Kashmir Shilajit Prices Surge as Global Demand Reaches New High

Shilajit export from Kashmir

Kashmir's renowned Himalayan Shilajit is witnessing an unprecedented rise in both price and international demand. According to market reports, the price of premium-quality Shilajit has increased from approximately ₹98,000 per kilogram to around ₹1,61,000 per kilogram, reflecting the growing value of this rare natural substance in domestic and overseas markets.

Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin that naturally seeps from rocks in the high-altitude Himalayan mountains during the summer months. For centuries, it has been valued in Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional medicine for its potential to support energy, stamina, immunity, and overall wellness. Modern consumers across the world are increasingly seeking natural health products, contributing to a sharp rise in demand for authentic Himalayan Shilajit.

Interestingly, despite the sharp increase in prices, the supply of Shilajit has also expanded significantly. Improved collection methods, better processing facilities, and growing participation of local collectors and traders have strengthened the supply chain in Kashmir. Businesses are focusing on quality control, purification, laboratory testing, and proper packaging to meet international standards, making Kashmiri Shilajit more competitive in global markets.

The international market has become one of the biggest drivers of this growth. Health-conscious consumers in countries across the Middle East, North America, and Europe are increasingly purchasing premium Himalayan Shilajit as a natural dietary supplement. Exporters report that demand continues to rise as awareness of Ayurvedic products grows worldwide.

According to the information provided, around 20 containers of Shilajit have been exported from Srinagar during the last five months to destinations including Qatar, Dubai, North America, Aferica and Canada. If independently verified, this would represent a significant expansion in Kashmir's herbal export sector and highlight the increasing global interest in products sourced from the Himalayas.

This growing demand is creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, exporters, and rural communities involved in collecting and processing medicinal products. Higher prices can translate into better incomes for people working in the herbal industry, while encouraging investment in sustainable harvesting, scientific processing, branding, and international marketing.

However, experts also emphasize the importance of protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Since Shilajit is naturally formed over long periods, excessive or unregulated extraction could threaten natural resources. Sustainable collection practices, strict quality standards, and government oversight will be essential to ensure that Kashmir continues to benefit from this valuable natural product without damaging its environment.

As global demand for natural wellness products continues to grow, Kashmir's authentic Himalayan Shilajit is emerging as one of the region's most valuable medicinal exports. With rising international recognition, improved quality standards, and expanding export markets, the future of Kashmir's Shilajit industry appears promising. Continued investment in research, certification, sustainable harvesting, and value-added processing could further strengthen its position in the global herbal products market.

Kashmir 1947: Accession, Limited Powers, and the Plebiscite Debate

Accession of Jammu & Kashmir to India

Kashmir's Accession: Read Beyond the Headline
The Second Line Matters: Understanding Jammu,Kashmir's &  Accession

The newspaper headline I am referring to reflects the broader chain of events of October 1947, but the legal and constitutional history is even more significant.

Accession: On 26 October 1947, H.H.Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India. India accepted it on 27 October 1947.

Limited scope: The Instrument of Accession initially gave the Dominion of India legislative authority over three main subjects: Defence, External Affairs (not communications), and Communications, along with matters ancillary to those subjects.

Plebiscite: Around the time of accepting the accession, Governor-General Lord Mountbatten wrote that once law and order had been restored and the invaders expelled, "the question of the State's accession should be settled by a reference to the people." This is why many historical accounts mention a proposed plebiscite.

Article 370: Adopted in 1950 (and incorporated into the Constitution in 1950, coming into effect in 1950), Article 370 granted Jammu and Kashmir a special constitutional status within India. It was described in the Constitution under the heading "Temporary Provisions with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir." While called "temporary," its legal interpretation and operation evolved over decades through presidential orders and court rulings until its effective abrogation in 2019.

So, if someone only reads the headline "Kashmir accedes to India," they may miss the important context in the second line regarding the proposed reference to the people and the limited scope of the original Instrument of Accession. At the same time, describing it simply as a "temporary affiliation" is an interpretation rather than a universally accepted legal characterization. The accession itself was a legal instrument, while Article 370 governed the constitutional relationship that followed and was separately designated as a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution.

These events remain subjects of differing legal, historical, and political interpretations, so it is useful to distinguish between the Instrument of Accession (1947), the proposal for a plebiscite, and Article 370 (1950) rather than treating them as the same issue.

Lord Mountbatten,
Maharaja Hari Singh,
Constitutional history,
Kashmir constitutional status,
Accession of Kashmir,
Historical documents,
Kashmir dispute,
India Kashmir history,
Legal history of Kashmir,
Jammu Kashmir accession,
Defence External Affairs Communications,
Temporary provisions Article 370,
Kashmir political history,

No One Should Go Hungry: The Sikh Tradition of Langar Welcomes Everyone

Free food at Gurdwara

Sheikh Gulzar

In a world where many people silently struggle with hunger, loneliness, or financial hardship, there is a timeless tradition that offers hope, dignity, and compassion. Every Gurdwara Sahib, the Sikh place of worship, welcomes people from all walks of life to share a free meal through the tradition known as Langar.

Langar was established over 500 years ago by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. It was created with a simple but powerful message: no one should go hungry, and all people are equal. Regardless of religion, race, nationality, caste, gender, or economic background, everyone is invited to sit together and enjoy a freshly prepared meal. This tradition continues today in thousands of Gurdwaras around the world.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Langar is that it is completely free. Visitors are not required to pay, make a donation, or explain their circumstances. Whether someone is a student, traveler, worker, refugee, unemployed person, or simply in need of a warm meal, they are welcomed with kindness and respect. There are no questions asked and no expectations placed upon those who come to eat.

The food served in Langar is prepared by volunteers who generously donate their time and effort. People of all ages participate in cooking, serving, cleaning, and organizing meals as an act of selfless service, known in Sikhism as Seva. This spirit of volunteerism strengthens communities and demonstrates the values of compassion, humility, and generosity.

One of the most famous examples of Langar can be found at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, where tens of thousands of people are served every day. During festivals and special occasions, that number can rise even higher. Similar community kitchens operate in Gurdwaras across India and in countries around the world, ensuring that anyone who needs a meal can receive one.

Langar has also played a vital role during times of crisis. During natural disasters, pandemics, conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies, Sikh volunteers have established mobile kitchens and distributed free meals to affected communities without discrimination. Their efforts have earned global recognition for promoting humanity, equality, and service.

If you are facing difficult times or simply need a meal, remember that a Gurdwara Sahib is a place where everyone is welcome. You do not need to be Sikh to enter, pray, or eat. Covering your head and removing your shoes before entering are simple signs of respect for the place of worship, and volunteers are usually happy to guide first-time visitors.

The tradition of Langar is more than a meal—it is a symbol of equality, dignity, and shared humanity. It reminds us that kindness can transcend differences and that every person deserves respect, compassion, and nourishment. In a world often divided by social and economic barriers, Langar stands as a powerful example of how communities can come together to care for one another. Its message remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago: no one should ever have to face hunger alone, and everyone deserves a place at the table.