Written for The Argo by Iman Ahmed

The Pakistan Student Association held an event at the Multicultural Center on February 5, 2024, in honor of Kashmir Solidarity Day. This event was led by Saba Bhatti, President of PSA, and Ammar Farooq, a member of PSA. The event began with a presentation that explained what Kashmir Solidarity Day is about as well as what is going on in Kashmir in the present day. As there are human rights issues in the region of Jammu and Kashmir, it is important to enlighten people on this issues. The presentation talked about Ari “hook” presentation, which is a great part of Kashmiri culture.

Saba Bhatti, a third-year student majoring in Health Science and President of the Pakistan Student Association ended her presentation by saying, “We are blessed to have a peaceful life where we can enjoy the area we live in, the people we’re around, and they don’t have that…So, If you have that luxury, take your time and spend your time learning about those who don’t have that same luxury.

Refreshments were provided during the event—samosas, with various sauces as well as a classic Kashmiri chai with an assortment of cookies. Kashmiri chai (tea) comes from a specific variety of leaves found in the surrounding areas of the region of Kashmir. It can be topped with ice cream, candied rose petals, or an assortment of nuts, most commonly pistachios. 

Kashmiri embroidery dates back to ancient times and has evidence of existing during the 15th century. The embroidery tradition is influenced by many cultures including Persian, Central Asian, and indigenous Kashmiri styles. Due to several reasons, including economic pressure and limited Government support, the embroidery business is rapidly declining. 

To educate more about the delicate art of embroidery, PSA had a variety of different patterns for attendees of the event to embroider. Creating things with your hands can promote better mental health as it helps decrease stress as well as relieve anxiety. As attendees sat around and committed to working on their patterns, they found themselves relaxing instead of being fixated on schoolwork.

Fourth-year student Sangida Huda, majoring in computer science, explained how she was excited to do embroidery as the process of completing the pattern is enjoyable, and having a finished result made her feel quite accomplished in her goal. 

Saba Bhatti explains, “The purpose of our event was to recognize February 5th as an International Solidarity Day. Currently, in Pakistan, they celebrate this day throughout and we take the time to get to know about the occupying forces that have invaded Kashmir. I want to make sure that people here, even though we’re not there [in Kashmir], understand the importance of this day. I feel like oftentimes, through the movements of culture, from one place to another, they get lost in translation and we need to understand that a part of our nation is occupied at this moment. Our people are going through human rights violations and we must educate ourselves about the underlying causes of those issues so that hopefully one day we can educate someone else on this topic.”

Adjunct Professor, Louise Gorham-Neblett of Africana Studies Arts and Humanities, attended the event in support of the club promoting educating about realities around the world.

Professor Neblett shared, “This has been a real learning experience. I really didn’t know about the status of Kashmir as a part of Pakistan and India and the civil rights issues that are taking place there. But, I did learn a lot by being here this afternoon and more events like this should take place at the Multicultural Center.”