Punnamada in Keralams Alappuzha sizzles as boat clubs battle for NTBR crown
Onam Is A Hindu Festival: Ancient Tamil Literature And Kerala Inscriptions Prove It
Every year, as Onam approaches, one repeatedly encounters the claim that it is merely a harvest festival of Kerala and not a Hindu festival. In fact, there has been a concerted effort in recent years to rebrand several Hindu festivals primarily in secular terms, and Onam was among the earliest to be presented in this [] The post Onam Is A Hindu Festival: Ancient Tamil Literature And Kerala Inscriptions Prove It appeared first on The Commune .
Indian cricketer dies after collapsing during match in Oman
Muscat: A 35-year-old Indian expat died on Friday, August 21, after collapsing during a tennis-ball cricket match in Al Hail, Oman, according to media reports. The deceased was identified as Shabeer Basheer, a native of Thuravoor in Keralas Alappuzha district. He had been living and working in Oman for around 14 years and was employed Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Keralam to seek Centre's intervention over shifting Mangaluru from Palakkad division
Kerala's Chief Minister has criticized the Railway Board's decision to shift Mangaluru from the Palakkad division. This move was made unilaterally without consulting the state government or its elected representatives. The decision is expected to significantly reduce the Palakkad division's revenue and development prospects. Kerala plans to approach the central government seeking immediate reconsideration of this objectionable move.
The merger of the Ullal-Mangaluru section, currently under the Southern Railway, with the South Western Railway would also cause substantial losses to the Southern Railway and Keralam, CMO statement said
Kerala varsity Vice Chancellor alleges foreign forces try to turn youngsters into 'cockroaches'
Kerala University Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal defended his recent remarks. He alleged foreign forces deliberately target youth, making them drug addicts. Kunnummal explained his 'cockroach' comment was misunderstood by young students. He also addressed criticism regarding his 'Vande Mataram' statement.
Kerala driving test wait stretches beyond 2 months despite MVD directive
The delay in implementing the new directive is reportedly one of the main reasons for the continuing backlog
EPSRR and AxtonCapital Partner to Develop F & B Concepts in Sri Lanka and Oman
Kochi (Kerala) [India], August 22: EPSRR Holdings Private Limited (EPSRR) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Axton Capital, UK (Axton), to develop and expand food and beverage concepts in Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman.
Keralam Steps Up Food Safety Checks Ahead of Onam
Mobile food testing laboratories have been deployed at checkposts, where officials are conducting real-time checks on vehicles carrying fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, edible oils, jaggery and other food items
PSC exam scam: Governor summons Kerala Public Service Commission Secretary
The PSC is battling a controversy over alleged anomalies in evaluation. An SIT of the Crime Branch is probing the alleged malpractices
Keralam to align higher education with global job trends: CM Satheesan
The State government would give priority to transforming higher education in tune with the changing world of work
Nayanthara serves pure Onam elegance in Kerala saree
Kerala steps up Food Safety checks ahead of Onam
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Food Safety Department has stepped up round-the-clock inspections at five border checkposts to ensure the quality and safety of food items arriving in the state during the Onam season, Health Minister K Muraleedharan has said. Mobile food testing laboratories have been deployed at Aryankavu, Kumily, Walayar, Meenakshipuram and Karali checkposts, where officials Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2026: Why Kerala
The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race is being held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala. One of the state's most celebrated sporting and cultural events, the race brings Kerala's traditional Vallam Kali to life with magnificent
Bethlehem Kudumba Unit opened positively at the box office on its release day. The film collected Rs 4.70 crore net in India on Friday. Occupancy rates showed a major increase throughout the day. Kerala contributed the majority of the film's opening day gross earnings. The movie's performance over the weekend will be closely watched.
Cochin Shipyard delivers INS Mangrol to Indian Navy
The vessel is named after the coastal township of Mangrol in Gujarat
Courier flees during probe after Rs 90L gold seizure at RGIA
Gold Bust Takes Dramatic Turn As Kerala Man Pushes Customs Officer, Escapes
Alappuzha murder allegedly involving four minors raises troubling questions
Police have sought legal opinion on whether the three accused aged 1618 can be tried in a regular court; assessment to examine their capacity, understanding of the offence and circumstances of the alleged crime
HC flags poor conditions at Kuthiravattom mental health centre
DUJ and KUWJ condemn raids on journalist Ravi Nairs residences
Gujarat police seize two phones, pen drives from Nairs Kerala home following FIR over Washington Post report co-authored by him
Onam transcends caste, creed and religion, says Keralam Governor
Arlekar says the traditional attire, the grand Onasadhya and the spirit of dynamic togetherness make Onam truly unforgettable
Kerala High Court issues notice to VACB Director on petition against DGP
Petition filed by an assistant motor vehicles inspector says that S. Sreejith engaged in systematic corruption, including the formation of an unofficial Transport Commissioners Squad, to victimise subordinate staff and to facilitate illicit transactions during his tenure as Transport Commissioner
Muthanga violence: Kerala High Court suspends sentence of Geethanandan, three others
Trial court had awarded them five years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of 36,000 each in connection with the attempt to murder a senior civil police officer and the abduction of a forest range officer. HC orders that all four be released on bail
Joyalukkas bags a golden TN Govt order to gift rings to 4.41 Lakh Newborns
The Kerala jeweler pipped others for the 755 crore order by bidding on a razor-thin margin
Shiv Sena for nationwide expansion: Shaina NC
Over 10,000 held under Operation Toofan in Keralam, says Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala
Total 9,280 cases have been registered under Operation Toofan since its launch in June this year, while 10,015 people have been arrested
72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race to be held on Punnamada Lake in Keralam on August 22
The competitions will begin at 11 a.m. Chief Minister V.D Satheesan will inaugurate the event at 2 p.m.
Seven-year-olds organs donated in Keralam
Litiksha, daughter of Prakash and Pon Sindhuja, donates her organs. The childs liver, two kidneys, heart valves and two corneas were retrieved for donation
Kerala Cricket League | Vinil, Azharuddeen fashion Ripples facile win
SC refuses plea against use of homeopathic 'immunity booster' in Kerala
Petitioner argued Arsenicum Album had not undergone requisite clinical trials; court said a separate petition could challenge alleged non-compliance with protocols
Kallan Vijayan row: former editor in-charge of Deshabhimani weekend supplement resigns
Following objections to the headline given to a feature article, the supplement was allegedly published later after replacing the article in question
Amid row, Keralam increases financial assistance to Pulikali teams
After facing criticism from various quarters over his remarks on Pulikali, actor and writer V.K. Sreeraman expresses regret over his words
Iron pipes fall from pickup van, kills bike rider in Thrissur
42-year-old man crushed by unsecured pipes; accident exposes dangerous practice of carrying construction material without proper safety measures
Keralam plans to showcase Onam before a global audience, says Tourism Minister
The annual Onam Tourism Week will kick off on August 24 at Kanakakunnu Palace, following a ceremonial flag procession through Thiruvananthapuram.
Kozhikode teen cycles to Kashmir in 42 days
Covering thousands of kilometres in just 42 days, 19-year-old C.V. Masin Muhammed undertook the journey to fulfil a dream he had harboured since his Class X days.
Trial in Abhimanyu murder case to begin on October 15
The court on Friday set the schedule of the trial in the wake of the Kerala High Court order earlier this month to complete the trial within four months
Supreme Court closes 'The Kerala Story' petitions, says question of law will 'await another movie'
The Supreme Court disposed of petitions challenging CBFC's certification of The Kerala Story, ruling them infructuous since the film had already released, while leaving the broader legal question on certification challenges open. Justice Bagchi said this would await another movie. The court also declined immediate hate speech guidelines, suggesting a separate comprehensive petition instead.
Fair weather likely across Keralam during Onam week
IMD predicts some isolated showers in parts of State in the days ahead of Onam; towards the end of August, southern Keralam is likely to witness a couple of intense spells
MLAs, MP raise demands at meet on Idukkis power-related concerns
Keralam Electricity Minister says government will explore keeping the Idukki dam open to the public year-round
Although periodic waste collection programmes are organised in some wards, these are not a replacement for a permanent collection hub
Rehabilitation projects for Mundakkai-Chooralmala survivors to be completed on schedule: Minister
Agriculture Minister T. Siddique said that compensation for traders and building owners who suffered losses in the landslides, as well as the takeover of existing loans and making agricultural land cultivable, would also be completed on schedule.
Demand for Wild Animals Meat Grows During Weekends, Bengaluru/Keralam the Markets
In the fringes not many are into agriculture but take the lucrative option of poaching.
Chokramudy in Keralam shakes off encroachments, welcomes Neelakurinji
Local people had staged protests in 2024, following which the government reclaimed most of the encroached land in the hills. Neelakurinji has begun blooming on these slopes now. The hills will be open to the public from August 24 to enjoy the view
Keralam must harness technology, talent and global connectivity for growth: CII summit
Industry and government leaders outlined priorities ranging from artificial intelligence and emerging sectors to export growth and sustainable industrial development
School in Keralams Kollam swaps routine Onam dances for Seethakali
Prakkulam Government L.P. School hosts a Seethakali performance as part of Onam celebration. Organised to foster cultural awareness and respect for the States native art forms among students, the event turned into an immersive cultural experience for the them
KSRTCs executive luxury bus service commences on Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam route
Operating Monday through Friday, the bus departs Thiruvananthapuram at 5:30 a.m. and returns from Ernakulam at 5:30 p.m., offering travelers a seamless and enjoyable journey between the two cities.
Over 800 retired cashew workers in Keralam receive gratuity
Gratuity settlements are being disbursed to 854 workers who retired from CAPEX factories during 2021 and 2022 and those who retired from Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation factories in 2023 and 2024
CMFRIs Sagarika aquarium at Keralams Vizhinjam turns 30
Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium is home to 83 species of marine organisms and has grown into a popular centre for marine research, education, and conservation
CIAL strengthens Gulf cargo network with new Kochi-Sharjah freighter service
The new cargo link is expected to help Kerala exporters move time-sensitive consignments faster while expanding access to Gulf and Middle Eastern markets
Builder delivers defective house: Can homebuyers claim repair costs and compensation?
A Kerala consumer commission has ordered a builder to pay 25 lakh to a homebuyer after finding serious construction defects and inferior materials. The amount includes 20 lakh for repairs and damages, 5 lakh compensation and 25,000 litigation costs.
Keralam LSGD revises minimum parking fees in panchayats
the new rates aim to implement uniform pricing across the state, with fees of 10 for two-wheelers, 20 for cars, 40 for mini buses and 60 for buses, depending on the facilities provided
Eravipuram railway station development works to finish by January 2027
The master plan for the station includes upgrading both platform 1 and platform 2 to a standard height of 84 cm, alongside extending their length on either side
UDF government in Keralam functioning under influence of extremist ideologues, alleges K. Surendran
BJP national secretary says that the delay in implementing the PM SHRI project in the State was a clear example of the extremist forces at work
Keralams Lok Bhavan names new library after Thunchathu Ezhuthachan
The library, which has around 10,000 books on diverse subjects, will be open to the public, Governor Rajendra Arlekar says
Sowcar Janaki had a memorable role in Malayalam in Soorya Manasam
In Soorya Manasam (1992), she played Mariya, the loving mother of Putturumees, an intellectually challenged man played by Mammootty
Controversy over alleged mock funeral of V-C at Sanskrit varsity in Keralam continues
The student body has maintained that the protestors had staged a performance to highlight the damaged lighting equipment at the Department of Theatre while Ciza Thomas had mentioned in her complaint submitted to the Keralam Governor that a dummy effigy representing her was taken out and subjected to a mock funeral
SC Disposes of Petitions Concerning The Kerala Story, Leaves Legal Questions Open
The top court, in May 2023, had stayed the ban imposed by the state government
While critics of MISA have accused the production of obscenity, objecting to certain intense and costume choices, the plays cast, cultural figures and DYFI leaders have defended it as a powerful portrayal of 'state terror and political repression
Kerala emerges as fast-growing carpooling market as passenger activity jumps 50%
Strong highway connectivity and rising travel costs are encouraging more commuters to share rides, while regulatory clarity remains crucial for expansion
Kerala Agricultural University launces cashew grafts as an alternative to plastic polybags
The initiative marks a significant step towards introducing environment-friendly nursery practices in cashew and enhancing the value and utilization of coir-based biodegradable materials
3 Traditional Kerala Recipes to Celebrate the Spirit of Onam
From Sambar and Avial to coconut-rich Thoran, these classic preparations bring the flavours and traditions of Kerala's Onam feast to the table.
Keralam Archaeology department to restore seven megalithic umbrella stones in Kannur
A kudakkal or umbrella stone consists of four upright side slabs or orthostats, supporting a domical capstone
Kerala Excise Registers 6,977 Cases in Onam Drive
The department also seized 66 kg of ganja, 2,423 ganja plants, 1 kg of ganja candy, 137 grams of hashish oil and 353 grams of MDMA and methamphetamine
H1N1 Surge: Delhi Cases Rise Sixfold, Kerala Reports 88 Deaths, 500+ Bengaluru Students Fall Ill
As H1N1 cases spike across India, claiming 88 lives in Kerala and making hundreds of students ill in Bengaluru, experts urge preventive measures without panic.
KAAPA invoked against Arjun Ayanki
Kannur district administration cites his alleged involvement in nine criminal cases during the past seven years
How this Keralam animal lover has turned her rented home into a sanctuary for rescued dogs and cats
Despite facing challenges, including relocations due to neighbour complaints, P. Shymas commitment remains unwavering. She advocates for better facilities for strays, urging local authorities to allocate land for shelters and highlighting the need for community support in addressing stray dog crisis
How this Keralam animal lover has turned her rented home into a sanctuary for rescued dogs and cats
Despite facing challenges, including relocations due to neighbour complaints, P. Shymas commitment remains unwavering. She advocates for better facilities for strays, urging local authorities to allocate land for shelters and highlighting the need for community support in addressing stray dog crisis
Anupama Parameswaran, who wowed the audience with her performance in films such as Premam, Karthikeya 2, etc., is the proud owner of a majestic home in Kerala. Although spacious, her home is devoid of excess when it comes to decor and is known for simple, elegant, minimalistic decor and subdued hues.
Keralam Govt Not Informed About Proposed Kochi Metro Name Change, Says CM Satheesan
Speaking to reporters at his constituency North Paravur, Satheesan said Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) had issued a release on Thursday regarding the proposal without consulting the state government
No plan to rename Kochi Metro Rail Ltd as Keralam Metro Rail Ltd, says CM V.D. Satheesan
CM says KMRL authorities issued a press release on name change proposal without consulting with government
TN to Consider Exempting Kerala From Curbs on Construction Material Movement
Satheesan had raised the issue during his meeting with Vijay on Thursday on the sidelines of the Southern Zonal Council meeting at Mahabalipuram
The time when Travancore said no to longer Onam holidays in Keralam
In 1930s, Travancore Sri Mulam Assembly faced demands to extend Onam public holidays to 10 days, contrasting with the 11-day Christmas-New Year break. But then Chief Secretary N. Kunjan Pillai rejected the proposal, citing sufficient annual holidays
9 Crore Cash Seized in Bengalurus Electronic City, Gold Trader Detained
Bengaluru, August 21: Income Tax officials seized approximately 9 crore in cash from a car registered in Kerala near the Veerasandra signal in Bengalurus Electronic City on Friday. The Income Tax Department alerted the Electronic City police about the illegal transportation of a large sum of cash. Acting on this information, the police stopped the ... Read more 9 Crore Cash Seized in Bengalurus Electronic City, Gold Trader Detained
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Assures Kerala on Construction Material Restrictions
Thiruvananthapuram, August 21: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has assured his Kerala counterpart, V.D. Satheesan, that his government will consider lifting restrictions on the movement of construction materials to Kerala. This includes materials such as limestone. This information was provided by the Kerala Chief Ministers office on Friday. The meeting between the two chief ... Read more Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Assures Kerala on Construction Material Restrictions
Tamil Nadu promises to review curbs on transportation of construction materials to Keralam, says CMO
A statement issued by Keralam CMO says Vijay informed Satheesan during a that TN govt will consider exempting Keralam from the restrictions
Govt to also roll out its ambitious film literacy programme in schools and colleges to introduce students to global cinema, says Minister for Culture and Cinema P.C. Vishnunadh
Monsoon loses punch under El Nio shadow, parts of South in for surprise
Counter-intuitively, parts of South Peninsula including Kerala and Mahe, along with Lakshadweep, may experience fairly widespread to widespread rainfall for four days from Sunday
Kochi Metro May Soon Be Renamed Keralam Metro
KMRL has sought in-principle approval from the Kerala government for the proposed name change.
Kerala Cashew Board Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for Manager, Accounts Officer Posts
Kerala Cashew Board (KCB) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for Manager (Coordination) and Accounts Officer posts. A total of 2 vacancies have been announced under this recruitment drive. The online application process will be conducted up to 02-09-2026. Interested candidates can apply online through the official website.
J&Ks stock market investor base crosses 14 lakh, grows 19.3% in a year
Jammu and Kashmirs registered investor base in the stock market has crossed the 14-lakh mark, with the number of registered clients reaching 14,12,378 as of August 20, 2026, recording a year-on-year growth of 19.31 per cent, according to official BSE data accessed by Greater Kashmir . The figures show that J&K added 2,28,554 registered clients, or roughly 2.29 lakh investors, during the past year. This represents a substantially faster expansion than the overall growth in the countrys registered investor base, which stood at 15.80 per cent during the same period. The BSE data provides a snapshot of the changing geography of stock-market participation in India, with the countrys total registered investor base now standing at 26,03,00,179, or approximately 26.03 crore clients. J&Ks 14.12 lakh registered clients account for around 0.54 per cent of the countrys total registered investor base. While the Union Territory remains a relatively small market in terms of absolute investor numbers, the pace at which its investor base is expanding has been considerably stronger than several of the countrys largest States. The increase has also been consistent across different time periods. During the latest month, J&K added 19,478 clients, equivalent to around 19,500 new registered investors, pushing its monthly growth rate to 1.40 per cent. Over the previous three months, the number of registered clients increased by 52,618, or about 52,600 investors, representing a quarterly growth of 3.87 per cent. The national investor base, by comparison, increased by around 30.92 lakh during the latest month. Over the previous quarter, the country added approximately 85.16 lakh. Over the previous year, the national registered investor base increased by around 3.55 crore investors, taking the total to more than 26 crore. The comparison shows that J&Ks investor base is growing at a faster rate than the national average, although the absolute numbers remain much smaller. Maharashtra continues to have the largest registered investor base in the country by a considerable margin. The State has approximately 4.42 crore investors. This means that nearly one out of every six registered clients in the BSE database is registered in Maharashtra. Uttar Pradesh occupies the second position with 3,06,10,880 clients, or around 3.06 crore. Gujarat follows with 2,29,70,136, equivalent to about 2.30 crore registered clients. Rajasthan has 1,56,49,037, or around 1.56 crore, while West Bengal has 1,52,56,657, or about 1.53 crore. Karnataka has 1,39,43,659 registered clients, translating into roughly 1.39 crore, while Madhya Pradesh has 1,35,11,046, or around 1.35 crore. Tamil Nadu has 1,31,27,709, or approximately 1.31 crore registered investors. The other major States also have sizeable investor bases. Haryana has 85,72,167 registered clients, equivalent to around 85.7 lakh. Telangana has 80,08,260, or about 80.1 lakh. Punjab has 65,65,556, or approximately 65.7 lakh, while Odisha has 59,30,947, or about 59.3 lakh. Kerala has 59,17,495 registered clients, translating into around 59.2 lakh, while Assam has 53,02,132, or about 53 lakh. Jharkhand has 46,39,195, equivalent to approximately 46.4 lakh. Andhra Pradesh has crossed the one-crore mark, with 1,04,00,527 registered clients, while Bihar has 1,16,04,608, or around 1.16 crore. Delhi has 1,10,14,984, equivalent to approximately 1.10 crore registered clients. Against this national landscape, J&Ks 14.12 lakh investor base is larger than that of several smaller States and Union Territories but remains far below the investor populations of the countrys principal financial and industrial centres. For instance, Himachal Pradesh has around 15.58 lakh registered clients, only marginally above J&K. J&K has more registered clients than Manipur, which has around 2.74 lakh, Meghalaya with 1.65 lakh, Arunachal Pradesh with 1.22 lakh, Nagaland with 1.28 lakh, Sikkim with 84,221, Mizoram with 59,779, Goa with 4.99 lakh and Tripura with 4.28 lakh. Among the Union Territories, Ladakh has 5,213 registered clients, or just over 5,000, but has recorded one of the fastest rates of growth in the country. Its investor base increased by 44.44 per cent over the previous year. This is the highest annual growth rate visible in the BSE table. Mizoram recorded annual growth of 33.18 per cent, while Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh recorded 28.01 per cent and 27.33 per cent, respectively. Lakshadweep, with just over 5,000 registered clients, recorded growth of 27.87 per cent. Among larger States, J&Ks 19.31 per cent annual growth puts it in a relatively strong position. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana each recorded 19.59 per cent growth, while Tamil Nadu recorded 19.46 per cent growth. Uttar Pradesh recorded 19.08 per cent. J&Ks growth was considerably higher than Maharashtras 11.39 per cent, Gujarats 13.13 per cent, Haryanas 14.42 per cent, Punjabs 14.96 per cent, Rajasthans 15.71 per cent, Karnatakas 16.51 per cent and Keralas 16.95 per cent. The figures also indicate that the expansion in J&K has been relatively steady rather than being confined to a single period. Its monthly increase of 1.40 per cent was higher than the national monthly growth of 1.20 per cent, while its quarterly increase of 3.87 per cent was also above the national growth rate of 3.38 per cent. In absolute terms, however, the difference between the largest and smallest investor markets remains enormous. Maharashtras 4.42 crore registered clients are more than 31 times J&Ks 14.12 lakh. Uttar Pradeshs 3.06 crore investor base is more than 21 times that of J&K, while Gujarats 2.30 crore is more than 16 times larger. The national figures also underline the rapid broadening of participation in the equity market. The BSE database now contains more than 26 crore registered clients, with the number having increased by around 3.55 crore in just one year. J&Ks addition of around 2.29 lakh registered clients during the same period is small when measured against the national increase, but significant for the Union Territorys own investor base. In percentage terms, the addition represents nearly one-fifth growth in a single year.
Prithviraj Sukumaran's latest action thriller, Khalifa, hit theaters on August 20 and made an impressive debut/ With Kerala leading the way as the top market, the film enjoyed substantial audience turnout, especially during late-night screenings across India. This movie is set to be part of a two-part franchise. Read on to know how much it earned on day 1.
Memory to Practice: J&Ks Intellectual Legacy
Jammu & Kashmir possesses one of the most layered and sophisticated intellectual traditions in the subcontinent. From the spiritual humanism of Lal Ded and Nund Rishi to the modern literary consciousness shaped by Mahjoor, Dinanath Nadim, and Rehman Rahi, the regions cultural history is neither shallow nor fragmented. It is deeply philosophical, linguistically rich, and emotionally profound (Kaul, 2011; Raina, 2002). Yet a pressing paradox defines the present moment: despite this vast intellectual inheritance, the current generation appears increasingly disconnected from it. This is not merely a question of cultural decline; it is a structural issue of how legacy is transmitted, institutionalized, and lived. When examined through a comparative lens particularly alongside South Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala the divergence becomes analytically clear. South India has succeeded not because it has a richer past, but because it has developed systems that convert heritage into everyday practice (Dirks, 2001; Subramanian, 2019). Jammu & Kashmir, by contrast, remains heavily reliant on memory without sufficient structural reinforcement. A Legacy of Depth, Not Design The intellectual tradition of Jammu & Kashmir is fundamentally experiential and syncretic. Figures like Lal Ded and Nund Rishi did not merely write poetry; they created a shared ethical language that transcended religious boundaries. Their verses, transmitted orally across generations, became embedded in everyday speech, rituals, and moral reasoning (Hassan, 2005). This represents a powerful form of cultural resilience a system where knowledge survives through community participation rather than formal institutions. Similarly, literary figures such as Mahjoor and Nadim transformed Kashmiri poetry into a vehicle of collective consciousness, addressing themes of identity, freedom, and belonging (Zutshi, 2004). Later scholars like Rehman Rahi provided the critical framework necessary to elevate Kashmiri literature to national recognition (Rahi, 2007). In the global domain, Agha Shahid Ali carried this tradition outward, translating the Kashmiri experience into a universal literary language (King, 2002). Taken together, this tradition represents a complete intellectual ecosystem philosophy, literature, social reform, and global articulation. However, its primary mode of preservation has historically been oral, emotional, and community-driven rather than institutional and systemic. From Living Culture to Symbolic Memory The central challenge today is that cultural resilience alone is no longer sufficient, and several structural shifts have combined to weaken the transmission of this legacy. The decline of linguistic practice has significantly affected cultural continuity: Kashmiri and Dogri, once the carriers of philosophical and poetic traditions, are increasingly replaced by English and Urdu in education and daily communication (Bamzai, 1994), and when language weakens, the original texture of thought and expression is inevitably lost. Educational integration, too, remains shallow although figures like Lal Ded and Mahjoor appear in school curricula, their treatment is often superficial and exam-oriented, limiting any deeper engagement. Compounding this, the institutional ecosystem remains limited; bodies such as the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages play an important role, yet their influence is not deeply integrated into public life compared to other regions (Kachru, 2008). At the same time, globalization has reshaped aspirations toward economic mobility and technological advancement, creating a disconnect between modern ambitions and cultural rootedness (Appadurai, 1996), while decades of political instability have further disrupted the continuity of cultural transmission, particularly in community spaces where oral traditions once thrived (Bose, 2003). Taken together, these shifts mark a transition from living culture to symbolic memory, where intellectual figures are respected but no longer actively engaged with. Model: From Legacy to System In contrast, South Indian states offer a compelling example of how intellectual heritage can be systematically preserved and operationalized. Figures such as Thiruvalluvar and E. V. Ramasamy are not confined to history; they are embedded in contemporary life. This success rests on four interlocking mechanisms. Educational embedding ensures that texts like the Thirukkural are core components of school curricula, shaping ethical and civic understanding from an early age (Ramaswamy, 1997). Institutional continuity is maintained through enduring structures established by thinkers such as Adi Shankaracharya, whose monastic institutions continue to function as centers of knowledge and debate (King, 1999). Policy integration reflects reformist ideas particularly those of Periyar within governance frameworks related to social justice and rationalism (Pandian, 2007). Public visibility, through monuments, awards, and cultural discourse, reinforces these figures as active symbols of identity and aspiration (Subramanian, 2019). In essence, South India demonstrates that culture survives when it is institutionalized, incentivized, and collectively practiced. What Jammu & Kashmir Can Learn The comparative insight here is not about replication but adaptation. Oral traditions must be supplemented with structured academic engagement, requiring deeper textual analysis, interdisciplinary teaching, and critical interpretation. Language, too, must be treated as identity infrastructure revitalizing Kashmiri, Dogri, and Gojri is essential for sustaining intellectual continuity. This calls for institutional expansion as well, with research centers, public forums, and university-community collaborations strengthened to support it. Beyond structure, the region's intellectual legacy must be actively linked to contemporary issues such as social justice, ethics, and globalization, transforming it from inherited memory into practical wisdom. Finally, this cultural engagement must be incentivized through awards, fellowships, and public recognition, ensuring that it remains socially valued rather than quietly fading into the background. Toward a Living Framework: Reimagining the Future It is analytically limiting to interpret the current state of Jammu & Kashmirs intellectual heritage as a simple decline. The reality is more complex: what appears as cultural erosion is, in fact, a structural transition. The present generation is not disengaged from its heritage; rather, it is operating within a transformed socio-economic and educational environment where traditional modes of transmission oral traditions, community practices, and localized cultural spaces no longer function with the same continuity or influence. Historically, the cultural framework of Jammu & Kashmir has been anchored in resilience the capacity of its people to sustain identity, values, and intellectual traditions despite political instability, social disruption, and external pressures. This resilience ensured survival. However, in an era defined by globalization, technological shifts, and changing aspirations, resilience alone is no longer sufficient to guarantee continuity. What is missing is not cultural depth, but a coherent institutional architecture that systematically bridges the past with the present. The critical task, therefore, is to move beyond a binary of preservation versus loss and instead adopt a hybrid model that integrates cultural resilience with institutional reinforcement. Cultural resilience provides the authenticity, emotional depth, and lived experience that define the uniqueness of Kashmiri and Dogri traditions. Institutional preservation, on the other hand, offers structure, scalability, and long-term continuity through education systems, research bodies, policy frameworks, and public cultural infrastructure. When these two dimensions operate in isolation, they are limited: resilience without institutions risks fragmentation and gradual fading, while institutions without cultural grounding risk becoming symbolic and disconnected. Their integration, however, creates a dynamic system in which culture is not only remembered, but actively lived, practiced, and reinterpreted across generations. This is precisely where the comparative experience of South Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala offers a valuable lesson. Their success lies not merely in celebrating intellectual figures, but in embedding them within education, governance, and public life, thereby transforming legacy into a functional component of contemporary society. For Jammu & Kashmir, the path forward is therefore not one of rediscovery, but of restructuring. The region already possesses a profound intellectual inheritance shaped by centuries of philosophical inquiry, literary excellence, and cultural synthesis. The challenge is to convert this inheritance into an operational system one that enables the current generation to engage with it not as distant history, but as a relevant and guiding force. Ultimately, the question is not whether the legacy exists, but whether it is being translated into lived reality. If Jammu & Kashmir succeeds in building this bridge between resilience and institution, it will not only preserve its past but will also redefine its cultural future with renewed intellectual confidence and global relevance. Dr. Tajamul Rehman Sofi is an Economics Researcher. Views expressed here are personal.
Cong-ruled states to challenge Mines Act in SC
Congress-ruled states, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana, are preparing to challenge the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, in the Supreme Court. They allege the new law undermines states' rights by restricting their powers to levy taxes on mineral resources, a claim the Centre denies, stating it aims for uniform mineral rates.
When adventurism takes a dangerous turn
Wannabe adventurists perform motorbike stunts on roads, venture into unknown forests, and step into unfamiliar waterbodies, posing risk to their lives as well as others. An attempt to read their thoughts and to elicit response from govt. authorities who usually bail out the adventure-seekers of distress
Kerala, Karnataka bat for new dams during South Zonal meet
Kerala transgender influencer Jaanmoni Das arrested over remarks against PM Modi
Kerala transgender influencer Jaanmoni Das arrested over remarks against PM Modi
Kerala to Challenge Supreme Courts Construction Ban on National Highways
Thiruvananthapuram, August 20: Keralas Public Works Minister, P.K. Bashir, announced on Thursday that the state will appeal to the Supreme Court against its recent order banning construction along national highways. He argued that this directive is impractical for the densely populated state, where land is scarce, and could adversely affect thousands of homes and businesses. ... Read more Kerala to Challenge Supreme Courts Construction Ban on National Highways
Suspension of ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar: Keralam govt. denies allegations before CAT
Proposal to rename Kochi metro runs into rough weather
Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden opposes move, calls it strange and unacceptable
Congress-Ruled States To Challenge Mines Law In Top Court: Sources
Top Congress sources said Chief Ministers from Telangana Revanth Reddy, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and their Kerala counterpart VD Satheesan are joining forces to file a joint petition in the Supreme Court regarding this bill.
