Kashmir: Roots, Resilience, and Responsibility
Image you see above is the joint-family home my dad grew up in. The Kashmiri Pandits are among the oldest continuous communities in South Asia, with roots in the Kashmir Valley stretching back over two millennia. Known for their contributions to scholarship, governance, and the arts, Pandits played a central role in shaping the intellectual and cultural fabric of Kashmir. From Sanskrit learning to the Kashmiri language itself, their influence can be traced in literature, philosophy, and administration across centuries.
In the late 1980s the community faced a turning point. Rising militancy in the valley and political instability led to widespread violence and threats against Kashmiri Pandits. In 1989–1990 most families were forced to leave their ancestral homes, beginning an exodus that scattered them across India and the world. The sudden displacement created challenges such as loss of property, disrupted education, and life in temporary camps for many. Yet despite the upheaval, the community adapted with resilience.
Over the past three decades Kashmiri Pandits have rebuilt their lives in new environments while keeping alive their traditions of education and cultural expression. Their story is not only about exile but also about persistence. Many have excelled in diverse fields including science, literature, public service, and technology, carrying forward a legacy of learning and leadership.
I had the good fortune of working with Helpline Humanity in Jammu, where displaced Pandit families continue to live. Volunteering with this nonprofit gave me the chance to contribute in small but meaningful ways: helping set up computers for a community library, teaching coding and resume skills to young people, and recording oral histories from elders. These experiences deepened my appreciation of the resilience and determination of the community.
The history of Kashmiri Pandits is ultimately one of continuity and resilience. Though displacement reshaped the community, it did not erase its identity. Instead, the experience reinforced the values of education, adaptability, and cultural pride that have long defined us.