Each year on February 5th, we reflect with remorse over the atrocities experienced and sacrifices made by the people of Kashmir and attempt to honour them through peaceful protests and various other means via social media. Although, what do we really know of this beautiful land so often referred to as “Paradise on Earth”.
On our search, we came across the twenty-six-year-old Aamir Wani whose insights, heartfelt poems, his ability to share the most mesmerizing visual perspectives of Kashmir set him by far above the rest. Whilst this exceptional travel photographer captures unheard stories of Kashmir with the world, Wani promises to showcase Kashmir as a story of hope, love, beauty and innocence. His stunning Instagram account “Kashmir through my lens” undoubtedly earns him an easy ‘follow’ and make you fall in love with the history and culture of Kashmir.
“Like a multi-faced diamond, every side of the Kashmir valley is equally beautiful”- Dal Lake (Source: Instagram/ kashmirthroughmylens)
The beautiful Shahi Hamdan (Source: Instagram/ kashmirthroughmylens)
“We Kashmiris are humans just like others. We have emotions flowing in our hearts as well. Politics and media have already played their part in damaging Kashmir and increasing the gap between Kashmiris and non-Kashmiris”. – Aamir Wani
The floating vegetable market at Dal Lake (Source: Instagram/ kashmirthroughmylens)
Naseem Bagh in Spring (Source: Instagram/ kashmirthroughmylens) – With Autumn in full swing, we get to experience the rich seasonal landscape Kashmir has to offer.
Dargah Sharif, Hazratbal (Source: Instagram/ kashmirthroughmylens)
“Sri Nagar” the old city. (Source: Instagram/ kashmirthroughmylens)
“Bulbul returned to my land, oh mother!
In my garden after years, bloomed a flower
I see the Vyeth slowly giving birth to the valley now
There’s no death, no darkness, only life, mother!
Kashmir is dazzling in lights tonight,
In the valley, plucking saffron, I see
Habba Khatoon
Nund Reshi and Lal Ded walking together,
I hear the songs of love, oh mother!
Dawn broke out; I hear the azaan of Fajar
Sad! It was only a dream, oh mother!”
Sonamarg Valley (Source: Instagram/ kashmirthroughmylens)
Gulmarg, Kashmir (Source: Instagram/ kashmirthroughmylens)
Wani believes that guns will not help end violence in Kashmir. He said, “What Kashmiris want is nothing but the right to self-determination so that people of the state can choose”.
“There are so many stories hidden in Kashmir, and I wanted to bring them out, I wanted people to listen to the realities of Kashmir and not pay heed to lies and propaganda. I wanted people to understand Kashmir, know Kashmir like we Kashmiris know it”.
Dal Lake (Source: Instagram/ kashmirthroughmylens)
“You shall see when you come,
How amidst the ruins
our heaven still blooms,
I am aware of the darkness,
Yet, our eyes carry hope and dreams,
In our skies, the stars have faded,
But the promises of lovers
Still, linger in the moonlit nights”.
Thajwass Glacier (Source: Instagram/ kashmirthroughmylens)
Gurez Valley(Source: Instagram/ kashmirthroughmylens)
Wani was brought up in Srinagar amidst challenging encounters, curfews, and search operations. “Accepting conflict as a part of childhood is not easy”, says Wani. Although he moved to England to pursue his higher education, his love for his land was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Now, organising travel tours to increase awareness and share Kashmir through ‘his’ lens. Follow his Instagram account and experience a landscape worthy of the title ‘Paradise on Earth’.
Very nice! Love amir wani and his work.