakes – Intelligent investing – Many additional factors The above of course (A path to wealth and its maintenance) appears to be associated with a limited subset of society. The rest of society, regardless of their jobs, effort, and education need to get some income at least every 3months to maintain any reasonable quality of life. Has this ever been different. Various other forms of economic structures have been tried but they have all fallen short. Is it possible to consider that there could and would be a more Egalitarian Economy with an understanding of the dangers of this great disparity between the haves and have-nots. One of the ways our Politicians have tried to redress this situation is by changing the tax structure to insure that those who can will. Other Politicians have sat on the fence so as not to piss off their constituents. Then how can one address this issue. It should be recognized that this is a worldwide problem. We need a new approach to this major imbalance in all societies. The only way is to understand the thought processes of the people and try to influence a change. This change will be a very basic one which starts at birth and which influences a person’s path through life. It is changing or influencing a person as to their Basic Values. This will take education as well as providing a model for this change.

It is necessary to understand their desires for: – Security – Power – Control – Feeling of importance – Keeping Score – Belonging to a special Group, Religion, Country, etc. – Fears

By letting go and accepting a more connective point of view with all that is around us and the understanding that more does not qualify for Happiness, but having enough to satisfy ones needs can be the formula for attaining this Happiness. It will be necessary to dialog, understand and be open-minded on what are the true values of living, why are we even here, what happens when we leave this life, just the fact of our understanding others needs we then can in turn understand ourselves and allow ourselves to gain the Happiness we desire. The above in no way should limit any one’s growth or their support of their family, however, it should put into perspective what is really important to live a happy and fruitful life and assist others in gaining their basic needs. We must really understand who we are as people and how we can carve out for ourselves and those closest to us a meaningful and fulfilling life.

THE ABOVE HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE AND HAS BEEN WRITTEN BY LATE SEYMOUR JOFFE & DR MUBEEN SHAH. 

LATE SEYMOUR (SY) JOFFE 

Overview: 60 years of experience in creating, managing, and developing International companies in computing technology, finance, and biotechnology.

EXPERIENCE: 

• Co-Founder of Ageless Zoom, an Online Longevity Web Portal Co-Founder of World Wellness Group and 1 World Medicine, Las Vegas – Developing a facility and organization to provide Integrative Medicine Services.
• Sound view Financial, Connecticut – Vice President – Financial Institution / Investment Bank focused on technology.
• Gartner Group, Connecticut – Vice President – IT Research firm NASDAQ listed.
• Porta Systems, Long Island NY – President and Director Central office telecommunications products sold to telephone companies internationally.
• JMI Inc,. NY, NY – Chairman, President, and Founder – Incubator for companies.
• Genetic Systems  Founder and director  Seattle Washington – Biotechnology Acquired by Bristol Myers NYSE.
• JMI Seed Venture  Founder and Director London England.
• United Bank of Kuwait Director Venture Capital arm focused on technology.
• Group 800, London & Switzerland – President Telecommunications.
• Graphic Sciences, Connecticut – Exec VP and Director – Developed the first FAX machine.
• Univac  New York, NY  Working with earliest commercial Computers, held various positions from Regional Manager to managing the Univac Computers at the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston Texas for Gemini and preApollo space programs.
• US Navy Lieutenant on the USS Tripoli Aircraft Carrier during Korean War.

 EDUCATION: 

1951 Graduated Brooklyn College BA Philosophy 1952 Attended NYU graduated school Economic Theory (left to join US Navy) 1953 US Naval Officer School, Newport RI Graduated as Officer 1999 Brooklyn College – Started Master’s Degree program in Thanatology – Work-study at Parker Geriatric Hospice Center Ongoing – Language immersion courses in China, Mexico, etc.

 DR MUBEEN SHAH: 

• Schooling in Burn Hall School Srinagar as well as Mayo College Ajmer from 1959-1971.
• Undergraduate studies in S.P.College Srinagar 1971-72.
• B.B.S from government Medical college Srinagar,1972-1977
• Joined family business of Alson group of trading and industries 1978- 1990.
• Kohimaran Trading Pvt. Ltd. Singapore 1990-2003.
• Al-Sultanti Trading LLC Dubai 1996-2012.
• Presently Director Kohimaran impex (M) Sdn Bhd from 1996 and still continuing.
• Presently Director Kohimaran Info systems Sdn Bhd Malaysia from 2012
• Presently Attorney Kohimaran Impex Srinagar from 2003 .
• Secy general Kashmir Chamber of commerce & industry ( KCCI) 1986-88
• President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce &Industry ( KCCI ) 2006-2009
• President Jammu & Kashmir Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry 2011 -2013