On a quiet summer afternoon in 2020, a calendar at a mosque in Indian-administered Kashmir caught Muneer Ahmad Dar's attention. It featured a poem written in Kashmiri, the language spoken in the region.
To his surprise, he struggled to read it.
This moment spurred Mr. Dar to create a social media page, Muneer Speaks, dedicated to preserving and promoting Kashmiri culture. Over five years, his profile gained over 500 million impressions across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Mr. Dar's mission is to tell stories about Kashmiri history, folklore, and everyday life, aiming to capture the essence of the region beyond its political turmoil.
The rise of content creators like Mr. Dar reflects a broader trend among Kashmir's youth as they reclaim narratives about culture through digital platforms. Many young individuals have moved away from Kashmiri due to the dominance of other languages, but now they return to their roots, emphasizing their rich history.
Other notable figures include Muhammad Faysal with his Museum of Kashmir, documenting overlooked artefacts and traditions, and filmmaker Sheikh Adnan, who highlights the artistry behind traditional Pashmina shawls, portraying them as symbols of history and resilience.
Content also embraces humor and sarcasm, as seen with Seerat Hafiz, who creates videos that blend cultural commentary with comedic elements, showing that preservation can also be entertaining.
However, the challenge remains: Kashmiri isn’t recognized on social media platforms, limiting exposure. Despite this, the community remains determined to maintain its cultural narrative, illustrating that Kashmiri heritage is vibrant and alive.
Ultimately, these young creators prove that the spirit of Kashmir can flourish, transforming stories of struggle into ones of celebration and identity.
