Early Times Report
Srinagar, Dec 19 : Nadia Mehr has scripted history by becoming the first Pakistani female to complete a doctorate in medieval history from the Kashmir University here. She completed her thesis titled: "The Development of Science, Technology, Arts and Language during the Sultanate period in Kashmir".
Hailing from Kasur near Lahore, 31-year-old Mehr was selected under the South Asia Foundation programme. The university's chief librarian, Dr. Abdul Majeed Baba, said: "I have seen that Dr. Nadia often used to come to the Allama Iqbal Library, and now also, she keeps coming. During her research days, when she was allotted her topic, I remember in 2010 she used to continuously come in spite of unfavourable conditions in the valley," he said.
Although her stay in India of four years saw many ups and down, Mehr said that had it not been for the support of the higher authorities, she would have gradually quit the programme and returned.
However, what kept her going was the fact that her countrymen had their hopes pinned on her and more importantly it was the love and affection that she received from the people of Kashmir.
She added that while walking to the university, people used to identify and talk about her that gave her a morale boost. Meanwhile, she said that India and Pakistan should consider easing visa norms as it will help people of both the nations.
"My only appeal and request to the higher authorities is that there should be a relaxation in the visa process between the two countries because, if the visa problem is resolved, not only will relatives living cross-border be able to meet their kin, but it will also be a lot easier for common people like me. I don't consider myself special. Although I was lucky to get a visa to study in Kashmir, my belief is that others should also come here as visitors and get spellbound by the beauty of Kashmir, the Paradise of Earth," said Mehr. |
