I met my friend Mansur-ji while doing research last year. He runs a small souvenir shop in one of Delhi's shopping districts called the Tibetan Market. Like many of the other shopkeepers in the area, Mansur-ji is a refugee--that is, a person who fled from their home to escape violence and war. I love hearing Mansur-ji's stories about his old home in Kashmir, his new home in Delhi and his family; and he is excited to share them with you in this piece!
I am Mansur. Just Mansur. I make Kashmiri art and sell it in my shop.
I live here in New Delhi behind my little shop. Kashmir is my real home, though. Most of my family lives in a large compound on a beautiful river by the mountains.
My wife and my brothers all live back in Kashmir, still. It is very dangerous to live there because of violence and war, but they can't bear to leave their home. I have brought my two sons with me here to work to support our family.
I spend most of my time in my shop, but when I leave I will either walk or ride in a rickshaw.
