Something is cooking at the centre

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with his Home Minister seems very keen currently to do something about the long standing so-called Kashmir Problem. Their proposed immediate and serious parleys with the separatist leaders of Kashmir smells foul. Both secret as well as open diplomacy is at work. There are indications that the activity is a result of severe diplomatic pressure especially from the US who want the problem solved according to the aspirations of the people of Kashmir as soon as possible. The reason of this urgency is not very far to seek. The recent trend of anti-India public mobilization of massive crowds by the separatists in Kashmir that started in the wake of Amarnath land row and continued this year in the form of public protests against India in Shopian and the aftermath has given a cause to the world community to pressurize India. It’s no secret that the separatist leaders continue to remain on the fore of Kashmir polity by exploiting the religious sentiment of Kashmiri Muslim on one count or the other otherwise they have never been publically accepted as popular leaders in Kashmir. What’s emerging now out of these wide protests is again a point of concern for all the nationalists both inside and outside Jammu and Kashmir State. These protests seem to have rung the corridors of power so severely at the international level particularly at the behest of Pakistan that India is keen to settle the issue on now or never basis. How India is retracing her steps in her stand regarding Kashmir day in and day out is quite obvious. The authorities at the helm in Delhi bank upon only a few self styled so called separatist leaders and ignore blatantly the sentiments of people throughout the state, both inside and outside valley, who in fact do not want any change in the current arrangement of the state. The authorities in Delhi have succumbed to the international pressure to the extent that they consider the opinion of these separatist elements paramount and ignore the emotions of the masses in the entire state of J&K. These separatist leaders do at best represent a negligible number of Kashmir Muslims who’re not happy with the policies of the present state government. They’re the same people who have been pampered by the GOI all these years by making them important just to make them suitable contestants for the settlement of Kashmir issue?
The GOI seems to coddle an idea of carving an independent Muslim State within the secular fabric of this country and what the repercussions of the plan would be are not far to seek. It’ll be a second partition of the country on the basis of religion and naturally those whom it would not suit will try to leave for their safety and thus the history of 1947 would repeat along with all its horrible aftermath. It’ll be nonetheless termed as a complete surrender to the anti-national elements throughout India bent upon weakening this nation to fulfill their nefarious designs besides a compromise with those a few people actively sponsored by Pakistan and her allies. It’s no secret that these self-styled leaders have been outright rejected by the masses in Kashmir by participating in large numbers in the State as well as Parliament elections recently. As is smelt from the urgency and the style of diplomacy shown by the present GOI there seems some deep rooted conspiracy working behind the curtain which has prompted the government to bypass all traditional policies vis-à-vis Kashmir and act irresponsibly in the case of a very sensitive issue......... (not concluded)

SHRI SHA'RIKA AS'TUTI

Shri Sha’rika Asthapan is an ancient and the holiest of the holy shrine of Kashmir situated in the periphery of Srinagar. It’s the abode of Jagatamba Sharika Bagwati also known as Maha-Tripursundari or Raja-Rajeshuri. The eighteen armed Goddess is considered the presiding deity of Srinagar city. The Goddess Sharika is represented by a self-made Srichakra also called Mahashriyantra, which consists of circular mystic impressions and triangular patterns with a dot (bindhu) at the Centre. The holy Srichakra is engraved on a vertical holy rock (Shila) located at the middle of western face of Hari Parbat. Shri-Yantra is the most auspicious, most powerful Yantra worshipped for attaining all worldly desires. The saints and spiritually elevated persons devote themselves to it and achieve liberation from the cares of the world. The shrine called ‘Chakrishwar’ can be approached by a flight of one hundred and eight chiseled stones. The number one hundred and eight has a mystical significance in Hindu mythology.
The following As’tuti (devotional poetry), penned by a Kashmir Saint and a fervent devotee of Maa Sha’rika Swami Krishna Joo Kaar in Persian Language is very popular among the devotees of the goddess. For the interest of the readers and the devotees of Maa Sha’rika the verses are translated into English.
Awal Tu’yee, Aa’khir Tuyee; Zaa’hir Tu’yee, Baa’tin Tu’yee;
Haa’zir Tu’yee, Na’zir Tuyee--- Shree Shari’kaa Devi Na’mah.
You’re the beginning, you’re the end. You’re the manifested, you’re the un-manifested. You’re the omnipresent and you’re the veiled ----- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Dee’vi Jagat Maa’ta Tu’yee; Shiv Shak’ti Gur Data;
Maa’ta Tu’yee, Bra’ta Tu’yee--- Shree Shari’kaa Deevi Na’mah.
You’re the mother goddess of the universe. You’re both Shiva and Shakti and satisfier of all benedictions. You’re both mother and brother to me --- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Ha’jat Rawa’yay Aal’may; Shah-E-Jahane Ak’rami;
Ka’yim Muqame Day’mi--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
You’re the fulfiller of all wishes for the whole world. You’re the greatest of the great ruler of the world. Your kingdom is eternal ------- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
A’az Har Sae Karan Bar’tari; Dar’har Du-Aalam Sar’vari;
Har Farq An’dhar Af’sari--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
You’re beyond the three Gunas --- Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, the three fundamental human attributes. You’re far superior to whatever is good in these two worlds (Aakash and the Earth). You enjoy the most superior authority in both these worlds ---- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Seem-O-Zar’o Bahar’e Du’ree; Lo’laye Lae’le Gow’hary;
Ze’be Do-Aa’lam An’wari--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
You’re the ocean of gold, silver and diamond. You’re the storehouse of the choice of the choicest jewels. You’re the source of all beauty of the two worlds ---- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Sa’ham-O-Gazan’far Waha’nat; Shiv Ji Hast Zier’e Aasanat;
Laal-O-Jawahir Dama’nat ---- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
The lion and the bullock, both are your vehicles to ride on. Lord Shiva is stationed under your sitting mat. The lower edge of you garment is fitted with most precious jewels ----- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Tuu Char’dah Ratan’e Garaa’n; Tuu Nau’nidaan’e Be’kara’n;
Tuu Kaan’e Gow’her Dar A’maa’n--- Shree Shari’kaa Deevi Na’mah.
You’re the forty times precious jewel. You’re the matchless source of all superior knowledge. You’re the basic source of all the choicest technology and knowledge ----- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Shak’ti Tu Kud’rat Shud Ayaa’n; Tahat’e Tu Bhakt’e Jaa’vidaan;
Tahat’e Tu Ursh’e Laa’makaan--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
It was only with your power that the whole nature came into existence. All the greatest of the great eternal devotees of the Lord are under you subjugation. The whole universal activities act under your orders ----- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Naag’e Trilok’e Tir’th Jaa’t; Sarchashma’ye Aab’e Hayaat;
Aa’bash Baqa’yey Kayi’naat--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
Your spring, the Chakhrishur, is the choice of the choicest pilgrimage of your devotees. It’s the ultimate source of all life giving nectar (Amrita). The water of this spring is the preserver of all life in the whole universe ---- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Khaak’e Dhar’at Kahal Ba’sar; Sang’e Samee’rat Khisht’e Zar;
Bar Haal’e Mis’keenam Ni’gar--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
The dust of your doorstep is the Surma (the black powder applied to the eyes for beauty) for the eyes of your devotees. The step stone at your door is made of pure gold. The wretched condition of this your devotee wishes your one single kind gaze ---- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Nuur’e Jahan’e Sunda’rey; Taa’band’e Maher’e An’warey;
Mah’e Firo’zaa’n Akh’tari--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
The beauty of your face is the source of all universal light. Its shine is the eternal sun. It’s also the source of the super shine of the moon --- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Chakhri’shura’t Haa’jat Ra’waa; Saaz’o Ga’daa Raa Paad’shah;
Wah’wah Ch’e Lakhsh’mi Thap’naa--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
The Chakrishwar tirtha is the fulfiller of all wishes of the devotees. It has the capacity to make a king out of a beggar. What a great seat of Maa Lakhshmi! --- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Rogan Chirag’e Pam’puri; Sin’door Kha’say La’huri;
Cheh’rat Ku’nam Zar’do Zar’ey--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
I collected the best available ghee (clarified butter) of Pampore (which has the reputation of having the flavour of saffron as the cows there feed on the grass growing around the saffron fields) for your Ratten Dweepa. I got the Sindoor best of its kind from Lahore and after mixing it with the Pampore ghee painted your face in full golden yellow ------ I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Dar Bar’gaa’hat Roz’u Sh’ab; Narad Muneshwar Baa A’dab;
Dar’baan’e Dar’gaahat Talab--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
The omnipresent Lord Narad Munishwar is present there day and night with full devotion. He performs the duties of a gate-keeper most diligently at your sanctum sanctorum ---- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Gul Aaz Sar’e Khud May Ku’nam; Brinj Aaz Dil-O-Jaan Aar’panam;
Puza’ye Tuu Khwa’ham Kunam--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
Instead of a flower I offer my own head to you. Instead of the grains of rice (Aragh) I offer my heart and soul for your worship. I want to perform your suitable worship ----- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Ma’an Aari’zoyam Be Nawaa; Uf’tada’am Bay Dast-U-Paa;
Das’tam Bi’geer Aaz Tuu Dayaa--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’’vi Na’mah.
I’ve become the embodiment of immense desire for your single glimpse (Dharshana). I’m deprived of all my limbs and have crippled with the desire. Now I wish you hold my hand out of pity on my condition and lift me up ----- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Ma’an Aa’z Tu Naa’dey Chaa’kre Ma’an; Gya’naa Ja’paa Ma’alaye Ma’an;
Praan Aa’z Tu Pranaayam’e Ma’an--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’vi Na’mah.
Your Naadi-Chakra is the force of my life. The repetition of your sacred name (Japa) is my rosary. The movement of my breath in your sacred devotion is my Pranayama ----- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!
Shri Isht Deevi Shari’ka; Dass’e Tu Ah’qar Krishna Kaar;
Goyad To’taa Jo’yad A’tta--- Shree Shari’kaa Dee’’vi Na’mah.
I call upon you, my Isht Deevi Maa Shari’ka. It’s your servant, the lowest of the low--- Krishna Kaar. I’ve done your Astuti and wish your benevolence ----- I offer my salutations to thee, Mother Sharika!

SATSANGA, the celestial association

Satsanga is a celestial association of the devotees of the Lord with a purpose to delve deep into some subtle divine secret to gain more and more love of the Lord. It also includes the singing of devotional songs (Kirtana) either jointly or listening to them with extreme devotion and also the religious discourses conducted by certain learned religious scholars and preachers with a small or a large gathering. Satsanga is a valuable spiritual aid to bring the seeker closer to the supreme consciousness. It’s considered the easiest and the most effective way to reveal the supreme awakening of the soul within the seeker. This association demands heartfelt sincerity and deep devotion on the part of the participant. The more of devotion the simpler is the way to salvation and purity of soul which’s the ultimate purpose of all devotees and the motive for all activity towards the Lord. In Satsanga usually a good number of people assemble together, united in purpose such that their physical energies work in unison and there’s a collective flow of divine vibrations that has the capacity to inspire the truest love for the Lord leading to the highest divine achievements. As a prelude to all celestial activities the seeker needs to rise above the common demands of the physical existence, Lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego and their controlling mind and make a sincere effort to develop a flawless love for the Lord and once there’s some development in this direction there’s an automatic uplift of the soul and then Satsanga gives a great boost to the seeker.
For a common man busy in the mundane affairs physical afflictions are common. These are both natural and man made. Regular participation in Satsanga with deep devotion and love makes all these calamities at least easier to deal with and with consistent efforts there’s an end to all worldly troubles as there’s almost negligible feeling left about the pinch of these things for a seeker who has gone some distance in the path of divinity.
The real purpose of human life is to get liberated from the cycle of life and death and in order to attain this object one has to detach himself from the glamour of worldly activities and work for getting awakened to the secrets of life and the universe but the lure of worldly affairs is so captivating that life passes away like a dream and the main purpose of life is ignored by almost everyone and thus the process of reincarnation continues. Those who understand the truth of this life and work tirelessly for the achievement of its purpose are great eternal souls who’ve become one with the universal Lord and all the doors of awakening are open for them and nothing has remained unattained for them.
There’re two types of seekers in the path of divinity, those who shun all worldly affairs and remain absorbed with the Lord all the time away from the attention of the common man and those who opt to be apparently active with the worldly affairs---who run a family, bear children, work actively to earn a living but are mentally detached from the mundane world and work secretly for the achievement of the real purpose of life. These household saints do have a guide (Guru) or in certain cases do not require one as they’re already enough awakened to their main purpose of life. Satsanga or the celestial association is of great help to them as they themselves not only make a rapid advancement out of it but also carry along lots of people by developing in them the truest love of the Lord which helps them a long way towards a better awakening without any hurdles besides a comfortable worldly existence. The repetition of God’s name in its various forms in complete isolation with mind fixed at a certain point is a great vehicle for spiritual advancement but the same activity in unison within a group of devotees (Satsanga) gives a magical uplift of mind towards higher consciousness. The association of a pupil with his master (Guru) is the most revered activity in the celestial field and hence the choicest Satsanga. It involves the highest devotion of the taught for his teacher so much so that the master becomes the truest representative of God for the pupil making him capable to experience all the truths of divinity and helping him open all the doors of spiritual advancement. The modern social set-up and corporate living provides lots of tension and absence of peace. The common man deeply involved in the worldly affairs is largely benefited from occasional participation in Satsanga of varied type especially by providing him an instant peace of mind.

THE MURDER MOST FOUL

The gruesome murder of Rajneesh Sharma, a Jammu youth by Kashmir police inside Ram Munshi Bagh Police station in Srinagar is highly deplorable. The boy was taken into custody by the concerned police from his residence at Sarwal locality in Jammu on Sept 30 on a complaint of kidnapping of a Muslim girl Amina from Srinagar whom he had actually married legally and the wedding registered with an appropriate court of law. The body of Rajneesh bore obvious torture marks which incited a wide protest from the people of Jammu. The post-mortem reports also confirm the brutal torture though the final opinion of the experts is awaited.
Such brutal police excesses are not rare in this country but this particular case carries some deeper ramifications. The Muslims in the valley take such an incident of inter-religious marriage a severe affront especially when a Kashmiri Muslim girl chooses a Hindu boy as a life partner. In this case the boy was from Jammu and naturally the tempers ran too high. The worst part of the episode is how the Kashmir police authorities actively initiated action with the arrest of the boy from his residence and ended with his obnoxious murder inside the police station Ram Munshi Bagh. Obviously the action was taken with the active support of the highest civil as well as police authorities with the lone motive of a revenge from the Hindu boy’s adventure alliance with a Muslim girl from Kashmir. The incident clearly reverberates the environment that Kashmiri Pandits faced while in Kashmir in good olden days before 1990. How we had to be in complete subordination to the whims and foibles of the majority community even in the most ordinary activities in life is an example in itself not to speak of such an adventure activity. KPs had not only to bear insults from their Muslim neighbours patiently even during celebrations of some of their religious ceremonies but also become victims of their fury whenever India won a match or a Muslim trader was taken to task anywhere in India for any of his misadventures. There’s usually a mass celebration among Muslims whenever anyone of them enters into wedlock with a Hindu girl with mutual consent as the basic condition for the girl is to convert to Islam and perform marriage according to their custom but conversely the things usually turn explosive if the girl with a Hindu background opts to marry a Muslim boy. The event reflects clearly the biased attitude of the Kashmir administration toward Hindus in the State and how far the authorities can initiate any brutal action against them according to the sweet will of a Kashmir Muslim. The reader can easily imagine that the KPs were forced to leave Kashmir in early nineties especially to make the Kashmir administration clean of all the Hindu and Indian elements and make a smooth way for the Muslim administrators to act clean as suited to their vested interest otherwise in a mixed administration such brutal happenings were almost impossible. It’ll not be out of place to mention that a few partners in the said administration from Jammu have no say in any of the important policy making and their counterparts from Kashmir are bold enough to overpower them or ignore them easily to make a smooth way and take their biased decisions in all matters. It’s gradually becoming open to all Jammuites that the Kashmir administration is bent upon working for the interest of Kashmir Muslim only not for any the people of any other part of the State. The Kashmir Pandit, reputed worldwide for his administrative and academic capabilities is almost completely sidelined and ignored in J&K simply because he has always been a strict adherer of the national interest and is now content with working satisfactorily in the broader echelons of national and international forums.
All the saner elements at the national level generally and State level particularly are out and out to admonish the criminal act of the Kashmir Police and demand an independent enquiry and severe punishment for the perpetrators of the crime.

Gulmarg --- The Meadow of Flowers

Mughal Emperor Jahangir was greatly obsessed with Kashmir. The pleasure enjoying king is said to have journeyed Kashmir eight times along with his full entourage and created the gardens of Achabal, Shalimaar and Verinaag. In 1627 when he was nearing his death he was asked what he was thinking, he said, “Kashmir, only Kashmir!” The famous Persian couplet ‘gar firdos bar roy’e zamin ast; hamin ast’o hamin ast’o hamin ast’ was his exclamation while enjoying in Kashmir. Such are the emotions of everybody whosoever visits this Paradise on Earth.
Kashmir is famous for a number of world renowned tourist spots but to me Gulmarg crowns them all. Gulmarg is about fifty kilometers from Srinagar, a saucer shaped valley high up in the base of Affarvat Mountains. The actual mountain ridge starts from Tangmarg, a beautiful small town, another tourist attraction. Till recently the road from Tangmarg to Gulmarg was covered on foot or on ponies but the newly constructed motorable road has facilitated the movement of tourists and all. The steep but comfortable road on the ridge provides breathtaking view of the dense pine forest and the greenery around.
The resort really fit for a king was discovered and founded by Yusuf Shahi Chak, the lover of Kashmir legendry melody queen Habba Khatoon (Zoon) and named it as such. Gul-Marg is a Persian word meaning ‘the meadow of flowers’. Until almost end of February everything here is painted with snow – the streets, pine branches, the roofs and the mountain peaks around. In summer there’s always a nip in the air and the atmosphere is filled with the scent of pine and deodar. The vast green lawns are here and there dotted with tiny wild multicolored flowers and at places a full garden of hues spread deliciously by the divine artist. The natural setting of the resort is almost undisturbed by the human hands except the small market-place and some hotel buildings raised on the elevated margins of the valley. The Gulmarg Golf Club set up by the British in 1904, the Maharani Temple and the St. Mary’s Church is a sight to see. During British rule Gulmarg was far better active than today. It used to be a permanent home to various British retired bureaucrats, army officers and others with their families during summer who enjoyed life to their full in their tiny bungalow type huts spotted here and there without disturbing the aesthetic beauty of the meadow and as such all facilities were provided for them by the local administration. Lots of Kashmiris served them in different capacities and thus became a source for their living.
The world renowned Gulmarg Ski project provides sport to lots of fun loving people on the vast natural snow slopes in winter. It keeps the snow bound meadow full of activities in winter too though the inflow of the tourists had reduced to bare minimum during the recent years of militant threat and is picking up again.
Gandola Cable Car is an addition of modern technology to the place. It’s said to be Asia’s highest and longest Cable Car Project, the two stage ropeway which ferries to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of the nearby Affarwat Peak (4200 m) and a beauty to see. Next in priority is Khilanmarg, a 600 metre ascent from Gulmarg, the site of famous winter Ski runs and which provides magnificent views of Nanga Parbat, Nun and Kun peaks from the top and tourists throng there on ponies to return before dusk. Then there’s the worth seeing Aalepather, a frozen lake about 13 kilometers trek from Gulmarg deep into the mighty slopes of Affarwat peak.
The tourists prefer to visit the shrine of Baba Reshi (Baba Payam-ud-Din Reshi) at a brief down trek from Gulmarg within dense forest area. The pir who died in 1480 was a courtier in the palace of King Zain-ul-Abidin. The holy man’s tomb is beautiful with latticed woodwork and the local people along with tourists throng there in all seasons to seek favours.

PAN DEUN --- Another important festival of KPs

PAN DUEN is another important festival of Kashmiri Pandits celebrated since time immemorial. The festival though different of its kind enjoys tremendous reverence and popularity in all KP families wherever they’re. It’s celebrated by making a special bread cake called ROTH in Kashmiri. The wheat floor in sufficient quantity is mixed with ghee, sugar, cardamom and poppy seeds and made into dough before thick Roties are rolled and deep-fried in ghee on low heat. The quantity of the material depends mainly on the tradition of the house and the strength of the family and its extension as the Prasad has to be shared with all relatives and friends after the Pooja concludes. The auspiciousness of the occasion demands enough preparation from vigorous cleaning of the whole house especially the kitchen place to a get together of all the members of family to give the process enough sanctity. The head lady of the house takes full charge of the occasion with the juniors working under her and the work is started early in the morning after doing all washing and collecting fresh water as everything has to be done with extreme purity of hand and heart as well. The recitations of holy mantras continue throughout the process as no gossips are allowed considering the sanctity of the occasion.
The Mahurat (auspicious occasion) for PAN DEUN are a few dates in the bright lunar fortnight of Bhadroon around Ganesh Chuturthi festival celebrated throughout India with full gaiety and devotion. In Kashmir the festival is celebrated by the name Vinayak Chorum and the most favoured Mahurat for PAN DEUN especially if it’s a Sunday lovingly called Vinayak Choram Te Aathwaar. This year interestingly Ganesh Chaturthi was on Sunday but Chorum (4th day of the lunor fortnight) was missing in the calendar. It was the 3rd lunar day so not favoured for PAN DEUN.
Now after the recipe (PAN ROTH) is ready there is a ceremonial ritual considered very auspicious. All the prepared PAN ROTH are kept in a large wicker basket and covered with a freshly washed clean cotton cloth. A big Lota (Gadvei) of brass, now stainless-steel is filled with fresh water and after decorating it with a flower garland, Naervan (moli), sindoor, etc it is covered with a big size ROTH and a couple or more small ones and some dry fruit, shelled walnuts and some sugar candy for Prasad and kept ceremoniously on the floor while all the family members surround it with folded hands facing East. The head lady ties Naerwan and puts Tikka on the forehead of all the members and takes in her hand the cotton thread which she had been keeping on her right ear during the making of PAN ROTH. The cotton thread is mainly significant in this ritual. In olden days the cotton thread was especially twisted for the purpose out of fresh cotton wool grown in Kashmir by an unmarried young girl on the family Charkha as Goddess Durga was worshipped in her maiden form on the occasion. The thread is called PAN in Kashmiri.
All the members take in their folded hands some washed grains of rice, barley and flowers along with a little of fresh washed running grass with roots (Dramun) which grows wildly everywhere on roadsides and parks and the head lady with all sanctity relates a traditional story of a woman of yester-years called Bib Dhara Maej who used to observe the ritual with all sanctity and was very prosperous enjoying all the blessings of the Lord. Unfortunately one such day while preparing PAN ROTH with all sanctity along with her unmarried young daughter, her husband, a rich man and too conceited came in the house unexpectedly and the fit of some anger spoiled the sanctity of the ritual and left the house. Within no time the worst misfortune overcame him and the whole family. He was deprived of all his riches, name and fame till the situation reached that the family were reduced to penury. The lady couldn’t forget the episode and in most deprived conditions arranged for the ritual the next year and surprisingly their misfortune was replaced by former riches and glory once again. As the story is ceremoniously related in full the head lady opens the lid of the Lota and offers the rice and barley grains with flowes in her hand to the Lord followed by all other mambers of the family. Thus is ritual ends with everyone wishing for good heath and prosperity and the Prasad is taken.
Now the PAN NAVEED as it’s called is to be shared with all relatives and friends and the main share is given to the married daughters and sisters in the family along with the Tikka and Naerwan from the Pooja within next few days. After the displacement of Pandits from Kashmir the new found non-Kashmiri relatives, friends and neighbours eagerly wait for the PAN NAVEED for its sanctity and high taste.

Kashmir celebrates Independence Day

There’s good news from Kashmir. Independence Day was celebrated yesterday with wide celebrations and full public participation after a long time. The main function was held in Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar where the young jubilant Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoisted the national flag and took salute at the march past by various contingents drawn from security forces, NCC and schools of the city surprisingly without the bullet-proof cubicle which gives enough signals of the changed scenario in Kashmir. Besides the security forces and state administrative brass the celebration was attended by a large number of people mainly drawn from the ranks of National Conference and other political parties. Though the gathering was far too less compared to the Independence Day celebrations before militancy but still it displayed significant enthusiasm compared to recent years especially early nineties. And the most encouraging part of the news is that the National Flag was hoisted with due fervor and enthusiasm throughout the valley in all District Headquarters by the concerned District Heads or prominent political leaders.
The celebration of a national day with significant participation by the local people defying strong threats from the separatist elements once again is a healthy development and needs to be eulogized strongly. Once again after the massive public participation in state elections the people of Kashmir have rejected the tall claims of the separatist elements that they want India to pack up and leave them on their own.
The people of Kashmir have never been anti-India in their heart of hearts and the occasional anti-national outbursts that cause furore through the corridors of nationalist elements is nothing more than the result of the exploitations of those very forces that want the disintegration of this country. These forces are bent upon trying all possible means to create disturbance in this country by exploiting various soft targets in their favour and the Kashmir plan has always headed the list of their operations. JAI HIND

On the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janamashtami

I wish all my readers a very happy Krishna Janamashtami today! Unlike Hindus in the plains Kashmiri Pandits observe complete fast one day earlier i.e. on seventh of this dark fortnight especially in the hope of safe coming of our sweet of the sweetest Lord Shree Krishna. Today on Ashtami we celebrate through special prayers, music, dance and sweet foods in plenty instead observing a fast. The celebration of many sacred occasions in the valley has been somewhat different in comparison to the Hindus of the plains. May be because of negligible means of communication a different attitude in religious ceremonies developed there including the observation of festivals.
On the occasion of Krishna Janamashtami today I recollect some glimpses of those good old days before eighties when things were comparably better for KPs in the valley. Hindus in the valley didn’t always live under a shadow of fear of the majority community but enjoyed a far better rapport and confidence with them as was seen especially on the occasion of such religious festivals. Very nice pleasantries were exchanged on festivals and the Muslims took active part in our celebrations. On this day huge processions were taken by Hindus in the valley depicting beautiful live scenes of Lord Krishna especially in Srinagar and other towns and were sincerely greeted by the majority Muslims everywhere and any untoward incident was unheard of. Late in the evening huge public meetings were arranged on this day to celebrate the birth of the Lord and all prominent leaders and social activists among Muslims took active part and extended due congratulations.
The things changed dramatically in the middle eighties when lots of young Muslim clerics from outside valley with conspicuous dress pattern and long beards were seen almost in each and every city, town and village in Kashmir delivering fiery speeches especially on Friday prayer congregations inside Muslim mosques instigating them to be ready for a long fight against so-called Hindu domination in India especially Kashmir. The unsuspecting Kashmir Muslims were on one hand taken in by this religious exploitation but alarmed on the other about an instable future. Since this all was going under a well thought plan so immediately some infamous local activists gained sudden prominence and took over enthusiastically this simmering tirade against India and her sympathizers. Till before ninety a big revolution had taken place. Thousands of Muslim youth were sent and had returned in open public view from across LOC from several special training camps equipped with fierce deadly arms and military training along with a special brain-wash to create terror with a deadly strategy of killing one and terrorizing a thousand. Every day in and out scores of sympathizers of India especially prominent Kashmir Hindus were killed in broad daylight most horribly and lots of women raped and killed in most inhuman circumstances. The state administration was strangely a mute spectator obviously trying to exhibit their open sympathy to this terror and the masses among Muslims were compelled to be dumb folded for fear of the gun present everywhere.
January 19, 1990 proved the final stroke for the fleeing Pandits, considered the active Indian agents, had to take their ultimate decision to leave their homes and hearths en masse to escape the dangling fear of life. Within less than a month more than eighty percent of Hindus had run away to seek shelter outside Kashmir and the rest took some more time to cut their roots of thousands of years.
The purpose of writing this all today is to stress again on the fact that the silver lining behind the dark cloud of terror still exists in Kashmir among the Muslims masses who do not at all support this reign of terror initiated by none else but our neighbor country with the support of a few disgruntled Kashmir leaders. They aspire for the return of those good old days and return of KPs to their homes as early as possible as they clearly reject the Taliban type fundamentalist policy of the terror mongers and want to return to that mixed culture of mutual trust and co existence.

Shree Amarnath Swami Darshan

Tomorrow is Savan Purnma and a very auspicious day for all Hindus especially for Kashmir Pandits. It’s the day for the ceremonial Pooja at Shree Amarnath Swami Temple in Kashmir. The holy mace, the sacred symbol of Lord Amreshwar (Lord Shiva) is taken in ceremonial procession accompanied by thousands of Sadhus and other devotees from far and near and worshipped on Sawan Purnima at the sanctum sanctorum of the principal deity of Kashmir. Though the travel up there has to be covered on foot through very hectic and risky hilly terrain still thousands of devotees visit there daily during the months July and August every year to have a glimpse of the Lord embedded in a miraculous hilly cave. The temperature at the holy spot remains always sub zero and the main Darshan is in the form of a huge ice Lingam formed by the dripping water from the ceiling of an open stone cave which takes its huge form on every Purnama round the year corresponding to the waning and waxing of the moon. Strange enough there’s only a little pool of water on every Amavasya at the place. The whole phenomenon baffles all human reason and scientific logic and the only thing that remains is to prostrate in submission before this living divine miracle.
Kashmir is famous not only for her sights and scenes, valleys and pastures, but also for being home to numerous famous seers and sages, poets and scholars since pre-historic times. For thousands of years great Rishis kept absorbed in toughest austerities at numerous places in the valley, most of them hidden from the public view, and with the passage of time the valley was profusely decorated with numerous miraculous sacred spots invested with great divine manifestations in consequence of the deep Sadhna of the greatest of the great souls for thousands of years. Later during the golden Hindu period thousands of magnificent temples were constructed by the Kings and their cohorts again for hundreds of years which gave a great name to Kashmir worldwide and resulted into a magnificent scene of a Hindu Kashmir.
The wholesale conversions and destruction of the Hindu face in Kashmir is a recent development compared to the glorious Hindu past that spanned through thousands of years of prosperity and name with great Kings and scholars, poets and historians who put a permanent stamp of their authority and talent on the psyche of Kashmir. The current scene in Kashmir which's disturbing for all saner elements, when looked from a broader perspective is not as disturbing as it suggests because Kashmir continues to be a Hindu Kashmir in spite of all the disturbing face it presents now. It’s simply covered with the dark veil of a demon otherwise everything is in tact underneath. All the famous installations that have given Kashmir a fabulous Hindu name are there buried under the so-called Muslim fundamentalist attitude but are there ready to crop up its head whenever the occasion comes. It may take another century or so but Kashmir has to rise again to its fullest glory. Men may come and go but the truth has to prevail, the oppressor has to run away for good.

How Long This exploitation?

The fact has ultimately started gathering momentum once again that the strength of the separatists in Kashmir is almost neglegible and they do not represent the entire population. A good voting turnout in the recent elections was a sufficient indicator to the same fact that the masses in Kashmir aren't anti-India and confirmed further their belief that their fate was safe only with India and also that their first preference was only peace and prosperity. Some recent developments, though sad, which generated lot of anti-India excitement was no doubt a cause for great concern for all nationalists and obviously an occasion for a lot of jubilation in the separatist camp. It also kept agape for a considerable time the eyes of the state authorities especially the newly administered state government headed by young Omar Abdullah.
Now it took definitely a pretty long time for the truth coming to the fore that all the furore was surely manipulated under a definite separatist plan in order to restore their lost sympathy of the people at large. These elements have always been on the look out for an opportunity to exploit in the fullest so that the masses are made to come on roads. However big or small the reason may be it’s used to fan vigorously the anti-India sentiment so that the separatist leaders instantly become stars and the attention of the entire word media is centered on them. For some time a definite message was conveyed worldwide that India is an aggressor and her forces bent upon continuing her control on the simple people of Kashmir fighting a legitimate battle.
Such things didn’t happen once but dozens of times that the separatist group formed by not more than a dozen self-styled leaders actively supported and sponsored by some fundamentalist Muslim organisations including the most dreaded terror-mongers across the globe have succeeded in putting the valley to ransom demanding the so-called liberation of Kashmir through their most ignoble tactics of fanning the subtle religious sentiment of the simple people of Kashmir. Though this time these elements are fully exposed before the media and the people that the events that were used to fan the sentiments of people against the Indian security forces were the handiwork of some local goons not at all connected with any of the forces.
Once the instant boil of the soda water bottle is over and the unsuspecting people in their individual capacities begin understanding the futility of their outbursts that has already taken toll of their several days earnings, come back to their work repenting at leisure though not in a position to give vent to their feelings openly or in public for the fear of gun still active in Kashmir. Unfortunately the authorities at the helm both at the centre and the state seem either consciously shut their eyes to the facts on ground and going back to work like an ordinary Kashmir worker after the turmoil and waiting for another opportunity to be taken advantage of or otherwise do not at all understand the evil designs of the forces bent upon creating the trouble.
It further gives an occasion to imagine how weak the politicians of different governments at the centre have proved that they’ve never been able to devise an appropriate strategy to weaken the evil designs of a group of separatists in the valley who are bent upon playing hide and seek with the emotions of the innocent people and polluting the peaceful atmosphere of Kashmir time and again. An ordinary problem created by a handful of people who frequently succeed in creating trouble has not only won a bad name for this country but also put the people of a beautiful valley to immense miseries caught between the devil and the deep sea---on the one hand facing the bullets of a terrorist imported from outside and on the other the security forces maintaining law and order; all this happening just for the lack of an efficient planning at the hands of the administrators both inside and outside Kashmir.
Enough is enough, it's now the prime responsibility of the media in particular and the people in general to awaken the authorities from the slumber of such irresponsible behaviour towards this grave national issue that is taking toll of huge public resources, national prestige and thousands of security personnel.

Kashmir on the boil again

Kashmir is on the boil again; this time on the mysterious death of two young girls in Shopian town. The whole of Kashmir valley is protesting vehemently for the last one week on the incident thus paralyzing the whole system. Large scale arson and damage of public property is reported from across the valley especially from the urban areas with scores of people injured and some deaths too thus adding one more chapter to the already bruised history of Kashmir. Unfortunately the main causality this time is the peak tourist season depriving thousands of Kashmiris of their livelihood and the visiting people from the plains of their cherished holidaying.
An expression of anger is justified in the situation but in Kashmir such events usually take an extraordinarily ugly turn as the separatists, always on the prowl take the matter in their hands and exploit the situation to their fullest advantage. The self-styled leaders like Geelani and party get enough opportunity to fish in the troubled waters. The anti-India sentiment comes to the fore and the administration is able to do nothing except wait and watch.
The politics of Kashmir is strangely confusing to the onlookers as one day the situation seems quite normal and the people come out to vote in large numbers to send their genuine representatives to the Parliament or the State assembly and the other day the same people are seen shouting anti-India and pro-independence slogans. Quite strangely in normal life no individual Kashmiri expresses any strong aversion for India though there has been an anti-India sentiment simmering for the last two decades. The reason is not very far to seek but the point to consider at the present moment is why the administrative machinery both in Delhi and Srinagar are unable to control the situation before it goes into the hands of these so-called self imposed leaders of the separatist movement who are always on the look out for a situation that can put them on the saddle of the Kashmir politics for a few days more.
What’s the use of having a horde of ministers and other administrative officials on the expensive roll of the state exchequer when they’re unable to act and control at the crucial time? Can’t an atmosphere of terror be created such that people dare not follow the dictates of the leaders who exploit them with all their might simply to serve their own purpose not any for the people whom they exploit?
Unfortunately the people at the helm in Delhi have not been able to understand the real problem of Kashmir and so whatever steps they’ve taken so far in this direction have failed drastically and instead of getting the people of Kashmir nearer to India they’ve helped them distancing day by day. There’s no dearth of people quite capable to handle the situation strategically but they’re probably not in the good books of the current government and are hence ignored and the situation goes on deteriorating day by day.
The simple aspect of the problem that our policy makers and strategists have ignored about Kashmir so far besides other administrative lapses is that they’ve never thought of strengthening the pro-India elements whatever exist there and a strong objection to any defacement of Indian or a Hindu colour wherever it’s. One glaring fact that’s in our favour in Kashmir is that the majority there aren’t in their heart of hearts against India. They want to be free, prosperous with an open access to good education and business including good market for their products which they know only India can provide. Once the peace is disturbed and people come on roads they’re simply given to understand that the reason for all their woes is only the Indian domination on Kashmir so they vehemently support the movement. Once again when the peace is restored and they return to their business their real purpose is reawakened and they support India again. The local administration and the so-called mainstream leadership whether in the government or in the opposition have never been sincere to India as they've always acted more for their personal interest than the national interest in Kashmir. The administration in Delhi cannot see through this cunning of these politicians or purposely ignore them in their personal interest surely putting at stake the national interests.

It's Zeth-e-Aethum tomorrow

Tomorrow is the eighth day of the bright fortnight of Jeshtha, briefly called Zeth-e-Aethum in Kashmiri. It is the auspicious day for KPs as it’s the birthday of Maa Raignya or Kheer-Bhawani of Tulmul in Kashmir, the most reputed temple of modern Kashmir and frequently visited by Kashmiri Pandits besides an essential part of the itinerary of almost all Kashmir Tourists. The KPs are deeply attached to Maa Raignya or more popularly called Kheer Bhawani of Tulmul, a low land dusky village about 20 Kilometers from Srinagar. The temple stands in the middle of a natural spring surrounded by a vast expanse called Deevi-Angun with beautifully laid age old flat rectangular stone slabs. Lots of old but fresh huge Chinar trees with generously extended foliage around the temple spring give the temple a celestial aura and serve as a canopy for the pilgrims to rest. The divine aroma is instantly felt when one enters the extensive complex.
The small temple built in white marble, a masterpiece construction shines like a jewel in the middle of a hexangular crystal clear spring with its water miraculously changing colours indicating the coming good and bad times for the people. The pink red colour is a forecast indication of a happy and prosperous time while the black is the most inauspicious colour forecasting some worst impending misfortune.
Before the displacement of Pandits from Kashmir in 1990 the day used to be a major festival when almost all of them young and old came from far and near to pay obeisance and the huge complex could hardly accommodate them. Extensive arrangements for the transport, security and maintenance of thousands of pilgrims were made by the Government and social agencies for the event. The main attraction was the evening AARTI when thousands of devotees waving lighted Jyotis in their hands sang the preferred hymns of the goddess and the whole atmosphere reverberated with Maa Raignya’s generous bounties to be pocketed by her devotees.
Maa Raignya is considered a guardian deity by all Kashmir Pandits and every Ashtami of the bright fortnight is sacred to Her so they observe a fast in Her honour on this day round the year and it was a routine with lots of them to visit Tulmul on Ashtami and stay there for the night in the lap of the divine mother and ask for blessings and forgiveness for all their sins. The whole complex is maintained and guarded efficiently nowadays by the CRPF security personnel.
One of the popular legends connected with the Goddess is worth a mention. It’s said during Ramayana period the Goddess called Shyama had her abode in Sri Lanka ruled by the demon king Ravana who was Her fervent devotee and performed regular ablutions to her.When Ravana got Maa Sita the royal consort of Shri Rama forcibly during exile from their forest home to his palace the Goddess was annoyed beyond measure and she commanded Hunuman to take her on her shoulders along with her numerous snakes to Sati-Desh the old name for Kashmir. The Goddess had an extensive survey of the valley with certain memorable landings at some places and settled finally in the marshy place of Tulmul, the present spot of the temple. Nobody knew about the presence of the deity for a long time till one day the Goddess appeared in the dream of a saintly Pandit of Srinagar and commanded him to find Her abode in the marshes of Tulmul. The Pandit took a small boat and ferried it across the marshes guided by a snake ahead of him until he reached the spot. Here the snake took a dip and disappeared. He took the clue and emptied here the earthen pitcher filled with milk got along by him. Thus started his regular visits at the spot and with passage of time the popularity of the place grew manifold as desired by the Goddess.
Ma Raginya is called Kheer Bhawani too because it’s said that Kheer prepared with rice, milk and sugar is Her preferred food and the devotees invariably prepare the dish on all Ashtamis, offer it to the Goddess and eat it as prashaad.
The visiting Pandits to the valley make it a point to pay obeisance to the Goddess. Once there they wish for the deliverance of their sins that has put the community to such telling circumstances that there seems no end to their miseries.
Let’s wish again that on the auspicious day of Jaishth Ashtami tomorrow the blessing of the Tulmul Goddess prove a boon for us all and thus end our misfortunes for all times to come.
Jai Maa Tripursundari, Ashtadashbuzi Durga !!!!!!

The vote of a Kashmiri

The elections in J&K were complete yesterday as in the rest of India. Kashmiri once again defied the call of the separatists and gave a clear signal to the world that he in the heart of his hearts believed in the strength of vote not the gun of a militant. The belief of a common Kashmiri in the Indian democratic set up has further established. It is again a clear rebuff to the separatist elements working overtime strengthening hate-India campaign. These people have been successful to a large extent in exploiting the sensitive religious sentiment of the people and getting in their fold a good number of people especially youth to support them.There is no limit to the suffering of the masses in Kashmir at the hands of the terror machinery sponsored by Pakistan and her allies. Thousands of innocent people have been killed so far in the clashes between the security forces and the highly motivated and armed foreign militants. The innocent people became the victims of the wrath of both security personnel and hordes of gunmen playing hide and seek with them.In the scenario the courageous vote of a Kashmiri to send once again his representative to the Indian Parliament is of great significance. As such it’s high time for the Indian diplomats and the media especially to read the writing on the wall and work sincerely and with responsibility strengthening the growing pro-India sentiment in the valley. A single statement or action of the people at the helm of affairs or the irresponsible media can make a lot of damage. A common Kashmiri is a seriously bruised soul and a very bad victim of circumstances created by the enemy forces for the last more than two decades. He needs a sentimental approach to heal his wounds. He has given enough signals of his integrity towards India and it’s now for the politicians both Kashmir based (mainstream) and those in Delhi how they respect their fresh mandate for India.

Remembering Sarwanand Kaul 'Premi'

Sarwanand Kaul 'Premi' was a well-known social activist, Kashmiri poet and a reputed scholar. He was of ripe age (64 years) and lived in village Soaf Shali, District Anantnag, Kashmir. It was end of April 1990, terror was on peak in Kashmir, KPs settled throughout the valley for tousands of years were leaving their homes in large numbers for safety with flood of tears in their eyes to escape the unruly gun-yielding youth, most of them outsiders, enough emboldened with almost failed security structure of the valley. Hundreds of prominent men and women had been killed in most inhuman conditions to scare away the rest. Still many prominent KPs didn't opt to leave their homes for their good reputation and unflinching confidence on the majority community. Premi was one such person with high moral values and reputation along with unshaken confidence on all those he had worked for all his life. Though he was sincerely advised by many of his neighbours and friends to leave along with family in view of the mounting pressure of the militant activities and killings of his community members but he was adamant on his stay till on April 29, 1990 late in the evening when three gun-yielding youth entered his house and ordered him and his family members to surrender all their valuables, cash and gold ornaments immediately. After collecting this all they asked Premi to accompany them for some important talks with their leaders. He still didn't suspect anything wrong and told them that he would come himself during day wherever they liked but they insisted upon his accompanying them instantly as was required. They told his wailing wife and children that they’re not doing any harm to him as he was returning immediately. At last when he was ready to leave his son Virender (Age 27), as destiny had ordained for him also, wished to accompany his father for his safe return at night. The gunmen readily accepted and the duo left their house in the dead of night with them. What followed will put even the worst of criminals to shame. The bodies of the father and son were found hanging in the morning by trees outside the village. Their eyes had been gouged out with sharp weapons and their bodies bore numerous burn marks of cigarette butts. Their limbs had been broken mercilessly and the bodies were hanged by neck to the trees. To make their death doubly sure they were also shot at with several gun shots.
And the worst cum worst was that the place between Premi’s eyebrows was peeled off its skin and pierced with some sharp weapon where he put his Tilak, the mark of a devout Hindu. This was done to a person who was most beloved of not only Pandits but of all the Muslims of the area for his liberal views and moreover in whose house was surprisingly found a rare manuscript of the Holy Quran, the highly revered religious book of Muslims quite reverently placed on a shelf in his Puja room.
Peace be on their souls!!!!!

Finding Facts on Kashmir

For the last a few days I got incidentally clicked with some posts on certain blogs by some Kashmir Muslim youth who support the separatist movement in Kashmir. I got interested in knowing their sentiment in the first hand on the issue and engaged with comments and counter comments in some arguments presented by them. The crux of the matter that I could gather is that these youth are particularly nurturing a worst disdain for India and her presence in Kashmir by calling it an illegal Indian domination of Kashmir. They want immediate withdrawal of Indian troops and security personnel from her soil to have a free hand in all the affairs of the valley. They consider the insurgency their freedom struggle and call the armed militants from Pakistan and the other part of Kashmir (POK) freedom fighters that are helping the people of Kashmir to get rid of the so-called Indian domination in Kashmir. They often refer to some authentic historical facts including the UN resolutions on Kashmir that recommend self determination of the future of Kashmir by the people of the state. The spirit of the movement on the face of it seems genuine and any third person would definitely support the movement on its merits. But there is definitely another more important aspect of the situation that needs to be put forward along with the above for the establishment of an opinion by an unconcerned reader in the matter. I would like to lay down the following facts of the situation for healthy discussions if any:

The current insurgence in Kashmir is two decade old now and the situation has invited substantial worldwide attention and the international media is busy in making almost daily one or the other breaking news out of the Kashmir situation. The fact is equally established that the movement is actively supported and sponsored by the neighbouring country Pakistan both overtly and covertly according to certain game plan and does not enjoy a full popular public support. The masses in Kashmir are not totally disgusted with India as they understand that Kashmir with negligible financial resources cannot sustain independently and the other option Pakistan, itself a failed state with a fundamentalist background cannot keep them going. They understand precisely that Pakistan does not have any sympathy for the people of Kashmir. They are simply bent upon settling certain old scores with India and bank upon the religious sentiment of the Muslim majority of Kashmir. But they sincerely understand the magnanimity of India trying her best in building Kashmir through speedy developmental and management process by spending public money to the tune of thousands of crores every year despite all odds along side the extension of Indian liberal democratic setup to make the people elect their own representatives in order to run the local administration as well as make and amend laws for the state. There is the article 370 of Indian Constitution in force in the State to ensure no demographic changes whatsoever. No Indian non-Kashmiri can settle in Kashmir by law while a Kashmiri can settle do business and purchase property in any part of India.
It’s also an open secret that common people are unable to give vent to their feelings for the fear of the gun yielding youth who wander fearlessly and enforce their personal writ. The common man is equally desperate with the presence of these hordes of unruly gunmen having no respect for any human rights and is compelled to entertain all their whims and follies. How has he been suffering at the hands of these so-called freedom fighters is a long story of woes that nobody would like to hear. Every day in and out there are reports of illegal border crossing by highly motivated and trained militants in large numbers who after playing hide and seek with Indian security at the LOC or IB succeed in entering Kashmir and create havoc with the civilians and security agencies equally. The security agencies often receive authentic reports from local residents about the presence of these foreign mercenaries in different locations and the forces carry out action to liquidate them. The militants often hide in civilian houses or religious places to prompt more and more causalities on the security forces besides public wrath on civilian causalities if any. This situation is an unending process with Indian forces and foreign mercenaries continually on virtual warpath and the resultant suffering of the people. This is what the separatists call freedom struggle. Often when the people come on roads to protest against some civilian killings the separatist leaders exploit them to sing their own song of independence and violation of human rights. The prominent leaders of the movement are the people who’ve benefited largely in the bargain by becoming important public figures. Their living standards have prominently improved as they’re seen living in posh houses in Kashmir and owning properties worth hundreds of crores in most Indian metros with no obvious sources of income. Their own sons and daughters are out of the valley or abroad enjoying their parents’ reputation and wealth.
The current target of influence of these separatist elements sponsored actively by Pakistan is the educated youth of Kashmir. Being a soft target and unaware about the basic facts of the Kashmir and world situation these novices are easily carried away by the religious exploitation and fall into the trap of these cunning schemers who use them for their own ulterior motives. They get easily convinced over the theory of hatred for India on the basis of religion. They’re not given any occasion to grasp the facts about India in Kashmir. They are equally convinced to be blind to the views of their elders who know that the future of Kashmir and her people can’t be better or safer except her continuing to be part of India...... (not concluded)

A Random Thought --- III

Now the situation is getting alarming day by day as there seems no hope of any resolution of the problem. The paradise seems to have lost for ever for the Pandits of Kashmir, the sole descendents of an age old Kashmir tradition and culture. The people at the helm both at the central and state level governments seem to have forgotten that there is a problem of not less that half a million Kashmir Pandits who’re out of their homes for the last two decades now not of their own but that they were hounded out of the valley and there was none to save the situation neither that time nor afterwards. They aren't any foreign refugees and hence ineligible to any special concessions. They’re Indians and much more patriotic than the best Indian patriots. It was in fact for this caliber only that they were declared a rejected lot in Kashmir and liable for persecution. One more unfortunate problem of this suffering community is that they’ve not been able to throw up any effective public leaders in their ranks that would represent them in the echelons of power to meet their genuine demands forcefully and whosoever there’re they’re too timid to fight their battle. KPs have been academically very high and have always proved very good administrators, bureaucrats, policy makers and high ranking officials but they’ve been lacking drastically the essential leadership qualities both political and social, probably they prefer firmer grounds than the public figures hold and are much less risk taking than a public leader should be.
Whatever the circumstances are the Pandits of Kashmir are the worst sufferers in the whole Kashmir bargain. They’ve lost their social and cultural identity, their roots and above all their mother tongue. Whatever protests they make on occasions to give vent to their feelings are blown away by the wind of the power of the unsuspected administrative machinery. It’s becoming very difficult day after day for them to reconcile with the changed circumstances with no hope of any kind in sight for all times to come. Day in and day out high level meetings are conducted and policies framed for the improvement of the Kashmir situation but nowhere does the question of the settlement of KPs figure. The authorities have probably taken it for granted that they’re properly settled wherever they’re so there’s no need of confusing any issues with their settlement in Kashmir or anywhere else....(concluded)

A Random Thought ----- II

The administration at the helm in Delhi have in the first instance blundered drastically by not giving strict directions for stopping the mass migration of not less than half a million KPs in a single go from Kashmir in 1990 by making all security arrangements for them urgently at any cost and again subsequently by not taking instant and effective measures to make possible our immediate return to our homes without losing much time to safeguard the national interest first and our individual rights second. Now much of water has flown down the rivers of Kashmir and the conditions have deteriorated substantially and our return has become much more complicated than before.
Now looking at the issue from our point of view, there was no alternative for this miniscule minority community but to fly for our lives given the conditions in the valley in 1990 as the consequence of complete breakdown of the civil administration and the intermittent killings besides all kinds of other worst violence against our innocent people. This worst cruelty against us was deliberate and strictly according to the action plan of the terror machinery so as to remove all obstacles to make Kashmir an open space for their foul play. The administration instead of discouraging their nefarious designs helped them primarily by way of encouraging the KP exodus.
The suffering of these hapless citizens of India in most inhospitable circumstances outside valley in early nineties in makeshift residential arrangements cannot be expressed in words but the courage that they displayed in facing the trauma is really appreciable. Being almost hundred percent educated and with enough initiatives the community members toiled hard individually to face the worst misfortune of their lives. There was no doubt extensive help extended from social and political organizations throughout the country especially in getting our illustrious youth admitted in various educational institutions mostly in Maharashtra State ruled then by RSS/BJP coalition. And the most gratifying part of the situation is that our kids fought bravely the misfortune by taking fast strides in their careers first in the educational institutions and then in the corporate world. We’re really proud of our youth that they didn’t really let us down and our glorious past. They’re showing their worth in every field wherever they are by digging deep the pillars of our national and cultural strength.......(not concluded)

A Random Thought----- I

While I was alone on my routine evening walk today my thoughts again shifted towards our deplorable condition living out of the bounds of our roots for such a long time aspiring fervently to gain our lost paradise. The multi-pronged problem of our displacement from the valley has acquired various ramifications during these years. On the one hand the situation in Kashmir does not guarantee any safety for this minuscule minority at the present moment and on the other the security agencies are unable to contain terrorism despite ultimate efforts in the whole of India not to speak of the anti India tirade in the valley of Kashmir. We are unable to plead our arguments forcefully in the national and international fora about our forced displacement in early 1990 upon complete breakdown of the administrative machinery in the valley such that some solid steps would be taken to improve our lot or some more relief measures extended in our favour till the final resolution of the problem. An important feature that makes this community almost insignificant is that our capacity to vote has been stalled because we have no reserved candidates to vote for neither in the state assembly nor in the Parliament. The political parties whatsoever in power have nothing to gain out of resolving any of our problems as such. Our names do exist in the electoral rolls of our respective constituencies in the valley but there is no point in using our right to vote for the valley candidates who have neither access to our present places of settlement nor are they capable to solve any of our problems.
The state and the central government both have not so far given any suitable attention to our plight on its merits firstly for our individual democratic rights as the citizens of India and secondly for the larger interests of the country. The authorities have never tried to judge the situation on ground that all the traces of India in Kashmir are gradually dwindling and the local administration though sworn by the constitution of India does not discourage the trend for fear of losing public support in their favour. Moreover all traces of Hindu culture that were present in abundance in the valley are dwindling day after day. All important Hindu installations in the form of temples and names of places etc are being encroached upon gradually such that almost all Hindu flavour that existed in the valley before 1990 is missing. The fundamentals of the policy for continuing India in Kashmir is essentially to strengthen sincerely all available Indian elements there on priority but the authorities have miserably failed in this important function. The Kashmir Pandit (KP) was the strongest pro India force in Kashmir that belonged to its soil and his absence from the scene has given a severe blow to the Indian influence in Kashmir. Our administrative machinery is probably unaware of this important fact or is deliberately shying away from this important responsibility towards the nation......(not concluded)

Kashmir Tulips in Bloom

Kashmir Tulips, you're again in bloom. Why not! it's the spring, the loveliest season of the year in Kashmir. You probably do not know that some of your admirers cannot enjoy your fresh colours. They’re out of the bounds of Kashmir for about two decades now. You and lots of other flowers that bloom in the early spring especially Yemberzal, Virkem and bredmushek are also ignorant of their absence. The reason is not far to seek. They left with a hope to return soon. They didn’t land in any strangers land but in some other part of their own land. Their new found neighbours treated them well; helped them in their adversity but they couldn’t forget their divine mother Kashmir. The nostalgia of Kashmir, its scenes and scenery, mountains and valleys, water and snow dogged them persistently. Do you know they tried their best to bring in Kashmir in their vicinities. They made the replicas of their various temples, gods and goddesses that they worshipped there and named their ghettos and colonies by the same Kashmir gods and goddesses. They also tried to celebrate with the same gaiety many of their favourite Kashmir festivals but still they couldn’t get Kashmir closer to them. The nourishing cool breeze coming down from the majestic snow covered peaks, the shade of Chinars and Villows, the blessings of Mata Kshir-Bhawani and Sharika could not be approached. They even tried to plant some Kashmir flowers and bushes in their small gardens and fed them with cold water frequently but these got withered by the hot air of the plains. They had even tried their best to forget Kashmir by trying to get accustomed to the foods and other habits of the plains and speaking the language of their new found neighbours but your remembrances reverberated forcefully and today was the turn of your blossom that took the lead.

DAL-LAKE of Kashmir

Dal-Lake or only Dal as called in Kashmir is the crown of Kashmir, the paradise on Earth. It’s located in the vicinity of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir State. The huge Himalayan urban lake with blue deep waters is astonishingly so big that human eye cannot cross its limits. With an area of about 18 Kilometers it has five basins and a number of channels that are well linked with each other. The sparkling quiet waters of Dal-Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains on three sides undoubtedly mark it as one of the most beautiful lakes of India. It is the second largest lake in Kashmir with numerous gardens and orchards along its shores. The world famous Mughal Gardens-- Nishat, Shalimar, Cheshma-Shahi and Pari-Mahal are on its Eastern bank while the sprawling campuses of the University of Kashmir and the Regional Engineering College along with the famous Hazratbal Shrine are on the West. Two hillocks overlooking the lake are one with the ancient Shankaracharya temple atop and the other Hari Parbat housing numerous sacred Hindu temples, a Gurdwara and a Muslim shrine. The glorious Mughal gardens on its shores add to the beauty of Dal. Out of about five hundred gardens laid down in 16th to 17th century, only a few still survive.
Houseboats, the gorgeous floating beauties form an indelible part of the Lake for their twin purpose, one that they serve as majestic floating lodges in the waters with better facilities than the best hotels for the tourists and two that they can move to any location in the Lake as desired. Most houseboats are the representatives of brilliant Kashmir art and architecture, so beautifully built and decorated with Kashmir art that cannot be described in words.
Then there are the Shikaras, the small ornate versions of the gondolas of Venice that offer ferry rides to and from the banks of the lake to the houseboats besides always ready to take tourists to a romantic and peaceful ride and soothe their nerves over the slightly rippling waters. They also offer them the most exotic view of the splendid scenery of the lake.
Dal-Lake is the source of tons of vegetables and flowers grown along its banks in the famous floating gardens and the fresh product is always available for sale on the sailing boat shops on the waters of the lake along with the lotus stem (Nadru in Kashmiri) the most preferred Kashmir vegetable. Nadru found in Dal is considered of the best quality for its taste and size. The naturally grown large beautiful flower Lotus or Kamal is found in abundance in Dal. There are plenty of fish in Dal-Lake and fishery the second largest industry of the region is centered on this lake..... (to be continued)

KANGER

The people of Kashmir are in the habit of using a kind of fire-pot called Kanger in local dialect to warm their body in winter. Kanger is an artistically designed household gadget very popular for its use. A fully baked earthen bowl with somewhat closed opening is wrapped wholly with a beautiful wicker-work basket with suitable handles above making it quite safe to handle profusely with burning charcoal inside. This hot Kashmir firepot (Kanger) is usually taken inside Pharen, the traditional trademark Kashmir outer garment, a loose long robe with wide open sleeves usually made of course thick woolen cloth and held close to body mostly with both hands both while sitting, standing or walking. Kashmir people have a unique habit of doing all work quite comfortably in winters while sitting on a flat surface having a hot Kanger inside their Pharen keeping them warm. All Kashmir handicraft artisans do almost all artistic work quite efficiently sitting indoors in closed quarters while holding a Kangri under their Pharan. All this undoubtedly gives a reason to mention that it’s definitely an indication to the sharp wit and artistic taste of the people of Kashmir who have very wisely created a unique wonderful gadget for themselves to fight the severe cold of the valley much before the modern day cold fighting equipment was invented. Though nowadays most affluent houses in Kashmir have got all the modern electronic heating arrangements installed but the Kanger continues to occupy its important traditional space. Kanger is not only famous for its legitimate use but for its large association with Kashmir tradition and ethos. It enjoys an important place in the Kashmir folklore as almost all notable legends gracefully eulogize it here or there. Kanger has found an important place in some Vaakhs of the famous mystic poet of Kashmir Lalleshuri while describing some essential divine secrets. Moreover there is not a single Kashmir poet, writer or an artist both modern and ancient who hasn’t given it an important place in his or her creative art. Its use on special occasions like weddings, engagements and festivals in all seasons is worth a mention. When the new found relatives from daughter’s or son’s in-laws are received for the first time in the house they’re welcomed first by putting a pinch of incense seeds in a beautifully made Kangri with live charcoal inside. Immediately the whole atmosphere is filled with a special fragrant smoke considered auspicious and liable to ward off all evil spirits. The ritual is common with both Kashmir Muslims and Hindus. The displaced KPs, now living outside Kashmir continue with the tradition especially in Jammu where their establishments are in quite large number.

Kashmir Handicrafts---III

Kashmir is home of some of the best wood carving done anywhere in the world. Wood carving is done on a variety of objects ranging from furniture ( Tables, chairs, writing desks, dinning tables, nest sets, Toll Buoys, Screens, side Boards etc) to articles of personnel use like jewelry boxes, photo frames and various other articles. Walnut wood is the most common wood used for carving of above items. Kashmir is the only part of India where the Walnut trees grow, its colour, grain and sheen are unique and the carving and cut work that is done on this wood is of the finest quality. Walnut wood from the root portion is almost black and the grain here is much more pronounced than the wood of the trunk, which is lighter in colour. There are several varieties of carvings i.e. deep carving usually with dragon or lotus flower motifs, shallow carving done all over the flat surface open or lattice work, usually depicting the chinar motifs, and semi carving. The advantage of semi carving is that it allows the grain of the wood, to be displayed together with the carver’s skill. Wax polishing brings out the inherent sheen of walnut wood.

Kashmir Handicrafts ---- II

Papier Mache is one of the exclusive Kashmir art. Different moulds are used to make various shapes and figurines. After the surface is made smooth the base colours are applied. Then the main work of making intricate patterns and designs starts. Very small brushes called kalam are used to make various shapes, designs peculiar to this art on the outer surface of these articles. Beautiful designer pieces both small and large are made especially vases, jewelry boxes, figures of animals and birds painted with colourful pictures and floral designs. Beautiful Christmas trees made by these artisans are high in demand worldwide and earn millions of dollars in the international market. The colours used are not chemically based but are traditionally made out of local herbs and materials and that make them last their shine quite longer. Some papier mache art pieces made long ago still keep their shine as are preserved safely in various museums worldwide........ (to be continued)

Kashmir Handicrafts ---- I

Kashmir is famous not only for its sights and scenes, mountains and valleys, flora and fauna but also for its exquisite handicrafts produced by the refined skill and talent of her artisans. The beautifully embroidered shawls and rugs, intricately carved furniture, painstakingly knotted carpets and attractive papier maché products are the world’s delight, and Kashmir's pride.
Kashmiri carpets are world renowned, and perhaps the most popular of Kashmir's handicrafts. Originally from Persia, the art of making the knotted carpet that Kashmir is famous for was patronized by a Kashmir King Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin. In the 15th century, he brought weavers from Persia, to train the local Kashmiri inhabitants. The quality and price of a Kashmiri carpet depends on the density of knots. Most Kashmiri carpets have between 200 and 900 knots per square inch. Carpets with 3600 knots per square inch have also been created by Kashmir's talented craftsmen; but these are extremely rare.
The Kashmiri shawl is of superior quality, soft, warm and charmingly embroidered. It is made of three types of wool: Shahtoosh which comes from a rare Tibetan antelope, and is considered the king of wool, the Pashmina which comes from the Capra Hircus goat, and the Raffal which is spun out of Marino Wool. The Kashmiri shawls are made using two techniques, either loom woven (Kani-Shawl) or needle embroidered (Sozni).
Kashmir's walnut wood-work is the manifestation of elegant and intricate craftsmanship. Walnut wood is hard and durable, and its texture is even and close-grain. This enables the artisan to carve very fine designs. Of these patterns, floral and dragon designs are the most common. Carved furniture is the most famous of this Kashmiri handicraft, but bowls, trays, cigarette boxes, wall plaques, table lamps, screens and bedsteads are other popular items.
In an elaboration of the handicrafts from Kashmir, papier maché cannot be neglected. The art of papier maché involves layering paper pulp on a mould. It is then allowed to set, after which it is decorated. The colors used for decoration are made by diluting pigments in water with a little glue. Mineral, vegetable and organic colors are used. The final object is coated with varnish to give it shine and to protect it. Mughal pictures, mythological figures, scenes of hunting and battle, and floral patterns are the most popular.
All Kashmir crafts including the major ones are household products with active involvement of all members of the family as the essential skills are carried down from generation to generation and learnt without any substantial effort. As such a particular craft remains the monopoly of a particular family, a ghetto or an ethnic group often called by the name of the craft..... (to be continued)

HARI-PARBAT near Srinagar

Hari-Parbat or only Parbat as it was fondly called has been since time immemorial a very fond attraction for the KPs especially of Srinagar. An old legend says that the place was a large lake inhabited by a ferocious demon Jalobhava. In order to save the valley from the demon Sati Mata the royal consort of Mahadeva took the form of a bird (Haer in Kashmiri) with a small pebble in its beak. She dropped it on the head of the demon and the miracle that ensued was that the stone enlarged rapidly and took the shape of present Hari-Parbat and the demon was crushed under it.
The hill thus formed in place of the lake became the abode of numerous Gods and goddesses and particularly the shrine of Chakhrishur on its western face where Mata Tripursundari Sharika is seated graciously represented by the self made Srichakra engraved on a vertical holy rock (Shila). Number of holy temples representing various deities is located on all sides of the hill. So as a devotion to all these deities the devotees circumambulated the hillock to get their desires fulfilled. The Parikrama starts from the Lord Ganesh’s Shrine, which is located on the south-western corner. Inside the temple the deity is represented by a huge Shila. The next place of obeisance on the Parikrama route is the Saptrishi-Sthapna (Satresh) which is marked by an open space on the slope of the hillock near a big boulder in the vicinity of a Chinar tree. Here, the devotees ascertain their luck (locally known as Phal) by random picking up of some rice grains scattered on the boulder.
There are two Parikrama routes, one along the foot-hill of the hillock and the other along the fortified stone wall. The devotees have the option of taking either of the two. Further on, the next holy spot on the Parikrama is the shrine of Goddess Kali, which is marked by a small temple adjacent to a Chinar tree with a large flat open space in front known as Sidh-Peeth-- a place of lively divine presence. The shrine is said to be invested with very strong divine vibrations.
An old fort on its top built by Mughal Emperor Akbar exists there with ruins of a tall strong stone wall around the hill called Kallai in local dialect with ruins of two magnificent gates, Sangeen Darwaza and Kathi Darwaza. The wall enclosed an old populous city with the King’s palace along with the royal armory on its top. The view of Dal Lake and a part of the valley from the fort is most fascinating. Just near the southern side of the outer wall there is Gurdwara Chati-Padshahi which commemorates the visit of the Sikh Guru Shri Hargobind Singh Sahib.
Pokhribal, the shrine of the mother Raghnya is another holy spot on the Parikarma route. The holy spring inside the temple complex is the attraction of thousands of devotees.With the displacement of Pandits outside valley Hari-Parbat and lots of other important Hindu shrines in Kashmir seem in a state of neglect as most of them are guarded by security forces that’re unaware about the importance and sanctity of these places. It’s unfortunate that Kashmir, once a proud face of the Hindu India is changed altogether with its essential Hindu flavour missing now that was once its essential ingredient and none of the concerned neither the administration nor the people of this great country raise even a single voice against this great human tragedy.