Thank You Jammu

A few days ago, I saw a video of a young man on a flight to a major city. In the clip, a middle-aged woman seated next to him urged him to speak in the local language since they were heading to the metropolis. Her tone was laced with menace and condescension, exuding a disdainful superiority that was hard to ignore. Every word she spoke carried an undercurrent of intimidation.

Recently, we have observed a concerning rise in such incidents across various states in the country where people have even resorted to violence against those they label as ‘outsiders.’ This hostility seems to stem either from a deep-seated fear among some people, who believe that these ‘outsiders’ pose a threat to their cultural identity and established way of life, or from the desire of certain political parties to gain a few additional political brownie points.

While I am not here to judge the circumstances or motivations behind the events unfolding in those states, the stories I’ve been reading and hearing have truly made me reflect on the remarkable kindness and generosity of the people of Jammu. I think we (Kashmiri Pandits) have never fully expressed our deep gratitude for the incredible way they have accepted us, despite us ticking all the boxes overwhelmingly, which is making other states insecure. 

To put things in perspective, it’s essential to recognise that the number of people who speak Dogri and are expected to uphold the rich traditions of Dogri culture is significantly smaller than that of the larger, more widespread communities, which are feeling insecure due to migrations to their states.  In most of these cities, the migrant population is in single-digit percentages, except in one or two cities, where it is higher (reflecting long-term migration).

Jammu was flooded with Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) when they were forced to migrate to the city en masse in a historical wave of displacement.
At that time, Jammu’s population stood at approx. 4 Lacs. Suddenly, around 1.2 Lacs (Conservative estimate) KPs sought refuge in the city overnight, ie, a staggering influx of around 30%.

If there was any group that could justifiably feel threatened of losing their cultural and language identity, it should have been the Dogras. But did they? The answer is a resounding NO. This resilience speaks volumes about their deep-rooted connection to their cultural legacy, serving as evidence of their confidence in the strength and durability of their identity.

To provide better context, let’s put aside the above arguments for a moment, as they may appear overly simplistic to some (we all have a few ‘intellectual’ friends who enjoy counter arguments to any point you make). They might contend that these examples are fundamentally political in nature and that the general public does not engage in such behaviour.

Okay, another example for them -In a country marred with caste, religion, language, economic, etc, divide, try putting 30% of one set of people (don’t forget overnight) having entirely different culture, ethnicity, food habits, living habits, etc, with any population. If it is as friction-less as the last 35 years have been in Jammu, I would be willing to lose anything for it.

I do agree that in the early years, there were a few sporadic incidents, but they were mostly linked to criminal activity rather than any broader social unrest. Here also, the people of Jammu deserve significant praise for their remarkable composure in quelling these episodes, refusing to let them escalate or disrupt the city’s harmony.

Today, the next generation of KPs proudly identifies as Jammuites, reflecting their deep connection to the place that gave them shelter when the world had turned a blind eye to their plight, all while honouring their Kashmiri roots. Perhaps unconsciously, they have embraced valuable lessons from the people of Jammu, learning the importance of adaptation and integration without losing sight of their heritage.

Over the years, there has been a significant exchange of strengths and positives between the two communities. For instance, the people of Jammu have increasingly prioritised education, recognising its essential role in personal and community development. Meanwhile, Kashmiris have adopted the entrepreneurial spirit and (much-needed) aggression of the Jammuites. This mutual learning experience has enriched both cultures. You will notice that a significant number of Dogra students are attaining impressive All India Ranks in various competitive examinations. At the same time, many young KPs are making remarkable progress in sectors such as business and entertainment. Additionally, there has been a noteworthy increase in the percentage of KP youth choosing to join the armed forces.

Thank you, Jammu, for accepting us. Even if the KPs eventually return to their homeland and start anew (we have done it seven times before), this often-overlooked gratitude towards you should become part of our collective memory. This sentiment should be passed down through generations of KPs, ensuring that the recognition of your generosity and support when we needed it the most resonates through the ages.

Let us KPs not forget, even in our haste. Just close your eyes for a moment, go back in time, and think thru the last 35 years, and imagine ‘What if….’