Fire Under Snowflakes: The Return of Kashmir University

Fifteen years of turmoil in Kashmir Valley due to the Militancy. Had creped into every Facet of life and Institutions of Kashmir. The university of Kashmir, the only general university for six million Kashmiris was also one of the badly affected victims for a few years. But the deterioration which started with militancy in the academics and administration continued even when the campus was freed of this. The university had literally closed its doors to out side world and a psychological barrier with false threat perceptions was erected in the minds of the government and rest of the country, Presumably for convenience. Dr. Farooq Abdullah wanted to save this sinking ship and thought of experimenting with a Vice-Chancellor brought from far south of India, a Place called Mysore. This book entered Kashmir as a stranger from the point of his acceptance, cooperation funds for development, threats from internal under currents as well as out side forces university back on rails. It is a narration of the years, the sinking ship was saved and it fact emerged as an accredited ‘A’ grade university, ranking among the top few University of the country. It is a story of the skills of a scientist darling of students and faculty within a short time but was called the Vice-Challenger of the awaken the university from a deep slumber, to and rekindle into them the aspirations of High author claims that while he successfully world of academics across the country and the world, he feels it has contributed to the opening of Kashmir to common Indian tourists. The book bed of roses and he faced the ugly under unsuccessful attempts to tiger the fire of hatred for an outsider. He faced all opposing forces with valour upholding the dignity of Vice Chancellor’s chair, and opted to leave when he makes an educating and thought provoking reading to every one who is interested in Kashmir, its people, their culture, psyche and their aspirations particularly of the youth. It gives an insight into the dynamics of conflict areas. The book is written with out inhibitions and attempts t5o bridge the gaps in understanding Kashmiris by rest of the subcontinent.