Book Release of 'Kashmir' - Dawn of a New Era & Pahalgam Terror Attack

 Editor’s Note

On the evening of April 21st when the book release function of Brig Pramathesh Raina's book , titled ' Kashmir- The Dawn Of A New Era ' was taking place at Pune little did the invited luminaries and spectators present for this memorable fuction imagine that the very next day ,on 22 nd April , the deadly Pahalgam terror attack was going to take place. Suddenly, a lot of what was said in this function especially by Lt Gen VG Patankar and Maj Gen GD Bakshi has become most relevant for dealing with the challenges confronting our security forces and the nation .Brig Raina's book has much to offer towards a deeper insight of Kashmir and take one on the road to the 'new era ' . The Pahalgam terror attack highlights the obstacles and roadblocks on this treacherous path. However ,if the nation genuinely integrates and decides collectively to resolve this Kashmir problem with a united approach the author's dream of this ' New Era ' for Kashmir will surely be achieved !

Victory India ! 🇮🇳

Editor,MVI

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The book Kashmir : Dawn of a New Era written by Brigadier Pramathesh Raina was released on 21 April 2025 at a function in the auditorium of the IIEBM Campus, Indus Business School, Wakad, Pune. The Chief Guest for the event was Lt Gen VG Patankar,PVSM, UYSM, VSM. The Guests of Honour were Maj Gen (Dr) GD Bakshi SM, VSM and Mr Arun Wakhlu,Founding Director of Pragati Leadership Institute andChairman of Pragati Foundation. Approximately 250 people attended the function which included retired service personnel, interested citizens, members of the Kashmiri Pandit community of Pune and members of the faculty, staff and students of the Institute.

Details Of Book

Title​​​:​Kashmir: Dawn of a New Era

Author​​:​Brig Pramathesh Raina (Retd)

Foreword by ​:​Mr Anupam Kher

Publisher​​:​ Pentagon Press, New Delhi

About the Book

Kashmir: Dawn of a New Era is a powerful narrative that delves into the heart of Kashmir’s history, challenges, and hopes for the future. Divided into three distinct sections, the book offers a panoramic view of the region’s tumultuous journey through the lens of personal experience, societal change and cultural revival.

The first part (‘My’ Kashmir Files) is an account of the period between May 1989 and August 1990, an epochal period in Kashmir’s history to which the author had a ringside seat. It recounts his vivid and heart-wrenching experiences during the tragic exodus of Kashmiri Hindus in 1989-90. It paints a poignant picture of a community forced to abandon its homeland amidst the rise of militancy, reflecting the profound loss and resilience of those who endured this dark chapter.

The second part (Kashmir: Towards Demilitarisation-2) discusses the changed conditions and the fresh set of challenges that have emerged post 2019. It chronicles the sweeping changes in Kashmir’s political, social and law-and-order landscape from the release of the author’s earlier book to the present day. It provides a thoughtful analysis of the region’s shifting dynamics, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of its ongoing transformation and the challenges that lie ahead.

The final section, (W(h)ither Kashmiriyat?) is a commentary on the prevalent social scene and some crystal ball gazing into the possibility of the re-evolution of Kashmiri society into the syncretic one that it once was. It explores the enduring spirit of Kashmiriyat—the essence of Kashmir’s pluralistic heritage. It presents a hopeful vision for restoring harmony, fostering unity, and reclaiming the Valley’s identity as a symbol of coexistence and mutual respect.

Deeply moving and insightful, Kashmir: Dawn of a New Era is both a chronicle of struggle and a beacon of hope, inviting readers to reflect on the possibilities of healing and renewal in this storied land.

About the Author

Brigadier Pramathesh Raina hails from a Kashmiri Pandit family from Srinagar and thus has an intimate knowledge of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army in June 1971 and took part in the Indo- Pak war of the same year.

He retired from the Indian Army in 2007. After retirement he served as Chair Professor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Chair of Excellence at the Savitribai Phule University, Pune. He is the author of the authoritative book, Kashmir: Towards Demilitarisation. He is settled in Pune.

The Book Launch Function

While introducing the book, the Author mentioned that itis different from other books on Kashmir because it isactually a collection of three books and therefore cannot be typecast into any particular genre. Book 1 deals with contemporary history. Book 2 is a commentary on the present-day conditions and the fresh set of challenges that have emerged post 2019.  Book 3 is a commentary on the prevalent social scene and exploring the possibility of the re-evolution of Kashmiri society into the syncretic one that it once was.

The Author mentioned that the book was initially meant to be a follow up of his earlier book published in 2016, Kashmiri: Towards Demilitarization. The thrust of that work was to identify ways and means by which we could reduce the quantum of uniformed personnel in the state of Jammu and Kashmir without compromising on national security. The controversy surrounding the movie The Kashmir Files prompted him to put on record his recollections of 1989-90, as he happened to be posted in Srinagar during that tumultuous period and witnessed the flight of his entire community from the Kashmir Valley. He titled this chapter, “My” Kashmir Files and that became Book 1.  As he said, “Writing this chapter was a catharsis of sorts as it helped unburden and unshackle memories and wounds burnt deep in my heart”.

The Author ended on a note of caution laced with optimism. He said that it is time for the Kashmiri Pandit community to reclaim their heritage. At the same time he advised caution, “While we should be optimistic about the future, we should not assume that all is well, and the violent times are behind us. It could well be the calm before the storm. There is a veneer of outward peace and stability …But it all could go South ... Our enemies both within and beyond our borders are defeated but not eradicated. They are biding their time, lying in wait for an opportunity. Once a chink in our armour is exposed,they will again emerge to challenge the established order”.

Maj Gen GD Bakshi, as expected held the audience spell bound by narrating compelling real-life incidents from his tenure drawn from his vast experience in counter-insurgency operations. His narratives carried the weight of lived conflict. He was of the opinion thatthere should be no reduction in troop levels and that boots on the ground were the only effective deterrent against terrorism.

Mr. Arun Wakhlu reminded the audience of Kashmir’s historical and spiritual essence, lovingly referring to it as the “Nani of India.” His powerful words, “If it is to be – it is up to me,” resonated deeply, calling upon all to transcend differences in religion, race, and to preserve Kashmiriyat — the soul of unity.

Lt Gen Patankar speaking in a calm and measured tone invoked the spirit of Tehzeeb, emphasizing that true normalcy will return not merely through strength (Taqat), but through grace and culture. He reminded us that a terrorist can be eradicated but terrorism is a mindset — one that must be overcome from within. It is the people who can defeat terrorism.

Epilogue

It is a coincidence that the very day after Kashmir was discussed in great detail, the terrorist attack on Pahalgam happened killing 27 tourists at last count.When asked to comment on the incident, Brig Raina responded, “You can expect such shock and awe incidents at sporadic intervals especially when foreign dignitaries are in India, for instance this attack has been timed to coincide with the visit of US Vice President, JD Vance and the PM's visit to Saudi Arabia.

We should not go overboard and take it out on the locals. Instead, we should use this excuse to do another Balakot on Pakistan. I expect an action bigger or at leastmore impactful than Balakot which was an action against a terrorist camp. This time we should hit where it hurts – directly at the Pakistani Army and then be prepared to climb up the escalation ladder.”.