Kashmiri Youth Find Unity and Peace Through Cricket Tournament

In the aftermath of the 2016 Uri terrorist attack, a simple cricket tournament in Kashmir has emerged as a powerful symbol of unity and peace in the region. Sarang Gosavi, the president of the Aseem Foundation, organized the Uri Premier League to keep Kashmiri youth engaged and away from violence during a tense and uncertain period in the valley.

The tournament, which ran for about one and a half months, coincided with the Indian Army's surgical strike. The final match was hosted by the Indian Army, becoming a moving display of camaraderie between soldiers and locals. Gosavi later received a call from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who interacted with the Kashmiri students for nearly 90 minutes. Tendulkar was so inspired by the initiative that he later donated ₹50 lakh for a school in the region.

Beyond cricket, Gosavi's efforts also extended to education and cultural exposure. During the 2016 unrest, when several schools were burnt, he brought 52 Kashmiri students to Pune so they could continue their Class 10 studies. In Kupwara, his team revived a non-functional school by shifting it near the highway and setting it up with computers discarded by IT firms. These initiatives demonstrate how empathy and engagement can bridge divides and keep hope alive in even the most fragile regions.