I am so delighted and honoured to write the review of this book titled as “The Paradoxes Of Kashmir” which is actually the compilation of articles, journals, write-ups and events of most revered author avowed as Shri Prem Nath Bazaz, though needs no introduction but just for the perusal of the readers, I deem it my utmost obligation to have a little glimpse of his personality and career which needs to be put in at the outset.
Shri Prem Nath Bazaz was born on July 13, 1905 at Srinagar. He initiated his higher education from S.P.College and took his degree from the Punjab University. Bazaz started his public life in August 1930 by joining the Women’s Welfare Trust. In 1931 he was elected as president of the S. D. Yuvak Sabha. Then he started the newspaper Daily Vitasta in 1932 to advocate the cause of Secularism, Democracy and Freedom. With the same aim, Bazaz in collaboration with Sheikh Mohd Abdullah founded the weekly Hamdard in 1935 which was converted into daily in 1943.The name of this newspaper was Hamdard rightly as this newspaper was actually highlighting the aspirations of the people. This book under review is mainly compilation of the articles of Shri P. N. Bazaz published in Daily Hamdard and by reading these articles it seems that same are relevant even today. Later, Prem Nath Bazaz went to Delhi where he founded and edited the monthly “Voice of Kashmir”. Bazaz passed away in July 1984. Bazaz is the author of several books including Inside Kashmir (1942), Azad Kashmir (1951) and The History of Struggle for Freedom in Kashmir (1954), The Shadow of Ram Rajya Over India, Whither India After Independence. Late Shri P. N. Bazaz is eyewitness to these events and occurrences that can be realized by the readers while reading his articles in this book which has given certitude to its chapters.
Publisher ‘Sheikh Bashir Ahmed’ for Jay Kay Books deserves an appreciation who satiate the curiosity of its readers, is always in search of something new and appropriate as the present compilation. This book is not only beneficial to research scholars, Intellectuals, students only but is not less than a treasure for the future generation of the Jammu and Kashmir. The readers of this book shall be indebted to the publisher who have taken keen interest and have made hard efforts in bringing the actual and clear events and incidents in front of its readers. Publisher of this book deserves a great respect and must be applauded for this marvelous edition about Kashmir History. The Intentions of the publisher can be gathered by their recent works in almost every field especially in History, Culture, Political Scenario or the much significant, extensive and substantial work on Sufism.
Though the work on this book is quite different as the publisher himself has approached Pandit Bhushan Lal Bazaz who is the son of Shri P. N. Bazaz and took his permission to reprint, compile articles, journals of his father and compile the same in the shape of this book, but the collection of this material could not be accustomed as book unless the meticulous and sedulous compilation and editing done by the budding researcher and versatile writer “Mushtaq ul Haq Ahmad Sikander”. Pandit Bhushan Lal Bazaz has entrusted this most valuable treasure of his father to the Publisher (Jay Kay Books) as he is well aware of their honesty, reputation and working skills in the said field as a result of which he reposes his faith in them.
Publisher (Jay Kay Books) has given the sensational and incredible outlook to the book which is so fascinating, charismatic and mesmerizing for the readers besides its visually crystal clear printing on an exceptionally remarkable paper quality which the readers can perceive while flipping the pages during reading.
‘The Paradox of Kashmir’, contains a selection of various articles, happenings and different themes excerpted by the editor from the different issues of the journal. They still remain relevant even though more than half a century has elapsed. Kashmir and its historical dimensions still enjoy relevance. As per the Author, Kashmir because of its Strategic position, its glorious traditions and its composite culture, is a fertile ground where the seeds of secularism can grow and flourish. Endowed with a vision and blessed with courage, we may yet became the harbingers of revolutionary era heralding the dawn of rationalist age for the sub-continent.
The book consists of different incidents, occasions, events, happenings and numerous socio-political episodes of post-independence of India which has been compiled in such a way that the reader finds himself present in that era and as if witness all these happenings around him. The book includes the statements of different political leaders published in different newspapers. Articles written by the P.N.Bazaz has added savor to its distinguished and unmatched chapters. Besides, various official letters and memorandums which are of immense importance and interesting could not have better placed erstwhile. The book has made certain revelations about some unsung heroes of Kashmir history that for certain reasons could not find themselves in lime light during their period but their contribution towards Kashmir were remarkable and unforgettable, who have been surfaced in this book and their cognitive approach has been beautifully crafted in this book.
This book shows us how Kashmir has witnessed the revolutions in its long history which changed not only the outer look of the people on life, but also brought drastic and far reaching changes in their political, economic and social affairs. Today when we witnessed different contradictory material on the past and recent history of the Kashmir, we may rely undoubtedly on this book as the chapters are authentic, unbiased and impartial and the neutral approach of its author has made this book remarkable and marvelous compilations of different events, occasions, episodes, incidents, happenings and occurrences post 1947 in the J&K which has made it most revered and consecrated which ought to have reached to the new generation of the J&K. The book can be instrumental for academic and research purposes besides general public can get highly benefited about the past events and incidents.
Kashmir is a happening place. Every day brings in new issues and challenges. The contemporary roots of Kashmir incidents date back to the partition of Indian Subcontinent. As the Partition became factual reality with the creation of Pakistan and India, the future of J&K became a casualty. Very small archive is available about the first decade of the Kashmir as such this archive of the first decade helps us to understand, how the initial decade shaped the future moorings of the Kashmir. The other compilations on this subject have already been done by the publisher and embodies in the form of book labeled as Kashmir Cauldron and Kashmir Quagmire.“The Paradoxes of Kashmir” offers an insight into early ramblings of the Kashmir”. Review shall be incomplete without the following couplets of Abdul Ahad Azad who according to the author was a poet of Humanism.
O, faithful you have your own Deen and I
have mine,
Your sacred object is God and my Ideal is man,
Your God is pleased by building Temples, Mosques and Dharamshalas,
My beloved feels delighted in Unity, affection
and sympathy.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Asrar Ali is an Advocate by profession.
