Visitors

Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 329 of 2025

0316hrs:

Countdown to end of 2025: 37 days

Yes, this is about the time I should be fresh & ready to pen my initial thoughts every morning. I have changed some aspects of my lifestyle to ensure that I am up and ready to go at 0300hrs every morning.

Can I keep it up? We will soon found out!

For the record, I did try and mentally prepare to sleep at 2000hrs (as I should every evening) but despite all efforts it did take me until 0100hrs to eventually close my eyes. I did get some rest but not sufficient sleep. I hope to make up for it at 2000hrs (8pm) this evening.

....

Monday, 24 November 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 328 of 2025

1114hrs:

Countdown to end of 2025: 38 days

It has got better but still 6 hours away from the optimum. The anxiety of getting up this morning kept me awake till beyond 0100hrs this morning. I did wake up at 0300hrs but felt the overwhelming need to fulfil my rest requirements. I did eventually get up at a quarter to 9 (0845hrs). I feel confident that I will bridge the gap further tomorrow morning.

....

The following was fascinating information for me - with reference to our neighbourhood - and thus I wanted to share it with my readers:


This talk will foreground the role of the Pakistan National Congress (PNC) in constitution making in the newly independent “two-wing” state of Pakistan in the aftermath of decolonization. The PNC was a small breakaway group of the Indian National Congress that became the political opposition in the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, and represented the Hindu minority in the largest province of East Bengal. Contrary to conventional scholarship that focuses narrowly on the PNC's secularizing agenda against an emerging Islamic state, this lecture will argue that the PNC's constitution-making goals embraced a much broader framework of decolonizing the process of state making. This aimed at resisting the entrenchment of a colonial-era Muslim League ruling clique that could dominate East Bengal from its powerbases in West Pakistan. At the heart of the PNC's decolonizing politics was a federalizing agenda that would ensure both East Bengal's representative majority at the center and its provincial autonomy.

Source: The above information was provided by SAPAN (South Asia Peace Action Network)

....


Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 
14
Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:
184
Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:
80
Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since arriving in Dadyaal (of total 5,000):
338

Cash in Hand: 4,500
Immediate Debts: 84,000

Public funds received so far in Dadyaal (46 days - up to midnight 23/11/2025):

3K (Day 6)
5K (Day 15) 
5K (Day 17) 
0.2K (Day 20) 
1K (Day 21) 
1K (Day 22) 
0.3K (Day 24) 
3K (Day 25)
1K (Day 26) 
4K (Day 33) 
5K (Day 38) 
1K (Day 42)
2K (Day 44)
1K (Day 45)
4K (Day 46)

Total received so far: 36,500 

....

Sunday, 23 November 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 327 of 2025

1629hrs:

Countdown to end of 2025: 39 days

It didn't get better when it should have. I didn't get to sleep till beyond 0100hrs last night (or rather this morning) and despite getting up at 1100hrs I relined back till 1300hrs today, a whole 10 hours behind schedule. On my morning walk thereafter, I received signs from people I met enroute that I need to sort out my sleeping pattern. I think this was the best wake up call I could have ever received. 

.... 

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 
14
Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:
183
Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:
79
Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since arriving in Dadyaal (of total 5,000):
332

Cash in Hand: 210
Immediate Debts: 87,000

Public funds received so far in Dadyaal (45 days - up to midnight 22/11/2025):

3K (Day 6)
5K (Day 15) 
5K (Day 17) 
0.2K (Day 20) 
1K (Day 21) 
1K (Day 22) 
0.3K (Day 24) 
3K (Day 25)
1K (Day 26) 
4K (Day 33) 
5K (Day 38) 
1K (Day 42)
2K (Day 44)
1K (Day 45)

Total received so far: 32,500 

....

Saturday, 22 November 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 326 of 2025

1420hrs:

Countdown to end of 2025: 40 days

With only 40 days left as indicated above, I no longer have a single day left to practice the ideal 24 hour routine (sleeping between 2000hrs and 0300hrs). I must get it absolutely right from today onwards.

For the record, I slept at about midnight last night and got up at 1100hrs.

.... 

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 
14
Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:
182
Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:
79
Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since arriving in Dadyaal (of total 5,000):
332

Cash in Hand: 310
Immediate Debts: 87,000

Public funds received so far in Dadyaal (44 days - up to midnight 21/11/2025):

3K (Day 6)
5K (Day 15) 
5K (Day 17) 
0.2K (Day 20) 
1K (Day 21) 
1K (Day 22) 
0.3K (Day 24) 
3K (Day 25)
1K (Day 26) 
4K (Day 33) 
5K (Day 38) 
1K (Day 42)
2K (Day 44)

Total received so far: 31,500 

....

We have another article from our dear Kashmiri Pandit teacher - Kuldeep Pandita of Rainawari Srinagar - currently living in enforced exile in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India:

Dear Tanveer Ahmed

Today I am sharing an article about two great minds that humanity has provided us in the past.

I hope those who visit your blog will be inspired by both and in that inspiration might show the light to the deserving one.

#rudranotes

The Contrasting Legacies of Ibn Sina and Abhinavagupta

The annals of history have witnessed the emergence of numerous philosophers who have left an indelible mark on human thought. Among them, Ibn Sina and Abhinavagupta stand out as two prominent figures who have contributed significantly to philosophy, medicine and spirituality. However, a closer examination of their works reveals a stark contrast in their impact on humanity.

Ibn Sina, a towering figure in Islamic philosophy, was a true Renaissance man—a physician, philosopher and scientist who defied the conventions of his time. Born into a Muslim family, he could have easily succumbed to the pressures of conforming solely to Islamic theology. Instead, he chose to question the realism of the world around him, laying the groundwork for pragmatic thinking, that would eventually lead to one of philosophy’s most profound questions: "Why is there something rather than nothing?" 

His magnum opus, The Canon of Medicine, became a foundational text for modern medical research and discoveries, cementing his status as a pioneer in the field. More than just a physician, Ibn Sina was a philosopher who synthesized Aristotelian logic and Islamic theology into a rigorous, systematic worldview.

His pioneering distinctions between essence and existence challenged prevailing metaphysical assumptions and underscored a rational epistemology—one where knowledge arises not from blind faith but through reasoned inquiry. His critique of the metaphysical conceptions of God and religion, especially remarkable given his Islamic upbringing, demonstrates intellectual bravery and a willingness to question dogma. This pioneering spirit inspired generations of thinkers and influenced the evolution of Western philosophy.

In contrast, Abhinavagupta’s contributions, while revered in the realms of Kashmiri Shaivism and aesthetics, emerge from a distinct metaphysical tradition. His profound elaboration of the Pratyabhijna (Recognition) system situates his philosophy within a monistic worldview, emphasizing universal consciousness and the identity of individual awareness with the supreme Shiva. 

Abhinavagupta integrates diverse Indic traditions and rituals into a comprehensive spiritual framework, celebrating an underlying unity in diversity. His aesthetic theory of rasa further enriches Indian art and literary theory. However, Abhinavagupta’s approach also invites critical reflection.

While his philosophy offers deep spiritual insights, it remains largely rooted in metaphysical abstraction and ritualistic frameworks that may appear esoteric or inward-looking compared to Ibn Sina’s outwardly pragmatic impact. Some critiques from other philosophical traditions argue that the god-realization fervour in Kashmir Shaivism tends toward serving sensual or egoistic aspirations, potentially limiting its universal applicability. Furthermore, Abhinavagupta’s rejection of traditional causality and strong emphasis on an all-encompassing universal awareness, raise questions about the grounding of empirical reality and the role of individual agency.

This juxtaposition highlights an important philosophical tension: Ibn Sina exemplifies a legacy wherein rigorous rational inquiry, empirical science and critical thought illuminate the human condition—echoing the Buddha’s exhortation to “be your own light.” His works embody a pursuit of knowledge rooted in reason and tangible contributions to human welfare. Conversely, Abhinavagupta’s metaphysical vision emphasizes transcendence, spiritual unity and ritual, extolling the mystical oneness of all existence, yet sometimes at the cost of practical applicability and critical scrutiny. 

It is important to recognize, however, that these two thinkers arise from fundamentally different cultural and philosophical milieus. Abhinavagupta’s contributions have profoundly shaped Indian spiritual and aesthetic traditions, continuing to inspire devotees and scholars.
Some contemporary scholars also point to subtle consonances between Kashmir Shaivism and Advaita Vedanta, underscoring that apparent divergences may mask deeper philosophical affinities. 

Ultimately, the contrasting legacies of Ibn Sina and Abhinavagupta remind us of the multifaceted purposes of human intellect and spirituality. Ibn Sina’s courage in challenging established norms and fostering innovation serves as a timeless beacon guiding humanity toward progress, reason and enlightenment. Abhinavagupta’s vision invites profound contemplation on unity and transcendence, enriching the cultural and spiritual tapestry of human experience. Together, their legacies testify to the diverse paths toward truth and the enduring quest to understand existence.

....

Friday, 21 November 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 325 of 2025

1320hrs:

Countdown to end of 2025: 41 days

I slipped again this morning after making a marked improvement yesterday. Slept again beyond midnight but couldn't get up till 1100hrs, 8 hours behind schedule.

....

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 
14
Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:
182
Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:
79
Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since arriving in Dadyaal (of total 5,000):
332

Cash in Hand: 1,400
Immediate Debts: 87,000

Public funds received so far in Dadyaal (43 days - up to midnight 20/11/2025):

3K (Day 6)
5K (Day 15) 
5K (Day 17) 
0.2K (Day 20) 
1K (Day 21) 
1K (Day 22) 
0.3K (Day 24) 
3K (Day 25)
1K (Day 26) 
4K (Day 33) 
5K (Day 38) 
1K (Day 42)

Total received so far: 29,500 

....

Thursday, 20 November 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 324 of 2025

0921hrs:

Countdown to end of 2025: 42 days

Got up at 0600hrs this morning, despite sleeping after midnight last night. There are just 3 hours to make up for, to get that daily schedule right. 

....

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 
14
Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:
182
Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:
79
Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since arriving in Dadyaal (of total 5,000):
316

Cash in Hand: 0
Immediate Debts: 87,000

Public funds received so far in Dadyaal (42 days - up to midnight 19/11/2025):

3K (Day 6)
5K (Day 15) 
5K (Day 17) 
0.2K (Day 20) 
1K (Day 21) 
1K (Day 22) 
0.3K (Day 24) 
3K (Day 25)
1K (Day 26) 
4K (Day 33) 
5K (Day 38) 
1K (Day 42)

Total received so far: 29,500 

....

The following note on Khurram Parvez (of the Kashmir Valley) has been written by Vishal Sharma (of district Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, India):


On 22nd November, 2025 it will be four years since Khurram Parvez was taken from us. He never chose the ease of living abroad or the privileges many enjoy while speaking safely from afar.

He chose to stand where it mattered most on the ground and amidst the people.

Four years since a voice that spoke fearlessly for human dignity, justice, and the truth—no matter which side of the border it exposed—was silenced.

Khurram played an instrumental role in documenting United Nation's first human rights violations reports on both sides of Jammu & Kashmir. Yet, most elites in the political/civil society space will not speak his name and those who do often do so to serve their own interests and narratives not because they truly care for the him.

Today, he pays the price for that courage in a prison cell, while the world moves on. Genuine activists like him who are not part of any stakeholder's intelligence apparatus are not defined by where they live, but by the sacrifices they make and Khurram Parvez is one of the rare few who stood firm in the harshest of conditions, refusing to bow, refusing to compromise, and refusing to abandon the people he served.

As the fourth anniversary of his detention arrives, let it serve as a reminder of immense courage, of sacrifice and of the heavy cost borne by those who dare to tell the truth. Khurram Parvez deserves to be remembered.

#ReleaseKhurramPervez


Arbitrarily detained without trial for four years - Khurram Parvez must be released
We, the undersigned organisations including the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, call for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights defender Khurram Parvez. He has been arbitrarily detained without trial for four years in Rohini prison in India, on politically motivated charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), an Indian counter-terrorism law that violates international law and human rights standards.


In a personal note to me, Vishal made the following point (and I stand ashamed for not doing enough to pursue his release):

Khurram spent his life working for human rights, even after surviving a 2004 IED blast that took the lives of two of his colleagues and cost him his leg. His record of non-violent and geopolitically neutral advocacy stands in sharp contrast to the UAPA charges he now faces. He deserves fairness and recognition of the principled work he has always done.

....

Wednesday, 19 November 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 323 of 2025

1447hrs:

Countdown to end of 2025: 43 days

These past 24 hours have produced the worst results yet. Despite winding down at c. 2100hrs (9pm) yesterday evening, I couldn't get to sleep till the early hours of the morning and couldn't get up till midday, 9 hours behind schedule!

....

It appears that the Government of AJK has begun to streamline its departments according to the 4th of October agreement between JAAC and Pakistan's representatives, as adjudged from the following table:
....

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 
14
Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:
182
Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:
79
Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since arriving in Dadyaal (of total 5,000):
316

Cash in Hand: 1,000
Immediate Debts: 87,000

Public funds received so far in Dadyaal (41 days - up to midnight 18/11/2025):

3K (Day 6)
5K (Day 15) 
5K (Day 17) 
0.2K (Day 20) 
1K (Day 21) 
1K (Day 22) 
0.3K (Day 24) 
3K (Day 25)
1K (Day 26) 
4K (Day 33) 
5K (Day 38) 

Total received so far: 28,500 

....

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 322 of 2025

1346hrs:

Countdown to end of 2025: 44 days

I couldn't get to sleep till about 0200hrs despite trying for the preceding few hours. I got up at 1000hrs, 7 hours behind my intended daily schedule and with only 44 days left this year, I have very little margin left to make amends.

.... 

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 
14
Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:
182
Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:
79
Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since arriving in Dadyaal (of total 5,000):
314

Cash in Hand: 380
Immediate Debts: 87,000

Public funds received so far in Dadyaal (40 days - up to midnight 17/11/2025):

3K (Day 6)
5K (Day 15) 
5K (Day 17) 
0.2K (Day 20) 
1K (Day 21) 
1K (Day 22) 
0.3K (Day 24) 
3K (Day 25)
1K (Day 26) 
4K (Day 33) 
5K (Day 38) 

Total received so far: 28,500 

....

Monday, 17 November 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 321 of 2025

1021hrs:

Countdown to end of 2025: 45 days

I can feel the shift today. I did wind down at c. 2100hrs (9pm) and got up at 0900hrs. A better quality of sleep than yesterday but still 6 hours to bridge and hardly any days left to practice any longer.

.... 

With only 45 days left, we are introducing a snapshot summary of the public finances of #JKAPUBLICAGENCY , as we seek 1,000 shares (each valued at £1,000 or the equivalent of 4 lakh rupees in locally used currency); whereby each share has 1,000 units viz. equivalent of £1 or 400 rupees of locally used currency. Each citizen should take responsibility for 1 whole share, by motivating their family, friends etc. where their own resources are insufficient. In this manner, we have a chance of reaching every co-citizen, which is what inclusive #Government is. 

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 
14
Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:
182
Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:
78
Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since arriving in Dadyaal (of total 5,000):
279

Cash in Hand: 560
Immediate Debts: 87,000

Public funds received so far in Dadyaal (39 days - up to midnight 16/11/2025):

3K (Day 6)
5K (Day 15) 
5K (Day 17) 
0.2K (Day 20) 
1K (Day 21) 
1K (Day 22) 
0.3K (Day 24) 
3K (Day 25)
1K (Day 26) 
4K (Day 33) 
5K (Day 38) 

Total received so far: 28,500 

....

True to form, the Pakistani State is reneging on its commitment to sit with JAAC every 15 days. Here are the documents sent to that country via their 'borrowed' lent officer viz. Chief Secretary. Before that, we will provide you a description of what the JAAC sent, in their own words (in Urdu): 

حکومت پاکستان اور جموں  کشمیر جوائنٹ عوامی ایکشن کمیٹی کے ممبران کے درمیان 15 نومبر مذاکرات کو ملتوی کیے جانے کے حوالے سے جوائنٹ عوامی ایکشن کمیٹی کے ممبران کی طرف سے تحریری خط چیف سیکرٹری اور وزیر امور کشمیر کو ارسال کر دیا گیا ۔

Page 1 of 4

Page 2 of 4

Page 3 of 4

Page 4 of 4
....

Sunday, 16 November 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 320 of 2025

1323hrs:

Countdown to end of 2025: 46 days

Although I retired early enough last night, I couldn't get to sleep at all throughout the night. It wasn't until about 0500hrs that I did. I got up at 1030hrs.

I intensely feel that the day I get this right, everything else will become alright too.

....

The following is the 3rd such offering by our forcibly exiled Kashmiri Pandit brother Kuldeep Pandita:

#rudranotes

The Paradox of Duality
A Journey into the Essence of Existence

Echoing through our consciousness are timeless questions that invite us to explore the mysteries of being. Who worships whom? Who is the deity and who is the priest? These enigmatic queries dissolve ordinary distinctions, urging us to embark on a voyage of self-exploration and deep introspection.

At the level of the absolute, all duality vanishes. The ultimate reality, Brahman, transcends subject and object, merging worshipper and worshipped into oneness. Yet, within the realm of appearances, the dance of duality persists, manifesting as paradoxes that challenge and illuminate our path.

Life and death, image and reality, illusion and truth – these dichotomies are transient whispers in the cosmic wind. The question of who pleases and who is pleased emerges as a reflection of relationships where selves and others blend, while the heart becomes a tapestry of interconnectedness.

Stillness resides at the core of ultimate reality, like a serene mountain lake disturbed only by gentle ripples. Against this tranquil backdrop, the symphony of creation performs an eternal dance. Within this cosmic rhythm, the acts of giving and receiving entwine, dissolving boundaries between benefactor and recipient.

The interplay of seen and unseen, observer and observed, master and slave, reveals the multi-faceted nature of existence. All roles – the hero and villain, the giver and taker – are threads woven by karma into life's vast tapestry.

Who speaks or listens? Who leads or follows? These distinctions blur in the realm of relationships, where the self becomes a canvas of shared experience. Who heals and who is wounded? Who chooses and who refuses? The answers dwell deep within us, where contradictions reconcile and paradoxes resolve.

Mountains and valleys, sky and earth – they symbolize the unfathomable mysteries of creation, where the universe eternally unfolds in duality's dance. Laughter and tears, birth and death – they mark the cyclical rhythms of existence, as the universe breathes in harmonious expansion and contraction.

Ultimately, it is the questions – not the answers – that liberate us. Within our being lie the truths behind every paradox. The journey is not toward answers but toward courageous asking and through inquiry, we uncover profound truths within ourselves.

..

On this date, Kuldeep sent me another note:

#rudranotes

"They celebrated exactly the same way when the exchange happened in '89. People of the vale carry one extra chromosome & that is why they always trade wisdom for chemical scams. Within them is a laboratory where a self emerged alchemist always experiments with dopamine & serotonin".

The Chemistry of Surrender
How the People of the Vale Trade Freedom for the Illusion of Power

In the heart of the vale, a peculiar phenomenon has unfolded, one that defies conventional understanding of politics and power. The people of this land, blessed with an extra chromosome, have developed a unique approach to governance, prioritizing power and narrative control over traditional notions of legitimacy. Their history, marked by conflict and turmoil, has led them to surrender to the whims of those who wield control, trading freedom for the illusion of security and stability.

The people of the vale, with their unique genetic makeup, have a distinct approach to politics. Their history and environment have shaped them to prioritize power and narrative control over traditional notions of legitimacy. They've seen leaders and parties rise and fall, but their support isn't about ideology or principle; it's about who's currently holding the reins. When non-state actors gain power, they're met with a curious blend of surrender and enthusiasm, as if to say, "You've won, now show us your strength." This dynamic creates a peculiar dance between the people and those vying for control. Parties and leaders, regardless of their origins, are judged solely on their ability to shape the narrative and wield power. The people of the vale, with their extra chromosome, seem to have a built-in detector for who's likely to succeed, and they adjust their allegiance accordingly.

This reality creates a world where traditional notions of right and wrong, state and non-state, are fluid and context-dependent. The people of the vale have learned to navigate this complex landscape, using their unique chemistry to guide them. Their adaptability is both a strength and a weakness, allowing them to thrive in a world of uncertainty but also rendering them vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation.

The frequent switching of alliances between parties, whether they're associated with rock salt, green handkerchiefs, or occult talismans, isn't about ideological shifts; it's about aligning themselves with the prevailing wind. They're not concerned with the legitimacy of power; they're concerned with its exercise. This dynamic has created a culture of adaptability, where the lines between loyalty and opportunism are blurred. The people of the vale have learned to thrive in this environment, using their innate chemistry to navigate the treacherous waters of power politics.

In this world, leaders and parties come and go, but the people of the vale remain, ever adaptable, ever resilient, their politics shaped by the intricate dance of power and narrative. Their chemistry of surrender has become a self-fulfilling prophecy, perpetuating a cycle of power and submission that seems impossible to break.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 329 of 2025

0316hrs: Countdown to end of 2025: 37 days Yes, this is about the time I should be fresh & ready to pen my initial thoughts every mornin...