Naseem Bagh

Open reading spaces are an important resource for academic and political transactions as sociopolitical awakening always comes through such spaces. In the 1930s, Kashmir’s Reading Room Party (RRP) was a hotbed of discussions about happenings in the world and in Kashmir. Later on, it became a sort of mini-parliament which laid the foundation for Kashmir’s political agenda against the oppressive and exploitative policies of the monarchy. Today, Naseem Bagh, the chinar-laden garden in the University of Kashmir reminds one of the RRP. This garden was laid out by emperor Akbar in 1586, followed by an addition of 12,000 chinar trees by his grandson Shah Jahan. The chinar (Buoi’n in Kashmiri) is an integral symbol of Kashmir’s soul and existence.

The University of Kashmir is the main centre of higher education in the Kashmir region. Known for its landscape, the breath-taking beauty of the campus leaves every visitor awestruck. Naseem Bagh is a fascinating academic/cultural heritage site cradled by mighty chinars. Every good university has that distinct signature coalescing of people where ideas are exchanged and contemporary issues are discussed all the way to their roots. Naseem Bagh, as a vibrant and democratic space in the campus, is the heart and soul of the university, nurturing free thought and expression. It is a cherished space of vibrancy and splendour and a part of the academic journey of every scholar. On bright and sunny days, the shade of the chinar offers respite, just as it does in the rough patches that a scholar goes through in their meandering research journey. The memory of this space never leaves one’s heart even after they have left the campus.