#NIJPodcast with Ananya Episode - 08 Kashmir & Kashmiriyat with Shah Faesal (IAS)

Welcome to Episode 08 of the #NIJPodcast with Ananya! In this thought-provoking and illuminating episode, our host Ananya engages in a captivating conversation with Shah Faesal (IAS), delving deep into the multifaceted realm of Kashmir and Kashmiriyat. Faesal's insights are nothing short of enlightening. He passionately unravels the uniqueness of the Indian democracy, drawing intriguing parallels with the opulent nations of the Middle East. Through his articulate discourse, Faesal emphasizes that India's journey to the zenith of power is not reserved for the privileged few or royalty; rather, it's a path where anyone, even from humble beginnings, can ascend to the highest echelons of authority, including the office of the Prime Minister. Diving into the historical complexities surrounding Kashmir, Faesal offers a distinctive vantage point on Jawaharlal Nehru's strategic maneuverings in the region. He skillfully dissects the controversial Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, shedding light on the unintended water rights it conferred upon our neighbor. Yet, Faesal does not shy away from critiquing Nehru's diplomatic approaches. He emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging the intricate challenges posed by Pakistan and China during that era, urging for a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical landscape. Shah Faesal also reminisces about his childhood, a time when the national anthem remained unheard, and the Tricolour was a symbol of fear for many. He vividly describes how the Tricolour was confined to army camps and few select locations during 15th August celebrations, while Pakistani flags fluttered boldly due to the grip of separatist sentiments. However, the narrative has shifted dramatically since the revocation of Article 370. Faesal joyously reveals the emergence of grand processions celebrating the 'Idea of India', a testament to the changing landscape. He astutely examines the origin of separatist ideas, attributing them to the elite whose interests they inadvertently serve. Don't miss this enriching episode as Shah Faesal shares his insights, experiences, and perspectives on Kashmir and its journey from the shadows of history to the forefront of change in a new era. Join us to explore the depth and complexity of Kashmiriyat and its implications for India and beyond. About The Speaker Shah Faesal (born May 17, 1983), an Indian bureaucrat who made history by topping the Indian Civil Services Examination in 2010, becoming the first Kashmiri to achieve this feat. He's held various government roles, including Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Culture. Faesal's journey took a political turn in 2019 when he founded the Jammu and Kashmir People's Movement (JKPM), only to step back in 2020. After twists and turns, he was reinstated into the Indian Administrative Service in April 2022 by the Modi government. Currently, he serves as Deputy Secretary in the Union Ministry for Tourism since August 2022 Chapters: 00:00 - 02:38 - Promo 02:38 - 03:06 - Intro 03:06 - 04:28 - A fan moment 04:28 - 10:25 - Childhood In Kashmir 10:25 - 15:29 - Stone Pelting - A step in the ladder 15:29 - 22:50 - Article 370 - History 22:50 - 28:10 - Kashmir Politics During Independence 28:10 - 30:56 - Kashmir at UN 30:56 - 33:50 - Kashmiri Aspirations to be Indian 33:50 - 37:20 - The role of Education 37:20 - 41:10 - The New Generation of Kashmiris 41:10 - 45:33 - Kashmiriyat Transcends religion 45:33 - 50:41 - Is Religion the Disease? 50:41 - 54:22 - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - Indian Universalism 54:22 - 59:15 - Political Islam, Modernity, Individual 59:15 - 01:04:26 - The future of Islam 01:04:26 - 01:08:43 - UPSC - a social leveler 01:08:43 - 01:11:11 - If not UPSC 01:11:11 - 01:15:46 - Kashmir Today 01:15:46 - 01:18:00 - Business opportunities in Kashmir 01:18:00 - 01:20:20 - Kashmiri Youth Today 01:20:20 - 01:22:46 - What next? 01:22:46 - 01:23:53 - You die the day you stop learning Check out some of our other popular videos:    • What China wants in Ladakh      • Analysis: Prime Ministers’ Independence Da...      • J Sai Deepak Offers Full Support to #TheKa...   Spread the word #Kashmir #Podcast #NewIndiaJunction Contribute to the conversation Drop a comment to let us know what you think! Be a part of the NIJ Community: Instagram:   / nijunction   Facebook:   / nijunction   Twitter:   / nijunction   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DPvQM2...