Archive · 28 Dec 2025
Kashmiri Pandit's Journey from Displacement to Healing
Satyen Kashu is a man from Kashmir who had to leave his home when he was young because of fighting there.
He moved to a new city called Pune with his family.
At first, it was hard to adjust to the new place and language, but over time, he found ways to cope.
He started writing poetry and playing music to express his feelings.
He also created a project called Voice of Roots to help other people who have been displaced share their stories.
Satyen believes that listening to each other can heal wounds and bring people together.
He writes in many languages and works with people from different backgrounds.
His story shows how displacement can change a person's life but also how they can find new ways to connect with others.
Satyen Kashu was displaced from Kashmir in the late 1980s due to militancy and never returned.
He struggled with the loss of community, safety, and emotional openness during his displacement.
Kashu found healing through writing poetry in Kashmiri and playing music, which helped him regulate his emotions.
He created the Voice of Roots project to facilitate listening circles for displaced communities, students, and artists.
Kashu's books and workshops focus on themes of anger, sadness, and the importance of being heard without judgment.
- Who
- Satyen Kashu, a Kashmiri Pandit displaced from Kashmir in the 1990s.
- What
- A journey of displacement, healing, and community building through music and poetry.
- When
- Displacement occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Where
- From Kashmir to Pune, with experiences across India.
- Why
- Due to militancy and the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, leading to a loss of community and safety.
- Name
- Satyen Kashu
- Age
- Mid-forties
- Original Home
- Kashmir
- Current Location
- Pune
- Profession
- Musician, Writer, Facilitator
- Key Project
- Voice of Roots
- Books
- Ek Kashmiri Ladke Ki Diary and its English counterpart