Kashmir in Sickness and in Health

Book excerpt: This book takes the reader down unexplored and uncomfortable avenues of beautiful and enchanting but troubled and war-riven Kashmir Valley. It analyses the ups and downs of Kashmirs ailing political health since the beginning of Dogra rule more than 150 years ago, until the present time. The author has pulled off the task of juxtaposing the history of Kashmir, with a history of its medical and educational development, interweaving his own experiences of growing up in Srinagar the capital of Kashmir, to illuminate the readership with specific aspects of his story. The book gives an insight into various aspects of British involvement in Kashmir, describes the pioneering work of the UK missionaries in its social, educational and healthcare development, and points to the reciprocal contribution of the Kashmiris to present day British society. It describes the impact of political events in the international arena on Kashmir, particularly after the partition of British India. It traces the development of Kashmiri political thought process and examines the roles of various personalities from within and outside Kashmir who shaped the painful destiny of this land and its people.