story by: dave king

Kashmir has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan for over six ​decades, but Rotarians from across the world are trying to being some ​peace and stability to the troubled region.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir is one of the most visually-stunning places on ​earth – but also among the most dangerous.

Predominantly mountainous, with snow-covered peaks soaring into the clouds, ​Kashmir’s resplendent geography features deep, narrow valleys and high, barren ​plateaus with thickly forested foothills.

And yet, even since the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, this north-​west region has been the focus of perpetual conflict and a flashpoint between ​India and Pakistan.

The northern and western portions of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit and Baltistan are ​administered by Pakistan, while the southern and south-eastern areas of Jammu, ​Kashmir are administered by India.

The Indian- and Pakistan-administered portions are divided by a “line of control” ​agreed in 1972, although neither country recognises it as an international ​country.

Adding further fuel to the fire in this disputed region, neighbouring China has ​controlled the north-eastern part of Ladakh since 1962.

The nuclear-armed neighbours of India and Pakistan have fought two wars over ​the Muslim-majority territory which remains one of the most militarised zones in ​the world.

Now Rotarians are attempting to build bridges in this sensitive area with the ​formation a couple of years ago of the Kashmir/Ladakh Steering Committee ​featuring Rotary clubs from Great Britain & Ireland, the USA, Canada, Africa, and ​several Rotary district in India, chaired by the Rotary Club of Calcutta.

In May 2022, a group of 25 experienced Rotarians got together to draw up a ​community development needs assessment with the ambitious title – “where ​eagles dare”. On that team were David Johnson from the Rotary Club of London, ​and Gill de Warren from the Rotary Club of Battersea Park, who has become ​secretary of the steering committee alongside chairman Sauman Ray from the ​Calcutta club.

“One definition of peace is that it is meant for within a community, across various ​borders, and between different countries and most importantly within oneself,” ​explained Sauman Ray, who attended the Presidential Peace Conference in ​London in February.

“But it needs various catalysts and Rotary is one.

“When a community feels contented with their way of life and infrastructural ​facilities are available, the peace is not far. It’s an ongoing process rather than a ​one-off achievement.”

Two years ago, those 25 experienced Rotarians from across the globe met with ​key Government officials in Kashmir and Ladakh to plan a vision, notably having ​talks with Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir.

Gill de Warren, who is Foundation Chair at the Rotary Club of Battersea Park in ​London said that they identified a need for Rotary projects serving all seven ​areas of focus, with priorities in health, education, water and sanitation, plus the ​environment.

She said: “We visited Srinagar and Ladakh and found opportunities to improve ​the living conditions of the communities, and children in particular, especially ​those living in remote mountain villages inaccessible to schools and medical ​care.”

One immediate requirement was the need to establish a solar-powered water ​pumping facility on the Indus River in Leh to boost agriculture and boost income ​generation for farmers. “The idea was to make an oasis in the mountain desert,” ​added Ray. One of the prime movers behind the project is the Rotary Club of ​London.

One of the biggest achievements in Kashmir of the new global Rotary partnership ​was setting up last October of health camps in Srinagar and Ladakh for surgeries ​and eye check-ups.

Rotarian doctors from across India conducted more than 500 surgeries during a ​10-day mega surgical camp, including general surgery, laparoscopic surgery, joint ​replacement, laser surgery for piles and varicose veins, along with cataract ​surgery.

Separately, the Rotarians organised the training of 100 schoolteachers from ​primary schools.

David Johnson, a Past President of the Rotary Club of London, said: “This is a ​fantastic beginning, and we wish to support the schools with books, and ​materials in Ladakh supporting education and literacy.”

Sentiments echoed by Tony Sharma, a Past District Governor of Rotary in ​London. “This is fabulous work. Recognition from local communities and ​Government bodies is essential to ensure on going sustainability and improve ​the living conditions of the communities.”

Further surgical camps took place in February in Rajouri and the Poonch areas of ​Jammu and Kashmir where there has been recent instances of conflict and ​killing.

Alongside this effort, new Rotary clubs are being established in Jammu Kashmir. ​“These mega medical mission camps are helping us to motivate and impress ​upon people of Kashmir to bring an everlasting peace. This is helping us to build ​peace in Jammu Kashmir,” added Calcutta Rotarian, Sauman Ray.

This May, a second needs assessment will take place in Kashmir to assess ​progress, and in September the Rotary Club of Calcutta will be hosting an ​international peace conference to coincide with its 105th birthday – the oldest ​Rotary club in mainland Asia.

Rotary, with its international profile and proven-track record with humanitarian ​projects is becoming a trusted force for good in Kashmir.

Sauman Ray added: “Our observations from many Rotary peace projects, ​customised to the local environment in Jammu and Kashmir, makes us believe ​that peace comes when people are happy in their country and homes, in a safe ​environment, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and with the freedom and ​resources to educate their children without fear of invasion.

“However, ground realities may not allow that to happen easily, as we see it in ​many countries in the world today.  The committee concludes that basic support ​of good health care, education and income generation are some of the ​critical success factors that could bring us to close to peace. This is Rotary with its ​expertise and proven experience of getting things done.”