DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2017.v05i11.021

Pages: 1694-1701

In 1989-90 when majority of Kashmiri Pandits decided to migrate from the valley some of the Kashmiri Pandit families decided to stay back in the valley despite all the odds. These Pandits are known as non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits. The non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits have lost their distinct identity after the mass migration of Kashmiri Pandits to Jammu and other parts of India. Earlier, the Kashmiri Pandits were considered to be homogeneous group and had distinct unique identity. But after mass migration of 1989, this unique identity got diluted and had a negative impact on the self-image/self-esteem of the non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits. Before mass Migration, the self-image/self-esteem of Kashmiri Pandits was very high but then it lost its uniqueness. The non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits have got comprising self-image in the sense that they compromise even on performing certain customs and traditions. Before migration, they used to stick to their customs and tradition but now these have lost its rigidity to a large extent. Based on a sample of 150 respondents selected from Srinagar and Budgam districts of Kashmir valley, the study examines the impact of mass migration on the self-image/self-esteem of non- migrant Kashmiri Pandits. A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect information from non- migrant Kashmiri Pandits. Besides, community members and socially notable persons were approached to identify the respondents. For the present study, a explorative research design was used. This paper provides useful insights into the identity crisis visa-visies self-image and self-esteem of non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits.