This is Our Story, Bombay the city of dreams Srimal Fernando , Jalal Shams and Shameen Manicson

This is Our Story, Bombay the city of dreams 

Srimal Fernando ( Sri Lanka ) , Jalal Shams (Afghanistan ) and Shameen Manicson  (the Maldives)   three individuals representing  three countries   from  South Asia   will travel across   several parts of North India  and reach “Bombay the city of dreams”. This is a journey of celebration and personal challenge.

We will continue our journey across India  . We  decade this  orchestral  track composed by A. R. Rahman  "Bombay Theme Tune," (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm-l_zD--j0  )  to touch your hearts and minds  during our travels.

Journey begins tomorrow, from Delhi . In Bombay the three travellers are   planning to visit places such as  Gateway of India, Bandra- Worli Sea Link.,Nariman Point ,Girgaon Chowpati..Bombay Stock Exchange..Bombay High CourtMarine Drive,Hutatma ChowkBrebourne Stadium..Mumba Devi ( Kalba Devi ..Tajmahal Hotel ,Azad Maidan.. Rajabai Tower and The Haji Ali Dargah

This is Our Story, Bombay the city of dreams   is one of the places  covered  under the “ My Life in India “ book project the “-Covering 26 Indian Cities & States )

Reporting (Contribution by Ratan Kumar Roy and Srimal Fernando - Editorial Team Rickshaw Blog )

Rickshaw is a students’ collective at South Asian University, housed in the Department of Sociology
Reporting (Contribution by Ratan Kumar Roy and Srimal Fernando - Editorial Team Rickshaw Blog )
"South Asian University gets new President ", "Monsoon Sociology Seminar Series concludes", "Cinema and Society Concludes the Monsoon semester with ‘Films on Film in South Asia" ., "18th SAARC Summit adopts Kathmandu Declaration"
(http://sausociology.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/reporting-2/ )

Envisioning A University, Social Science and Academic Culture in South Asia: An Interview with Professor Sasanka Perera ( Rickshaw Blog ,Srimal Fernando Team Member))

Envisioning A University, Social Science and Academic Culture in South Asia: An Interview with Professor Sasanka Perera

Interview with Professor Sasanka Perera, the Founding Chairman and Professor in the Department of Sociology and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences of South Asian University (SAU).


Srimal Fernando (SF): Give a brief background of yourself?

Professor Sasanka Perera (Professor): I had most of my school education in Sri Lanka except for one year I spent in Australia in 1978 or so on a scholarship. That was my real first opening to the world beyond home. As part of growing up and going to school, I have lived in different parts of the country. As government servants, whenever my parents were transferred, they simply packed up their goods, collected their family and went where they were asked to go. Unlike today, they did not seek the intervention of politicians to make changes to their transfer orders. But after we came to Colombo in 1971, we stayed there. My undergraduate education was at the University of Colombo in the early 1980s where I studied Sociology, Political Science and English. This time is important to me for another very different reason, beyond academic matters as I also met my wife there. I went to University of California in 1986 to study Anthropology. I had come to the conclusion by this time that cultural anthropology offered me the best possibilities for more seriously studying the political upheavals Sri Lanka was experiencing at the time. From University of California, I received my MA, CPhil and PhD degrees. From 1991 to 1992, I conducted post-doctoral research at Princeton University with Professor Gananath Obeyesekere. I returned to Sri Lanka by late 1992 and joined the teaching staff of the Department of Sociology in 1993. I resigned from the University of Colombo in 2011 to come to South Asian University.
For me though, my life is not only about academics; I write poetry when adequately inspired; I spend considerable time with photography if I can find the time; I am interested in blogging; and I have a passionate interest in art, an interest which I share with my wife Anoli, who is a practicing artist. I have now transformed my passion in art into an academic enterprise as well.


SF: From the point of view as the Dean of Social Sciences of South Asian University (SAU) in India, what is your opinion about the current university system of India?

Professor: India has such an extensive university system spread across all kinds of levels, it is almost impossible to give a coherent and extensive opinion. After all, unlike the relatively small university system in Sri Lanka, India’s system includes central, state and private universities, deemed universities and many many colleges. Despite the number, however, I can see that the quality of training offered by these institutions vary considerably from place to place. On the other hand, despite the thinking that has gone into creating major universities, I can see in the Indian system the same kind of deteriorations in academic quality I have seen in Sri Lanka and other parts of South Asia. This has resulted from politics seeping into these institutions in a very unhealthy manner as well these institutions’ inability to attract the best possible people. This has ensured the rapid erosion of the intellectual space we call ‘academic freedom.’ For me, being an academic is not a matter of simply holding a job. It is a vocation; it is a way of life; it is a passion; and above all, it is a responsibility. To be all this, one needs a specific frame of mind in addition to training. I am not sure if these attributes are shared by many people who come to universities as teachers nowadays in India as well as in South Asia more generally. Even so, it seems to me that some key universities in India still have a core group of thinking people who produce significant research which unfortunately we clearly miss in countries like Sri Lanka. This is particularly more visible in the human sciences as opposed to technical fields.

SF: How do you evaluate the South Asian University (SAU) performance within the University system within the South Asian countries?

Professor: South Asian University started operations only in 2010 and the Faculty of Social Sciences and all other programs except for Development Economics and Computer Science in 2011. So it is still too early to talk about an evaluation in a comprehensive sense. After all, we are scholars, not magicians. We cannot build an institution by simply waving a magic wand. In real terms, we are building an institution under very difficult conditions when comparable institutions in the entire region have undergone serious disruptions. In this context, I think we are doing reasonably well though there is quite a bit of room for serious improvements in the way we think and do things. But even so, if I am to simply focus on my own Faculty, I am quite happy with the progress we have made so far. Intellectually, I think we are doing quite well. We have done so many things including designing of courses and extra-curricular and outreach activities which usually takes more traditional and established universities decades to do. Being relatively small, I think helps quite a bit. We are not burdened with traditions. In fact, we are in the process of building our own traditions, and hopefully our own place in history which I hope we can be proud of in the future. So let us wait for a few years and see how we actually perform in South Asia.

SF: Can you name some of the major post graduate, masters, doctoral courses and research programs that are being offered by the South Asian University (SAU) to the South Asian and to other International students outside the region?

Professor: At the moment, we offer programs both at the MA/MSC and Mphil/PhD levels. These are offered in Sociology, International Relations, Development Economics, Legal Studies, Computer Science, Mathematics and Bio Technology. When the university goes into its second phase, we are expected to have an undergraduate program as well as an expansion of our current disciplinary makeup.

SF : Out of the current International student enrolment, approximately how many numbers of students represent from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the Maldives and follow various courses at the Faculty of Social Sciences?
Professor: In terms of absolute numbers, if you take the two MA batches in Sociology and International Relations in the Faculty at the moment, we have 6 students from Afghanistan, 14 from Bangladesh, 2 from Bhutan, 3 from Pakistan, 2 from Sri Lanka, 1 from the Maldives, 10 from Nepal and 52 from India. From the two Mphil/PhD candidates in both IR and Sociology, we have 2 from Afghanistan, 2 from Bangladesh, 2 from Sri Lanka, 3 from Nepal and 6 from India. So we have some representation from each South Asian country. But numbers also show that in my Faculty as well as in the university more generally, some countries are under-represented. The Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are among these. More specifically, what I mean is this: though students come to our university even from these underrepresented countries, their numbers do not come anywhere close to the seats available for them. As far as I am concerned, some serious outreach work needs to be done specially in these countries to attract more students to our Faculty as well as to the university. But this is not simply the responsibly of the university alone. After all, this is an initiative of SAARC for which all the member states contribute financially. So I think the organizations overseeing higher education in these countries also need to play an active role in directing interested students towards our university. After all, we conduct entrance examinations annually in all the SAARC countries.

SF: What are your thoughts about your Faculty and the relationship with the past and present South Asian students?
Professor: Well, I can only offer a partial answer. The other part will have to come from students themselves. Maybe you should also do an interview like this with them at some point. On the whole, we challenge our students to excel and move beyond classes. In a sense, all the activities of Faculty of Social Sciences are at least in part geared towards this. The Departments of Sociology and International Relations host their own regular seminar series. These bring in experts in the specific subjects to talk to us but we also often blur our own disciplinary borders in what we do. ‘Cinema and Society’ program from the Department of Sociology which is open to the entire university encourages students to critically and self-reflectively view films on a regular basis. And sometimes we offer the opportunity for them to talk with film-makers and scholars about these films. The annual lecture series, ‘Contributions to Contemporary Knowledge’ hosted by the Office of the Dean invites a scholar of repute from anywhere in the world to present their work so our students as well as teachers might be motivated to engage with their ideas and to think out of the box. These are our gifts not only to folks in SAU, but to everyone in Delhi who might have an interest. There is a blog run by the students from the Department of Sociology called ‘Rickshaw’ open to everyone in the university and beyond as a forum to express their ideas. We expect our students to necessarily take part in all these activities and also help organize these events. But quite frankly, I think the course work and these activities are sometimes too much for them. We know that some people drop out. And others complain that we expect too much work from them. Yet others actively take part on many of these events. For me all this is part of our reality. If what one wants is a simple degree, they can always get it from anywhere. Maybe even online. If this is the expectation, then I really don’t see why anyone should think of coming to my faculty because there are many other places where life would be much easier. But if what is needed is a nuanced education and serious intellectual and cultural growth, then they can come to us. But it is tough. Personally, I did not resign from my previous job in a university that is over 100 years old and embark on building this institution to simply hang around or only to teach. I expect my colleagues and students to think on similar lines.

SF: Through what major partner/s or agencies does the Faculty of Social Sciences at the South Asian University (SAU) work to promote higher education among South Asian and in other Asian or African countries?

Professor: As far as I am concerned, in the short run, we cannot have an impact in the higher education sectors in these countries directly. In the short run, what we can hope for is to only improve ourselves as an institution in making sure that the research we do and the training we offer are of the highest quality. By that I mean, we must attract well qualified academics to our Faculty, and attract motivated and intellectually curious young people to come to us for their education from these countries. In the short and medium term, this is my expectation and this is what we have focused on. This is also achievable. And in this respect, I think we are doing well within the constraints we have. More specifically, we also have to encourage younger teachers in universities and colleges in these countries who might need advanced training to come to our Faculty. This has already happened to some extent, and whenever we see such candidates, we would consider them seriously as long as other prerequisites are met. In the long run, if these plans work out well, that would mean that we will be training young people for these countries. And when they go back to their home countries, to their institutions and to their universities after their training with us, at that time I am sure our impact on higher education and the social structure of these countries at least in some spheres would be visible. But this is a long term plan which needs much planning and a lot of patience.
On the other hand, my Faculty has received a number of requests for collaborative work from institutions in other countries. But we could not put any of these into practice as the regulations for collaborations and for signing MOUs are still not in place. This is a significant lapse that we have to address. Nevertheless, both the Department of Sociology and the Department of International Relations have worked with a number of international funding agencies to organize a series of conferences and a summer school already. And these will continue. So far, our efforts through such collaborations have only been in Delhi and India given the reality of our location. But if we are to be more successful, these kinds of efforts also must necessarily move to other South Asian countries and beyond the region as well. For example, the Department of Sociology has taken a principled decision which has been cleared by the Board of Studies of the Faculty of Social Sciences to try and organize a few conferences in Colombo and Kathmandu to begin with if funds and suitable local partners can be found. What this means is that our presence will be more clearly felt in these cities and these countries while we can also directly impact knowledge production in these countries. But this too is a goal that still needs to be fulfilled in the future. But if we can do this, then I am sure colleagues and students from these countries would want to come to our Faculty because our reputation in their own contexts would be self-evident.

SF: What are the challenges faced by your Faculty? And what steps has the University taken to improve the facilities, performance and the image of your Faculty at South Asian University (SAU)?
Professor: When we first came in, our major challenge was the lack of a library. But over the last three years, we have established a small and reasonably well-stocked library which also offers access to significant online databases. It is also an efficient and responsive library. This is a major improvement and I can see that it will grow. It would be nice to see better office spaces where academic colleagues and administrative staff can work in more comfort and spend more time in the university helping build some sense of community, which I think still lacks. But as I said before, we are still building this place. Over time, hopefully infrastructure would also improve. One can always be hopeful. Besides, it is not a crime to dream. On the other hand, by and large I think the administration has been fairly responsive to our needs, particularly when compared to other intuitions of this kind. But I think the capacity for creative thinking and the way in which South Asia and the world beyond could be re-imagined differently from the somewhat colorless thinking of nation states is something that the University in general can take more serious note of. But in the end, how we perform as a Faculty and how our image is created is up to the Faculty itself and not anyone else’s responsibility. So far, whatever image we might have built is our own; whatever our lapses might be, are also our own.

SF: Is there anything in addition that you would like to include?

Professor: Yes. For me, the idea of this university which came from a small group of serious thinkers in South Asia is grand idea. It deserves to work. But for that, we need help from governments, people and organizations. We need constructive criticism from people within and beyond the university to improve what we have begun. Within the university itself, we also must think creatively. On this count, the university must necessarily improve. Its South Asian character also cannot be restricted to mere words. Our student body is reasonably well representative of the region though as I have said before, some countries are underrepresented. But the situation is very bad when it comes to teachers. Of about 60 odd teachers, only about five or so are from countries outside of India. Most of them are in my Faculty. Personally, I find this situation quite embarrassing if not just wrong. It is in this context that the university is about to launch a visiting professor scheme to attract scholars from these underrepresented countries to come and teach in our university for short stints. But in the long term, this will not work, and we have to go out of the way to seek and bring the best possible minds from these countries to our university as fulltime teachers. This must be the university’s priority. It is certainly one of mine.
(Republished From  Foreign Exchange Diplomatic Society  Of South Africa)

 

 

Fascinating Cultural Blend of Nepal Srimal Fernando -South Asian University and Editorial Team Rickshaw)

 Rickshaw is a students’ collective at South Asian University, housed in the Department of Sociology (photo rights Author /ANN )

( http://sausociology.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/envisioning-a-university-social-science-and-academic-culture-in-south-asia-an-interview-with-professor-sasanka-perera-2/ )

Fascinating Cultural Blend of Nepal

Srimal Fernando (
(Research Scholar  ,Department of Sociology,South Asian University and Editorial Team Rickshaw)

Flying into Nepal is a fantastic experience. The country is a naturalist wonderland, where the stunning environment is a sensual escape into paradise. Nepal with its beautiful landscapes had long been known world over for its majestic Everest Mountain, the highest mountain peak on the planet, Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha and for the world renowned kukri-wielding Gorkah warriors who are reputed for winning many battles .

Nepal is famous for its extraordinary scenic beauty and salubrious climate and is known as “the Land of Paradise”. Nepal is a landlocked country in the Himalayan Mountains and share borders with India and China. Of the world’s fourteen high peaks, the country has eight that include Mount Everest. The countrymen call it Sagara –Matha. It is 8850 meters above sea level. The Himalayan Mountain range in the country has more than hundred snow-laden peaks rising above seven thousand meters.

Wildlife in the country is as diverse as its landscape, ranging from the famous Royal Bengal Tigers in the Baridia, Shiva-puri national park to the one-horned Rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park and the Himalayan black bears loitering in the Himalayan foothills.

Many of the countries lakes are considered sacred and have religious significance in the social lifestyle of the communities living near them. Nepal’s cultural mosaic is marked by many different cultures, but many have lasting influence on the country’s culture. The culture of the county is composite and over centuries had assimilated the influences of the two main religions of the Indian sub continent, the Hinduism and Buddhism.

The city of Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Buddha is located in the south-western side of the country .It is another heritage attraction. It was once an extensive centre of Buddhist culture. This world heritage site is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Buddhists from all over the world. “Hidbhudhejate Shakyamuniti” which means “Lord Gautama Buddha was born here” is mentioned in the Asoka pillar of Lumbini erected by King Asoka .

As the most populous cosmopolitan city of Nepal, Kathmandu known as the ‘City of Temples’ is situated amidst a splendid panorama in the bowl shaped Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu is the most vibrant city in the country with number of buildings and fair assortment of other country style houses. It has a vibrant cultural life crowded with a legacy of a rich cultural past .There is no end to the breath-taking sites visitors can see in this city. Among its highest-esteemed attractions is the Durbar Square nestled in the heart of the city.It was the ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty.

The entire palace complex named after a monkey god called Hanuman. The best-known Bouddha-nath stupa on a three tiered platform is one of the most recognizable tourist spots that attract thousands of visitors every day. Swoyambhu-nath located on a 360 steps hillock is the world’s largest Shiva temple. The Pashupati-nath temples is another prominent land marks in the city. Shopping is undoubtedly an attraction in itself as choices and variety for items here is incalculable. Greeted by the warmth of the smiling people and its fascinating history, and unrivalled settings, no wonder Nepal is the adventure capital of the world.

 Srimal Fernando Research Scholar  ,Department of Sociology,South Asian University

 (http://sausociology.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/envisioning-a-university-social-science-and-academic-culture-in-south-asia-an-interview-with-professor-sasanka-perera-2/ )

Kashmir The Beautiful Cultural Wonder Of India By Srimal Fernando Daily Mirror .Impulse

 

Kashmir The Beautiful Cultural Wonder Of India 

By Srimal Fernando Daily Mirror .Impulse ( Print /Online edition http://dailymirrorepaper.newspaperdirect.com/ep…/viewer.aspx- Sri Lanka ) Monday ,1st December 2014

“If paradise is anywhere on the earth, it is here” was one of most memorable observations ever spoken by the seventeenth century Mughal emperor Jahangir in a journey to the Kashmir Valley .

 

 

 

 Yet these words still stands true today. Kashmir laced with myths of antiquity occupies the Northern portion of the mountainous region of India. Jammu and Kashmir needs little introduction to many visitors to this picturesque landscape with mountains, gorgeous lakes, beautiful country side, monuments, temples, tombs, Mughal gardens and palaces. The Indian state of Kashmir boast one of the world’s longest, richest and most rewarding histories.
The unresolved issue of Kashmir since partition of India in 1947 has remained one of the major stumbling blocks for better India, Pakistan relations and it has been at the centre stage of South Asian political iconography for more than half a century. In the hope that peace would prevail in this beautiful area, Kashmir is seeing a growing proportion of visitor arrivals in the recent past .Kashmir with its magnificent heritage, glorious culture with its rich royal past is one of the most scenic and extremely popular tourist destinations in India. The mountain journey which commences from Jammu to Srinagar passing through Kashmir valley winds its way through many hair raising curves and fearful tunnels and deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. The scenery as it unfolds during the trip is breathtaking. There is no end to the breath-taking sites visitors can see in Jammu the winter capital , Srinagar , Jammu Udhampur, GondolaKatra , Zab Baihk , Ladakh and Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Leh.

As the most populous city of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar known as the ‘Venice of the East” is situated amidst a splendid panorama . Origin of Srinagar is so a unique and ancient that it has been veiled in the mist of time. The eye catching Dal Lake of Srinagar is encircled by variety of walk paths gives a perfect place for tourists to observe the spellbinding scenic views of the area. Dal Lake is famed for breathtaking river cruise in a Shikaraa , traditional small wooden boat, or in a houseboat in the bottle green waters of the lake can be an enjoyable cruise . There is no end to the breath-taking sites visitors can see in Sringar . Among those sites Hazratbal Shrine, Jama Masjid one of the oldest mosques in Kashmir Aali Masjid , GanderbalHari ,Shrine of Sharika Mata temple. Although Mughal Empire has long since vanished its influence continues to be present in every part of Srinagar .Today picturesque Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh are delightful gardens of over famed for its roses and ferns. Srinagar has a fair assortment of other country style houses with large gardens .It will take hours of roaming around to see everything in the city. Kashmir is unique, not just for its most striking natural wonders but for the veritable treasures lying in the diversity of its rich cultural heritage. Art is considered one of the defining features of the Kashmiri culture The musical communities in the country are well versed with raga, talas and the melodic modes that have rhythmical notes. Both ethnic and modern dances are featured in the dance festivals in Kashmir . There are number of dance styles in Kashmir ,however Dumhal a popular dance in the Kashmir Valley styles is performed by men . The state has produced a large number of leading writers, intellectuals’ playwrights and poets. Traveling to Jammu and Kashmir can be done in different ways .However the experience that a visitor gains is unforgettable.
Source : Daily Mirror ( http://dailymirrorepaper.newspaperdirect.com/ep…/viewer.aspx ) Sri Lanka

Punjab the “Land of Five Rivers”By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor, The Diplomatic Society (TDS)

 

 

(http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/diplomatic-travel )

 

Punjab  the  “Land of Five Rivers”

 

By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor, The Diplomatic Society (TDS)

Situated in the Northwest of India, Punjab is called the “Land of Five Rivers”. The different parts of the Punjab offer wide variety of interesting places to visit. The unforgettable beauty of the state enjoys a lively and diverse cultural lifestyle, with much to discover. The State has reasons to be proud of their achievements over the past sixty years in social, economic and infrastructural development. The state economy, predominantly based on agriculture, industrial exports and tourism has been a key contributor to Punjab economy. Agriculture continues to be the bedrock of the Punjab’s economy and earned its reputation as the “Granary of India”. Being an agricultural state the majority of its workers are engaged in farming and animal husbandry.
The state produces most of India’s grains than any other state in the country. Wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, fodder are the vital economic indicators of Punjab’s agrarian society. The Punjab sugarcane industry has undergone a major overhaul during the last six decades. The dairy industry of the state is part of a long and proud agricultural tradition of the state. Animal husbandry has been an essential part of Punjab’s economic life. Punjab is one of the largest milk producing areas of India with a capacity of 10 per cent of the country’s total production capability. Manufacturing has provided an enormous boost to the state economy since implementation of economic liberalisation policies in India in the early 1990s.
The largest city is Chandigarh, the political, economic, and cultural hub. The tourist industry in Punjab is a wonderful success story. Punjab’s natural and historical attractions appeal to many visitors from all parts of the world. Best places to visit around Punjab  based on distance, budget are the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Wagah border between India and Pakistan, Jallianwala Bagh ,Patiala to explore the royal Punjab of the past, Lodhi Fort and the  fertile farming lands of the state.
Sikhism’s holiest site the Darbar Sahib also known as the Golden Temple in Amritsar built in 1604 by Guru Arjun the fifth Sikh Guru is where the holy scripture of Sikhism Guru Granth Sahib, is retained. The majestic Golden Temple surrounded by a large lake near the river Ravi is visited by millions of devotees annually. Since the earliest times, pilgrimages to Sikh Gurudwaras have been made as acts of devotion. Even today when tourist visits a Sikh Gurudwara the cultural revival of Sikh history, literary history, ethno-history, and so forth can be seen. Sikhism, is still close to the hearts of many Sikhs.
Punjabi customs and traditions are famous all over the world. In over 500 years the 25 million Sikhs around the world with a rich ancient culture plus strong traditions have shown an extraordinary ability to protected their communities as well as defend their lands and adopt to new environments. There are five articles of faith, known as five kakars required to be worn by a Sikh. Sikh turban or Dastar is a mark of visual identity and is an important part of the unique Sikh identity which conveys royalty, grace and partly to cover their long hair. The Kirpan a ceremonial sword, Sikh Comb or Kanga and the Kara a steel bangle worn on the wrist are the other the three articles of faith worn by a Sikh. Today the Punjabi and Sikh traditions, customs and culture dress style, views on life are making headway.
Punjab renowned for having one of the world's best education systems in India spends more per capita on education and has traditionally been noted for its high academic standards. The state’s high proportion of tertiary graduates and its performance as a modern technological society with thirteen universities promotes high quality of professional education.
Given this favourable outlook, the Indian State of Punjab is a place to invest and to do business in the country. As one of the most important travel hubs in India, Punjab offers a fascinating panorama of the past, with a richly mixed cultural and historical tradition.

 

 (http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/diplomatic-travel)

 

My Srinagar Story ( Jammu and Kashmir, state of India, ) Pictured By Srimal Fernando ( " My Life in India " Book Project )

My Srinagar Story  , Kashmir Pix Srimal Fernando

My Srinagar Story " ( Jammu and Kashmir, state of India, ) Pictured By Srimal Fernando ( " My Life in India " Book Project )
Copyright - AAN /Author

  [Srimal Fernando  is a International Journalist and a Global Editor for  Foreign Exchange The Diplomatic Society. - South Africa  (www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/ )He is also a International Editor for a globally famous life style Magazine.  Srimal Fernando  is  a recognized international travel photographer he has received tremendous appreciations from different Heads of States, Ministers and Diplomats ]

Overview
Jammu and Kashmir consists of three regions: Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Srinagar is the summer capital, and Jammu is the winter capital. Srinagar is the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley, on the banks of the Jhelum River.Road Distance or driving distance from Delhi to Srinagar is 860 kms (535.00 miles). Jammu and Kashmir has an international border with China in the north and east, and the Line of Control separates it from the Pakistan .Kashmir and Jammu was, from 1846 until 1947, a princely state in the British Empire in India, and was ruled by a Maharaja. The state was created in 1846 when, after its victory in the First Anglo-Sikh War, the East India Company annexed the Kashmir valley and on the counsel of Henry Lawrence to Lord Hardinge, At the time of the partition of India, Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of the state, preferred to remain independent and did not want to join either the Union of India or the Dominion of Pakistan. 

The Kashmir valley is famous for its beautiful mountainous landscape, and Jammu's numerous shrines attract tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year. Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Tawi Valley, Chenab Valley, Poonch Valley, Sind Valley and Lidder Valley. The main Kashmir valley is 100 km (62 mi) wide and 15,520.3 km2 .The Jhelum River is the only major Himalayan river which flows through the Kashmir valley. Jammu and Kashmir consists of three divisions: Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, and is further divided into 22 districts. Jammu and Kashmir's economy is predominantly dependent on agriculture and allied activities. In Jammu and Kashmir, the principal spoken languages are Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, Pahari, Balti, Ladakhi, Gojri, Shina and Pashto.

 

 (Srimal Fernando/ SF ) "My Story in Srinagar" 24th October 2014 - The Shalimar Gardens - Srinagar - Mughal Garden- Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the Shalimar Bagh, which is also located on the bank of the Dal Lake. 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"

 

 (SF )My Srinagar Story  23rd October 2014 Kashmir Valley- Jammu - Srinagar Road

 

 ( SF ) "My Srinagar Story  -Dal Lake, Srinagar - 24th October 2014 -Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir

 

 (SF ) ,My Srinagar Story  Srinagar Town Srinagar - 24th October 2014

 

 (SF )My Srinagar Story  Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.The shikara is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake .Shikara boat in Dal Lake, the traditional boat of Jammu and Kashmir . SF - 23rd October 2014

 

 ( Srimal Fernando /SF ) My Srinagar Story  23rd October 2014 - The shikara is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake. Shikara boat in Dal Lake, the traditional boat of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

 ( Srimal Fernando /SF )"My Srinagar Story " -Commencing my Journey from Jammu (10 hour drive) Jammu to Srinagar in a Taxi -23rd October 2014

 

 

 Commencing the Journey from Jammu to Srinagar 10 hours . First have to travel from Delhi to Jammu ( 8 hours (295.1 km) via National Highway 1A ) The Road Distance or driving distance from Delhi to Srinagar is 860 kms (535.00 miles). Copyright - AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Commencing the Journey from Jammu to Srinagar 20 kilometer expressway ( Jammu to Srinagar distance 295.1 km via National Highway 1ACopyright - Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Commencing the Journey from Jammu to Srinagar 20 kilometer expressway ( Jammu to Srinagar distance 295.1 km via National Highway 1ACopyright - Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 Commencing the Journey from Jammu to Srinagar 20 kilometer expressway ( Jammu to Srinagar distance 295.1 km via National Highway 1ACopyright - Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Infrastructure  Development  -Commencing the Journey from Jammu to Srinagar 20 kilometer expressway ( Jammu to Srinagar distance 295.1 km via National Highway 1ACopyright - Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Kashmir Valley - Jammu to Srinagar road 295.1 km via National Highway 1 @ Copyright - Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Kashmir Valley - Jammu to Srinagar road 295.1 km via National Highway 1 @ Copyright - Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Kashmir Valley - Jammu to Srinagar road 295.1 km via National Highway 1 @ Copyright - Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Lorry's passing through the narrow roads - Kashmir Valley - Jammu to Srinagar road 295.1 km via National Highway 1 @ Copyright - Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Kashmir Valley - Jammu to Srinagar road 295.1 km via National Highway 1 @ Copyright - Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

Front of United Nations (UN) Office -Srinagar @ Copyright - Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

House boats"My Srinagar Story  Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.The shikara is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake .Shikara boat in Dal Lake, the traditional boat of Jammu and Kashmir . SF - 23rd October 2014

House Boats "My Srinagar Story r" Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.The shikara is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake .Shikara boat in Dal Lake, the traditional boat of Jammu and Kashmir . SF - 23rd October 2014

Srinagar Town Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

My Srinagar Story  23rd October 2014 - The shikara is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake. Shikara boat in Dal Lake, the traditional boat of Jammu and Kashmir. Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of KashmirPictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of KashmirPictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

My Srinagar Story  23rd October 2014 - The shikara is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake. Shikara boat in Dal Lake, the traditional boat of Jammu and Kashmir. Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

( SF )"My Srinagar Story Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.24th October 2014

 

My Srinagar Story  -Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.The shikara is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake .Shikara boat in Dal Lake, the traditional boat of Jammu and Kashmir . SF - 23rd October 2014 Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

"My Srinagar Story " Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.The shikara is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake .Shikara boat in Dal Lake, the traditional boat of Jammu and Kashmir . SF - 23rd October 2014 Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

"My Srinagar Story " Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.The shikara is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake .Shikara boat in Dal Lake, the traditional boat of Jammu and Kashmir . SF - 23rd October 2014 Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

"My Srinagar Story " Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.The shikara is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake .Shikara boat in Dal Lake, the traditional boat of Jammu and Kashmir . SF - 23rd October 2014 Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

"My Srinagar Story " Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir.Dal Lake .Shikara boat in Dal Lake, the traditional boat of Jammu and Kashmir . SF - 23rd October 2014 Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

School Children Srinagar Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

Boys School Srinagar 24th October 2014 Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

Father and two daughters Srinagar town 24th October 2014 Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

The Shalimar Gardens - Srinagar - Mughal Garden- Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

The Shalimar Gardens - Srinagar - Mughal Garden- Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

The Shalimar Gardens - Srinagar - Mughal Garden- Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

One time chief Gardner Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

(Srimal Fernando /SF) 24th October 2014 Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

SE) Shalimar Gardens 24th October 2014 The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

Two custodains at Shalimar Gardens - The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

Granite moment0 at Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 SF at a distance - Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Shalimar Gardens The largest in size is the 'Nishat Bagh' is Hindustani, which means "Garden of Joy,"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 My Story in Srinagar" Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 
Streets of Srinagar "Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Kashmir, Apple seller - Srinagar "Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Kashmir, Apples -"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Srimal Fernando with a Kashmir apple in front of a apple tree Srinagar "Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Crops and harvested -Srinagar"Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Golf Club Srinagar "Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Srinagar Cricket & Football Stadium "Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 

 Busy Srinagar Town "Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 One of the Mosque -Srinagar "Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Down the corridors of history -Srinagar "Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Tea Seller Kashmir Valley- My Srinagar Story " 23rd October 2014 Kashmir Valley- Jammu - Srinagar Road

 

 Mother and her loving kids - Kashmir Valley-My Story in Srinagar" 23rd October 2014 Kashmir Valley- Jammu - Srinagar Road

 

 Kashmir Valley -My Srinagar Story  23rd October 2014 Kashmir Valley- Jammu - Srinagar Road

 

 Convention Center -Srinagar My Srinagar Story "Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

 Convention Center -Srinagar My Srinagar Story "Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 

Convention Center -Srinagar My Srinagar Story  "Pictured by Srimal Fernando @ -AAN /Author (My Life in India Book Project)

 Foreign Exchange The Diplomatic Society. - South Africa  (www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/ )

Important notice  My Srinagar Story  By Srimal Fernando ..Do  not publish or use  these images without the permission of the author