Unsung Innovators of Kashmir

Back of the Book Political turmoil of past couple of decades in Kashmir has affected more or less every sphere of life in the Valley. Besides the physical and material costs, the psychological impact of the conflict too has been very profound. However, even in the face of psychologically stressful situations, over the years, there have been other changes as well in Kashmir that have influenced the innovation ecosystem somehow. As of now, the situation is not so pleasing although it is not hopeless. My effort in compiling all my stories on 'unsung innovators' of Kashmir in a book form, is a small endeavor to prove all those people wrong who think that the people of Kashmir can't be innovative either. Making a Walnut-Cracking Machine, a Tree Climber or a Singing Lantern, we have proved to the world that we are born creative and we can innovate on any new technology and fine-tune it to creative something new to suit our localized needs if given the right opportunity at the right time by the right people.

About the Author
Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad who is from Halmtpora, Kupwara, graduated in Commerce from Government Degree College Bemina, Srinagar. He obtained his Management Degree, from Pondicherry University in the year 2009.

He is currently doing his M.Phil/PhD from the School of Social Science, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He has worked with National Innovation Foundation; Ahmadabad based organization as a collaborator and was Member, Grassroots Innovation and Augmentation Network, University of Kashmir.

He is also contributing to various newspapers including The Times of India (Srinagar Plus), Daily Kashmir Images, Kashmir Affairs (London) and Just-International (Malaysia) as a free lancer.

Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad was awarded at the 5th National Grassroots Innovations Award Function held at IARI, Pusa, New Delhi on 18th Nov. 2009 where President of India, Pratibah Davi Singh Patel was the chief guest.

**Contents and Sample Pages**