Opinion | Arhan Bagati: Shaping the Future with Vision and Commitment

Arhan Bagati, a Kashmiri Pandit, is actively contributing to social work and public policy in Jammu & Kashmir. His academic background includes education at Pomona College, USA, and further studies at the University of Cambridge. Currently, Arhan is pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at Harvard University, focusing on fostering social and political change, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir. His journey reflects a dedication to his roots and a commitment to leveraging his education for the betterment of his native region.
Educational and Professional Background:
Arhan’s academic journey demonstrates a focused pursuit of knowledge and leadership skills. After his studies at Pomona College, he attended the University of Cambridge, strengthening his foundation in relevant disciplines. His present choice to study at Harvard for his Master’s in Public Policy underscores his commitment to enhancing his capabilities in governance and policy-making, with a particular interest in contributing to Jammu & Kashmir.
Beyond academics, Arhan has played a significant role in the Paralympic Movement in India as the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India. He developed initiatives like LetsEnable.com and supportive apps such as InRio and IndTokyo, aimed at assisting Indian Paralympic athletes. His involvement culminated in serving as the India’s first & world’s youngest Deputy Chef De Mission for the Indian contingent at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic games, showcasing his leadership and commitment to this cause.
Revitalizing Kashmir Through KYARI:
Arhan is a Founder of KYARI (Kashmir’s Yumberzal Applied Research Institute), an organization focused on revitalizing Kashmir. KYARI addresses important regional challenges through applied research, concentrating on areas like education, sanitation, electricity, tourism, conservation, and economic empowerment, especially for women. Notably, KYARI organized the Lit Fest in Kashmir after 33 years. The event was inaugurated by the Lt Governor and featured Late Dr. Bibek Debroy, author and Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Several dignitaries from the government, film, and arts sectors also attended this significant event. KYARI’s projects include advocacy for the Bakkarwal Tribal Pastoralists and initiatives aimed at combating drug abuse among youth, reflecting a commitment to the societal well-being of Kashmir.
Sustainable Development and Innovation:
KYARI, under Arhan’s guidance, promotes forward-thinking solutions. For example, KYARI introduced e-rickshaws in Srinagar. This initiative aims to support sustainable transportation and provide economic opportunities to disadvantaged communities, demonstrating innovative approaches to development challenges.
Promotion of Tourism and Cultural Heritage:
Recognizing the vital role of tourism in economic and social progress, Arhan has actively worked to promote Kashmir as an attractive tourist destination and to encourage renewed Bollywood engagement with the region. These efforts aim to boost the local tourism and economy by highlighting Kashmir’s scenic beauty as a prime filming location. Notably, Arhan has facilitated the shooting of a large-scale, high-budget Bollywood film in the Valley by one of the biggest production houses, Excel Entertainment Pvt Ltd (owned by Farhan Akhtar & Ritesh Sidhwani), the acclaimed makers of films like “Dil Chahta Hai” and “Rock On!!” (both winners of National Film Awards), as well as “Lakshya” (which won a National Film Award for Best Choreography), and popular TV shows such as “Inside Edge,” “Mirzapur,” and “Made in Heaven.” Excel Entertainment was also honored as the Best Film Production House at the Dadasaheb Phalke National Film Awards in 2023. Over 500 people traveling from Mumbai and across India for an extended stay. This marks the first time in over 30 years that Kashmir is being showcased in a positive light to attract Bollywood and Hollywood, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of WAVES (World Audio Visual Entertainment Services). Plans are underway for a special screening, engaging top national anchors and regional podcasters to amplify the film’s reach. The movie, titled “Ground Zero” and set to release on April 25, 2025, glorifies the true story of a BSF encounter with Ghazi Baba, a key figure in the Parliament and Akshardham attacks and the killing of 70 BSF soldiers in 2001. A red-carpet special screening is planned in INOX Srinagar, aiming to further showcase Kashmir and attract more filmmakers to the region.
Thought Leadership:
Arhan is an active voice, sharing his perspectives on platforms like TEDxYouth@JPIS and through publications in Hindustan Times, Republic, Firstpost, The Quint, and Greater Kashmir. His talks and writings often explore themes of national security, the socio-political environment of J&K, and the value of staying connected to one’s roots. His commitment to social change was recently further acknowledged when Hindustan Times recognized him as a 30 Under 30 – Social Impact Leader.
Arhan Bagati’s multifaceted contributions span from sports to socio-economic development. His path illustrates a dedication to his homeland and a vision for a progressive and empowered Jammu & Kashmir. He is making notable contributions in public policy and social work. His commitment to his roots is powerfully demonstrated by his intention to leverage his world-class education and diverse experiences to serve the people of Kashmir.

Arhan Bagati | care@kyari.org | arhanbagati@hks.harvard.edu