V iol. VlII, Nco. 2 h: March-arApril 2012

M i lcharVol. VII, No. 2 : March-April 2012

The Official Organ of KPA, Mumbai

RNI Registration No. MAHMUL/2004/13413 Price: 30.00

NAVREH MUBARAKby Kapil Kaul

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Glimpses of Anoop Jalota Nite held at Rang Sharda,Bandra, Mumbai on 9 March 2012



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MilcharOfficial Organ of

Kashmiri Pandits' Association,

Mumbai

Views expressed in the signedartic les are not necessarily those of theKashmiri Pandits' Association

or Milchar.Artic les can also be e-mailed to:

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(Regd. Charitable Trust - Regn. No. A-2815 BOM)

Website: www.kpamumbai.org.in www.ikashmir.net/milchar

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Vol. VII ~ No. 2

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor : M.K.RainaAssociate Editor : S.P.KachruMembers : S.K.Kaul

Chand BhatConsulting Editors : P.N.Wali

T.N.Dhar ‘Kundan’

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Matrimonial (upto 50 words) : ` 250.00Each Extra word : ` 5.00Back Cover (Colour) : ` 5000.00Front Inside Cover (Colour) : ` 3000.00Back Inside Cover (Colour) : ` 2000.00Inside Full Page (B&W) : ` 1000.00Inside Half Page (B&W) : ` 500.00

Ø Message from the Presidentl Between Ourselves - Rajen Kaul Page 4

Ø Editoriall Net Abuse - M.K.Raina

Ø Report & Biradari News Page 6Ø cçíjç kçÀMcççÇjl DççOçáçÆvçkçÀ mLççvççW kçíÀ Òçç®ççÇvç vççcç Page 15

Ø Trustees, Permanent Invitees andArea Mentors of KPA Page 16

Ø KPA - Hawan & Sharda Sadan Donations Page 18Ø Poets & Poetessesl Arinimal - The Muse of Kashmiri Watsun

- Ravinder Ravi Page 21Ø With a Pinch of Saltl Lok Paul - The Battle for Goddesses

- P.K.Kaul Page 23Ø kçÀçJ³çl kçáÀs YççÇ vçnçR - çÆ$çuççíkçÀçÇ vççLç Oçj `kçÀávovç' Page 24

Ø Homeland for KPsl Youth 4 Panun Kashmir

- Brij Nath Betab Page 25Ø kçÀçJ³çl ³çáJçç Mççqkçwlç - çÆJçYççmçç jÌCçç Page 29

Ø Literature & Litterateursl Padma Shri Moti Lal Kemmu Page 30

Ø ncççjí hçJç&l nçíjçäcççÇ cçnçlc³ç - [ç. ®çcçvç uççuç jÌCçç Page 31

Ø Spirituality & Religionl Spirituality - The Best Healer

- Sunaina Kaw Page 33Ø Know Your Motherlandl Village Sirhama - The Land of Rising Sun

- Chander M. Bhat Page 36Ø Personalitiesl Anil Nakhari - The Creative Artiste Page 39

Ø Poetryl Nov Soz - Bimla Aima Misri (Translation : Dr. K.L.Chowdhury) Page 40

Ø Mçiçç& hçájçCçl kçÀMcççÇjçÇ hçbçÆ[lç DççÌj cççínuuçíyçç]pççÇ - 2

- [ç. yççÇ.Svç.Mçiçç& Page 41Ø Culture & Heritagel Cultural Legacy of KPs - 2

- Prof. R.N.Bhat Page 43Ø Our Literary Treasuresl Leelas of Swami Shankar Joo Razdan - 3

- Prof. Anil Raina Page 47Ø hç_®çç² .... Matrimonial Page 51

Ø OççjçJçççÆnkçÀl içáuçí yçkçÀçJçuççÇ - 7 - cç.kçÀ.jÌvçç Page 52

Ø Book Reviewl C.L.Gadoo's 'Kashmir Hindu Shrines'

- T.N.Dhar 'Kundan' Page 55Ø Your Own Page Page 57Ø Editor's Mail Page 47

In this issue

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.kpamumbai.org.in

http://www.ikashmir.net/milchar




President's Message - Rajen Kaul

Between Ourselves

amaskar.In this issue of Milchar, I wouldlike to update you on the majoractivities undertaken by your

Board of Trustees (BoT) from Jan 2012onwards:Fundraising Programme: You are awarethat your Board has over last few monthsbeen working on a major initiative oforganizing a programme for raising fundsfor earliest completion of our new culturalcentre 'Sharda Sadan'. It gives me greatpleasure to inform you that our fundraisingcampaign has helped us raiseapproximately Rs. 50.00 Lacs of actual/committed funds through sponsorshipsand donor passes for the Anup Jalota Niteheld on 9th March, 2012 at Rang Sharda,Bandra, Mumbai through release ofsouvenir and through generouscontributions from Biradari members andother well wishers.

I feel privileged to be part of the currentteam of Board members who have workedwith tremendous commitment anddedication to achieve this major objective.Apart from the Trustees and othermembers of the Board, I must alsoacknowledge my sincere gratitude to manyBiradari members who came forward tohelp us get major sponsorships fromCorporates like Piramal Healthcare, L&TFinance, HDFC AMC, HDFC Life, Axis BankAMC, Birla Sunlife, Tata AMC, IDFC AMC,ASK Group, HPCL etc. I also thank all othercontributors who advertised in theSouvenir we released at this event as alsoto all the Biradari members whocontributed through donor passes. Yourgenerosity will be remembered and

Ncherished by us.

We still need approxRs. 100.00 lacs tocomplete Sharda Sadan. Ineed proactive supportand involvement of allthe Biradari members toorganize another fundraising programme inNov/Dec this year so that we can completeSharda Sadan by early next year.

The musical programme by Padma ShriAnup Jalota was inaugurated by our Mentorand Chief Guest Prabhu Sura Dasji,President ISKCON, Kharghar and ManagingCouncil Member of ISKCON Juhu. Heextolled the community members to comeforward to contribute generously forbuilding Sharda Sadan. At this cultural Nite,we also presented KPA’s Life-timeContribution Award for 2010-2011 to ourdistinguished past President ShriM.L.Mattoo for his immense contribution inservice of the community, particularly forconceiving and working selflessly forbuilding Sharda Sadan. Anupji kept theaudience engaged and spellbound by hissoulful rendition of ghazals and spiritualmelodiesSharda Sadan: As reported by our Hon.General Secretary, we have resumedconstruction activities and brickwork isexpected to be completed by May 2012.Annual Hawan: Annual Hawan which wasperformed on 21st & 22nd January wasattended by over 700 members which wasperhaps the largest participation in lastseveral years.Directory: The new Directory was releasedon 22nd January 2012 on the Annual Hawan

Contd. on 3



Editorial - M.K.Raina

Net Abuse

Internet is the media which keepsus all connected. You want tosend a message to someone,thousands of miles away, it will

reach him in no time. And if you want toconvey something to masses, Just click andyou reach thousands of people instantly.Group communication has made it soeasier.

In present-day world, one can not thinkof living without internet. Whether youwant to send a mail or want to be in touchwith people through Facebook, Twitter etc.,everything is instant. Uploadingphotographs and videos on websites havebecome fun. If you have more to offer, justcreate your own website and keep therewhatever you want. Internet is really a boonand its advantages are enormous.

For quite some time, the internet hasbecome a grossly abused media. It is nowused to throw mud on others, in full viewof thousands of netizens. If you have apersonal score to settle with someone, doit through net. In late 2010, the net abusereached such a proportion that Mr.Shailendra Aima, of Panun Kashmir had toissue a public statement condemning thehate campaign unleashed on net againstsome women activists of the community.

An example of what appeared on thenet a few days back:

“Do not wash your dirty linen in public” - DB.“Who is this new Dainaik Bhaskar DB?” - HR.“He is your father.” - DB“I will introduce you to your father whom you

missed during your migration.” - HRNow sample this:“Please do not follow chain mail of J.... Zaharbadas he is moderator of ....He is the same character

who promised me financialsupport during .... and afterpushing me... he went intocoma...”And this:

“Panditon ab to sharmkaro... the girl would havebeen some one ordinary in avillage selling potatoes but she and her parentshave used the KP quota ....what a shame ... amdisappointed by the selfish and self-serving natureof the community.”And also this:

“Beware Black Sheep, you won’t be left withany wool to cover yourself....”

“Go, have guts to face them in your den....shame on all of you.”

Another trend in the net abuse is thatmails are copied to hundreds andthousands of e-mail IDs across globe. A fewdays back, I came across a hacked mail(definitely spam) sent to various peoplewith the subject line ‘How are you’ andinviting the receivers to click a given URL.One of the addressees, misunderstandingthe mail and fortunately not clicking theURL, replied in Kashmiri that he was fine.Amazing that he used the button ‘Reply All’without a reason.

What are we up to and what do we wantto gain out of this? Let us all resolve not toabuse the net any more and not discreditothers by defaming them or usinginvectives against them. We are a small buteducated and cultured community. Let ustreat all others with dignity and honour andcontinue to strive for brotherhood in thecommunity. Internet is a platform wherewe can meet, discuss and know others’

Contd. on Page 50



Report & Biradari News

KPA Hawan 2012 :Solemn piety and festive fervor weresignificantly visible on the cheerful faces of ourcommunity members and their families whenthey congregated at Mumbai's Kashyap Bhawancompound for the Annual Get-together on 22nd

January, 2012. This year's participation bymembers of our community was a high point,being biggest in several years.

Prominently seated large picture of theeighteen-armed Goddess - the Divine MotherJagatamba Sharika Bhagwati, truly beamed asthe presiding deity at Hawan, whileworshippers were making ritualistic offeringsand invoking the divine blessings of supremeprimordial Goddess. The two day holy eventcommenced on Saturday 21st January and




culminated with Purna Ahuti on Sunday22nd January, 2012. Amid continuouschanting of vedic shlokas and verses, theHawan fire embers emitted fragrantproperties into smoke that permeated intothe atmosphere, making it congenial forspiritual consciousness and contemplationby the grateful community. This year'sHawan rituals were performed by ShriK.K.Kemmu and Shri Ashwani Bhatalongwith their spouses. The Purna Ahutiwas followed by serving Prasad comprisingKashmiri cuisine and Kheer to allparticipants.

The new Members' Directory 2012 wasalso released on the day while KPAPresident Shri Rajen Kaul was waxingeloquent in urging community members tomake liberal donations enabling earliestcompletion of SHARDA SADAN project atKharghar, Navi Mumbai.

[Report : S.P.Kachru : [email protected]]K.L.Dhar, Member BOT adds : After lowturnover since few Years of KP biradarimembers on Hawan functions, we had

encouraging gathering of KP Biradarimembers this year. It is a clear indicationthat due to efforts made by diligent MrRajen Kaul and all team members, KPA hasstarted getting encouraging cooperationfrom the Mumbai Biradari. Efforts bear goodresults sooner or later, be it fund raising forSharda Sadan or any other work for thewelfare of Biradari. Contacts made bysending E-mails, Mobile calls and one toone personal conversations have givengood results which can be further improvedto have a larger gathering next Year. To anappeal by the KPA President Shri Rajen Kaulregarding raising of funds for Sharda Sadan,all members assured him of their efforts onthis front so that project is completed asearly as possible.

vvvKPA’s Fund Raising Programme - AnupJalota Nite :If you can dream it, you can achieve it -Kashmiri Pandits' Association, Mumbai(KPA) is doing just that in envisioning theearliest completion of its most prestigious





Project - Sharda Sadan at Kharghar. As partof ongoing funding efforts, KPA organiseda Fund Raising Programme - Anup JalotaNite at Rang Sharda Auditorium on 9thMarch 2012, which saw large number ofpeople pacing hurriedly towards the venuefor the musical soiree.

Giving an auspicious start to theevening programme, our distinguishedMentor and Chief Guest, Prabhu Suradas jiof ISKCON lit the Brass Murugan Lamp.Prabhu ji radiated joy over efforts of ourcommunity to come together for the causeof building Sharda Sadan and specificallylauded the fresh approach and initiativesarchitected by KPA President, Shri RajenKaul. In his speech, the Presidentappreciatively acknowledged PrabhuSuradasa ji’s patronage and guidance,apprised the audience of various initiatives

being pursued by the Board and profuselythanked all the Sponsors, Donors,Advertisers, members of the Board ofTrustees and the entire community for thesupport received from them. Prabhu ji aswell as Shri Anup Jalota were given a Shawleach, signifying the honour bestowed uponthem by the grateful community.

Soon, the audience were in communionwith Padma Shri Anup Jalota, whoserepertoire and renditions in classicalcompositions of Bhajans as well as Ghazalswere simply compelling. While hisinteractive initiatives and musical prowessdrew uproarious applause from the joyouslisteners, Anup ji kept serving some of hisbest spiritual melodies to the appreciativeaudience.

After intermission, came the muchanticipated annual event of presenting




KPA’s Life-time Contribution Award 2010-2011 to Shri M.L.Mattoo, who also happensto be an ex. President of KPA. While ShriS.P.Kachru was reading out the insightfulCitation, an emotionally challenged MattooSahib could be seen in reflective mood ofjourney back in time. As Shri Rajen Kaulhanded over the Shawl and newlyinstituted Trophy, the entire audience rosein unison to offer a standing ovation to ShriMattoo, who thanked the community andsingled out the unforgettable involvementand contribution of Shri J.L.Kak towardssetting up of Sharda Sadan. Brieffelicitations to ex. Presidents of KPA viz.Dr. N.L.Zutshi and Shri Moti Kaul as well asShri Sanjay Razdan, Chief Architect ofSharda Sadan, were followed by the secondsession of Shri Anup Jalota’s musicalperformance.

The competent anchoring of entireprogramme by Shri Bharat Pandit revealedthe deftness of a veteran. KPA’s GeneralSecretary Shri S.P.Kachru offered sincerethanks and gratitude to Prabhu Suradas jias well as Shri Anup Jalota for theirrespective motivation and support. In hisconcluding remarks, Shri Rajen Kaulfelicitated all the accompanying musiciansand again thanked all those who made thisevent memorable.

vvv

Padma Shri Awards for Moti Lal Kemmu andR.N.Koul Bamezai :The President of India has approved theconferment of 109 PadmaAwards for 2012. Thesecomprise five PadmaVibhushan, 27 PadmaBhushan and 77 Padma ShriAwards. There are 19 women

among the awardees. ThePadma Shri awardees includetwo Kashmiri Pandits namelyShri Moti Lal Kemmu (Art,Playwright) and Prof.Rameshwar Nath Koul

Bamezai (Science & Engineering). ShriBamezai, an eminent scientist is the ViceChancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno DeviUniversity, Katra. Shri Moti Lal Kemmu, arenowned playwright of Kashmir is thefather of K.K.Kemmu and Ravi Kemmu ofMumbai and grand father of actor KunalKemmu.

Input : Forum [email protected]

vvvMIEF to teach Kashmiri in Sharda Script :Millennium India Education Foundation(MIEF) a Delhi based Non Profit Organisationis starting vocational teachingprogramme for learning dying Kashmiriscript 'Sharda' in Delhi NCR very soon. Thisvocational course programme will be startedin other cities in phased manner. Most ofKP horoscopes are written in this scriptwhich is virtually becoming very difficult toread for want of experts. Modalities arebeing worked out. MIEF is also inviting applications from those who are willing toteach. Interested members willing to teach/register as students, are requested to e-mailtheir letters to [email protected] or send





by post to Millennium India EducationFoundation (MIEF), 13 Community Centre,East of Kailash, New Delhi 110065. For anyadditional information kindly contact:U. Kakroo, Convenor Delhi NCR, Cell9810301261 or Suman Srivastav, ConvenorMumbai Cell 9869834920.Input : Dr. Uday Kakroo : [email protected]

vvvM.K.Kaw is new Chairman of AIKS Trust :In a meeting of the BoT ofAIKS Trust held on Ist January2012, Shri M.K.Kaw wasunanimously nominated asthe new Chairman of AIKSTrust as per the provisions ofconstitution of AIKS Trust.The step was necessitated in view of theindifferent health of the present ChairmanShri L.C.Kaul. The BoT unanimouslyrequested Shri Kaw to shoulder theresponsibilities (of being Chairman of theTrust), which he was kind enough to accept.The outgoing Chairman, Shri L.C.Kaulwished Shri Kaw all the best.

Input : PuranPatwari [email protected]

vvvMohan Lal Aash is no more :Mohan Lal Aash, a veteran poetand writer and the foundermember of Nagrad AdbiSangam breathed his last aftera brief i llness at his Jammuresidence on Ist January 2011. He was 76.He is survived by his wife, a son and adaughter.

Originally resident of Bijebehara,Anantnag, Kashmir, Mr Aash served theEducation Department in various capacitiesand retired as ZEO. He was author of variousbooks on Kashmiri culture and heritage andalso remained associated with variousliterary organizations including Nagrad and

Nagrai. Various social and religiousorganizations have expressed profoundgrief and shock over the demise of Mr Aashand described his death as a great loss toKashmiri language and literature.

Input: Rashneek [email protected]

vvvJustice(Rtd) Moti Lal Bhat passes away :Justice(rtd) Moti Lal Bhat breathed his laston 8 Jan 2012 in the ICU of All India Instituteof Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Justice Bhatoriginally belonged to Hawl village ofPulwama District of Kashmir and hadcompleted his LLB from Patna University. Avery successful lawyer in the High Court ofJ&K, he was elevated to the bench in May 1984 and posted as a judge of the J&KHigh Court. He was later transferred toAllahabad High Court where he retired in1993. He was practising as a Senior Advocatein the Supreme Court since then. JusticeBhat's death will be mourned by a largenumber of his friends.

Input: Captain [email protected]

vvvY4PK organise Ist International KP YouthConference at Pune :An International KP Youth Conference wasorganised at Pune by the Youth for PanunKashmir (Y4PK) on 7-8 January 2012. Thegathering was addressed by Dr.Agnishekhar, Convener Panun Kashmir. Inhis address, Dr. Agnishekhar touched widerange of national and community specificissues. He made the youth of thecommunity conscious of the challenges, beit political, social or cultural which confrontthe community in general and youth inparticular. He said it was imperative that theKP youth in diaspora need to strive harderto reverse the causes of genocide andexodus. Dr. Agnishekhar called upon the







youth to strengthen the movement forachieving the geo-political aspirations ofthe community i.e, 'creation of homelandfor 7 lakh Kashmiri Pandits' in north and eastof river Jhelum in Kashmir valley, eventhough it may take decades or centuries.He impressed upon the audience to drawthe inspiration from the establishment ofJewish state that is Israel. Dr Agnishekharoutrightly rejected the false propagandaundertaken by separatists, pseudo-secularists and so called human rightsactivists regarding the exclusion of Kashmirfrom the ethos of Indian civilization, ratherhe emphasized upon the fact that India isthe extension of the Kashmir in terms ofits civilization context. He stressed uponthe fact that the Panun Kashmir is apolitical, social and cultural movementwhich gives the purpose to live as acommunity to the Kashmiri Pandits inexile. He impressed upon the youth of thecommunity to establish a connect amongthemselves and their roots and heritage inthis Diaspora.

Input: Sanjay MozaNational Coordinator, Panun Kashmir

vvvAgnishekhar rejects Best Book Award forhis book :Dr. Agnishekhar has rejectedthe J&K Academy of Art,Culture & Languages' 'BestBook Award' for his book'Jawahar Tunnel'. In a pressstatement dated 28 January2012, Agnishekhar said, "Friends, I rejectthe 'Best Book Award' carrying a cashreward of Rs. 51000.00, a memento and ashawl to be conferred on my fourth poetrycollection 'Jawahar Tunnel' by the StateAcademy of Art, Culture and Languages asa mark of protest against the 'exodus' and'ethnic cleansing' of my peace loving

community. Though this award is beinggiven by the State Academy and the ChiefMinister of the State happens to be itsPresident, I hold all the successive stategovernments responsible for the continuedpolicy of neglect and apathy towards thevictims of Jehadi terrorism in the valley."

Dr. Agnishekhar further says, "In thecapacity of a conscientious writer, it will beunethical for me to receive this LiteraryAward from the hands of Omar Abdullah,the President of the State Academy of Art,Culture and Languages. It is myresponsibility as a writer to register myprotest against this worst ever forcedexodus and holocaust. I refuse to accept thisaward from the Chief Minister Mr. OmarAbdullah, who is seen inclined towards thefundamentalist forces that have rejectedthe secular value system and cultural co-existence in the valley. It is unfortunate thatthe Chief Minister did nothing to undo thechange of nomenclature and illegalencroachments of several ancient religio-cultural centres of exiled Kashmiri Panditsin the valley. He even shows his unconcernover distortion of history and culturalidentity of the Kashmir valley. I also registermy strong protest against the oftenrepeated and recent biased and insensitiveoutbursts of Omar Abdullah in the NationalMedia against my exiled people. I thereforedeclare that my conscience as a responsiblewriter does not allow me to receive anyaward or honour from the State or by theinstitutions patronized by the State Govt. Ivalue the peoples love and appreciation ofmy literature and treat it as the highestaward."

Contact Agnishekhar [email protected]

vvvCultural Academy terms Agnishekhar'srefusal as unfortunate :J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages




has expressed surprise over the refusal ofDr. Agnishekhar to accept Best Book Award,which was announced by the Academy inApril 2011. In a communique dated 29January 2012, the Academy has said,"Incidently, soon after the Academy invitedbook entries for the prestigious Best Bookaward competition, Dr. Agnishekherhimself filed an application forconsideration in Hindi language for his book'Jawahar Tunnel'. And when after followingdue process and scrutiny by threeindependent experts, the Academyannounced the award and he was conferredupon the honour, Dr. Shekhar very proudlyappeared on Doordarshan and expressedhappiness on having been conferred uponthe prestigious award."

Reacting to the news of Dr. Shekhar’srefusal, the official spokesperson of theAcademy termed it as unfortunate and saidthat this should not have happened. He alsoadded that if Dr. Shekhar had to refuse thispurely literary award, which wasannounced a year back, he should not havecompeted for the prize in the first place.

Source : Directorate of Information J&K,[email protected]

vvvBetab in Jnanpith Committee :The Bhartiya Jnanpith Language AdvisoryCommittee for Kashmirilanguage has beenreconstituted with theinduction of noted writer BrijNath Betab as its member. Thiswas stated in a handoutissued in Jammu on February 17, 2012.While Dr. S.K.Raina has been retained as amember, Dr. Majid has been elevated tohead the Committee as its convener.

The Jnanpith Award instituted in early60’s has acquired the status of the highestliterary award of India.

vvv

Vimal Wakhlu Elevated :Vimal Wakhlu has takenover as Chairman and Man-aging Director of Telecom-munications Consultants In-dia ltd. (TCIL), New Delhi on16 December 2011. Prior to his elevation,he was Director (Technical) in the sameorganisation. Mr. Wakhloo started his ca-reer with NHPC in 1977 and continued towork with VSNL, DOT and BSNL. He was Di-rector, Satellite Maintenance, Western Re-gion and General Manager of BSNL MobileServices for Maharashtra Circle between2000 and 2006 and is well known in theMumbai Biradari. Mr. Wakhloo has done hisBE from REC Srinagar and MBA from IGNOU.He is also a Certified Management Profes-sional from Project Management Institute,Pennsylvania.

Milchar & KPA Mumbai congratulatesMr. Wakhlu on his promotion.

Input: vivek [email protected]

vvvVikram Khazanchi is head of Maruti SuzukiManesar Plant :India's largest carmakerMaruti Suzuki has selectedVikram Khazanchi to head the5-lakh capacity twin plants atManesar, which rolls out high-margin cars like Swift, A-Starand Dzire Sedan. New appointment hasbeen made four months after Maruti Suzukipaid off union leaders to end a cripplingstrike that severely dented production andcrimped profits.

Mr. Khazanchi lives at Gurgaon,Haryana. Milchar & KPA Mumbaicongratulates him for his new assignment.

Input: Sunil [email protected]

vvv






Beggars at Bandra are not KPs :Reports emanating from various quartersthat some Kashmiris posing as Kashmirimigrants are begging and asking formonetary help at Bandra east near railwaystation, have been looked into by the KPAMumbai. It has been revealed that thepeople staying in tents pitched along thewater pipe line opposite Bandra Terminusand calling themselves Kashmiri migrantsare in fact Muslim farmers and orchardowners who are driven here due to extremetemprature, heavy snowfall and lack ofessential supplies in J&K. Sources revealthat this is not unusual for such people tomove to Delhi, Mumbai and other hotterplaces during the winter months every yearto earn their l ivelihood. According toreports, about 400 people are putting up intents near Bandra terminus presently.

vvvPuja at Sharda Sadan :The jinx that has time and again stayed theconstruction of our prestigious projectSharda Sadan due to inevitablecircumstances was overcome on February24, 2012, when a puja was performed byKashmiri Pandits’ Association President

Shri Rajen Kaul and mentor of the projectShri Makhan Lal Mattoo, along with 30-oddbiradari members to commemorate thefresh commencement of work. ReverendPrabhuji Sura Dassa was gracious to bless

the Project and laid the first brick, thusmaking a fresh beginning. Presence ofPrabhuji brought a new sense of optimismat the event held at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.This phase of work includes completebrickwork and building the compound wall.The re-commencement of work has beenpossible because of the perseverance andhard work by KPA President Shri Rajen Kaul,who has been leading by example, just likeShri Mattoo did during the first phase ofwork.

Input : Chand [email protected]

S.P.Kachru, General Secretary, KPA adds:Our ongoing initiatives are directedtowards concluding the Brickwork by June2012 and hopefully the completion of Projectby March 2013, subject to sustained flow offinancial support from within the communityas much as outside. While we await receivingbiradari members' spirited donations withgreater passion, they may look forward toreceiving from us, regular updates on theoutcome hence progress of same.

vvvKPA's Life-time Contribution Award forM.L.Mattoo :This year's Life-time Contribution Award ofKashmiri Pandits' Association, Mumbai wasconferred upon Shri M.L.Mattoo (Ex.President KPA and Chairman, Sharda Sadan




Project) in a glittering function held at RangSharda, Bandra on 9 March 2012, whereAnup Jalota Nite for raising funds forSharada sadan was also held. The Awardwas given away by the President KPA ShriRajen Kaul in presence of the members ofthe BOT amid thunderous applause by theaudience. The Citation accompanying the

Award read: 'There is something soendearing about his enthusiasm andpassion for Sharda Sadan that it wouldcharm even his critics. He who radiatespositivism, is perennially so cheerful andtalkative that it is impossible not to love him.Embodying ethics, integrity and true caring,it is this exuberance that people findinfectious. All this and more are creditedtoShri Makhan Lal Mattoo, the proudrecipient of Life-time Contribution Award ofKashmiri Pandits’ Association, Mumbai(KPA) for the year 2010-2011.

A man whose legacy extends as far hislegend and is a patriarchal source of guidingvalues, evokes memories of an entiregeneration of Kashmiri Pandits, who set footin Mumbai almost 50 years back. Retired asa senior management professional, MattooSahab also served as President of KPA.

For sheer enormity of his unwaveringcommitment - be it delivering aid in migrantcamps in Jammu, seeking Governmentalgrants in Delhi or laying the foundation ofSharda Sadan in Kharghar - KPA Mumbaifeels duly privileged to honour Shri MakhanLal Mattoo for exemplary dedication thatshall continue to influence generations to

come.'vvv

Swami Lakshmanjoo Jayanti celebrations inMumbai :According to a communique released by the

Ishwar Ashram Trust, MumbaiKendra, the yearlycelebration of Janam DivasJayanti of SwamiLakshmanjoo, the greatShaivite Master will be held

at Lions and Lioness Club, Sector 10, PlotNo. 12, Opposite D-Mart, Kopar Khairne,Navi Mumbai on 18th April 2012. Devoteesare requested to contact T.K.Raina on9869000144 and Rakesh Shah on 022-27578147 for further details.

vvvNuptials :] Amit, Son of Smt. Vidya and Shri Hira LalKoul of Mulund, Mumbai got married toAbha, Daughter of Dr. Geetanjali & Dr.Rakesh Kaul of New Delhi on 3rd December2011. Abha is the granddaughter of ShriT.N.Dhar 'Kundan', Consulting Editor ofMilchar.] Anirudh, Son of Smt. Nalini and Shri SamirJalali of BPCL Colony, Chembur, Mumbai gotmarried to Deepti, Daughter of Smt. Neenaand Shri Vijay Chandnani of Colaba, Mumbaion 27 January 2012.] Monica, Daughter of Smt Veena and LateJ.L.Raina and Niece of Shri T.K.Raina ofKopar Khairne, Navi Mumbai got married toSandesh, Son of Mrs. Kalawati and MrJ.B.Kotian on 2nd February 2012 at NaviMumbai.] Sukirti, Daughter of Mrs. Veena and Mr.S.N.Kaw of Goregaon, Mumbai got marriedto Ankit, Son of Mrs. Kamini and Mr. AnoopDhar on 7th March 2012 at Jammu .

] ] ]

Milchar wishes them all aVery Happy Married Life.



Yegneopavit :] Yagneopavit Ceremony of Vikram, Grandson of Mrs. Mohanrani Raina and Sonof Smt. Veena and Late Shri J.L.Raina ofKopar Khairne, Navi Mumbai wasperformed on 30th January 2012 at NaviMumbai.] Yagnopavit Ceremony of Sunny, Son ofMrs. Veena and Mr. S.N.Kaw of Goregaon,Mumbai was performed on 5th March 2012 at Jammu.

vvvNew Arrivals :] Granddaughter was born to Mr. & Mrs.M.K.Kachroo of Chembur (Daughter to MrSushil & Mrs. Toshima Dhar) on 5thSeptember 2011 at California.] Grandson was born to Mrs. Saroj Sathuof Andheri (Son to Mr. Amit and Mrs.Tirivata) on 2nd January 2012 at Chandigarh.

Input : Neena [email protected]

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Nishal Ent.P. Ltd., (Sanjay Munshi) 25000Makhanlal Mattoo, Chembur 10000Tej Krishen Wali, Powai 8400Amrita Kachru, Versova 8000Sohanlal Kaul 5111R.N.. Bakshi, Andheri 5001Sunil Manwati & Family, Dahisar 5001Ashwani Bhat, CBD Belapur 5000Rajen Kaul, Versova 5000Ashok Tiku, Versova 5000K.K. Kemmu, Sion 5000Indu Bushan Raina, Andheri 3001Meena Wanchoo, Vileparle 3001Kapil Raina, Oshiwara 3000Avtar Miskeen, Mulund 2551Jayant Kumar Raina, Mulund 2500S.N. Jalla, Ghatkopar 2500Tej Kuchroo, Andheri 2500Avtar Krishen Raina, Mulund 2100Ashok Dhar, Lower Parel 2100Vineet Kaul, Worli 2100Archana Tikoo, Camps Corner 2100Naren Kachroo, Marol 2001Dr. A.k. Munshi, Mathura 2001Yogin Raina, Worli 2001Sushma Kaul Ravi, Andheri (W) 2000Pushpa Kawshal, Kandavali 2000Saroj Sathu, Andheri (W) 2000Vijay Channa, Malad (W) 1521Sheela Kaul, Andheri (W) 1500Kiran Sachdev, Juhu 1500Sunita Kaul, Mira Road 1500Pushpa Kaul - Bhole, Goregaon (E) 1500Mohan Mattoo, Andheri (W) 1500Girja Kaul, Bandra 1111Renu Razdan 1111Shivam / Sumukh Kak, Dahisar 1101Mr. & Mrs. Surinder Kachroo 1100Sudhir Shah, Kandavali 1100C.L. Tiku, Bandra 1100Sharad Mattoo, Andheri (W) 1100Surinder Kaul, Kandavali 1100P.L. Kaul, Andheri (W) 1100Dr. Krishna Mehra (Kaul ) Andheri (W) 1100Dr. N.L. Zuthsi U.S.A. 1100Moti Kaul, Versova 1100Surinder Wazir, Nepensea Road 1100M/s Anna Bulk Carrier P. Ltd. 1100T.K. Wali, Powai 1100Amresh Jalali, Andheri (W) 1100Basanti Kachroo, Mulund 1100Manju Satish Kaul, Powai 1100

Aswani Wali, Kandivali 1100Anmol Ganjoo, Andheri 1100R.K. Bhat, Marol 1001Mr. & Mrs. T.K. Razdan, Koparkhairane 1001Rakesh Misri, Dahisar 1001Ratnakar Kaul, Thane 1001Dr. C.L.Kaul, Versova 1001Subash Chander Dhar, Malad (W) 1001Ashok Ganjoo, Andheri (W) 1001Jitinder Khushu, 1001Janki Nath Mirza, 1001R.N.Kaul, Kandivali 1001Dr. K.K.Qasba, 1001Rameshwari Kachroo, Mulund 1001Mohini Tiku, Bandra 1001M.K.Kachroo, Chembur 1001S.K.Raina, Koparkhairane 1001Maharaj Krishen Raina, Vashi 1001Padm Pandit, Chandivali 1001Suresh Kaul, Sakinaka 1001Vinay Razdan, Andheri (W) 1001Randir Kumar Pandita, Kandivali 1000Kuldeep Raina, Navi Mumbai 1000Renu Dhar, 1000Tej Krishen Kaul, Andheri 1000Lalita Kaul 1000S.M. Ganjoo, Byculla 1000Roopesh Kaul, Cuf Parade 1000Jitendra Bali, Malad (W) 1000Surrinder Mohan Raina 1000Bhabi K.K. 1000Dalip Bhatt 1000Capt. A.N. Raina, Kharghar 1000Rahah Kachroo 1000Ramesh Raina, Bhandup 1000Balkrishna Khar, Versova 1000Anil Wali, Lower Parel 1000S.K. Kaul (Arazbegi), Thane 1000Ratanlal Tiku, Virar 1000Pradnan Krishan Miskeen, Borivali 1000B.K. Bhat, Kandavali 1000Sanjay Kaw, Chandivali 1000Prannath Miya & Family 1000Subhash Wali 1000Renu Raina, Andheri (W) 1000K.Kaushik, Goregaon (w) 1000R.R. Wazir 701G.L.Parimoo, Andheri 700M.L. Dhar 651Vijay Parimoo, Andheri 600Anapurna Pandita, Thane 600T.N. Shangloo, Marol 555

KPA - HAWAN DONATIONS



Sunil Dhar, Dahisar 551Chand Raina, Andheri (E) 550Mr. & Mrs. C.L. Raina, Vashi 511K.L. Dhar, Nerul 511Tej Krishen Hakim 510S.K. Kaul, Dombivali 505D.P. Bhat, Bandra 501K.K. Shangloo, Malad (W) 501Anoop Kannaw, Marol 501P.J. Dhar, Andheri 501Savitri Tikoo, Borivali 501Vijay Kaul, Thane 501O.N. Kaul, Thane 501Krishen Ji Kaul, Chembur 501Sunita Bhan 501S.K Dhar 501Rahan Lal Misri, Powai 501Rita Wali, Haji Ali 501Ajit Raina 501Preeti Wanchoo 501Sameer, Pritika & Arkush Wanchoo,V i lepa r le 501Bhushanlal Bakshi, Mira Road 501M.K. Kar, Mulund 501Ratan Rani Raina, Andheri (E) 501Raj Kaul, Malad 501Ajay Dhar, Thane 501Urmila Zutshi, Santacruz 501S.K.Razdan, Vileparle 501Sanjay & Jyoti Chowdhary, Powai 501Virender Kar, Mulund 501M.L.Kher, Sanpada 501J.L.Karihaloo, Borivali 501Deepak Sapru, Thane 501Deepak Raina, Andheri (W) 501Amit Raina, Andheri (W) 501Neena Kher 501Capt. Avatar Misri, Bandra 500Lalita Bakshi, Mira Road 500S.R.Kaul ( L.M. 353 ) 500R.L.Hali, Goregaon (E) 500M.L.Tikoo, Marol 500Sanjay Kaul, Powai 500M.L.Kothidar, Kandivali 500R.R.Dhar, Andheri (W) 500Khenna Mahanoori, Mira Road 500H.N. Jalali, Pune 500Ramesh Kachru, Andheri (W) 500Navin Kaul, Santacruz (W) 500Rahul Miskeen, Borivali 500Vijay Bhat, Navi Mumbai 500Sanjay Dhar 500

Mohini Sharma, Yari Road 500Ashok Shivpuri 500M.K.Raina, Vasai 500Maharaj Raina U.S.A. 500Ratna Kasid 500Rakesh Kaul, Kalwa 500Satish Bakaya, Chembur 500Nita Kaul, Malad 500Kanchan Kalgutkar, Dadar 500Chand Dhar, Malad 500Saurabh Kaul, Vashi 500M.K.Padora, Bandra 500Satish Ganjoo, Bandra 500Dr. Basilal, Mulund 500Shiv Nath Kaul, Chembur 500Narendra Kaul, Dadar 500A Well Wisher 500Ashok Dhar, Mulund 500Jawaharlal Tiku, Bandra 500C.L. Kadalbhuju, Goregaon 500Ravi Kaul, Virar 500Vijay Bhan, Thane 500Ajay Kaul, Kandivali 500Shiva ji 500B.N. Bali, Powai 500R.D. Kaul, Mahim 500B.K. Kaul 500Anil Kaul, Parel 500B.L. Tikoo, Thane 500Avtar Krishen Durani 500Mohini Ganjoo 500C.J. Kaul 500Ajay Budki 500Pajkaj Raina 301Ashok Durani, Kandavali 300C.L. Bhat, Kandivali 300Chand Bhat, Koparkhairane 300Mohan Krishen Kaul, Malad 251Maj. N.N. Kachroo 250Rita Manju, Malad 250Ashish Sarogi 250Welwisher (Sonu+Monu) 202Ashok Thusu 201Amit Hastu, Mira Road 201Chuni Tiku 201Sunita Ashok Achkan, Bhayander 201Sanjay Munshi, Malad 201Rohit, Mira Road 200B.C.Ambardar, Koparkhairane 200Tejendra Bhat, Koparkhairane 200Ashok Raina 200Turki K.K. 150




Santosh Kaul 101Bhumaki, Borivali 101Viren Vinod Razdan 101Shakuntala Nair 101Labroo, Versova 100S.N.Raina 100Mohan Kishen Raina, Mira Road 100M.K. Kothedar, Kandivali 100


M.K.Raina & Shama Raina, Navi Mumbai 100000Dr. P.N.Miya, Navi Mumbai 20000V.K.DHAR 11000Raj Kaul, Malad 11000Ashok Kumar Ganjoo 10100Lalita Kaul, Bandra (W) 10000Ambrish M. Jalali 10000Jatindar Khushu, Chembur 10000Sarla N. Jalla, Ghatkopar 10000Pyaraylal Kaul 10000Virender Miya 10000Subhash Wali, Juhu 5100Vijay K. Raina 5011Suresh Raina, Worli 5000Sunita Wali 5000Suresh Kaul 5000Surej K. Kaul 5000Ajit Raina 5000Ajay Dhar 2501Vishal Sher 2500Annapurna Tickoo 2500R.R.Dhar 2100Ramesh Kachru 2000Pradiman K. Miskeen 2000Ashish Raina (9819879730) 1500Dr. Krishna Mehra 1100Ramesh Kachroo, Kandivali 1100Sanjay & Jyoti Chodhary, Powai 1100

KPA - SHARDA SADAN DONATIONS

Major N.N.Kachroo 1100Subhashchandra Dhar 1001Ratnakar Kaul, Kharghar 1000Kuldeep Raina 1000Kapil Bhat 1000Arvind Munshi 1000Sunil R. Kaul (LM-353) 1000Sanjay Dhar 1000Vikram Kachroo, Kharghar 1000J.K.Bhan 1000Sanjay Kaw 1000Saurabh Kaul 1000Chand Raina 650M.K. Raina 501Rita Wali 501S.K.Koul, Dombivali 500Krishna Munshi, Vasai (W) 500Aswani Bhat, CBD Belapur 500S.K.Razdan, Vileparle 500Navin Kaul, Santacruz 500Rahul Miskeen 500Shivaji Bhosle, Pune 200Makhalal Kaul 111Bhm ika 100J.L.Nagri 100 Total: 282876

] ] ] ] ] ]

P.N. Bhan, Goregaon 100Khema Ganjoo, Bandra 100M.K. Tickoo, Kandivali 100Rajdulari Kaul, Goregaon (w) 100Prabha Bamzai, Lower Parel 50Contribution towards Tika from Biradari 10724 Total: 263344

] ] ] ] ] ]

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ike we solicit and adore thegospel of our great ShivyoginiLaleshwari in the form of Wakhs,similarly our noble Palhalan

Poetess Arnimal bestowed Kashmiri Poetrywith Watsans derived from Watsanmeaning speech, utterance or promise.Even though we know that Laleshwari hadalready in 13th century given us an idiomaticexpression of 'Wakh ta Watsun' but thispoetic genre took roots and got enrichedduring Arnimal’s period. Habba Khotun toohas written watsuns and other poetsfollowed suit. Arnimal gave Watsans a newtone and tenor, making them a voice ofunheard and unsung. Watsun is notcouched by tough metrical binding andenjoys complete freedom in comparisonwith Ghazal. Almost every Kashmiri Poethas attempted this kind of poetry, whichhas both the ingredients of love lore andpangs of separation. This blend of lyrics isomnipresent in several forms of poetry.Mehjoor and Rosul Mir too have createdWatsans and mystic poets like Rehman Dar,Samad Mir and Ahad Zargar have alsocontributed in this genre. Unlike Laleshwarior Habba Khotun, Arnimal was neither aspiritual power nor a queen but simply avirtuous domestic lady who did not livelong. During her short span of life whatevershe uttered became a voice of voicelessmillions. Generations on, her voicereverberates even today in every nook andcorner of the civil society.

Arnimal was born in a large villagePalhalan near Patan in 1738. The villagewas prosperous having four mohallasinhabited by people belonging todifferent walks of life including singers and

Poets & Poetesses - Ravinder Ravi

Arnimal - The Muse of Kashmiri Watsun

dancers. There werebeautiful springs in thevillage surrounded bytrees. In a peaceful andcongenial atmosphere inthe neighbourhood, Arniopened her eyes seeingopen and vast skies,listening to chirping of birds and tuning toreligious hymns at her home. The highlandsand plateaus nearby and cold windsblowing from Gulmarg would serve as asolace so that she could heave a sigh ofrelief. Her ancestral home was a source ofinspiration for her, from where she starteda voyage to uncover this materialistic worldfull of greed, selfishness, arrogance,intolerance and violence. Belonging to avery respectable Pandit family of Palhalanshe was a gifted child with sharp memory.She had developed a creative acumen at atender age when she would feel and enjoynature’s bounties. A committed girl,whatever she did, she did in a dedicatedmanner and this dedication proved abedrock for her throughout her life. As theysay 'Man proposes and God disposes'destiny had something different for her.She was married in her childhood to MunshiBhawani Dass Kachru of Rainawari, Srinagar.A celebrated Persian Scholar, Bhawani Dasswas an accomplished Persian Poet with'Nikku' as his pen name. He had carved outa niche for himself in the domain of PathanRulers who appreciated his worth. Afghanofficials would reward him suitably for hisgreat contribution in Persian Language andLiterature. The creator of Bahr-i-Tavil,Bhawani Dass Kachru was also a hypersensitive person with great abilities.

L



Arni loved her husband immensely andwould follow his foot steps so much so thatshe had completely dedicated herself toBhawani. A sophisticated, sensitive andcompetent woman, she never everannoyed her husband thus giving a proofof being a Pativrata. Her Nari Dharam hadbeen a glaring symbol and a shiningexample of great Kashmiri Women Culturewhich could still inspire the present womenof Vitasta in exile.

It is said that Bhawani Dass Kachruhardly spared any time to be with his wifebecause of his tight schedule. Bhawani’sbusy life resulted in a huge gap betweenhim and his wife. This unknown gap startedgetting widened day by day and ultimatelyBhawani Dass deserted her for reasons notknown. Tormented, broken, shaken andwounded young Arni was further shatteredwhen she couldn't find any confidantaround with whom she could have sharedher pain. As a matter of fact Arnimal lovedher husband from the core of her heart. Shewas in deep love with her husband despitehis stubbornness not to look after Arni.Never giving up, a loving and caring Arnihad profound faith in the Almighty that oneday her incorrigible husband would changeand there would definitely be reunion.Lamenting and yelling still sanguine toreunite with her beloved she hoped againsthope. Asking for her true love she went ontalking to mountains, valleys, rivers,pastures, cascades, trees and breezewithout a pause. Leaving no stoneunturned to lure her beloved back into herfold, all her attempts did not yield anyresult. Munshi Bhawani Dass completelydisowned and discarded her leaving herin lurch. This physical pain and mentaltorture at the hands of her husband madeher recluse. She gave vent to her feelingsthrough watsuns. Her Lyrics present a tragic

story of life not a bed of roses but full ofstruggle at every point of time. Not onlyher name but her lyrics are synonymouseven now in our Kashmiri Samaj. It was herpatience, devotion and sincerity that madeher so towering amongst love lyricists ofKashmiri Poetry. Her unique idiom andnarration invented a distinct style andprosody still prevalent. These Watsans arepurely earthy and are devoid of any mysticor spiritual colour. The contemporaryrelevance of these love lyrics is perennial,nevertheless these are rooted to one’sheart. She sang in praise of Palhalan, herMaluen, that gave her some shelter to livefor rest of her life. Love remained centralto her life and the penchant and yearningfor true love continued to lead her to findsome one close to her heart. Thecharacteristics of her Watsuns is theirsensuousness. The rhyme and rhythm ofthese lyrics is simply enchanting. All heroutpouring is actually dyed in Arni Rang andher famous Watsun 'Arni rang gom shravanheeyai' still echoes from every direction.She says "I was in full bloom during Shravanbut turned pale after waiting for mybeloved to come." Her wait never ends, atthe same time she never gives up . "Myadversaries taunt me because my beloveddoesn't speak with me. If he comes, myenemies will virtually shut up." Shelaments, "There is no fun in enjoying theflowers in my father's house unless mybeloved is there." Optimism keeps herhopes alive and she craves for light to dispeldarkness for ever. Arni surrenders beforeher sweetheart. And maintains "I willsacrifice for you, oh my love of childhoodbut come for a while." Again she weavesgarlands for her beloved so that she couldrejoice and find herself in love lorn youthagain. Saddened and disturbed shewonders where he has gone all of a sudden



when he was with her throughout the nightand he fled away when the sun rose. The intensity of her true and sacred loveis unimaginable. Arnimal is indeed a gemand a shining star and a great muse inKashmiri Lyricism who immortalized theWatsan form by her creative sublime.

Lady Parlima, dear to all,has been heavy with a baby-Paul,For the last forty years now,

she has not been able to deliver at all,Because goddess Korupta, out of fear,does not wish Paul to be born,She, the Korupta, has many devoteesamong people who rule us all.Goddess Onishta has but fewdevotees among ruling classes,She is dear to common man,hoi polloi and general masses,Rulers may swear by Onishta,but secretly are devoted to Korupta,They hate Paul; "We wish him well",outwardly say these bosses."What is power without pelf,what is politics sans lots of wealth""It is a noose around our necks,it is in no way good for our health".They invent ruses, make excuses,blacken faces, institute cases,against all who want Paul,they take them on, openly or in stealth.Said a Korupta's Sib, "Paul cannot helpeducate a child",I in sarcasm said, "It cannot save a tigerin the wild","It cannot cure constipation","it cannot increase power generation".

Arnimal is not just a muse of poetry, she isalso an inspiration for generations to comewho want to become harbingers of truelove.

☯☯Contact author at : [email protected]

☯☯

With a Pinch of Salt - P.K.Kaul

Lok Paul : The Battle of Goddesses

"It can, though, weed outthe crooked zealot","who said in all scamswe lost but a naught".The battle is raging betwixtKorupta the bully and Onishta the meek.Says Korupta,"Let Paul have no teeth to bite,and no eyes to seek","It shall have teeth to tear,eyes to stare and hands to hold fast",Said Onishta , "I shall go for a robust Paul,or not at all if it is weak".There is a lot of noise and lot of dust,most in power are just a disgust.Cannot we fight to the finish,has the steel in our resolve gone to rust.I guess somebody,living in a Real gun city,shall have to help deliver Paul,In place of a gunhe may carry ‘un shun’and in time reduce enemy to dust .

[‘Lok pal cannot help educate a child’ was saidby Kapil Sibal, the HRD minister on 11/4/2011.It was his statement also that the exchequer lostnothing through 2G Scam or something akin tothat.

☯☯Contact author at: [email protected]





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Contact author at: [email protected]☯☯

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ashmiri Pandits, as a communityare proud of their youngergeneration. I for one, right fromthe beginning, have been a

believer in the capacities and capabilitiesof our younger generation. Unfortunatelythough there remain some grey areas thatare a cause for worry. With this backgroundof disillusionment it was my earnest desirethat we listen to them and find out whatthey have to say and why they are doingwhat they are doing. It was moreimperative as every second person in thecommunity was feeling a sense of loss withregard to the future of the youngergeneration of Kashmiri boys and girls andabout their disconnect with their gloriouscultural, historical and traditional base andgeographical environs.

I was lucky to have an opportunity todiscuss the matter with a towering socialactivist and Panun Kashmir leader Sh. KamalHak. It was some time in August last yearand I was sort of relieved when he informedme that Panun Kashmir organization isalready trying to arrange one such event atPune, in Maharashtra by the fall of winter.

The conference was held on 7th and 8th

of January 2012. The organizers deserve thecommunity’s appreciation and Icongratulate them for their zeal and thesuccessful conduct of this first ever globalyouth initiative.

We have lost our home and thehomeland and we know what it means.Living like refuges in one’s own country isthe worst kind of humiliation for a humanbeing. It is shame for the entire Humanity.For us, the Kashmiri Pandits, this

humiliation is inflictedbesides the pain that thevote bank policies of thepolitical powers arepushing us to the fringesof extinction. We havespent last 22 years inmiserable circumstancesof sub-human conditions, living inunhygienic setting, where threegenerations, the Son/daughter, the father/mother and the grandfather/grandmother,are forced to sacrifice their normal doingsof human life.

The little bit of sustenance that we havebeen able to meet during the mostunfavorable 22 years of forced exile in earlynineties has come from our historical andcultural moorings. These traditions are sostrong that like a dried river their moist shallsurvive us for some more time to come. Andtill then the struggle may continue.

As the struggle to acclaim the lostparadise enters a new phase in the NewYear, new approaches are required tointrospect and to chart out the future courseof action. It was perhaps this realization thatPanun Kashmir, headed by ever aficionadoleader, and prominent Hindi poet Dr.Agnishekhar along with his teammates likeKamal Hak, Rohit Bhat, Vir ji, Vithal ji and‘Matr Shakti’ stalwarts like award winningnovelist Khema Kaul, Shailja Ambardar,Neeru Kaul, and their other team membershuddled together and came out with theidea of organizing a Youth Conference atPune.

Pune is in Maharashtra, with a sizeablepopulation of Kashmiri Pandits and it was

Home Land for KPs - Brij Nath Betab

Youth 4 Panun Kashmir

K



here in early nineties that our young boysand girls could get a place to step into theworld of education. It is this tradition ofeducation that has made our youngergeneration to stand on its feet post 1990.And without mincing words, I proudlyaccept that we owe it to the Maratha Lion,Sh. Bala Saheb Thakre and his dedicatedMarathi followers, that today our youngergeneration is settled in life. Thus Pune wasthe appropriate place for such aninteraction for the youth of our community.

Circumstances at office forced me tomiss the train to Pune, despite my earnestdesire to be there and listen to the youthof my displaced community. The gaphowever was filled by the direct and livewebcast of the conference. Thank heavensfor this small (or big) mercy.

Listening very appositely and with fullattention, I have realized that there isultimately some ray of light at the otherend of this long dark tunnel of ourmiserable and inflicted exiled life. The rayof hope has emerged from the thinking thatthe new generation is trying to evolve. Theexpression of the inner feelings of theyouth of my community at this conferencestands testimony to my belief.

Speaker after speaker had somethingto share something to ask and somethingto offer. And it came to the fore that everysingle person young and old, is craving toreturn to the roots.

The fact that our youth speak theirheart out in an honest and truthful manneris something that we must cherish with apinch of Salt. The youth have their ownproblems and their challenges to confront.Being suddenly exposed to alien environs,they seem to be on the cross roads, asNeeru Kaul rightly put it. They do not havea clear vision and understanding of theirroots. Most of them are born post-

migration. Most (In fact all) of them are wellsettled in life. They are well educated. Theyare well settled in their jobs. They have agood salary. They have achieved name andfame in their early life. What else do theyneed?

After all, these are the basic and theultimate desires and achievements for anynormal human being. But when thesequestions are confronted in their rightperspective, then we realize that this isneither the aim nor the purpose of life. Ouraim must be to connect to the incrediblepast, says Susheel Pandit, a youngentrepreneur settled in Delhi. We must notmeasure success in terms of money, hepoints out with conviction. If our ancestorshad not preserved and propagated ourunique ethos, even at the cost of their life,today we would have not been feelingproud of our more than one thousand yearold written literature and five thousandyear old civilization with recorded historyof as many years. Kashmiri Pandits, afterall, are not a conglomerate of humans; weare a continuous civilization that throughShavite traditions connects us to theHarappa civilization, as rightly put forth byDr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi of Chanakyafame.

We, the Kashmiri Pandits have aSanskriti, a tradition, of our own; we haveour own unique way of day to day life asenshrined in Laugakshi Grhya sutra and theNilmata Purana. And it was to dismantle thisidentity of ours and the peculiar way of lifethat we were thrown out of Kashmir, theland of our ancestors. And it is this identity,this unique code of gene to which our youthhas to connect to.

Now the question is how they canconnect. The answer perhaps came from thefire brand speaker Shailja Ambardar. Thecommunity as a whole has to do it. The



parents have to do it. And it is the failure ofthe parents and the community as a whole,that our boys and girls are attracted to othercommunities and their rituals andtraditions.

The community needs to introspect,says Shailja. Why are we not accepting thefacts of life as they exist today? Loading herargument with examples, she asks, ‘If a boyor a girl is well settled in life, why are wetrying to dig into his Past’. If a boy or a girl isearning good salary, is doing a respectablejob, why are we trying to belittle him/herby making enquiries about his middleschool, his primary school, the professionof his great grandfather etc. Sarcasticallyshe called it the “Kalavali D’ syndrome.Amar Malmohi, the noted writer agrees andblames the community for derogatorytreatment that was meted out to the wisein the community that led to somedegeneration. Quoting from historicalevents, he denounced those who termedBache Battas (Well read Pandits) into BechiBattas (Begging Pandits). We areresponsible for many of our present dayevils in the society. And unless we mendourselves, we should not blame theyounger generation, he argues and argueswell.

The younger generation is though notexonerated. They have their share of folliesas well. They do not realize and if theyrealize, they sometimes tend to behavelike ostriches and ignore the pain and agonythat their parents suffered while providingthem the best possible in life with emphasison the best possible education at least. Ifthey are well settled in life today, it isbecause their parents sacrificed their owncomfort and interests.

Many well earning girls/boys todayhave forgotten that their father/ mothermust have spent nights and days without

proper food while sending them money forschool/college fees and tuitions. The parentmust have forgone his comfort for thecomfort and bright future of his daughter/son. Today the first thing some of theseyoungsters do after they are settled in lifeis that they forget their parents. Some evenrevolt at times. It is shameful and disgustingto know that some youngsters tend todisassociate with their parent’s agony andpain. A few may not be doing so but thegeneral tendency is such. Many even do notfollow their traditions in the name ofmisconceived modernism. For an example,let us say that many young boys and girlsinsist on celebrating their birth daysaccording to English calendar, despiteparents insisting on following the traditionof lunar colander. Many children force theparents to celebrate both, thoughcomparatively acceptable.

Kashmiri language is another tragedy.We are perhaps the only race that hates itsmother tongue. We have perceived that wemust not learn Kashmiri language as it doesnot give us a livelihood. My apprehension,other than many other things, is that whenit comes to the final decision about returnto Kashmir, those who cannot speak or readand write Kashmiri, may not be grantedownership. My apprehension is thatknowing the local language will be criteriato grant the ownership of land and propertyin Kashmir. We know that those of the girlswho marry outside the community alreadylose their ‘state subject’ rights. The statelaws are such.

The youth in Kashmiri Panditcommunity have attracted a “Uniquedisease” they do not produce children.Kashmira Vahini leader Smt. Kshema Kauland others have been shouting from rooftops, propagating a three child norm, butour younger generation is not listening.



They perhaps do not realize how miserablethey shall be in their later stages of life,when they will have no children and grandchildren. I fail to understand why they areaverse to gracefully continue their race? Aparticular standard in life is acceptable, butwe must also believe in God. After all He isthe ‘Palanhar.’ I am convinced that wewould have not been forced out, if we hadthe population figures on our side.

Politically, the elders have not createdan atmosphere of oneness that would havebeen conducive to the younger generation.Our differences and divisions haveconfused our younger generation andcreated confusions in their minds about theworthiness/ futility of the struggle. Somemembers of our community argue that ourdivisions have landed us nowhere andsome even question the need to continuethe struggle in this fashion.

Politically the question arises why wewant to return to Kashmir that has beenconverted into a hell. What is so great aboutKashmir? If someone is well settled outsideKashmir or even outside India, why shallhe/she bother for Kashmir, a place wherehe/she cannot live with peace and dignityand perhaps not earn as much.

The question is pertinent. And it needsa satisfactory and relevant answer. Therelevant answer is that we must protectDharma. And for Kashmiri Pandits thisDharma means the truth. The aim of ourlife is to protect this truth. And the truth isthat we are the original inhabitants of thisland of Kashyap. We are Kashyap Rishi’sprogeny. How come someone can dislodgeand throw us out from our ancestral land,particularly those whom we haveaccommodated, owned and assimilatedwith. And we do not say that they shall bethrown out. Our simple demand is that wemust live in that Kashmir which is our own

Kashmir, Panun Kashmir, Where we do nothave the threat of persecution and whereour honor and dignity would be safe. Thequestion also is do we have the right to ownour land our ancestral land. Does any law ofany land deny this right to its citizens?

This argument may sound superficial.And if so, then let us see on the practicallevel. The practical model classifies me as aKashmiri Pandit, a Batta. Now what doesthis mean? Why am I called a Kashmiri Panditor a Batta? The answer is that I hail fromthat piece of Land that is called Kashmir, soI am a Kashmiri. I am a Pandit, because Icome from the race of learned ones. Ourancestors were renowned saints, thinkers,logicians, exponents of religious andspiritual thought. Their contribution toVedas, Puranas, Samhitas, logic, aesthetics,math, astrology, astronomy, poetics,dramatics, grammar, philosophy and historyis so immense that if it is separated fromthe rest of it, the rest will not be there. Dowe allow all this to go waste?

There is need to preserve all this like atime capsule, in the words of SusheelPandit. It is through this treasure ofknowledge and heritage that we need toconnect to our roots. And it is through thisinheritance that we can and we mustconnect to our roots and fight the rivals toput it in the words of Rashneek Kher ofRoots in Kashmir. And fight we must. Theland of our ancestors is calling us. We mustnot make our elders feel ashamed; mustnot let Panun Kashmir and Dr. Agnishekhardown. He is fighting for us. We must supporthim. Let us shun our egos and join hands,success shall be at our door steps. Thegeneration x need to realize this.

It was perhaps in this context that Dr.Agnishekhar in his immaculate styleemphasized that India is the extension ofthe Kashmir in terms of its civilization



context. He ‘out rightly rejected the falsepropaganda regarding the exclusion ofKashmir from the ethos of Indiancivilization’.

The young Kashmiri boys/girls need toshoulder this responsibility to carry thestruggle further til l the mission isaccomplished, the goal is achieved.Otherwise I may be a multi billionaire; Imay cease to be a proud Kashmiri Pandit.The younger generation needs to behistorically aware of the causes andconsequences of our exile, the pointexplained and elaborated upon by SanjayRaina, Secretary Political AffairsCommittee.

In this background, the declarationadopted at the Y4Pk conference at Pune isour pledge to fight for our return to theroots. Because for us the question is do weremain connected to our ancestors andtheir achievements or not? And this is whatthe 'Pune declaration' emphasis upon allof us. “Don’t be complacent with youridentity, you might be writing the last pageof History.”

Although the presence of Mata SarlaTaploo was a boon, yet for the organizors,the matter of satisfaction was that RakeshKaul President Kashmiri Samiti, Delhiattended the conference to express hissupport for the cause and Sunil Shakhdarextended his support through a letter.SriSri Ravi Shankar ji’s words of wisdom wereconsoling too. The songs, the poetry, thefilms were all superb.

Needless to say that the globalcommunity of Kashmiri Pandits presenteditself through webcast to show theirsolidarity with the cause. Their webcamattendance proved a morale booster. Thankyou all. And thank you Kamal Hak for yourbrilliant stage management and comparing.I love you.

Contact author at: [email protected]

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Literature & Litterateurs

Padma Shri Moti Lal Kemmu

he country’s fourthhighest civilian award,Padma Shri, has beenconferred upon Moti

Lal Kemmu, one of the frontranking contemporaryplaywrights/artists fromKashmir. By reorganizing Bhandartists into regular groups,Kemmu has steadfastly worked towardsreviving and preserving the dying folktheatre of Kashmir. Founder of manytheater groups such as Abhinava Bharati,Kashmir Bhagat Theatre, Shahwali LikaRang, Luka Theatre Bombay, NationalBhand Theatre, Kemmu has to his creditover two dozen plays including Nagar Udas,Teen Asangat Aikanki (1968), Lal Drayas LolRe (1972), Trunov (1970), Tshai (1973), NatakTruche (1980), Tota Tol Aina (1985). Severalof his plays have been translated andproduced in Hindi.

Kemmu was born on 24 June, 1933 inSrinagar. He graduated from Jammu &Kahmir University in 1953. He receivedspecialized training in Drama and theatrefrom Prof. C.C. Mehta at Baroda Universityfrom 1961 to 1964 under a Govt. of Indiascholarship. Later he served in differentcapacities, in the cultural establishment ofgovernment of Jammu and Kashmir from1964 to 1991, during which period he alsowrote, acted and directed plays in Kashmiri.He has also been writing well researchedarticles on folk theatre, music, dance andculture of Kashmir in Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindiand English, which have been published inprestigious journals. Sidharth Kak’sdocumentary film The 'Bhands of Kashmir'was produced under Kemmu’s expert

guidance. “Padma Shri has comelate... but this is indeed arecognition of my lifetimestruggle to keep the tradition oftheater and theatrical activitiesalive in Kashmir,” Kemmu said inan interview. “There was notradition of theatre in Kashmirexcept folk theatre, which was at

a dying stage. Therefore I had to write myplays, guide other amateur theater activists,revive the dying folk theatre form withmodern sensibility,” he said. Kemmu comesfrom a state where militancy and terrorismhave wreaked havoc, systematicallyattempting to destroy art and artists.“Turmoil always destroys the socialstructure of a society,” he said. “People havegot killed, suffered, migrated yet survived.It seemsthat after every turmoil, one has tostart from zero again. I am perhaps the onlyplaywright who has written three stageplays and several radio plays on thebackground of this turmoil,” he said.

Kemmu’s artistic journey began in 1961when he started studying dramatics at MSUniversity, Baroda, about 10 years aftergraduating from J&K University. Recognitionsoon followed. In 1960, he received the bestactor award from the state academy. In 1966,he was honored for his Hindi play TeenAsangat Akenki. In 1982, came the SahityaAcademy award (Delhi) for the play NatakTruch. Since 1966, Kemmu has receivednumerous awards and accolades. Theprestigious Sangeet Natak Academy awardwas conferred on him in 1997 for hiscontribution to the traditional Kashmiritheater. "Theatre keeps the memories alive

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oday’s life is full of stresses andstrains. It has become a part andparcel of every body’s life, be itan adult or child. These

emotional disturbances are rapidlyengulfing them towards more graveproblems like suicides, rape, theft, murderand so on. In recent years it has not leftaside even the pious relation of a fatherand daughter, mother and son. Previouslysuch disturbed environment was verycommon in the West but now it hasmaligned our Indian society as well. Sameis true for our Kashmiri society. When inKashmir, everybody in the family used tofollow religious and social rituals as a partof daily routine. Ours is a society consideredto be that of high class Brahmins. Due tothe exodus, our society has been scatteredand the religious and social customs havestarted to fade away. We can feel the pinchof spirituality missing which is leaving itsimpressions in the form of a disturbed anddepressed society and has been engulfedby grave social problems. Irrespective ofany society in the world, the well beingdepends on its degree of spiritualawakening.

The scientists world over are busyfinding cure for various diseases but are lessaware that the increased emotionalimbalance in our society is the biggestchallenge before mankind which in turn isthe root cause of various problems. Fightagainst it will be won not by medicine buttreating the society spiritually. Lack of spiritual awakening in the societyis the basic cause of emotional unrest. Inancient days life was to some extent freefrom such strains. A spiritual talk was a

routine in everyhousehold and the wholefamily was jointlyparticipating. Hencewhenever there was anyproblem, it was taken careof there and then. All thistook place in a natural way, just like eating,bathing, cooking and so on. The day alwaysstarted and ended with a spiritual discourse.The children also got trained in the samedirection. Life was much harder, aseverything had to be carried out manually.Despite increased physical labour, mentalstress was not common in the society.Spirituality was an important tool used toovercome such strains. Now a days life is surrounded by variousenergy saving gadgets making living verycomfortable but unknowingly man hasbecome a slave of these gadgets so muchso that two people sitting close by do nothave time to talk to each other. Thesegadgets should have made more timeavailable to mankind but it is really sad theyhave no free time even for regular prayers,what to talk about spiritual talks. Familieshave no time to sit together and talk evenover normal life problems. This is morecommon in Metros like Mumbai. A point tobe noted here is that the family size hasreduced from 10-20 members to only 3-4.Even a small family of three members findsit difficult to sit together and talk. Besides spiritual talks at home, schoolswere also helping the kids to follow moralguidelines. There used to be strict disciplineduring the assembly where children weretrained to realize the power of God whichincluded practicing standing still and

Spirituality & Religion - Sunaina Kaw

Spirituality - The Best Healer

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controlling ones emotions. No doubt wefind school assemblies being organized,may be twice a week or so, but the teachersare seen not adhering to proper disciplinehence how can one expect kids to follow aproper decorum. This in turn is giving riseto pupil unrest and children misbehavingwith the staff. Thus one can imagine thetype of society which is being allowed togrow. People turn to spirituality when theyare hit by some grave mishap. The mishapmakes them realize the presence of Godand they move towards spirituality. Intimes of distress one is ready to dowhatever spiritual act he is told toundertake in order to heal his/her wounds.The realization comes at a time when thewounds have already started bleeding andspirituality can do little. The age old sayingof 'Prevention is better than cure' isbefitting. Why do people wait for somemishap to remember God? Take for example a person who doesnot clean his body on a daily basis andallows dirt and dust to accumulate. Thebody will slowly start looking ugly. In thiscircumstance if the body gets an injury, thechances of infection going deep inside areeminent and medicines may fail to take careof such injuries. Whereas on the other hand,if your body is clean at all times, in case ofany injury, healing will not be too much aproblem. Similar is the case with our souls andminds. It is important that we clean our soulon a daily basis with the water ofspirituality. This in turn will help the soulto bravely face any situation. This will makethe body and mind strong to absorb variousshocks and strains of daily life. As specifiedearlier, people do not want to take tospirituality till the time something terriblehappens. Can spirituality be effective at

that point of time? Cleaning our body withthe water of spirituality is not that easy ascleaning with normal water. One has toundergo a lot of practice in order to do so.Practice and only practice will help youachieve this goal. Just as one uses soap andshampoos while taking bath with water tomake the body glowing, similarly one hasto use various spiritual talks and mantras toclean the soul properly and make itsparkling . Take an example of a disease beingdiagnosed in its early stages. The chancesof it being cured are more. Similarly a personpracticing spirituality right from childhoodwill always be ready to fight any type ofproblem in life. This does not mean thatthe problem will vanish but spiritualitygives the strength to fight against theproblem, just as gear oil and break oil helpin the smooth functioning of an engine in acar. Today’s society is like a free flowingriver which has washed its shores and inturn creating a trauma in the whole world.Spirituality is the only remedy to stop it.

People usually think that practicingspirituality is difficult as it is wronglyperceived as giving up all worldly pleasuresand just praying. Spirituality refers to awhole lot of activities in daily life andpraying is just a small part of it. Spiritualityrefers to the following acts:1. Leading a truthful life.2. Respecting everyone3. Being polite to everyone.4. Ready to forgive at all times and in allcircumstances.5. Being helpful to every one withoutexpecting anything in return6. Avoiding abusing and back biting.7. Try to change yourself in accordancewith situation as it is easy to changeyourself.8. If possible be vegetarian.



9. Discharge your daily duties honestlyand to the best of your ability.10. Do not force your ideas on others. Justplace the facts as they are.11. Always be at the receptive end.12. Always be open minded13. Be prepared for good and bad times inlife.14. Learning to be satisfied in what youhave.15. Do not envy any one.16. Daily sit quietly for some time and tryto retrospect.17. Be helpful, who need your help.18. Live with the belief that everything inthis world happens for a reason.19. Try to have a good untainted character.20. Charity begins at home. Beforepreaching change yourself.

These are a few acts, out of many,which, if a person tries to follow, will keephis soul clean and help him to remainhealthy and tension free. Once a persontries to imbibe the above qualities in his/her self, only then will he/she be able todrink the water of spirituality. Just imaginea mirror which is sparklingly clean and theone which is covered with dust. In themirror which is clean, one can view eachand every thing very clearly and can justmake amends in the real object if any, butthe mirror covered with dust will not showyou the objects clearly and hence you willremain unaware of any deficiencies in theobject. Same should be understood aboutyourself. If your soul is clean, you will beable to view all your shortcomings andhence improve upon them. This soul canonly be cleaned by the water of spirituality.One will have the strength to face all oddsin life. When one goes through this list onemight feel that it is very difficult to followthese rules as well. I feel that nothing isdifficult, only what one needs is the will

power. In today’s world the need of thehour is that each and every person shouldtake responsibility to improve oneself. Here I am reminded of the words ofNobel Laureate Marie Curie. She once said,"You cannot hope to build a better worldwithout improving the individuals. To thatend, each one of us must work for our ownimprovement and at the same time share ageneral responsibility for all humanity, ourparticular duty being to aid those to whomwe think we can be most useful." No doubt the above thoughts put by meare nothing new. Everybody is familiar withthem but the point to be noted is that thereneeds to be a realization among the masses.Our Indian literature is full of such thoughtsbut people have no time to read andpractice them. These days most of thepeople are forwarding these thoughts at theclick of a mouse but do not try to follow andpractice these thoughts. The speed withwhich these thoughts are passed forward,if inculcated by people with the same speedthe world would become a better place tolive. Come on, take a pledge to inculcate onegood thing every day in yourself and let youexperience watering your soul.


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Author can be contacted at:[email protected]





Know Your Motherland - Chander M. Bhat

Village Sirhama - The Land of Rising Sun

s the dark paths shed theirblindness and Sun sooths toglorify its beauty, the morningdew enlightens the face of Sun

and harmonizes the veils of life. A firstglimpse of such tranquility is felt in shrineplace of Suryahama.

Suryahama is what we presently knowas Sirhama in the Tehsil of Bijbehara. It is10 km away from Tehsil headquarter.Morning glory of the rising sun at this placecan overwhelm and inspire the poeticalinsanity. Morning glory of the rising sun atthis place can be felt any where in area andcan inspire any poetical collection in thehearts of those who value the beauties ofnature.

Sirhama earned its name from the area,being the seat of Surya Shrine. This isprobably that sun scatters its yeast first timein this area in its morning kiss. An idolresembling the morning sun with a babysmile stands to be the prime attraction ofthis shrine. The well circled idol of Devristone was placed at the forehead of a littlespring facing the morning Sun. Small dropsof water from the resting wall of spring keptthe idol wet. This place is also known asGangbal. Muslims of the area also reverethis shrine. However the era of militancyalso fomented insanity among those whowere otherwise pale at the sight ofmadness. The shrine is on West side of thevillage in the raving type little valley. Forcedconversions were resorted to in this villagein the times of Butshikan and Mughals.People were using to bury big earthen postsin the earth to keep the food grains andvaluables away from the heartless agentsof the rulers. Even valuable treasures of

antique idols etc wereburied under earth to savethem from beingdesecrated by agents ofAfgan rulers and Mughals.Whenever the chest ofmother earth in andaround Sirhama is opened for constructionor other purpose, the glimpses ofhelplessness of those meek KashmiriPandits come to the fore. What a patheticlife they may have had? God! Help theirsouls now!

Sirhama an apple rich village ofAnantnag district nurtures an affluentpopulation. The village is divided into twosegments, Hergam and Bongam and theprincipal divider. Sirhama has principalvillages like shrine place Khiram on north-east, Mahind on South and Shaligam onWest. There is a mountainous range (partof Ashdhara) which separates Tral from itand has an average height of 3000 to 4000feet. Sirhama had a thick forest belt in theadjacent hill. Unfortunately same wasdestroyed by greedy and selfish people.Maharaja Hari Singh was a regular visitor tothis hill station for hunting and preying wildfowls for his supper. The fowls usually tookrefuge in thick forests. The advisors cameup with an idea of deforestation to trackthe fowls easily. Unsuspected Raja allowedit and the whole hill were cleared of thickforests and if anything remaineduntouched, the locals enjoyed that booty.

There is a Shiva Temple in this villageclose to the mohalla where Pandits resided.The temple is under a Chinar tree. In thebackground of the temple there is a Razabaland some idols of Vishnu and other deities

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where kept inside the trunk of an old tree.These idols were in Devri stones carved likemummy type conical images.

24 house holds were in Sirhamabelonging to Kashmiri Pandits. All Panditswere affluent in education and economicprosperity. Only four families held backafter mass exodus braving the odds ofnineties.

Prior to migration, each family had theirown lands and orchards and were fully selfreliant. The renowned Tab Bhat family ofSirhama had a leading role to play in theaffairs of the village. From implementationof justice to the deaths or births, the familyhad a role to play for both Muslims andHindus. Be it legendary Sh. Gopinath Bhatwho administered justice by holdingregular adalats to decide the disputesamong the people or the other namelyHakim Shambo Nath Bhat whose nursingtouch is fresh in the memories of elderlypeople even today. None has forgottenbenevolence, mark of welfare andsacrifices of great Pandit Sham Lal Bhat. Hewas a great name in the political circles.One Sh. Sarvanand Bhat was a yogi andadopted a Brahmcharyi life throughout.People proceeding for Haj pilgrimage usedto keep their valuables with thewomenfolk of this family beforeproceeding for the pilgrimage. Thefoundation stone of Khiram Muslim shrinewas laid by Pt. Gopi Nath Bhat. Late PanditTaba Bhat was a great friend of MaharajaRanbir Singh and Maharaja Hari Singh.

A drive to this village is paradise alonga mountainous path with rich naturalscenery. There are number of springs inSirhama and notable among it is sweet anddigestive spring water of Koot Lum. Peopleof Sirhama are primarily orchard ownersand apple is the main source of earning.Literacy rate is around eighty percent. Dadi

canal [Dadi Koul] flows along the basementof hills and provides irrigation facilities tothe village.

This village has had its share ofmisfortunes. It is said that there was a greatspring coming out of the hills of Sirhama.This spring was irrigating a large area of thevillage. The agents of Afgan rulers used tocollect a portion of product as tax for thewater irrigating the lands. A Moulvi is saidto have been so heartless that even infailure of crops he used to terrorize peoplefor payment of taxes. Once he got nothingfrom the village and thus ordered blockingof the spring. The spring was permanentlyblocked leaving no trace of it. One can easilyhear the sounds of water fall inside the hilleven today.

Another incident of misfortune tookplace in the year 1948 when a stray group oftribal intruders came to this village tounleash terror and loot Kashmiri Pandits.These ambitious marauders tried to unleashterror by lining a group of Kashmiri Panditsand shot them at point blank range on theday prior to Eid. Late Sh. Sat Lal Bhat wasfirst to get martyrdom and two others Sh.Raghav Bhat and Sh. Tara Chand wereinjured. They took away ornaments andjewellery from womenfolk. Pandit Sham LalBhat and other family members took refugein thick bushes while Pandit Gopi Nath Bhatand Pandit Shambo Nath Bhat took horsesand proceeded to Bijbehara and Anantnagto inform Police and then federal ministerMirza Mohd Afzal Beg. The reinforcementsof Police reached Sirhama on the other day.During the night the intruders looked up forKashmiri Pandits as their target. A braveMuslim namely Sh. Gh. Qadir Rather decidedto disarm the intruders and save Pandits.He with the help of some local Muslimsprepared a dinner for the looters so thatthey can be disarmed. As he approached



with a lantern in his hand near the intrudersthey shot at him and killed him. Salutes tohis martyrdom! On the next day themarauders proceeded to Khiram for furtheractivities. A pal gloom descended on thevillage on the day of Eid.

An earthquake of magnitude of over 7rattled the village during gone by days andbrought big blocks of stones from adjacenthill. A big block of stone even toady isnamed as Bunil Pal. Village Sirhama hasvariety of wild life in hills. The village isrich with farm animals besides horses anddonkeys. It was Cinematographer cumDirector Sivam who filmed his venture‘Tahaan’ in village Sirhama by starring abeautiful donkey in this film. The film wasacclaimed for its quality and scenery.Sirhama in fact looks like a necklace of greendiamonds and pearls when greenery is atits helm best.

Generations may come, generationsmay go but what will ceaselessly make thepaths of history would be the glories ofmorning Sun on the pearl dew at its ownplace Suryahama.

☯☯

Contact author at:[email protected]

☯☯

An idol resembling the morning sun with ababy smile at Village Sirhama.

Attention Biradari MembersTrip to Tulamulla, Kashmir

Dear Biradari Members,Let us re-connect with our cultural roots!Here is yet another endeavour ofKashmiri Pandits’ Association, Mumbaito imbibe the sensitivity towards ourcultural heritage. Following severalsuggestions to the effect, it is proposedto undertake the subject excursionalongwith our community membersfrom Mumbai. The dates shall be soscheduled in order to collectively visitthe renowned Temple and seek thedivine blessings of Goddess ShriMaharagnya on the auspicious day ofHaar Aotham, falling on Wednesday,27th June, 2012.

You are ,therefore, requested toplease let us have your views, queriesand confirmation on the subject urgentlyso that we can finalise the plan as alsoinitiate the advance bookings and otherarrangements as required.

Your response can also be reachedto us through Members of the KPA’s Board of Trustees, Permanent Inviteesor your Area Representatives, who shallalso be contacting you for the purpose.

Your response may please includeyour preferences viz Rail Travel uptoJammu followed by Volvo Coach journeyto Srinagar / Air Travel directly reachingSrinagar and joining the group etc. Please note that the last date for receiving the relevant nominations/registration shall be Sunday, 31th March,2012. Your feedback shall help usformulate a clearer plan and passage.

Kind regards,S.P.Kachru

General Secretary (KPA)Mob: 9820191662




Anil Nakhasi is an Artiste,Cartoonist, CreativeDirector andIndependent Producer.

He writes scripts (fiction and non-fiction) for many production housesand TV channels and draws politicalcartoons for various newspapersand magazines. He is also a visitingfaculty at BITS Pilani and Apeejay Instituteof Mass Communication. He is based atDelhi.

Born in 1973, Anil Nakhasi was forcedto leave the valley in 1990 due to militancy.With early schooling at D.A.V School,Srinagar, he did his BSc Electronics fromKashmir University and PG Diploma inJournalism from New Delhi YMCA. Anil hassixteen years of experience in print mediaas a Cartoonist and ten years of experience

Personalities

Anil Nakhasi - The Creative Artiste

in electronic media as a TVProducer. He has done theprestigious OB live recordings fromPM’s residence, Parliament, VigyanBhavan, Siri Fort Auditorium, FICCIetc. and has given live demo of hisart in DD’s evening live showprogrammes. His work wasappreciated by Khushwant singh in

his HT column 'With Malice Towards Oneand All'. Anil has made 51 caricatures of ex-PM Atal Behari Vajpayee ‘Meri 51 AtalRekhayen' and presented it to him at histhen official residence.

Anil Nakhasi recently did a CartoonShow 'Cartoon Curry' at Amer Fort, Jaipur.

☯☯Anil Nakhasi can be contacted at:

[email protected]☯☯




Poetry - Bimla Aima Misri

Nov Soz*

(Translation of some selected verses by Dr. K.L.Chowdhury)

You sent me into this world aloneTo shoulder the heavy weight of kinshipsVerily, have I become a beast of burdenPray how long do I have to endure?

Neither beauty nor brains last longCaught in attachment one sinks deepthe body alive, but the spirit dead.Start God-realization right from birthDrink the milk of truth from the startAh! What devastation has Time wrought!

Guide me to play the mind’s SitarTo strike the strings with the plectrum of LoveTo get me tuned to the notes of TruthTo take me across the ocean of life.

Love is on the boil, the Guru saidCome, the portals are unlatchedDon’t tarry, or love may chill downCome fast, and faster, Come near

Today, my adoration has boiled overHaving beguiled me into this worldHe kneaded me in affairs mundaneThe bulbul will fly away in a triceBut I crave to stay on till his audience

Tomorrow the koel will sing her sweetest songTomorrow the bulbul will perch on my balconyTomorrow the oriole will appear in different attireTomorrow I look forward with hopeTomorrow the world will light up.

Tomorrow our garden will bloom againTomorrow desolate lands will yield grainTomorrow barren women will conceive

Tomorrow I look forward with hopeTomorrow the world will light up.

[*Nov Soz is a collection of Poems by Bimla Aima Misri. Published 2009]



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he contribution of these scholarscommands a place of pride in theextant Buddhist philosophy.Unfortunately, this tradition was

brought to an almost abrupt end by invadersfrom the 14th century C.E.Festivals and Fasts :Festivals break the monotony of everydaywork and provide the members of acommunity with an opportunity to feelcheerful, happy and relaxed. Hindu festivalshave a deep spiritual import and religioussignificance and have also a social andhygienic element in them. On festival dayspeople take an early morning bath and prayand meditate which gives them peace ofmind and a new vigour.

In their lunar calendar KPs observe anumber of festivals and fasts, most of thesefall in the dark fortnight (Krishnapaksh),waxing moon. The eighth (ashtami),eleventh (ekadashi) and fifteenth (amavas/purnima) days of both dark as well as brightfortnights( shuklapaksh), ascending moon,and the 4th day of the dark fortnights (SankatChaturthi) are considered so auspicious thatpeople observe fast on these days.

KP newyear (Navreh) begins on thefirst day of the bright fortnight of themonth of Chaitra. On the eve of Navreh, athali full of rice is decorated with freshflowers, currency notes, pen and inkpot,curds, figurine/ picture of a deity and (dry)fruits. Early in the morning , the one whowakes up first (usually the lady of thehouse), sees this thali as the first object inthe New Year and then takes it to all othermembers of the family, wakes them up toenable them to see the decorated thali

before seeing anythingelse. This signifies a wishand hope that the NewYear would bring wisdomand blessing to everymember of the family allthrough the year.

On the 3rd day of Navreh, the communitymembers go out to nearby parks, temples,or outing spots to enable people to meeteach other after nearly four months ofsnowy -winter. It is a social gathering wheremen, women and children put on their bestattire to get ready for the New Year chores.The eighth and the ninth days of the samefortnight are observed as Durga Ashtamiand Ram Navami respectively. The fortnightmarks the beginning of spring, an importantjunction of climatic and solar influences.Durga Ashtami is celebrated to propitiateShakti to seek her blessing and mercy. Theeighth day of the dark fortnights of theZyeshth and Ashar months are alsocelebrated with great devotion whenpeople throng the Rajnya temple atTulumula (Gandarbal), and Akingam,Lokutpur (Anantnag) to pray and worshipMaa Shakti.

The 14th day of the bright fortnight ofthe Ashara month is specially dedicated toJwalaji, the Goddess of fire. People in largenumbers go to Khrew, 20 kms. from Srinagarand offer yellow rice and lamb’s lung tothe goddess.

Purnima of the Shravana month is theday of Shiva. On this day pilgrims reach theholy Amarnath cave to have a ‘ darshan’ ofthe holy ice-lingam. People also go toThajivor (near Bijbehara) to pray at the

Culture & Heritage - Prof. Raj Nath Bhat

Cultural Legacy of KPs - 2

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ancient Shiva temple there.The sixth day of the dark fortnight of

Bhadrapada is sacred to women. On thisday, known as Chandan Shashthi, womenobserve a dawn to dusk fast and bathe sixtytimes during the day.

The eighth day of the dark fortnight ofBhadrapada is celebrated as the birthdayof Krishna, the 8th incarnation of Vishnu. Onthis day people sing prayer songs in daintilydecorated temples in admiration of LordKrishna. They do not eat solid food tillmidnight.

The Amavasya of the same fortnight iscalled Darbi Mawas. On this day the familyGuru (purohit) brings ‘Darab’, a special kindof grass, which is tied at the main entranceto the house.

The ashtami of the bright half ofBhadrapada is known as Ganga Ashtami. Onthis day people go on a pilgrimage toGangabal. The 14th day of the same fortnightis called ‘anta chaturdashi’. On this day thefamily purohit brings ‘anta’ a special threadwhich married women wear along with‘AtIhuur’, a threaded bunch of silk tied toone’s ear. The ‘anta’ is cleaned andworshipped like a ‘Janev’, the sacred threadworn by men. The 4th day of this fortnightis dedicated to Vinayak, the son of Shiva.Families prepare special sweet rotis knownas ‘pan’ on this day or during the remainingdays of this fortnight. When the pan isready, it is worshipped and the tale of itsorigin is recited by the eldest member ofthe family. The rotis are distributed amongthe neighbours and relations as ‘pannaveed.’

The dark half of Asoj is the fortnight ofancestors, pitra paksh (kaambIry pachh).During this fortnight people pay homageto their dead parents, grandparents, great-grandparents by performing Shraadha and

giving away rice, money, fruits, clothes andother things to the needy.

Mahanavami and Dusshehra, markingLord Rama’s victory over the demon Ravana,fall on the 9th and 10th days of the bright halfof Asoj. Episodes from Ramayana areenacted during this period.

Diwali the festival of lights falls on the14th day of the dark half of the Kartikamonth. All the corners, windows, balconiesand eddies of the house are illuminatedwith lights. It is also believed that Ramareturned to Ayodhya on this day andKrishna killed the demon Narakasura;hence, this day symbolizes the triumph ofgood over evil.

The third day of the bright half ofMagara month is celebrated as the day ofthe ‘Guru’ (Guru tritya). Before the adventof Islam in Kashmir, scholars were awardeddegrees to honour their academicachievements on this day (a precursor topresent-day convocations). On this day thefamily purohit brings a picture of goddessSaraswati for a newborn baby or a newdaughter–in-law in the family. On thePurnima of the same fortnight yellow rice(tEhar) is prepared early in the morning andserved as prasad to children and adults inthe family.

During the dark half of the month ofPosh, the deity of the house is propitiatedfor seeking his blessings. The deity (dayut)is served rice and cooked and raw fish onany chosen day between the 1st and thefourteenth of the fortnight. On the day ofthe feast, called GadI – batI fish and rice isplaced in the uppermost storey of the houselate in the evening for the dayut who isexpected to shower blessings on the family.

The Amawasya of the same fortnight isthe auspicious day of ‘Khetsi mavas’, whenrice mixed with moong beans and other



cereals is cooked in the evening to pleasethe ‘yaksha (Yachh) so that he casts no evilon the members of the family. The ‘cereal-rice ‘(yechha tsot) is placed at a spot awayfrom the house, believed to be theyaksha’s place.

The 7th day of the dark half of the monthof Marga is observed as the deathanniversary of Mata Roopabhawani andthe 11th day of the same fortnight isobserved as Bhimsen ekadashi. It isbelieved, that from this day the earthbegins to warm up and snow starts melting.The purnima of this month is celebrated asKaw purnima, that is crow’s purnima. Onthis day, the cup of a laddle like object,KavI potul-crow’s idol (cup made of haywith a willow handle) is filled with a littlerice and vegetables and the children of thefamily are made to go to the upper storeyof the house and invite crows to the feast.The children invite the crows thus:Kaavi batI kaavo khetsre KaavoYi tI baa gangIbalIShraanaa dyaanaa kErithSaanee navee lareevaree bataa kheneeCrow pandit-crow cereal- rice crowCome from GangabalBath meditation having doneTo our new houseTo eat cereal-rice

Shivratri (herath) is the mostauspicious KP festival. Beginning on thefirst day of the dark half of Phalgun itscelebrations continue for twenty threedays till the 8th day of the bright half of thesame month. During this period the houseis cleaned thoroughly for getting it readyfor the marriage of Shiva and Parvati onthe 13th day of the dark fortnight.

The 13th is the wedding night whenwatukh, Shiva in bachelor as well as inbridegroom forms, is worshipped along

with the bride Parvati, Kapaliks, Shaligramtill late in the night. Watukh, that is, ‘Shiva’smarriage party, is worshipped for four days,upto the 1st day of the bright half of themonth. On this day, watukh is cleaned(parmuuzun > parimarjan) of all the flowerpetals etc. at a tap in the compound of thehouse. Then it is taken back into the housewhere the eldest lady of the house boltsmain-door from inside. The memberscarrying the watukh knock at the door andthe following exchange of words takesplace :Kus chuu?Who is there ?Ram broorRam the catKyaa heth ?what have you brought with you?ann, dan, gury-gupan, or zuu,food, money, cattle, good health,caan- myaan ti tini hahaand offspring.

At the end of the watakh puja shivratriprasad in the form of kernels of walnut androti made from rice flour is distributedamongst neighbours and relatives. Thedistribution of the prasad is completedbefore the 8th day of the bright half.

The 11th day of the bright fortnightmarks the beginning of sonth ‘ Spring. Onthe eve of Sonth, a thali full of rice isdecorated as on the new-year eve to beseen as the first thing on the morning ofekadashi.Rituals and Rites –The domestic rites and rituals among theHindus are popularly known as Karma andSanskara. In the form of Karmas they arecherished as programmes of duty to beobserved by all householders and asSanskaras, these enable the devotee tomake their observance rhythmical. Therites and rituals serve the external and



internal modes of purity (Shuci> Shruuts).Together they constitute certainceremonies beginning with theGarbhadhaana or the rite of impregnationand ending with the anteshti or the funeralrite including Shraddha. These can bedivided into pre-natal, natal, post-natal,prenuptial, nuptial, post-nuptial, pre-obituary, obituary, and post-obituary.Marriage :Hindu marriage is not a social contract buta religious institution, a sacrament in whichbesides the bride and the groom, there is aspiritual or divine element on which thepermanent relationship between thehusband and the wife depends. Thehusband and the wife are responsible notonly to each other, they also owe allegianceto the divine element. This mystic aspectof Hindu marriage necessitates a numberof symbols. The marriage creates a newbond between the bride and the groom.They have to rear up this union bydedicating their entire energy in thedirection of their common interest andideal.

Marriage is possible only betweenthose families which have had no kinshipfor seven generations on the paternal sideand four generations on the maternal side.Once the boy and the girl consent to join asman and wife in a life-long bond, theirparents meet in a temple in the companyof the middleman (if there is any) andsome select family members from both thesides to vow that they would join the twofamilies in a new bond of kinship

This ritual is known as Kasam-drIy - vow.This is followed by a formal engagementceremony (taakh) in which some membersof the groom’s family and relatives visitthe bride’s place to partake of a rich feast.The party brings a Saree and someornaments, which the bride is made to

wear by her would be sister–in-law. Duringthis ceremony, the two parties exchangeflowers and vow to join the two familiesthrough wedlock. A younger brother orsister of the bride accompanies the groom’sparty with a gift of clothes for the groom.

After this function the two familiesbegin to make preparations for the marriageceremony which is held an some auspiciousday after consullting a purohit.

Several rituals are associated withmarriage whose observance begins nearlya week before the wedding day. The bride’sfamily begins with what is known as‘GarInavai’(literally : get made up’) whenthe hair of the bride are let loose. This isfollowed by malI mEEnZ or saatI mEEnz (firsthenna or auspicious henna) when henna isapplied to the bride and the groom bytheir respective mothers and aunts. Theserituals are attended by near relatives andneighbours. MEEnzyraath (henna-night) isthe first major event when all therelatives-men, women and children in theextended families-assemble at the girl’sand the boy’s respective places. This is anight of rejoicing and feasting. The eveningmeal is followed by a series of ceremonialacts. Henna is pasted on the hands andfeet of the bride and the groom in theirrespective places and almost every youngboy and all women and girls paste hennaon their hands and elderly women singtraditional songs. Before pasting henna,maternal aunt (maami) washes the feetand hands of the bride and the groom, andthe paternal aunt (bua) applies henna, andthe maternal aunt (maasi) burns incence toward off evil. Meanwhile women, girls andboys sing traditional ditties as well aspopular songs appropriate to the occasion.

(To be continued)☯☯

Contact author at: [email protected]




Our Literary Treasures - Prof. Anil Raina

Leelas ofSwami Shankar Joo Razdan - 3

4. To Goddess Bhawani

Introduction: This poem in honour ofGoddess Bhawani consists of an initialcouplet followed by eight quatrains. Therhyme scheme in the original is abab. Thisis one poem where we have a directreference to Kashmir, as the temple atTulamulla, the abode ofGoddesss Kheer-Bhawani/Ragyina, holds a high place in theminds of Kashmiri Pandits. Theywould immediately understandthat the word 'our' in Line 2 refersto them, as they would recognizethe reference in Line 3 to theirpractice of offering milk (andkand) in the spring at Tulamulla.

lllI wish to sing hymns to Youwith a sincere mind,O our Bhawani, Praise be to Thee.I wish to come out of my homewith a pot of milk,And praise Thy radiance as dazzlingas of a volcano,You are the One who canferry me across the worldly Ocean,O our Bhawani, Praise be to Thee.

Your abode,your siddhipeeth is in Tulamulla,O Ragyina, you are the saviour of Time,You are the Onewho gives kingdoms to kings,O our Bhawani, Praise be to Thee.

You are seated on Mount Sumer,You reside on a watery bed,the Gold-shaped one,

You are the One who givesDeliverance to devotees,O our Bhawani,Praise be to Thee.

You deliver slaves from slavery,You have a right over everything,You are the one with eight arms,

O our Bhawani, Praise be to Thee.

Your abode nurtures the Saintsand the Enlightened ones,Wash away the dirt from mymind, and polish the rust ofattachments,O Goddess, give me a boon,because your boon alone willdeliver me,O our Bhawani, Praise be to Thee.

O Goddess, the radiant one,give me your Darshan,You are the Onewho annihilated the Asuras (the Evil ones),You came from Mount Sumerin the form of a mynah,O our Bhawani, Praise be to Thee.

You are the guardian of theprovince of Kashmir,You annihilated the Rakshasaafter drying the water,Because of you, the trees bear fruit,O our Bhawani, Praise be to Thee.

Have mercy on me,your devotee, and own me,Heed the prayer of ‘Shankar’,O Merciful Goddess, have Mercy on me,O our Bhawani, Praise be to Thee.

] ] ]

Swami Shankar Joo Razdan



Notes:Line 7: Tulamulla is about 23 kms east ofSrinagar. The Kheer Bhawani templeconstructed over a sacred spring is situatedhere.Line 8: Ragyina is a popular name ofGoddess Bhawani in Kashmir.Lines 11, 25: The story in relationship toGoddess Bhawani is not clear to me. Maybe the poet in his mind is combiningGoddess Ragyina with Goddess Sharika(both forms of Parvati/Sati). He refers toMount Samir, which may be the Kashmirivariant on the famous Mountain in Hindumythology viz. Mount Sumer/Sumeru/Meru. In a write-up ‘Hari Parbat inSrinagar’on the website AsiaRooms.com, Ifound the following story that could berelevant here: “To kill two demons Tsandand Mond, Goddess Parvati took the formof a mynah and flew to Sumer. She broughta pebble from there and killed Tsand withthat. This pebble grew to be the Hari Parbatin Srinagar.”

☯☯☯5. To Shiva in Omkar Shape

Introduction: The poem in honour of LordShiva consists of an initial couplet followedby five quatrains. The rhyme scheme in theoriginal is abab. The theme woven againsta paean to Lord Shiva is of non-duality,'Suham aham su', common to Vedanticphilosophy and Sufism.

lllO Shiva in Omkar shape,Praise be to Thee, O Lord of the Universe.

You are Formless in the shape of Bliss,For the common man,you manifest yourself as the Omkara,Do away with my impediments,you remover of obstacles,Praise be to Thee, O Lord of the Universe.

You hold the Ganga in your matted hair,Your throat is of a beauteous blue hue,

Three eyes shining like moonsadorn your forehead,Praise be to Thee, O Lord of the Universe.

O ash-covered ascetic with matted hair,Uma ji is seated on your left,A lotus in your hand,a king-serpent around your neck,Praise be to Thee, O Lord of the Universe.

You are mounted on the Vrishab,In the Guru’s form, you sway my mind,Your abode is on Harmukh,you native of Haridwar,Praise be to Thee, O Lord of the Universe.

Take the darkness away from the visionless,Polish away the rustthat has accumulated on your slave’s will,Read ‘I art Thou,’ ‘Shankar’.Praise be to Thee, O Lord of the Universe.

] ] ]

Notes:Line 17: Harmukh is a mountain peak inKashmir: Haridwar is in Uttarakhand State.Line 21: The line in Kashmiri is ‘Suham ahamsu paru Shankaro.’ The expression ‘Su hamsu’ has Sufi connotations with the impliedmeaning of “I am He.” The 19th centuryKashmiri poet Shah Ghafur also uses theexpression ‘suhamsu’ in his verse.However, with so much in commonbetween Hinduism and Sufism, it is difficultto ascertain, how mush aware Swami Ji wasof Sufism.

☯☯☯6. The Path to True Bliss

Introduction: The poem deals with thequestion of how to attain true bliss. Itconsists of an initial couplet followed byeight quatrains. The rhyme scheme in theoriginal is abab. The poem advocateslooking within one’s own self, and usessome esoteric images like ‘khichdi of tengrains’ and ‘the water of Shashkal’ to tellthe reader about the path to and the nature



of self-realization. It speaks of the controlover body and senses as being essential forattaining eternal Life.

lllDay and night,keep on chanting Shiv Shiv,What better fortune than to diewhile still alive!

Focus your mind on contemplating God,That will ferry you across the worldly Ocean,Keep on chanting the name of God,What better fortune than to diewhile still alive!

You should have looked forthe source of knowledge in yourself,You should have known where God resides,You should have learnt the mantrasfrom your Guru,What better fortune than to diewhile still alive!

Redeem yourself of sinsthe way the autumn tree sheds its leaves,of the senses confound sins with virtues,Make a khichdi of just ten grains,What better fortune than to diewhile still alive!

Bring back your horse-like mindfrom the fieldsControl him and feed him,But don’t over-feed him to death.What better fortune than to diewhile still alive!

Eat in balance and within limits,Know that then alonewould one attain great heights,Forget yourself while you are alive,What better fortune than to diewhile still alive!

Sow the seed of knowledgein the soil of your mind,After ploughing the fieldwith the Guru’s plough,

Thereafter, irrigate it with thewater of Shashkal,What better fortune than to diewhile still alive!

Harvest the producewith the sickle of contemplation,Divest your mind of all hate and doubt,Befriend yourself by annihilating yourself,What better fortune than to diewhile still alive!

‘Shankar’, there is time still; realise it,Know the Prana (the inner self);that is true bliss,Take a holy round through the Pranas,What better fortune than to diewhile still alive!

] ] ]

Notes:Line 2: I believe Kashmiri Shaivism doesspeak of virtually dying before death. Also,a common motif in Kashmiri Sufi poets likeWahab Khar, Muumin Seeb (18/19th

century), Swachi Kral (d.1854), MahmudGami (1765-1855), and Shamas Faqir (1843-1901). Compare Shamas Faqir’s , “O rinda,in order to realize the One,/ Learn to diewhile still alive.”Line 13. ‘khichdi of just ten grains’: ‘Khichdi’is a gruel north Indians make with rice as amajor component. I guess the expressionis perhaps a reference to taking control ofthe ten senses (see note on Line 29 of “ToGoddess Bhawani”).Line 25. Shashkala: I guess, it is a term fromKundalini Yoga. Lal Ded also uses the term.I quote in detail from Jawahar Lal Bhat’s“Lalleshuri and Kundalini Yoga” available onShehjar Online (2007). “It is here that theseeker enjoys the taste of the Amrit flowingfrom Shashkala or the digit of the moon.Lalleshuri (Lalded) has described herpersonal achievement of arousingKundalini and enjoying the overflowingShashkala in the following Vaakh:



Shie van chaetith shashkal wuzem, Prakrathhenzem pawnie seitee,Loleki narie wanlij buzem, Shankar lobumtami sietee.

Lalla reached her desired goal andenjoyed the nectar trickled from Shashkalaafter she crossed the rugged path of sixforests indicating the six Chakras asmentioned above. She says it was theresult of her heart stirring devotion, deepconcentration, sustained breath exerciseand bringing under control all worldlydesires and senses that she reached hergoal. She says precisely, “The whole worldshrunk for me in the inhalation andexhalation of my breath and while I roastedmy heart in the heat of the love of my Lord,I found Him.” By the concentration of mindmental fluctuations, false knowledge, allkinds of illusions and conditions analogousto sleep are brought under control, a stagein which the soul soars beyond the threeGunas: Satva, Rajas and Tamas.Tsitta-twaruge vagi hyath ro’ttum, Tseylithmilavith dashinaaddi vaav,Tavay sheyshikal veyglith vatsham,Shuunyas shuunyaah miilith gav.

Lalla says she reined in the fast runningsteed of her mind, i.e. controlled theoverpowering senses and by constantpractice and meditation succeeded inbringing the proper alignment of waveringPrana through Nadis till she achieved thefinal goal of guiding the Kundalini Shakti toits destination, the crown of the head. It’shere that she enjoyed the nectar of themystic moon (Sheshkal) which cameoverflowing upon her whole body and thevoid merged with the cosmic void i.e. shebecame immortal and an integral part ofthe supreme soul which is the ultimateperfection of the individual soul to becomeone with the cosmic soul or Parmatama.”

(To be continued) Contact author at: [email protected]

Editorial ... From Page 5

viewpoints. We can use this platform tospread knowledge and information ingeneral and in particular about ourcommunity, our culture and our tradition.This will ensure that we do not lose ouridentity. We can use this facility to spreadlove, brotherhood and unity amongst ourcommunity so that we not only face ourproblems with unity, but also find solutionsto these together. The sooner we do it, thebetter it would be for us, both individuallyand collectively.

☯☯Contact editor at: [email protected]

☯☯

and carries them forward in theentertainment form. Theatre in Kashmir issecular in form and it talks about communalharmony. It has always been patronized bycommon people. If promoted well, theatercan bring about harmony and peace. I thinkit’s the state that has to realize theimportance of theatre and help to promotetheatre financially,” he said.

Kemmu has made persistent efforts topreserve Sufiana style of singing andplaying on Surnai by the Bhands. He alsotried to revive the traditional Dhumalidance and founded Dhamali Dance Centre.He has also adopted different styles ofsinging, narrations into theatre. Actor KunalKemmu is his grandson. “Just got great news- my grandfather Shree Moti Lal Kemmu isgoing to be awarded with Padma Shri forhis work in theatre and literature,” anexcited Kunal wrote on his Twitter page.

lll[Reproduced from The Indian Express, NorthAmerican Edition, dated February 3, 2012]

lll

Padma Shri Kemmu ... From Page 30





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] Kashmiri Pandit family settled inMumbai seeks a suitable match fortheir only child, a boy, born inMumbai on 21 November 1985, at22:24 hours. He is fair complexioned181 centimetre tall. He works as anAssistant Professor in a local degreecollege. He is also pursuing researchin Physics for his PhD. Interestedparties please [email protected]

vvv

] Wanted a suitable andprofessionally qualified alliance formy son born on 21st Nov. 1984,Height 5’-8", BE (Mechanical),working in a public sector inMumbai. Interested families maycontact for tekni and Kalavali onMobile No. 9833026692 or Land lineNo. 02225996385.E-Mail:[email protected]

vvv ] Wanted bride for 23.09.75 Srinagarborn KP boy, 5’11", good-looking,fair, divorcee (no issues), well-settled, handsome salary, lives inGurgaon, own house, works as Headof Business for India for an Americancompany. Belongs to loving, liberalKashmiri family, father retired Brig.,mother retired teacher, elder sistersettled in Mumbai, married, withchild. Looking for a good-naturedgirl with smart personality who is ablend of modern and traditionalvalues. Contact with photograph-9899995771 (Father), 09167000253 ormail at [email protected]

vvv

Matrimonial






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(Dçiçuçí DçbkçÀ cçí pççjçÇ)Contact author at: [email protected]




t the outset I must congratulateShri Gadoo for writing this bookso painstakingly after a good lotof research. He has dedicated it

to his late father Shri Janki Nath Gadoo andrightly so because heritage and historybelongs to our fathers and forefathers. Thebook has a very well written and analyticalforeword by our eminent historian, thinkerand writer Shri M.K.Teng. The shrinesdescribed in the book have beenappropriately grouped under variouscategories, stone temples, spring templesand cave temples. These have beendescribed in great detail, giving an accountof their architecture, location, historicalbackground and the legends attached tothem. These descriptions have taken intoaccount minutest details that have gonecollectively into giving an idea of thearchitectural grandeur, cultural importanceand the religious sanctity of the shrineconcerned. Innumerable sources havebeen tapped by the author to trace thehistory of every shrine mentioning the kingby whom or in whose regime the templewas established and the deities who haveadorned their sanctum sanctorum. Thisextract will amply prove what has beenstated above:

“Ancient stone temples of Kashmir areeither square or oblong, subdivided intoclosed or open types. The doorways areeverywhere rectangular and Brahmanicaltemples face in all directions. However,they bear a unique feature in having thewater spout, without exception, to the leftof the image. The temple walls areprofusely carved. The basements of these

Book Review - T.N.Dhar 'Kundan'

C.L.Gadoo's 'Kashmir Hindu ShrinesHeritage and History'

Atemples consist of single ordouble platform, thusgiving a single or doublepassage forc i r c u m a m b u l a t i n g . ”“Pandit Sona Lal Thusu,who was originally aresident of the villageLiddarwan, established a shop in Shardivillage in 1922. Sona Lal was witness to theannual pilgrimage to the Sarada temple….He has given a full description of the visit ofKashmiri saint Mathura Devi, who visitedSarada shrine in 1933……”

The book has convincingly argued thatthe Hindu temples are not merely prayerhouses but seats of learning and culturewhere one experiences the presence of theAbsolute and embarks on an exercise toknow Him. There are certain ancient Sanskrittexts still extant, which throw light on theorigin, history and the religious importanceof the holy river Vitasta, as also the shrinesat Tulamula, Amarnath, Sharada, Koti Tirthaetc. These are called Mahatamyas. Thelearned writer has drawn extensively fromthese sources to establish the relativeimportance of each one of these shrines andtheir pristine glory. There is a separatechapter on the legendary river, Saraswati,on the banks of which the civilization ofKashmiri Pandits is deemed to haveflourished because of which we are knownas Saarswat Brahmins. While it is widelybelieved that the river, which existed inVedic times and later, no longer exists andmust have either dried up or got mergedwith some other major rive, I am of theopinion that a serious thought should be



given to the possibility of the river Saraswatiand the river in Afghanistan calledHarakeeti being one and the same. Weknow Gandhar (modern Kandahar) has beenclosely linked with India and we also knowthat Dewan Nand Ram of Kashmir was thegovernor of Afghanistan. We also know thatthe tribes on the Indian side were calledgana and on the other side apa-gana,whereby the name Apaganasthan(Afghanistan).

The chapter on destruction of templesis very poignant and painful. It details theevents that took place from time to time inKashmir, which led to the destruction anddesecration of Hindu temples, shrines andplaces of worship, followed by persecutionand forcible conversion. This has happenedin the period of Mughals, Pathans,Shahmiris, Chaks and others. So much sothat desecration of temples and usurpationof the temple land and property took placeeven in the post independence period. Thischapter highlights the pain and plight ofKashmiri Hindus and their suffering fromtime to time, physically, mentally andemotionally. These details have chronicledthe darkest chapters of the history ofKashmir. The author has given vent to hisown deep rooted feelings and his concernfor the plight of the society to which hebelongs.

The book has a wide coverage of alltypes of temples and shrines dedicated toShiva, Vishnu and His various incarnationsand Shakti in Her different forms of Laxmi,Kali, Durga etc. The age-old tradition ofKashmir of having allegiance to specificform of Shakti, called Kula Devi or familygoddess has also been described in thisbook purposefully and authentically. Thishighlights the practice of Shakti worshipthat has been prevalent in this part of thecountry since ages. Although it is said that

Brahma, the creator is not worshipped assuch, (there is only one temple dedicatedto Brahma at Pushkar in Rajasthan), thelearned writer has traced some informationabout the temple dedicated to Brahma, thecreator as well.

A very important under current in theentire book is to establish the historic factthat Kashmir has been religiously, culturallyand traditionally a part of this vast countryBharatvarsha where God is worshipped inHis various forms of Brahma, the creator,Vishnu, the sustainer and Rudra, thedestroyer; Vishnu in His various incarnationsof Rama, Krishna etc, Shiva along with Hisconsort; Shakti in Her different aspects ofParvati, Laxmi, Saraswati, Kali and the like.This l ink needs to be preserved andstrengthened by reconstructing thedamaged shrines, establishing them asseats of worship and culture and bringingback their lost glory. There is also aparamount need for our young researchersto carry on this study, which has sothoughtfully been inaugurated by ShriGadoo, further to bring to light the hiddenhistory and cultural importance of thesetemples and shrines, through an in-depthstudy of various ‘Mahatamyas’ andcollateral evidence that may be availablein different manuscripts still untraced anduntapped.


Contact Reviewer at:[email protected]

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Your Own Page

MAEJ KASHIRby Kapil Kaul

Maej Kashir (Mother Kashmir) isrepresented as an indigenous commonKashmiri woman with Tar(n)ga (the headgear) flanked on both sides over the earswith Dejhoor (the two golden almondshaped ornaments), a sign of her maritalstatus. She has a stuff of rag on her head.That in Kashmiri is either (1) aatha-taez (arag for utensil cleaning in kitchen) or (2)huur ( a stuff of cloth dipped into clay towhite-wash the walls of house) The latterhas a pun (double meaning). To wishsomeone ‘Huur lagun’ in Kashmiri mean toget wiped out. (Similar like, “get lost”) Amuzzle of a weapon is raising her goldenornament but she shows no fear. Sheseems to be looking with wide open eyesto the person holding the weapon. Behindher in the background on the left side isdeluge (tufan), the trees are shaking(slanting), snow covered peaks far awayand a capsized boat are a sign of immensedisturbance. On the right side there is a holyshrine, (familiar to every Kashmiri)radiating calmness and silence.

Purshyar Mandir,Habba-Kadal, Srinagar

Zaina-Kadal, Srinagar

Kapil Kaul is an artist. His in-terest and fascination for art-painting and drawing, de-veloped early from hischildhood. He left his nativeplace Srinagar in 1978-79. Hestudied painting and graphics at the Univer-sity of Art in Austria. In recognition of histalent, the Austrian Ministry of Science andResearch in Vienna granted him a scholar-ship for three years. He finished his aca-demic studies with merit in 1985-86. Nowhe teaches Graphic Arts at HTL1 Bau UndDesign, Linz, Austria.

Kapil is the son of legendry teacher &Kashmir Shaivism Scholar Pt. Janki Nath Kaul'Kamal'. Kapil's works are in various publicand private collections in Europe and USA.

] ] ]

Kapil's Charcoal & Color Crayon Drawings



Your Own Page

Maanav Ganjoo

14-year old Maanav Ganjoois the Times of India StarCorrespondent. He was oneof the 25 students selectedout of 800 students andawarded the Times of IndiaStar correspondent award,2011. He is seen herereceiving the 'StarCorrespondent 2011-12'Award from Mr. Somit Sen,Assistant Director, TOI and inthe photograph below, onthe prominently advertisedTimes Junior Editorial Board

which brought out the TOI special editionon 26th January. He is writing regularly forthe TOI Student Edition.

Maanav is studying in RIMSInternational School at Juhu. Not only is hethe deputy house captain, but also a

topper in academics andrepresents his school in footballand various olympiads andcompetitions. He is the son ofDr. Sanjay Ganjoo, DentalSurgeon and Seema Ganjoo,Autism Interventionist. Maanavis a budding chemistry scholar,probably following in thefootsteps of his maternalgrandfather, Dr. A.N. Bhat , whoretired as Head of TechnicalServices, Hindustan UnileverLimited , Mumbai.

Maanav is very mature and humble forhis age. He would love to master quantummechanics when he grows up. He lives atBandra (W), Mumbai.

] ] ]

Your Attention PleaseMilchar invites and encourages you to send news of your achievements and those ofyour children alongwith photographs for publication in these columns.



Your Own Page

Recent Photos ofChakreshwar &Kheer Bhawani,

Kashmir

Courtesy: Suhail Kaul, Sharjah, UAE



Ø Mahara Namaskar.Please accept my greetings on thecompletion of one year of the'Revived' Milchar. Your hard workand dedication is paying dividends

to you and contributing towards the overalldevelopment of the community. Icongratulate you and all others who areassociated with its publication.

Well the articles published are allinformative and help in gainingknowledge. My humble submission wouldbe to focus more on the youngergeneration, who need to know more aboutour roots, traditions, Sanskars, Riti andRivaj. For this I would appeal to the readersof Milchar and the writers in general towrite more on such topics and write withsome in deft research.

To begin with, could it be possible topublish, say Panchastavi, BhavaniSahsranama, Shivmahimnapar Stotra, andthe likes, with some explanation/meaning/translation in English/Hindi, so asto make them understandable in thelanguages that we understand.

In this month’s issue also, the articleson Mahatma Shankar Razdan's Leela andMahatma Pandit Krishanjoo Razdan’s Leelamake great reading.

Migration has changed our culturalenvirons, so I think the onus is on we thewriters and we the editors. Writing fictionin today’s world is not as important, asfighting the onslaught of cultural invasion.I would request you to kindly rememberthat the former President of Kashmiri SamitiDelhi, Sh. C.L. Gadoo Sahib has compiled avoluminous book on our temples and placesof pilgrimage. You could make use of that.Sir, Please forgive me if I have exceeded

Editor's Mail

my limits today, but I get irritated whenevery Kashmiri Pandit sends me a SMS on31st December wishing me 'A Happy NewYear' and almost no one sending a word onNAVREH. I wonder where are we headingtowards. I am afraid, this trend may makeus sing one day 'Kava chala Hans ki chaal'and it is here that you are playing asignificant role and deserve all the praise.Congratulations. A wonderful issue asusual. Congratulations to all thecontributors. Vande Mataram.With warm regards,Brij Nath Betab.New [email protected]

vvvØ Respected Raina Saheb,

Namaskar Mahara. As desired byyour good self I am forwarding mywrite-up for your perusal. I dohope that this article will match

the standard set for the augustmagazine. Sincerely, Ravinder KoulNew [email protected]

lllØ Dear Editor,

At the outset let me wish you all atMilchar team and all the Biradarimembers a Happy, Safe andProsperous New Year. May the newyear bring success and

prosperity to the whole team of Milchar.I Thank you for the first edition of

Milchar 2012. As always we eagerlyawait each new issue and it is alwaysrefreshing to read Milchar. It is not onlyeducative and informative but also gives





information about various happeningswithin the KP Biradari. Various articles onKashmir and KPs keeps the youngergeneration born outside Kashmir in touchwith our roots, which unfortunately areerroding with each passing day. Also thetri-lingual edition makes it readable for allthe sections of the community. I would alsolike to convey our gratitude and wishes toSh. Chander M. Bhat for his servicestowards capturing the cultural heritageof our community. We need more suchpeople in the community to preserve ourheritage for the future generations.

Kindly give me bank details of Milcharso that I can send my subscription.Regards,Suhail KoulSharjah, [email protected]

lllØ Dear Raina SahebNamaskar. My congratulations to you forreviving Milchar. I have been readingMilchar regularly on internet. It hasimproved under your editorship. In this eraof community’s diplacement and overallchange in the socio-economic life, effortslike this are worth acknowledging. I have shifted to Bangalore inNovember 2008. I am not getting hard copyof the Milchar regularly. May I request youto kindly see that I get the Milchar regularly.Regards,A.K.SapruMarthahalli, [email protected]

lllØ Dear respected Raina Sahib,Thank you for posting e-Milchar. It is greatto read the articles. I am including two pdfs

Editor's Mail

with this mail for your review andinclusion in 'Your Own Page' ofMilchar:1. Maej Kashir2. Srinagar Drawings

Regards,Kapil KaulLinz, Austria (Europe)[email protected]

lllØ Dear Raina Sahib,You are blessed with a number of eminentwriters. My knowledge is limited and itwould be unfair to comment on anything. Itry my best to learn certain things now afterretirement. However I would request if itwould be possible to include informationon the courses available to our futuregeneration right from 9th Standard. Wehave had enough of Engineers and doctors.It is time we start explaining to parents andchildren alike that there is world beyondthese subjects. We have eminent teachersin the group and it is requested to solicittheir views. My vision is to penetrate intoCivil Administration, Law, Finance andIndustry (not necessarily as engineers butas managers after MBA). I wish to seehundreds of our boys as IAS, IFS, Judges andtop lawyers, Broadcasters and Journalistsand Editors, Managers, General Managers,Managing Directors etc etc. This is myhumble suggestion please.Best regards,Ravinder [email protected]

lllØ Respected Raina Ji,It gives me great pleasure to bein touch with our ethos. Manywishes for the year 2012 and







wishing a great success to the Magazine.I am all praise for the articles by differentpersonalities of our community. Many atimes while going through the articles indifferent KP magazines, I find lot of rhetoricbeing reproduced time and again (pleasecorrect me if I am wrong). The current needof our community is to be focussed ondifferent issues facing us. The prime andparamount, in my opinion is to know aboutour culture and to spread the messagethroughout the cross section of ourcommunity. In my opinion the best thingwe can do is to get a series of articles whichteache us and new generation about thebasics of Trika Saivism [for which we areknown and culturally attached]. I know ascholar in this field and if you desire so Ican provide you with his details so that wecan request him to pen down such articlesin series. I am sure you are knowing gurusin this field who can help. The same has tobe in simple and common man’s languageso that it is easy to comprehend in contrastwith complex texts which are more ofscholastic in nature than educative. I hopemy suggestion is of some value. With warm regards and thanks forkeeping our tradition alive. Dr. Avtar K. Raina,Principal Scientist,Rock Excavation Engineering (Blasting)Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research,Nagpur, [email protected]

lllØ Dear Mr. President Kaul Sahib,It gives me great pleasure to express mysincere appreciations on the annualcelebrations of Haven organised andconducted by KPA under your able andextraordinary leadership. It was for the first

time I participated in this celebrations. Icould not imagine so many of our brethrenthere in such a big city of mumbai meetingfor the ocassion. For a moment I got thefeeling as if we all were in srinagar. This is allbecause of your deep interest in thecommunity welfare. Icongratulate yourleadership and your dedicated team. I have joined Thakur Post GraduateCollege in Mumbai as visting professor ofChemistry teaching M.Sc classes sinceDecember and that keeps me slightely busy.Otherwise I am always available for any kindof community work which you feel I will becapable of.

With great regards and lots of loves toyou and your teamProf. Ashok Aima Borivali (E), [email protected]

lllØ Dear M.K.Raina ji,

Namaskar. Shubha Shiva Ratri! MayVatuka Bhairava be graciousenough to shower His blessings! We enjoy reading the Milchar

Journal. It brings us back to Kashmir.Attached herewith is the write-up on theHorashtami - according to the KashmirPaddhati for publication in the forthcomingissue of Milchar.Regards from jaya Ji, Dr. Chaman Lal RainaAjmer, [email protected]

lllØ Respected Raina Sahib,

At the outset let me thank yourwhole team for organizing a verygood celebration of the AnnualHavan and look forward to moreof such successful events. your

Editor's Mail






last issue of Milchar contained a good lotof articles. The poem titled 'Yuva Shakti' byRakesh Roshan Ji was really emotional andtouching .

I am attaching an article titled'Spirituality is the Best Healer'. I hope youfind it worth publishing inyour forthcoming issue. In addition I wishall my Kashmiri friends a Very HappyNavreh.With regards,Sunaina KawNahar Amrit Shakti, [email protected]

lllØ Dear Mr. Rajen Kaul,It is heartening to know that significantefforts are being made to get the ShardaSadan completed as soon as possible. I amsure it is only possible with the dedicatedefforts of the board members under yourable leadership. We as members of thecommunity should be obliged to all of youfor taking this initiative at the cost of yourpersonal time. While I do realize that thisresponsibility should not be with only a fewpeople but to each and everyone memberof the community but everyone may notbe in a position to spend personal time.Realizing this fact that I am unable to dothat I feel indebted to all of you and otherswho spend their personal time for the sakeof keeping our community alive. As aresponsible member of the KP communityI will try and do whatever help I can in mysmall capacity on an ongoing basis. I havebeen trying to do this not only for ShardaSadan but also for some activities in Noidaand Delhi (places where I have lived atsome point).

Mr Kaul, I may not be able to do much

Editor's Mail

in terms of sponsorships etc. but would liketo contribute in a small and affordable way.I would appreciate if I could have the nameon which I could write a cheque that I cancourier to you. Alternately if I have the banktransfer details that also would be helpful. Kind Regards,Surinder [email protected]

lll

Day. I request all the Biradari members toupdate us on your contact details throughcommunication to KPA office or throughyour Area Mentors or through email onkpamumbai @yahoo.co.in.Involving Youth: We were encouraged bythe participation and networking in largenumbers of our youth at the Hawanfunction. We are approaching moreyounger members of our biradari to getthem excited to come forward to make ourYouth Forum more active and vibrant. OurYouth Forum is planning to organize a KPAcricket league tournament in next fewweeks.

While closing, I would like to thank youagain for your contribution and appeal toyou to remain engaged in our ongoingprojects/activities. l will be pleased toreceive your suggestions for raisingcontributions for Sharda Sadan.

With regards,Rajen Kaul

] ] ]

Contact Rajen Kaul at [email protected]] ] ]

President's Message ... From Page 4



mailto:@yahoo.co.in




With profound grief and sorrow weinform the heavenly departure of VijayKaul (King ji) Son of Late Shri PushkarNath Kaul (Of Sheshyar, Habba Kadal,Srinagar, Kashmir) on 19th February2012 at Baroda Aditya Building, BandraKurla Complex, Mumbai at a prematureage of 45 years.

Vijay was an academician parexcellence during his college days anda computer wizard. Over and above, hewas a true reflection of Sattvicpersonality, bearing highest purity ofmind, straightforwardness,truthfulness, serenity, modesty,gentleness and so on. He was a truedevotee of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.He has designed and developed anumber of cultural and religiouswebsites, which include:

http://iskconharidwar.webs.com/http://vijaybhajans.webs.com/

We invite solemn prayers from all forhis noble soul to rest in eternal peace.

GRIEF STRICKEN

Brothers : S.K.Kaul (NBCC, Delhi), O.K.Kaul (BOB, Mumbai)

All family members, relatives, friends,near and dear ones.

ObituaryShri Kashi Nath Kaul (Rais), Fatherof Shri S.K.Kaul of JNPT and Smt.Usha Bhat of Kopar Khairne left forhis heavenly abode on 4thFebruary 2012 at JNPT Township, NaviMumbai.

llShri Neel Kanth Mattoo, Father of ShriR.K.Mattoo (Former President, KashmiriHindu Association, Bangalore) left for hisheavenly abode on 8th February 2012 atBangalore.

llShri Pushkar Nath Kher, Fatherof film actor Anupam Kher left forhis heavenly abode on 10thFebruary 2012 at Mumbai.

llShri Vijay Kaul (King Ji), Son of LateP.N.Kaul (of Sheshyar,Habbakadal, Srinagar) and brotherof Shri O.K.Kaul of Bandra-KurlaComplex, Mumbai left for his heavenly abodeon 19 February 2012 at Mumbai.

llShri Girish Kachroo, Son of Shri Rattan LalKachroo of Vasundhara Enclave, New Delhiand Brother of Shri Rohit Kachroo of Thane,Mumbai left for his heavenly abode on 4thMarch 2012 at Delhi.

llShri Surinder Nath Dhar of Beverley Park,Mira Road (Brother-in-law of Shri SurinderWazir of Napean Sea Road and ShriM.L.Mattoo of Chembur) left for his heavenlyabode on 9 March 2012 at Mumbai.

llSmt. Rupa Dhar, Wife of Shri T.N.DharKundan of Bangalore (Consulting EditorMilchar) left for her heavenly abode on 16March 2012 at Bangalore.

llMilchar and KPA Mumbai sends its deepcondolences to the bereaved families.

They Left Us

http://iskconharidwar.webs.com/

http://vijaybhajans.webs.com/



Printed and Published by S.P.Kachru for the Kashmiri Pandits' Association (Regd.), Kashyap Bhawan,Plot No. 16, Bhawani Nagar, Marol Maroshi Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 059. Tel: 022-29259954.

Printed at Manual Print, 7, Shah & Desai Ind. Estate, Navghar, Vasai Road (E), Dist. Thane 401 210. Tel: 6990808.Editor : M.K.Raina

RNI Registration No. MAHMUL/2004/13413M i l c h a r - The Official Organ of Kashmiri Pandits' Association, Mumbai

OBITUARY

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- ÞççÇcçtiçJçÃçÇlçç 2-20

Deeply mourned and remembered by

S.K.Kaul - Chief Manager (Admin) & Secretary Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust

Entire Kaul (Rais) family

Relatives & Friends

Shri Kashi Nath Kaul (Rais)

With profound grief, we inform the sad demise of ShriKashi Nath Kaul 'Rais' (originally from Anantnag, Kashmir)on 4th February 2012, at Mumbai. We pary to Almightyto rest his noble soul in peace.



V iol. VlII, Nco. 2 h: March-arApril 2012

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