Gyavun: Echoes of the Valley. A musical evening with Mr. Noor Mohammad | Kashmiri Folk Singer

First all Kashmiri Interview on the podcast! Step into the heart of Kashmir’s musical heritage with Gyavun: Echoes of the Valley — a soulful evening featuring the renowned Kashmiri folk singer Mr. Noor Mohammad. This special event includes:🎙️ An exclusive interview with Mr. Noor Mohammad Shah. Experience the sounds and stories that have echoed through generations. This isn't just a performance — it's a preservation of memory, identity, and tradition.

In this episode, We explore the essence of Kashmir through the eyes, of Ada Bakshi. From cherished customs to the breathtaking landscapes that breathe life into Kashmiri culture, Ada shares personal memories, legends, and reflections on preserving what matters most. What aspects of Kashmir must endure for future generations? And how does one balance tradition with change? Join us for a conversation on identity, belonging and the enduring spirit of heritage.

Chapters : -

(00:00) - ⏳ Kashmir, My Home

(05:02) - 🌿 Valleys, Legends & The Soul of Kashmir

(08:16) - 🏡 Woven in Tradition: Customs That Bind Us

(10:24 )- 🔗 Guardians of Memory: Preserving Kashmir’s Soul

(14:50) - ⚖️ Tradition vs. Change: The Evolution of Kashmiri Culture

(24:23) - 🌍 Kashmir Beyond Borders: A Global Reflection

(27:57) - ✨ Echoes of Heritage: Carrying the Culture Forward

💫About the interviewee - Shireen Qadri - cofounder and co-CEO of Moji Masala : Shireen Qadri, co-founder and co-CEO of Moji Masala, is dedicated to preserving and sharing authentic South Asian flavors through her innovative spice blend company. A Kashmiri-American, she is passionate about connecting people to the rich culinary traditions of the subcontinent. With meticulous attention to quality and sustainability, she has ensured Moji Masala's products are crafted using the finest organic spices. Qadri’s approach balances cultural authenticity with simplicity, allowing people to prepare delicious Indian meals effortlessly. Through Moji Masala, she continues to celebrate the essence of home-cooked Indian cuisine while fostering a sense of community and connection. ⭐About Moji Masala : Moji masala is the easiest way to transform simple ingredients into a feast for the senses in a short amount of time. Our freshly ground, impeccably stored Indian spice blends (masalas) and Indian cooking recipes provide the foundation for quick, authentic, intensely satisfying meals without the hassle of spice shopping. The single-use, vibrant packaging bears no resemblance to the mass-produced jars gathering dust on your spice rack. These are age-old family recipes that celebrate the cultural, religious and regional diversity of India. So, pick your favorite Moji Masala spice packets. Buy a few grocery items. Use Moji's recipes and prepare to amaze your friends and family by your fabulous Indian cooking skills!

Raja Darain Khan, author of Oppressed to Oppressor and a fourth year student at Muhlenberg College completing his degree in psychology and philosophy, shares his journey from the valleys of Kashmir to the U.S. We explore his perspectives on identity, resilience, and cultural connection, shaped by his roots and experiences. Tune in to hear his story!

This discussion explores the meaning of resilience, a force that transcends classifications based on the lived experiences of individuals such as Raja Darain Khan.

The intricacies of Kashmir and his American education influenced his experience, which shows resilience is more than just surviving; it is the process of regaining one's identity, autonomy, and humanity-that resilience is a process rather than a destination, a silent metamorphosis that arises from flaws and the gaps where light spills in.

Listen to this discussion to explore a more profound comprehension of identity and resilience in the context of Kashmir.

Outline :

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:44) - Growing Up in Kashmir and Exploring the meaning of resilience

(08:08) - Journey as an International Student

(14:08) - Discussing his book "Oppressed to Oppressor"

(22:08) - Interest in Clinical Psychology

(28:13) - Reflections and Insights

(33:22) - Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

Faris Kashtwari is 16 years old and lives in Oakville Canada 11,005 Km away from his home town, the capital of the valley. In this episode, we delve into his views on cultural preservation, rootedness, the meaning of the Kashmiri culture for him and much more! Tune in to hear his views.

Outline

(00:00) - Introduction
(00:37) - Personal Connection to Kashmir
(04:28) - Stories, Customs, and Heritage
(11:52) - Preservation and Conservation
(18:22) - Exploring the Natural and Cultural Landscape
(23:19) - Journey and Discovery
(26:58) - Cultural Essence and Its Challenges
(30:56) - Perspective and Preservation
(34:26) - Cultural Exchange and Impact
(38:22) - The Importance of Heritage

Aimal Ali is 12 years old and currently lives in New Delhi, India. She is originally from Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley. Tune in to hear her insights and perspectives on cultural preservation and what the essence of Kashmir is for her.

Outline

(00:00)-Introduction
(00:37)-Personal Connection to Kashmir
(02:51)-Stories, Customs, and Heritage
(08:06)-Exploring the Natural and Cultural Landscape
(12:02)-Preservation and Conservation
(16:27)-Journey and Discovery
(17:47)-Perspective and Preservation
(20:59)-Cultural Essence and Its Challenges
(23:52)-Cultural Exchange and Impact
(26:42)-The Importance of Heritage

In this episode, Shireen Shaw, 15 years old, from Srinagar, currently studying in New Delhi shares her passion for environmental conservation in Kashmir, emphasizing the need to balance modern development with the preservation of cultural heritage. An avid horseback rider and trekker, she speaks about her love for the valley’s natural beauty and her hopes for its future. Tune in as Shireen reflects on what it means to protect Kashmir’s cultural integrity and explores how it adds to her identity.

"Safar Dar Watan: A Journey Home" explores the spirit of Kashmir, where each soul is a traveler on a journey home. We explore what it means to conserve a place's essence, which is found in its tales, customs, and inner joy in addition to its natural beauty. Each participant contributes a special gift to the voyage, much like a caravan traversing the dunes; some follow ancient routes, others discover uncharted waterways, and some just sit in delight, capturing the essence of the dervish. We consider together what is important, what should be preserved, and what it means to go back to our roots.