Khalid Jehangir’s book ‘Saga of Development’ released

Srinagar, Jul 04: The Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, and the Vice Chancellor of University of Kashmir, Prof. Nelofar Khan, jointly unveiled Dr Sheikh Khalid Jehangir’s book, Jammu and Kashmir in India: The Saga of Development.
Both academicians praised the book for its extensive data and insightful analysis.
Prof. Ganai emphasized that the book addresses a significant research gap in Kashmiri literature, meticulously detailing the allocation of funds by various political parties to different districts in Kashmir. He noted that this work fills a crucial void in understanding the region’s developmental history.
Prof. Nelofar Khan highlighted the book’s value for its data-driven approach and comprehensive analysis spanning from 1947 to 2020. She underscored its importance for researchers focusing on Kashmir’s development, calling it an invaluable resource for future academic endeavors.
Dr Sheikh Khalid Jehangir, the author, provided an overview of the book, accentuating its holistic perspective and its potential to support future research. He articulated how the book amalgamates historical data with contemporary issues, offering a thorough narrative on the region’s developmental journey.
The launch, organized by the International Centre for Peace Studies in New Delhi, featured several notable guests. Senior Research Fellow Smriti S. Patnaik commended the book for its extensive data, highlighting the paradox of substantial central funds alongside limited development in Kashmir.
She pointed out that the book meticulously documents this incongruity, providing a crucial understanding of the region’s developmental dynamics.
Assistant Prof. Shela Rashid noted that the book addresses critical questions about the visibility of development despite central funding. She praised the book for its ability to provoke thought and encourage deeper investigation into the region’s developmental policies.
Other distinguished attendees included Prof. R. A. Shahardar, Dean of SKUAST; Dr. Dil Mohammad Makdoomi, Director of Extension; and Prof. S.A. Wani, Dean of the Faculty of Horticulture, who all acknowledged the book’s contribution to the academic discourse on Jammu and Kashmir.
The event underscored the importance of data-driven research in understanding and addressing the complexities of development in Jammu and Kashmir, with Dr Sheikh Khalid Jehangir’s work standing out as a pivotal addition to the field.