On the 9th of February 2023, NHSF (UK) hosted an event in collaboration with the UCL Hindu Society: ‘The Kashmiri Hindu Identity: 33 Years On.’

The event aimed to explore the living experience of the Hindu identity from the perspective of British Kashmiris, exiled from their homeland. While awareness of the 1990 genocide faced by the Kashmiri Hindus has come to light over the past few years, many students on NHSF (UK) campuses pondered on how well the community is understood beyond its pain.

 

“I am not defined by my trauma,” said one Kashmiri student. This bold assertion inspired this grassroots event, held by the KCL, UCL and Imperial Hindu societies to platform 5 Kashmiri Hindu students on a panel discussion to cover various aspects of their heritage.  Moderated by Aman Vyas, KCL Hindu Society President (22/23), each of the panellists began the event by an exploration of different facets of their culture.

 

The first student led a humorous section on Kashmiri personalities, with the audience guessing “Who is the Kashmiri?” Filled with laughter and surprise, it highlighted the sheer impact of the small community on all aspects of life in India, be it politics, cinema or cricket!

The second student gave us a whistle-stop tour of Kashmir, presenting the different cities, attractions and pilgrimage sites that give the valley its picturesque and sacred geography. Plans to undertake the Amarnath Yatra were heard across the room after the event concluded! The student further gave an interactive component by teaching select phrases in the Kashmiri language. A goosebump moment for the respected Kashmiri elders in the room, who were delighted to hear this many people speaking their tongue.

An audience favourite was the phrase “Bath Kyoth?” meaning “Have you eaten?” though literally translating to “Have you had rice?” The word “Bath” for rice was the same word to many other Hindus in the room in their mother tongues, be it Gujarati or Bhojpuri. This illustrated how close the connections between the Hindu communities have been, through shared foods and vocabulary.

 

Our third student gave a detailed dive into the philosophy of Kashmiri Shaivism, its key texts and ancient Masters. The profound teachings of our Kashmiri Hindu ancestors and their impact on theological and spiritual movements across Bharat (the Indian subcontinent) were well-received. Many will take back the idea of ‘Shiva Drishti,’ to see the entire universe as manifestation of Bhagavan Shiva, to implement on their own spiritual journeys.

“As Durga Puja is to the Bengalis, or as Ganesh Chaturthi to the Marathis, Herath or Shivaratri is that special time in the year for us Kashmiris.” The student gave a fascinating exploration into various Kashmiri festivals and the traditions/customs associated with the celebrations.

Our fourth panellist delved into the beauty of Kashmiri poetry, sharing with us the works of Lalleshwari Ji, also known as Lal Ded. Recognised as the mother of Kashmiri literature, her poems were read aloud in the original language as well as the translations. It was empowering for many in the audience to learn of this famous Hindu saint whose works had changed the devotional landscape of Bharat.

Our final panellist introduced the audience to Kashmiri foods and the unique ways of preparing Kashmiri Pandit dishes, distinguishing it from the Kashmiri Muslim methods. The student gave answers to pertinent questions that many ask about the Kashmiri Hindus, such as “why do you consume meat as Kashmiri Pandits?” This light-hearted section brought many dishes to attention and discussions around where to find authentic Kashmiri Hindu cuisine in Britain.

“We are Hindus just like you. We are as Hindu as you.” It was harrowing to hear Kashmiri students having to labour this point, as many of the elders in their community have done. The Q&A session brought the room to tears, as our panellists began to discuss their personal relationship with Kashmir, as well as the stories of the trauma faced by their parents during the 1990 Genocide. To hear this from the voices of modern Kashmiri youth in Britain was both heartwrenching, and assuring. Heartbreaking to see youth yearning to return, yet hopeful to see how the Kashmiri Hindu identity was being preserved and practised thousands of miles away.  

The event concluded with a Kashmiri Aarti dedicated to Maej Sharika, the presiding deity (Ishta-Devi) of Srinagar, and a form of Aadi Shakti worshipped by the Kashmiri community. To hear this ancient hymn being resounded made hairs stand on end, as it felt the Devi was herself in the room.

Maej Sharikay kar daya, var daya hey Bhawani!

O Mother Sharika, have Daya (mercy/ compassion) on me.

 

Our thanks to the Akshaya Patra Foundation UK for providing Prasada for the event, with the special inclusion of Kashmiri Dum Aloo!

“I was given the opportunity to host and oversee the planning of the event. Though I had some prior knowledge about Hindus in Kashmir, it was only when I started hearing the different stories and perspectives of the panellists, and their families in each weekly call, and of course the event, I began to truly resonate with their struggle. Not only did I resonate with their struggle, but also became even more fascinated with their beautiful culture. One of the striking points made, in the discussion, was the idea that they are not different from other Hindus, it may seem obvious that they aren’t different because they identify as Hindu, but I understood that day that they still struggle to be seen and heard by other Hindus.”

–   Aman Vyas

 

NHSF (UK) celebrates the heritage and culture of persecuted Hindu communities, and vows to protect and promote all forms of Hindu Dharma on campuses.

We are grateful to our students for their courage in standing up for their identity, speaking up for their community and showing up to the Hindu student family.  

“Last week, I saw a hall full of people clapping along to an Aarti that I’d only heard between the walls of my own home. The sound of it rings in my ears every time I recall it, it was a surreal feeling. For one evening, a lecture theatre in London felt like an extension of home: sharing family traditions, stories, and perspectives over a cup of traditional Kashmiri Kehwa. For the first time, I had an opportunity to voice the experiences that have shaped me, my family, and my community, as well as my thoughts on the essence of our identity. I am extremely grateful for the support from all those who attended and helped with the planning of the event – it was truly empowering. And, for the first time, I felt heard.” – a Kashmiri Hindu student.