Jammu : The Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) again urges all respected community members to prioritize our population growth and to be cautious about inter-caste marriages and rising divorce rates. These actions are crucial for ensuring the sustainability and longevity of our community.
The decrease in our population, along with the increase in divorces and inter-ethnic marriages, is alarming. Despite the efforts of our community well wishers, activists and organizations like KPC to educate the youth about these issues.,however these social evils are greater concern for whole community .
The Inter-ethnic marriages, once a taboo in our community, have now become common among displaced Kashmiri Pandits, often seen as a status symbol. As we adapt to modernity for the sake of livelihood, we risk losing our rich cultural heritage, language, and traditions and save our gen-poll..
Recent estimates indicate that around over 40% of Kashmiri Pandit youth in metropolitan areas have opted for inter-caste marriages during this period of displacement.
Historically, inter-caste marriages were rare among Kashmiri Pandits and were typically associated with social or economic distress. However, the contemporary acceptance of such unions raises concerns about the future of our community’s identity and gene pool.
For the Kashmiri Pandit community, it is essential to uphold our rich value system. We must oppose inter-ethnic marriages and maintain our genetic lineage through the Gotra system, which has been integral to our identity. With around 36 main Gotras and numerous sub-Gotras, this system has preserved our community’s integrity for generations.
However,now we must respect those who have chosen partners outside the community, we must emphasize the importance of assimilating these relationships into our cultural framework. Our community has historically believed in maintaining its gene bank and the value of our past.
The increase in inter-caste marriages has unfortunately led to division and separation of families and also rise in divorce cases within our community. Adapting to new environments and cultural practices has proven challenging, resulting in misunderstandings and discord among couples. Divorce petitions from Kashmiri Pandits have surged over the years, with significant percentages reported in various studies since 1995.
Our community’s population is declining at an alarming rate, with many youths opting for smaller families, often choosing to have only one or two children. This, combined with an increasing death rate, poses a serious threat to our community’s survival.
The Kashmiri Pandit community has faced immense challenges over the past 35 years, and it continues to grapple with the internal issues that threaten our existence. We must come together to revitalize our community and ensure its future.
“Let us together take proactive steps to strengthen our community and secure a lasting legacy for generations to come”
[ Kundan Kashmiri ]
President, Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC)
Freelance Writer and Socio-Human Rights Activist
Email: kundankashmiri@gmail.com
Mobile: 08802167955