A Youth-Led Renaissance
Kashmir’s Revolution for Development, Passion, Change
By: Aleeza Ahmed
A new revolution is quietly unfolding. It’s not the Kashmir that makes headlines for its political turmoil, but rather a revolution led by the region’s youth.
In the picturesque region of Kashmir, something remarkable is happening. It’s not about hardships or the conflict that the people have endured; it’s a different kind of change led by the youth of Kashmir who have come together with a shared passion for development, creativity, and unity. This movement is marked by various unique projects, each adding its unique touch to the journey of progress.
In the realm of creative initiatives in Kashmir, the Kashmir Type Hunt (@kashmirtypehunt), spearheaded by Waqar Qamri and Waseeq Mir, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of young graphic designers. This design community transcends mere aesthetics; it delves into the art of typography within a local context, weaving messages of hope, tradition, and change into its creative endeavors. Beyond a platform for visual appeal, this initiative creates a space for type, art, and history enthusiasts to converge. This sense of community is fostered not only through their website and Instagram page but also during the type walks they organize.
Serving as more than just a creative hub, it establishes a platform to store an archive created by and for the community. A scroll through their page unleashes everyone’s inner typography enthusiast, emphasizing how typography is an art that encourages us to appreciate the nuances of textual creativity.
Another noteworthy contribution to this wave of change is Her Pixel Story(@herpixelstory), a unique initiative by Zainab Mufti, Nawal Ali and Ufaq Fatima. Their focus is not solely on the lens but on the empowerment of Kashmiri women. The trio curates photography reading events, including exclusive photo walks for Kashmiri women. In a region where the media and journalism fields are often male dominated, this safe space allows women to reclaim their narratives and perspectives.
‘Her Pixel Story’ is about more than just photography; it’s about women seizing control of their voices and stories in an environment where gender imbalances persist. Through the power of the lens, they aim to empower Kashmiri women to step into the spotlight and reshape the narrative surrounding their lives.
But the revolution doesn’t stop at art and photography. It extends to our shared environment and its rich biodiversity. The “Wildlife Research Conservation Foundation” (@wildlife.research.conservation) founded by Dr. Mehreen Khaleel, stands at the forefront, advocating for the preservation of the region’s native species. This foundation not only educates but actively engages all age groups in the pursuit of environmental awareness.
Their numerous STEM events, woman in STEM events, educational sessions, and nature walks are designed to raise awareness of the critical need to protect Kashmir’s native fauna. In a world where numerous native species are heading towards extinction, this foundation’s efforts to reconnect people with nature are a beacon of hope for a more sustainable Kashmir.
These innovative endeavors signify the contemporary face of progress, deviating from traditional norms. Fueled by passion and a collective yearning for a brighter future, the youth behind these initiatives actively engage in creating meaningful opportunities and opening new avenues for themselves.
A renaissance is underway—a renaissance that embodies development, passion, and change. As these initiatives continue to evolve and engage the community, they are not just reclaiming space; they are reshaping the very fabric of Kashmir’s future.
Each brushstroke, each click of the camera, and every step in nature brings the valley closer to a tomorrow filled with hope, unity, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
The author is a second-year Media and Journalism student
Kashmir Images is an English language daily newspaper published from Srinagar (J&K), India. The newspaper is one of the largest circulated English dailies of Kashmir and its hard copies reach every nook and corner of Kashmir Valley besides Jammu and Ladakh region.
