 1946-47. For any Indian across the subcontinent, there was only one overwhelming concern – independence. And people in Kashmir were no exception. National leaders were household names, and their visits eagerly awaited. We came from the same road, we came from the same road, we came from the same road, we came from the same road. Shared ideals and dreams, a common vision for a just and equal society, bound not just the leaders, but also the people. We want equality, we are secular, we are a democracy for all of us. Secularism was the deciding factor, for in this land of Nundrishi and Lal Dev, respect for each other's religious beliefs and a shared ethos was, after all, all pervasive. Because we believe that whether it's a temple or whether it's a mosque or whether it's a place of zealot, God is everywhere, there is one God. You will call him anything you like, I may call him anything I like. Because in our culture, Hinduism is our legacy. Obviously then, the idea that religion could ever be a basis for division was unacceptable and alien for the majority. Moreover, those who supported such a division were also made unwelcome. They said, don't give support to the national council's evil. When the sheikhs were against it and the government was forced to give notice to the people within 24 hours, leave the valley. People were against it. They said it was too much. I didn't see it, but I was very happy. History, however, was in the making. An independence came, but with it came partition and the map of India changed forever. A reality which impacted millions of lives, but which ironically remained incomprehensible to most of them. When the partition was there, we never expected that there would be such turmoil, you see. We didn't know what would happen if India was divided. However, people soon began to feel the repercussions. The first casualty was the standstill agreement Maharaja Hari Singh had signed with Pakistan, which the latter reneged upon and imposed an economic blockade. See, the Pakistan made blockade. Nothing was available here. And it was the great sacrifice of the Kashmiri people. People, however, bravely stood their ground, desperate but defiant. So, pressure was increased. But you see, the Pakistan, instead of standing, it started, they came raider than. This wanton display of terror only managed to strengthen the people's resolve to sever themselves from a value system, which believed in using violence and brutality to impose decisions. There was a Kunganadol-Kashmiri against Pakistan. There were a few, for example, in the city of Mordor. Those who understood this, the interest they had already had, the rest were Aam-Kashmiri, they were with India. Accession was signed. He signed and he sent the paper before these two arrived. Kashmir will stay with India, with no other country. After giving the situation to Pakistan, he said that his decision was right. All these people are one. One country, one country, one country. All these people are one. A plurality in thought indeed. A space for everyone and an abiding belief that all of humanity is one. Ultimately is the idea that is India.