‘Kintsugi and Ikigai’- How Japanese art forms can help heal depression in Kashmir

By: Nasir Dar
I recently went to watch Shahrukh Khan’s blockbuster movie Pathaan. The movie had SRK as a protagonist and his boss mentioned a Japanese term “Kintsugi”. This term caught my attention and I found that this can be a significant art to overcome the never-ending despair which is prevailing among the youth of Kashmir valley.
Kashmir is a land of beautyunfortunately riddled with turmoil and unrest for decades. The ongoing conflict and lack of employment opportunities have affected the people, particularly youth, of the region. It is not surprising that depression has become a common mental health issue among people here. However, there is hope with the modern healthcare facilities, newer methods of counselling and social engagements. One more way of dealing with the issue and putting off the ghost of depression is the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, also known as Kintsukuroi, which has the potential to help the youth of Kashmir overcome their depression and find purpose. But it needs to be practiced with due knowledge, wisdom as well as professional acumen that it demands.
Kintsugi is an art form that involves repairing broken pottery with a special lacquer that is mixed with gold, silver, or platinum. The technique not only restores the object’s functionality, but also enhances its aesthetic value. The philosophy behind Kintsugi is that the cracks and imperfections of an object should not be hidden but celebrated, as they are a testament to its history and unique character.
Kashmiri youth can draw inspiration from Kintsugi and apply its principles to their own lives. The conflict and unemployment situation in Kashmir have left many feeling broken and hopeless. However, like broken pottery, they can be mended and made even stronger by embracing their imperfections and using them as a source of strength.
Kintsugi can help individuals in Kashmir develop resilience and learn to see the beauty in their struggles. It can also encourage them to view their scars and wounds as a part of their identity rather than something to be ashamed of. When one sees their life as a work of art, they can turn their struggles into something beautiful and meaningful.
Kintsugi can also help Kashmiri youth find purpose and direction in their lives. Many of them are struggling to find employment or pursue their dreams due to the unstable situation in the region. However, Kintsugi teaches that everyone has something unique to offer and that their brokenness can become their strength. By embracing their flaws and using them as a source of inspiration, they can find their true calling and work towards it.
Furthermore, Kintsugi can help Kashmiri youth develop a sense of community and connection. The art form involves working with others to repair broken pottery, creating a sense of shared purpose and accomplishment. By participating in Kintsugi workshops and classes, the youth of Kashmir can connect with others who have experienced similar struggles and find support and encouragement.
In conclusion, Kintsugi is an art form with the potential to help Kashmiri youth overcome depression and find purpose in their lives. By embracing their imperfections, viewing their struggles as a source of strength, and working towards their goals, they can create something beautiful out of their brokenness. Kintsugi can also foster a sense of community and connection, providing a supportive environment for personal growth and healing. It is my hope that Kintsugi can serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for the youth of Kashmir as they navigate their way towards a brighter future. This will be a huge rescue which may go ahead and replicate the rescue of bollywood spearheaded by the King of Indian Cinema Shahrukh Khan.
Ikigai is another Japanese concept which can prove immensely inspirational in rising the youth of Kashmir valley from the shackles of depression.
Ikigai is a concept that originates from the Japanese island of Okinawa, which has one of the world’s highest numbers of centenarians, people who live to be 100 years or more. The island’s inhabitants attribute their long and healthy lives to a combination of factors, including healthy diet, regular exercise, and strong social networks. However, one of the most critical factors is the sense of purpose and fulfilment they derive from their daily lives. This is where the concept of Ikigai comes in.
Ikigai involves finding the intersection between four elements – what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. When you find the intersection of these four elements, you can discover your reason for being, your Ikigai. The concept can help individuals in Kashmir find meaning and direction in their lives, even in the face of adversity.
The first element of Ikigai is “what you love.” This involves identifying the things that bring you joy and fulfilment. It could be anything from spending time with loved ones to pursuing a hobby or passion. In the context of Kashmir, this could involve finding activities or causes that bring individuals a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
The second element of Ikigai is “what you are good at.” This involves identifying your strengths and skills. It is essential to identify these skills, as they can help you find work that aligns with your Ikigai. In Kashmir, this could involve identifying skills and abilities that individuals possess and finding ways to use them to make a positive impact on their community.
The third element of Ikigai is “what the world needs.” This involves identifying the needs of the world around you, including your community and the wider world. It is essential to consider how your skills and passions can contribute to making the world a better place. In Kashmir, this could involve identifying community needs, such as poverty, health, or education, and finding ways to contribute to their solution.
The fourth and final element of Ikigai is “what you can be paid for.” This involves finding ways to monetize your passions and skills. It is essential to find work that aligns with your Ikigai and allows you to support yourself financially. In Kashmir, this could involve identifying job opportunities that align with your Ikigai and working towards building a career in that field.
In conclusion, Ikigai can be a powerful tool for individuals in Kashmir to find purpose and meaning in their lives. The concept can help individuals identify their passions, skills, and the needs of their community, and find ways to contribute to the world around them. Ikigai can help individuals find direction and purpose, even in the face of adversity. It is my hope that the people of Kashmir can use Ikigai as a means of finding fulfilment and joy in their lives, despite the challenges they face.
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