Discovery Days

Stories have the power to change the world we are living in. At the Discovery Days in Flims adventures, photographers, filmmakers, journalists, and researchers share their personal experiences with more than 900 visitors. Last year I had the honor to stand on stage together with my partner and talk about a topic that is close to our hearts and with which we are dealing intensively; Kashmir. A disputed region that truly resembles paradise on earth.

Photo credits below: © Hashim Lone, © Discovery Days

Kashmir – Paradise on Earth

When former British India gained independence in 1947 and was torn apart into predominantly Muslim Pakistan and secular India, then-peaceful Kashmir was also the subject of controversy, turning into a battleground that would suffer several bloody wars and ongoing systematic oppression. The seemingly paradisiacal region is still fought over and, in addition to total surveillance, suffers from recurring compulsory paralysis of all necessities of life. With more than 800,000 soldiers deployed in the valley, Kashmir is one of the world’s most militarised regions.

Over the past few years, I have had the great privilege of visiting the region several times for extended periods, spending extensive time with the people in close quarters, and listening to their incredible stories, opinions, and dreams. The way Kashmir welcomed me a long time ago, so will I carry it in my heart always.