Kashmiri Pandits 1

In early post migration period of KP's in Jammu, while strolling over the streets of Raghunath bazar, I overheard two persons talking on the character of KP's.They were saying that KP's are very cunning type of people and their most characteristic feature is that they mostly criticise and despise their own community members. I was not in humour of having discussion with them at that time but their conversation left a deep impact in my mind. I became conscious not to curse my own community in future, not even subconsciously. This incident also persuaded me to have a deep insight in the history of my community and trace the traits which we inherited from our ancestors. I could conclude that our community had a remarkable quality of adaptation to new circumstances and striving for excellence from times immemorial, which made us distinguished from other communities and perhaps even soar of their eyes. We have always proved right the Darwin's theory of survival of fittest. In Afghan rule in Kashmir , which was most hostile period for us, we survived because of learning Persian language and getting employment in Afghan courts. Most of our ancestors were very good writers and poets in Persian language. Then during British rule we survived by learning English language. To day in this computer age also most of our young generation have excelled in computer learning for survival.
We have survived mostly due to our own acumen despite of all the odds faced by our community after exodus from Kashmir valley. The temperate climate of Jammu, which was alien for us , never hindered us to go ahead.
It is very easy to find faults and give advises but we should also be aware of our strengths
We are hundred percent literate community
Our community members have been proved better paymasters. We have never defaulted in making payments to our creditors. We possess a very good reputation in market.
We never compromised on the education of our children.
We never distinguish between Son and Daughter.
We have not a single case of dowry death
We are first class patriots.
We have rarely any criminal record in our community.
We believe far less in superstitions than other communities.
Most of our community members have rationale and scientific outlook.
We may invest in properties but not in speculative ventures.
This reminds me of a couplet of Iqbal which I quote here.
Kuch baat hai ki hasti mitt ti nahi hamari
Sadyoon raha he dushman doore jehan hamara.