International Essay
Contest on Kashmir
Washington,
DC: Dr. Ghulam-Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri American
Council/Kashmir Center announced April 2 the holding of
an international essay contest focusing on peace in South
Asia and most importantly, peace in Kashmir. The theme of
the essay is: "South Asian Stability Post President
Bush's Visit” and one can even incorporate any one
of the following sub-themes that will also be topics of
discussion at the forthcoming conference: Kashmir: New hopes
and aspirations; Is self-governance a means towards self-determination?;
Demilitarization: First step towards setting a stage for
settlement; and Kashmir: Human rights dimension.
Dr. Fai said that the Review Board will consider all perspectives
and viewpoints, regardless of the inclinations of the writers,
as long as their positions do support the ideals of democratic
norms and international freedom. He also pointed out that
the writers of the essay should also come up with recommendations
for a peaceful solution of the Kashmir issue. However, he
emphasized that the status quo was not an option to be discussed
in the essay as a viable solution. Solutions and recommendations
may include, but not limited to elements of conflict resolution,
international mediation and negotiation, international law,
engagement of indigenous militants in the peace process,
earthquake disaster relief, religious tolerance and democracy.
The Executive Director emphasized that writers of the essays
should clearly address the theme and sub-themes as stated
above, and that they should also constructively complement
their arguments through the usage of proper objective criteria
in support of their positions. All opinions and recommendations
must exclusively be those of the writers only.
Dr. Fai pointed out that winners of the top nine essays
would receive a cash prize based on the three categories
of submission: undergraduate students [US $ 500.00] , graduate
students [US $ 800.00], and professional [US $ 1,000.00].
Moreover, the winners of the top three essays would be invited
to read out their winning essays at the Sixth International
Kashmir Peace Conference to be held on July 20-21, 2006
at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. All travel [economy class
airfare] and accommodation costs would be provided by the
Kashmir American Council/Kashmir Center. Visa fees would
be provided, but three top winning contestants residing
outside the United States are expected to apply for their
visa in their respective countries.
Dr Fai also mentioned that the deadline for submission of
the essays by e-mail would be June 7th, 2006 and should
be sent to kashmirconference@yahoo.com or to gnfai2003@yahoo.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
