The Diary of Gull Mohamed

Description

This manuscript, written as a diary of a 14-year-old Kashmiri Muslim boy, focuses on the ground realities. Names and surnames of the men, women, and children, mentioned in this diary have been changed; their identities protected, for their safety and privacy. Also, webbed and inter-webbed are several fictional factors-connectors-characters too.

He is a Kashmiri Muslim boy who has been shifted from his home in Srinagar’s down town, to a Madrasa in New Delhi, by his own parents in the hope that, he will be able to survive and study in a stress-free situation, far away from the curfews and crackdowns that disrupt life in the Kashmir Valley. But that does not happen. He faces repeated disruptions, disturbances, and discriminations. He is more than often taunted for his Kashmiri Muslim identity. He captures the painful taunts in his diary. Finally, he finds safe refuge in a Calicut “home” for children from all communities, till another destined turn leaves him devastated.

About the author:

HUMRA QURAISHI is a Delhi-based writer, columnist, and journalist. She has written extensively on Kashmir. Her short stories have been published in several magazines, journals, and anthologies. She has co-authored a series of books with late maverick Khushwant Singh, including The Good, the Bad, and the Ridiculous: Profiles and Absolute Khushwant

Table of contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction: The Diary of Gull Mohammad—A Kashmiri

Muslim Boy’s Journey from Kashmir to Kerala

1. Shifting from Srinagar
2. Reaching New Delhi
3. Around the Plains of North India
4. A Somewhat Peaceful Phase
5. Emotions and Anchorage
6. Another of Those Traumatic Turns!
7. Back to Srinagar, only for a Brief While
8. Better Times . . . but Not for Too Long!