New Delhi, Dec 21: A first-of-its-kind J&K Darbar held at Jamia Millia Islamia on Saturday witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and scholars, underscoring a strong appetite among the youth for meaningful dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir’s social and political concerns.
Despite being organised at short notice, the event drew a large and attentive audience, said the organisers.
Host and moderator Mir Mujeeb, a senior PhD scholar at Jamia Millia Islamia, described the gathering as “a rare opportunity where young minds could engage directly, critically and honestly with a public representative on issues that shape their present and future.” According to Mujeeb, the objective of the Darbar was to create an open, non-partisan space rooted in academic inquiry and lived realities.
The interaction featured candid exchanges between PhD scholars, faculty members and Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi. Rather than formal speeches, the session evolved into an open conversation marked by probing questions, reflections and counter-questions from the audience, lending the discussion a participatory and reflective character.
As described by Mujeeb, the deliberations covered a wide range of pressing concerns facing Jammu and Kashmir. These included youth unemployment and economic stagnation, the growing menace of drug abuse and the need for ethical and community-based responses, anxieties surrounding reservation rationalisation, climate change and deteriorating air quality, equitable sharing of hydropower resources, and the balance between modern education and ethical grounding. Rising mental health challenges among young people, driven by career uncertainty and mounting pressure, also featured prominently in the discussions.
Organised by PhD scholars of Jamia Millia Islamia, the Darbar retained a distinctly academic yet grounded tone. Participants noted that the calm, reflective and non-confrontational atmosphere allowed difficult issues to be discussed without slogans or political grandstanding.
Reflecting on the outcome, Mujeeb said the J&K Darbar reaffirmed Jamia’s legacy as a space for critical thought and responsible public engagement. He added that such forums—where scholars, youth and elected representatives think aloud together—are essential for rebuilding trust, confidence and a sense of direction among young citizens.
