ISLAMABAD: To commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day, the India Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held a Seminar and Exhibition on Thursday on the theme of “Reflections of Resilience: Showcasing Kashmiri Identity Through Art. “
The primary purpose of the seminar was to go beyond the political and diplomatic lenses and to view the Kashmiri resistance from the literary, art, and cultural prisms.
The Seminar brought together the Kashmir movement’s political figures, think-tank experts, academics, and artists to share their insights on the distinct Kashmiri identity and the struggle for self-determination by Kashmiris.
The Chief Guest on the occasion was Mushaal Hussein Mullick, SAPM on Human Rights and Women Empowerment. The Seminar started with remarks by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General, ISSI.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood expressed gratitude to the speakers, attendees, and students who participated in the accompanying art competition. He stressed that art transcends the traditional boundaries of resistance and showcases the political struggle of Kashmiri people under Indian illegal occupation and relentless oppression. The art Exhibition highlights the power of artistic expression and encapsulates the essence of the struggle of Kashmiris.
He said that the accompanying exhibition focuses on the exquisite artistic prowess and the celebration of Kashmiri literature and culture. This also serves as a reminder that Kashmir is not just a regional hotspot but also an issue of profound concern for the global community. A peaceful resolution of the conflict and upholding the right of self-determination of the Kashmiris remains imperative.
Mushaal Hussein Mullick lauded ISSI’s initiative to engage young Pakistani and Kashmiri artists in exploring the culture and heritage of Kashmir. She said that this innovative event expresses solidarity with the Kashmiris in the most meaningful way and helps uplift their spirits.
She shared her own passion for the arts and underlined her personal contribution to depicting both the beauty of Kashmir and the travails of its people under occupation.
Struggle of Kashmiris Appreciated
Dr. Memoona Khan, in her presentation, highlighted the powerful artwork of different resistance artists from history. She observed that the valiant yet heart-wrenching struggle of Kashmiri people is going on through physical means, but other mediums, such as art, are also being used to portray their resistance.
She believed that among the kinds of books, the book of art is the most powerful. She criticized the so-called ‘democratic’ country India for perpetrating atrocities in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Another speaker, Sardar Waheed Khan, apprised the participants of the historical political struggles of the Kashmiris. He stressed the significance of Kashmiris and Pakistanis working together for the promotion of the Kashmir cause, along with the Kashmiri diaspora living around the world.
He said that this idea of exhibition and showcasing the resistance through art is appreciable. He added that the resistance is adapting to challenges and life experiences that take a toll on mental and physical health.
