SRINAGAR, JUNE 10: “All houses are dark until the mother wakes up,” wrote Khalil Gibran — a sentiment that resonates deeply with a pioneering proposal put forth by some of Kashmir’s eminent women under the banner of the “Motherhood” collective. Sparked by a conversation on digital addiction during the ‘Common Interest Conversations’ programme at the Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, this initiative is rooted in the belief that women — nature’s primary caregivers — possess the emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience to lead Kashmir toward holistic recovery and renewal.
The proposal, though inspired by emotion, is scientifically designed. It aims not only to address a host of urgent societal challenges but also to create a nurturing space called Cashmere Cradleland in the heart of Srinagar. This envisioned centre will act as a sanctuary that cultivates creativity, traditional values, and physical wellness in children and elders, while shielding them from the environmental and digital hazards of contemporary life. By building such a nest, the initiative hopes to clarify and enrich the human resource supply of the region and improve overall quality of life. This project aspires to offer a rejuvenated learning ecosystem that reconnects children with nature and revives Kashmir’s traditional arts. At the same time, it provides for dignified geriatric care — a pressing need in a society where elderly citizens are increasingly facing neglect. Many elders in Kashmir suffer from issues ranging from empty nests and poor medical care to financial fraud and coercion, often at the hands of their own relatives. Despite legislative protections like the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, a lack of awareness leaves many vulnerable and unprotected. Research conducted in 2023 indicates that nearly 50 percent of elders report some form of abuse within their families.
Substance abuse is another major concern. An estimated 2.8 percent of the population suffers from drug dependence, while digital addiction — including compulsive gaming, social media, shopping, and pornography — is increasingly devastating households, tearing families apart and depleting financial resources. Mental health remains an under-addressed issue. According to renowned psychiatrist Dr. Mushtaq A. Margoob, only 8 to 10 percent of mental health patients in Kashmir receive adequate medical attention, leaving the rest vulnerable to quacks and fake healers. The rise in late marriages, particularly among women, is another troubling trend. A 2022 study revealed that around 50,000 Kashmiri women were considered “late” for marriage, with unemployment among the top reasons for their diminished prospects.
Environmental degradation has also reached alarming levels due to illegal mining, deforestation, contaminated pesticides, and encroachment on agricultural land. Simultaneously, the cherished Cashmere brand — built over centuries through traditional crafts such as shawls, papier-mâché, embroidery, wood carving, and copperware — is losing its luster. With social media eroding linguistic and cultural roots, Kashmir’s identity is at a critical juncture. In response, the Cashmere Cradleland project proposes to build a greenhouse-style centre in Srinagar where children will learn through close engagement with nature, including organic farming, bird watching, dairy, poultry, and fish farming, as well as sheep breeding and horse riding. Physical activities such as swimming, team sports, and competitions will be encouraged to develop both individual talent and a spirit of collaboration. Gradual exposure to traditional arts and Kashmiri history will ensure children grow up with cultural awareness, while carefully moderated technological education will teach them how to use digital tools constructively and avoid addiction. The project emphasizes that shielding children from toxic stress during their formative years will promote better sleep patterns and prevent disorders like anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Simultaneously, the project will create an assisted living space for elders with both day-care and boarding facilities. Geriatric activity centres will be established to improve the mental and physical health of seniors, with special care given to prevent neglect and fraud. The environmental impact of the project is equally ambitious. By planting trees, flowers, and vegetables, it aims to refresh Srinagar’s air and soil quality and create sanctuaries for birds and other wildlife. Importantly, the initiative will provide employment to thousands of women, thus improving their livelihood and marriage prospects. Many women who missed the opportunity to become biological mothers will be able to express their nurturing instincts by caring for children within the Cradleland community.
The initiative calls for collaboration between families, civil society, and the Government. While the community is ready to commit financial and human resources, it seeks substantial support from the state. The long-term benefits of the project — such as reducing addiction, developing responsible human resources, reviving arts and crafts, nurturing sports talent, and advancing organic agriculture — are manifold. The Cashmere Cradleland could even become a supplier of fresh, high-quality produce and dairy to Srinagar. The land proposed for the project lies at Tattoo Ground in Srinagar — an area measuring 139.4 acres that was transferred by the Ministry of Defence back to the Jammu and Kashmir Government in July 2023 for tourism development. Initially intended to house a world-class amusement park, the land has since been redirected toward a “Global Amusement Hub” under an asset monetisation policy. According to a press report dated March 12, 2025, this land is now set to be auctioned. In terms of sustainability, the Cashmere Cradleland will rely on multiple income streams. These include revenue from organic farming, crafts, and livestock sold under the ‘Cashmere Cradleland’ brand. Membership fees and contributions, particularly from senior citizens and their families, will provide another pillar of support. According to recent estimates, India holds Rs. 2 lakh crore in unclaimed assets — including bank deposits, shares, and insurance funds — much of which belongs to deceased elders without legal heirs. The project has already garnered financial pledges from several Kashmiris residing outside the region who wish to support proper care for their parents.
Additional funding will be sought through sponsorships from businesses aligned with conservation and women’s empowerment, as well as from national and international grants aimed at cultural preservation, child development, and organic agriculture. The vision behind Cashmere Cradleland is clear: to create a self-sustaining, culturally rooted, and forward-looking space where the past, present, and future of Kashmir can coexist — nurturing the young, dignifying the old, and empowering women, while restoring nature and tradition in the heart of the Valley. It now remains to be seen whether the Government will choose amusement over awakening — or join hands with its people to build a better tomorrow.