Naad Cover December 2020.Cdr

ISSN : 2582-1857 Text - 80 Pages, Price : `50 nAIKS aad A Monthly Publication of

VOL XXX No. 12 December 2020

DDC ELECTION DEMOCRACY AT DOORSTEP Shraddhanjali

Sqn. Ldr. B.L. SADHU Jan 17th 1933 – Sep 7th 2020 Sqn. Ldr. B.L.Sadhu, a decorative Air Force Officer, outstanding in his technical/AF academic profile was endowed with an extra ordinary commitment & drive for his community service. Here mained President Kashmiri Sahayak Samiti Chandigarh for long and after retirement took over as President Kashmiri Welfare Sabha Ludhiana. As Chairman Kashmir Medical Emergency Charitable Trust (KMECT) till last, was instrumental in enlivening innumerable lives from traumas/ accidents/ calamities providing life support medical attention to the victims from prestigious Super Speciality hospitals. A sincere guide, a role model for the clan –The Bhishma Pitamah. Dear beloved brother we cherish your guided paths, your joyful moments, your enduring charm, your laughter echoing in our hearts & mind, your altruistic personality that shall keep us inspiring. Pray ever for your "सदगित" and for more emancipated work in the brighter world. हरी ऊं िशवाय नमः, ऊं नमः िशवाय। Grief Stricken: • Chand Sadhu – Wife Grand Sons Daughters – • C.L. Sadhu & Sheela Sadhu – Brother & Bhabi Chandan Sadhu, Sushain • Rakesh Sadhu & Kiran Sadhu – Son & Daughter in law Sadhu, Shehjar Kaul – • Rear Admiral Sanjay Sadhu (NM) & Manika Sadhu – Son & Daughter in law Radhika/ Keshav Kaul, • Rekha Mattoo & Er Vijay Mattoo – Daughter & Son in law Vatsala- Vamika Mattoo • Veena Sadhu Kaul (Pune)– Daughter (Aus.), Dr. Aastha Ganjoo- • Reeta Sadhu Ganjoo & Er. Deepak Ganjoo – Daughter & Son in law Divij Ganjoo Phone - +91 94191 16876, +91 97794 55587 * We are grateful to all the team members KMECT for श्रदाँजिल via zoom & AIKS/KSS C'garh-Ambala-Ludhiana-KP Sabha Jammu, all well-wishers for condolence messages A I K S naad INSIDE Vol. XXX No. 12 December 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) 04-05 Editorial -Sunil Raina Rajanaka

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 06-07 From the President’s Desk Col. Tej K. Tikoo Sunil Raina Rajanaka 08 General Secretary’s Column M. K. Pajan

EDITORIAL BOARD 09 News Folio Tej N Dhar Bansi Pandit 10-13 A Decisive Moment for Kashmir Leadership -Dr. K.N. Pandita C. L. Kaul 14-17 DDC Elections in Kashmir -Capt. S K Tikoo Prof. R.L. Shant Uma Kant Kachru 18- 19 Elections in Kashmir and Pakistan - Maj Gen (R) Harsha Kakar

20-24 Temple Heritage of Kashmir -Dr. R L Bhat AIKS Secretariat, New Delhi – Record of Vandalization 244, Sector - 3 R.K. Puram, New Delhi 25-28 Maqbool Sherwani 's Role in 1947 - Dr. Ramesh Tamiri 110022 29-31 Kashmir: Once Land of Saints and - Vuzmal Nehru Sufis Now Echo Hue and Cry Circulation Manager Hony Capt. Virender Rawat 9639740129 32-34 Brari Maej of Village Murran -Chander M Bhat 011-26107431 35-36 Trigger Finger -Dr. M K Mam

Circulation Feedback 37-41 An Interview With Community Artist -Shivani Bhan Dhar & Data Processing 42-43 Take Aways From Our History – Part II -Usha Munshi Bharti Raina Kaul 8130538867 / 9958154848 44-46 Swami Krishan Dass (Alias) -Suraj Krishan Koul Kintothji of Ichikote, Budgam (Kmr)

Layout & Design 47 Tribute - Prof. C. L. Sapru - Ramesh Manvati Pranav Koul Suman Kumar M/s Print Orbit 48-49 The Science of Knowing God -C L Kaloo

50-51 Bhargashika Mata of Martand -Vinod Tikoo DISCLAIMER Articles and readers’ letters do not 52-54 Brutalized Shrines & Temples - Upender Ambardar necessarily reflect the views of the Wailing - Echoes from Kashmir Editors or AIKS, Editors do not take responsibility for any errors of facts 55-57 Future Business : - Jyotsna Fotedar & Ash Raina that may have been expressed by the Opportunities and Collaboration writers. 58 One Day, You'll Reproach! - Smakshi Bhat THIS MONTH’S COVER This month cover page 59-63 Book Review -Dr. Tej N Dhar is showing the citizens 63-66 Naad Education Folio - Vijay Kashkari voting for DDC 67-68 AIKS Matrimonial Service elections Contact No. : 011-26107431/9958154848 E-mail: [email protected] Visit us at : www.aiks.org However, it is possible that there may be been often debated. For larger national From the some more attempts, to disrupt the ongoing interests, Kashmiri Hindus in Jammu and elections, but so far, Indian security forces e l s e w h e r e , h ave p a r t i c i p a t e d a n d Editor-in-Chief have been able to keep them at bay. Pakistan strengthened this election by casting their is worried that if people in Kashmir get the votes in their erstwhile constituencies. Few taste of real democracy and development, Kashmiri Pandit Panchs and Sarpanchs, then all their future plans of continuing to elected earlier, have genuinely worked for the wage jihad in Kashmir would go haywire. development of their villages, despite huge Therefore, security forces must keep high threats faced by them. Elected Kashmiri Political Change at Grass Root Level in JKUT vigil and make sure Pakistan is not allowed to Hindus have braved jihadi threats; some, like shatter peace in the valley. Security agencies Martyr Ajay Pandita, were even killed while Dear Readers, are also getting convinced that they were should also step up their efforts to detox the they were trying to uphold the democratic The UT of Jammu & Kashmir is going cheated by few dynasts all along these years. administration from the 'league of process. However, the community takes through a quiet transition after the ball was Overall, one can safely assume that this separatists and communal' elements. These solace in seeing that grass root democracy is set rolling for DDC elections. So far, the exercise would strengthen democratic elements need to be removed from the setup once again trying to take roots in the valley, response of the people to the democratic institutions and a new grassroot leadership to prevent them from creating hurdles in hoping that one day they would see peace process is encouraging;50% of the registered would emerge, who are committed to serve establishing healthy democratic institutions returning to their beloved valley, which voters have cast their votes. The violence-free people in true sense. in the Union Territory. would eventually see their return. Kashmiri elections have given hope to common man Initially the mainstream political parties What Does DDC Election Mean to Hindus' situation can be summed in the that rule of law will prevail. These elections like NC, PDP, PC had shown no inclination to Kashmiri Hindus? couplet; assume importance since these were held participate in these elections after they The larger question is - how would these Har Waqt Milte Hei Muje Aanjani Si Saza; post-abrogation of article 370/35A. The mere formed a new alliance under the banner of democratic exercises benefit the internally Mei Taqdeer Se Poochun Mera Kasoor Kya Hei participation by a decent percentage of over PAGD to oppose neutralisation of Article displaced Kashmiri Hindus? Their may not be 50% voters would mean people's acceptance 370/35A and had vowed to fight for its straight answers to this question, which has of central governments approach towards restoration. However, after Jammu Kashmir Kashmir. Therefore, these elections cannot be Apni Party decided to contest the elections, seen in isolation as this will have a strong the PAGD alliance was compelled to jump into impact at the ground level in coming days. the fray. The reasons for this are not far to Cartoon Corner seek; the Alliance constituents felt that they Grassroot Democracy - Anil Nakhasi Citizens of Jammu & Kashmir are earnestly would lose political ground to Apni Party, looking forward to grass-root democracy which would render them irrelevant. This flourishing, like what is prevalent across the would have made them powerless to other parts of the country. Peoples' influence Kashmir's politics in future. Hence, participation in contesting and voting is an better sense prevailed among them and as an indicator of their willingness to be part of this after thought, they too jumped into these great democratic exercise. Common peoples' elections. The news from the ground level concerns revolve around their basic indicates that election results would Communal league in valley certainly throw some surprises this time as amenities i.e., roads, drinking water, basic under their systematic plan health facilities and electricity. People are people yearn to see some change. looking forward to these elections to enhance Disruption of Elections have forced minority and improve connectivity, education, health- The evil state of Pakistan was, as usual, Hindus out of Kashmir and care and other necessary amenities which, till itching to disrupt the election process in now their plan is to remove recently, had eluded them, despite huge valley. The increased ceasefire violations and the religious symbols of amount of funds allocated to the erstwhile infiltration attempts from Pakistan are the state by successive central governments. signs of its desperation. The failed Nagrota Hindus and deprive them of People are repeatedly asking their erstwhile and Pulwama encounters are clear indicators their roots. legislators about their performance and that their planning and execution were both accusing them of swindling of funds. People foiled by Indian Army and State Police.

04 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 05 However, it is possible that there may be been often debated. For larger national From the some more attempts, to disrupt the ongoing interests, Kashmiri Hindus in Jammu and elections, but so far, Indian security forces e l s e w h e r e , h ave p a r t i c i p a t e d a n d Editor-in-Chief have been able to keep them at bay. Pakistan strengthened this election by casting their is worried that if people in Kashmir get the votes in their erstwhile constituencies. Few taste of real democracy and development, Kashmiri Pandit Panchs and Sarpanchs, then all their future plans of continuing to elected earlier, have genuinely worked for the wage jihad in Kashmir would go haywire. development of their villages, despite huge Therefore, security forces must keep high threats faced by them. Elected Kashmiri Political Change at Grass Root Level in JKUT vigil and make sure Pakistan is not allowed to Hindus have braved jihadi threats; some, like shatter peace in the valley. Security agencies Martyr Ajay Pandita, were even killed while Dear Readers, are also getting convinced that they were should also step up their efforts to detox the they were trying to uphold the democratic The UT of Jammu & Kashmir is going cheated by few dynasts all along these years. administration from the 'league of process. However, the community takes through a quiet transition after the ball was Overall, one can safely assume that this separatists and communal' elements. These solace in seeing that grass root democracy is set rolling for DDC elections. So far, the exercise would strengthen democratic elements need to be removed from the setup once again trying to take roots in the valley, response of the people to the democratic institutions and a new grassroot leadership to prevent them from creating hurdles in hoping that one day they would see peace process is encouraging;50% of the registered would emerge, who are committed to serve establishing healthy democratic institutions returning to their beloved valley, which voters have cast their votes. The violence-free people in true sense. in the Union Territory. would eventually see their return. Kashmiri elections have given hope to common man Initially the mainstream political parties What Does DDC Election Mean to Hindus' situation can be summed in the that rule of law will prevail. These elections like NC, PDP, PC had shown no inclination to Kashmiri Hindus? couplet; assume importance since these were held participate in these elections after they The larger question is - how would these Har Waqt Milte Hei Muje Aanjani Si Saza; post-abrogation of article 370/35A. The mere formed a new alliance under the banner of democratic exercises benefit the internally Mei Taqdeer Se Poochun Mera Kasoor Kya Hei participation by a decent percentage of over PAGD to oppose neutralisation of Article displaced Kashmiri Hindus? Their may not be 50% voters would mean people's acceptance 370/35A and had vowed to fight for its straight answers to this question, which has of central governments approach towards restoration. However, after Jammu Kashmir Kashmir. Therefore, these elections cannot be Apni Party decided to contest the elections, seen in isolation as this will have a strong the PAGD alliance was compelled to jump into impact at the ground level in coming days. the fray. The reasons for this are not far to Cartoon Corner seek; the Alliance constituents felt that they Grassroot Democracy - Anil Nakhasi Citizens of Jammu & Kashmir are earnestly would lose political ground to Apni Party, looking forward to grass-root democracy which would render them irrelevant. This flourishing, like what is prevalent across the would have made them powerless to other parts of the country. Peoples' influence Kashmir's politics in future. Hence, participation in contesting and voting is an better sense prevailed among them and as an indicator of their willingness to be part of this after thought, they too jumped into these great democratic exercise. Common peoples' elections. The news from the ground level concerns revolve around their basic indicates that election results would Communal league in valley certainly throw some surprises this time as amenities i.e., roads, drinking water, basic under their systematic plan health facilities and electricity. People are people yearn to see some change. looking forward to these elections to enhance Disruption of Elections have forced minority and improve connectivity, education, health- The evil state of Pakistan was, as usual, Hindus out of Kashmir and care and other necessary amenities which, till itching to disrupt the election process in now their plan is to remove recently, had eluded them, despite huge valley. The increased ceasefire violations and the religious symbols of amount of funds allocated to the erstwhile infiltration attempts from Pakistan are the state by successive central governments. signs of its desperation. The failed Nagrota Hindus and deprive them of People are repeatedly asking their erstwhile and Pulwama encounters are clear indicators their roots. legislators about their performance and that their planning and execution were both accusing them of swindling of funds. People foiled by Indian Army and State Police.

04 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 05 From the having already been dissolved. As it is, parties who have created oligarchies over President's Desk without political power, they had almost the years and represent vested interest. become irrelevant to the existing situation It’s a well-known fact that J&K, in Kashmir. Therefore, fighting these which has always counted among the most elections had become a dire necessity. In corrupt states in the country, has allowed the process, both parties went back on the so-called mainstream parties to keep their well-stated policy of not fighting any the state in their strangle hold mainly by election till the restoration of Article 370 speaking with a forked tongue. While & 35A. This time they did not even never allowing to loosen their control over DDC Elections in JKUT possess a fig leaf to cover their shame of the state’s political power, these parties having surrendered so meekly. have cared little for peoples’ welfare, It is quite clear that Pakistan, the he more than decent voter- demand repeal of Aug, 5, 2019, while building empires for their own turnout in the recently-conducted constitutional amendments that Separatist and their proxies in Kashmir are selves. The election to the District TDDC elections in JKUT has once neutralized Art 370 and 35 A and mortally scared of letting BJP establish Development Councils provides a way of again reinforced the truism that in reorganized the State into two union any roots in Kashmir. Nearly 15 BJP circumventing the politician-bureaucratic ‘Kashmir there is nothing straight except territories. They had categorically stated workers have been killed by the Jihadis in nexus that has been responsible for giving its poplar’. that they will not take part in any run-up to these elections in Kashmir birth to the scourge of corruption and its In the bone-chilling cold of election unless their demands are met. valley. This clearly proves that BJP seems perpetuation. Those getting elected to the Kashmir, during this part of the year, Therefore, it was a huge come-down for to be making a dent in the political DDC’s will hopefully be far more more than expected voter-turnout as these valley-based parties to fight these strongholds of Kashmir’s traditional answerable to the people in their own seen through serpentine queues in front elections, that too, not to become political parties. BJP supporters taking out districts compared to the erstwhile MLAs, of polling stations, was quite in contrast members of the Legislative Assembly big rallies in Kashmir and holding public who were never available to the common with what Kashmir witnessed only few but of the District Development meetings also proves that gradually BJP people to resolve their small/big years back. Stone pelting, lakhs turning Councils. What a loss of face! problems. With Sarpanchs/Panchs now out to attend the funeral of slain Similarly, the separatists too have has started making inroads into the complex polity of Kashmir. It is, therefore, forming the main links in chain of militants, massive crowds at Jama been opposing holding of elections in Panchayati Raj, it will be difficult for the possible that BJP might spring some Masjid baying for the blood of security Kashmir unless their demands were met. DDC to avoid accountability. People will surprises when the election results are forces are events so close to us that Only a couple of years back, the valley- ask questions, seek development, decide seeing such great enthusiasm among based parties had boycotted the announced. However, irrespective of on what they want and will ensure that those participating in District level elections on many occasions and in the whether BJP wins any seats are not, the funds allotted are wisely and purposefully elections, both as candidates or voters, last parliamentary elections Farooq party will consider the active and utilized. seemed unbelievable. Abdullah, the former Chief Minister and enthusiastic participation of people in the Such a political turn-around will be I am of the opinion that irrespective the Chairman of PAGD, had barely got a elections, a victory of sorts. good for the Union Territory. If Kashmiris of the results of these elections, total of ten thousand votes which saw It is likely that the newest party to vote to elect honest, committed and particularly in Kashmir Valley, it is a him enter the Lok Sabha. enter the poll-fray, the Jammu & Kashmir sincere people in place of oligarchs, it will win-win situation for the central govt. Actually, these mainstream Apni Party (JKAP), which owes its be a huge victory for the common The very fact that all those opposed to political parties, particularly the Jammu allegiance to the centre, is likely to win Kashmiri and a slap on the faces of those BJP were compelled to form a new & Kashmir National Conference who call themselves mainstream but are outfit, the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar (JKNC) and Peoples Democratic Party some seats. It is, therefore, likely that Kashmir Division will this time see new actually the masters of double-speak, Declaration (PAGD), wowing to stand (PDP) faced a Hobson’s choice. Had ambivalence, subterfuge and deceit. by the‘GupkarDeclaration’, is itself a they boycotted the elections, they would faces emerging on its political firmament. In a way, this will reflect a desire of the huge turn around in the political have lost complete hold over the - Col. Tej K. Tikoo landscape of Kashmir. Disparate political power structure of the state; people to elect those who they feel will Email : [email protected] political outfits had come together to what with the UT Legislative Assembly deliver, rather than choose those people/ Mob : 9899656400

06 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 07 From the having already been dissolved. As it is, parties who have created oligarchies over President's Desk without political power, they had almost the years and represent vested interest. become irrelevant to the existing situation It’s a well-known fact that J&K, in Kashmir. Therefore, fighting these which has always counted among the most elections had become a dire necessity. In corrupt states in the country, has allowed the process, both parties went back on the so-called mainstream parties to keep their well-stated policy of not fighting any the state in their strangle hold mainly by election till the restoration of Article 370 speaking with a forked tongue. While & 35A. This time they did not even never allowing to loosen their control over DDC Elections in JKUT possess a fig leaf to cover their shame of the state’s political power, these parties having surrendered so meekly. have cared little for peoples’ welfare, It is quite clear that Pakistan, the he more than decent voter- demand repeal of Aug, 5, 2019, while building empires for their own turnout in the recently-conducted constitutional amendments that Separatist and their proxies in Kashmir are selves. The election to the District TDDC elections in JKUT has once neutralized Art 370 and 35 A and mortally scared of letting BJP establish Development Councils provides a way of again reinforced the truism that in reorganized the State into two union any roots in Kashmir. Nearly 15 BJP circumventing the politician-bureaucratic ‘Kashmir there is nothing straight except territories. They had categorically stated workers have been killed by the Jihadis in nexus that has been responsible for giving its poplar’. that they will not take part in any run-up to these elections in Kashmir birth to the scourge of corruption and its In the bone-chilling cold of election unless their demands are met. valley. This clearly proves that BJP seems perpetuation. Those getting elected to the Kashmir, during this part of the year, Therefore, it was a huge come-down for to be making a dent in the political DDC’s will hopefully be far more more than expected voter-turnout as these valley-based parties to fight these strongholds of Kashmir’s traditional answerable to the people in their own seen through serpentine queues in front elections, that too, not to become political parties. BJP supporters taking out districts compared to the erstwhile MLAs, of polling stations, was quite in contrast members of the Legislative Assembly big rallies in Kashmir and holding public who were never available to the common with what Kashmir witnessed only few but of the District Development meetings also proves that gradually BJP people to resolve their small/big years back. Stone pelting, lakhs turning Councils. What a loss of face! problems. With Sarpanchs/Panchs now out to attend the funeral of slain Similarly, the separatists too have has started making inroads into the complex polity of Kashmir. It is, therefore, forming the main links in chain of militants, massive crowds at Jama been opposing holding of elections in Panchayati Raj, it will be difficult for the possible that BJP might spring some Masjid baying for the blood of security Kashmir unless their demands were met. DDC to avoid accountability. People will surprises when the election results are forces are events so close to us that Only a couple of years back, the valley- ask questions, seek development, decide seeing such great enthusiasm among based parties had boycotted the announced. However, irrespective of on what they want and will ensure that those participating in District level elections on many occasions and in the whether BJP wins any seats are not, the funds allotted are wisely and purposefully elections, both as candidates or voters, last parliamentary elections Farooq party will consider the active and utilized. seemed unbelievable. Abdullah, the former Chief Minister and enthusiastic participation of people in the Such a political turn-around will be I am of the opinion that irrespective the Chairman of PAGD, had barely got a elections, a victory of sorts. good for the Union Territory. If Kashmiris of the results of these elections, total of ten thousand votes which saw It is likely that the newest party to vote to elect honest, committed and particularly in Kashmir Valley, it is a him enter the Lok Sabha. enter the poll-fray, the Jammu & Kashmir sincere people in place of oligarchs, it will win-win situation for the central govt. Actually, these mainstream Apni Party (JKAP), which owes its be a huge victory for the common The very fact that all those opposed to political parties, particularly the Jammu allegiance to the centre, is likely to win Kashmiri and a slap on the faces of those BJP were compelled to form a new & Kashmir National Conference who call themselves mainstream but are outfit, the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar (JKNC) and Peoples Democratic Party some seats. It is, therefore, likely that Kashmir Division will this time see new actually the masters of double-speak, Declaration (PAGD), wowing to stand (PDP) faced a Hobson’s choice. Had ambivalence, subterfuge and deceit. by the‘GupkarDeclaration’, is itself a they boycotted the elections, they would faces emerging on its political firmament. In a way, this will reflect a desire of the huge turn around in the political have lost complete hold over the - Col. Tej K. Tikoo landscape of Kashmir. Disparate political power structure of the state; people to elect those who they feel will Email : [email protected] political outfits had come together to what with the UT Legislative Assembly deliver, rather than choose those people/ Mob : 9899656400

06 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 07 N E W S F O L I O Maharaj K. Pajan

Acharya Kshemaraja Jayanti Celebrations General Secretary's Column (28th to 30th November 2020)

AIKS Intercommunication philanthropists contributed to this noble cause so th November 30 marked the birth were organized. On the final day, there were Because of COVID-19, AIKS cannot carry that help can reach certain unprivileged members meetings with its members in the physical form of the community who have been impacted by anniversary of Acharya Kshemaraja, a two important talks. One by Prof M L although the office remains open on working days COVID-19 particularly those we lost their means luminary in the sphere of Kashmir Shaivism. Kukiloo, a well-known scholar and disciple of with a skeleton staff. The President and some key of livelihood due to impact of the pandemic. A few Hailing from Bijbihara in Kashmir, Acharya Swami Lakshmanjoo Maharaj and second by office bearers attend office on specific days. In the cases were considered for help and beneficiaries Kshemaraja, lived around 10th-11th century. Dr. Mark Dyczkowski, an eminent scholar of pandemic, most of the meetings were conducted were identified and paid reasonable amount He was the student of famous saint scholar Kashmir Shaivism. All the talks were very over virtual platforms. A few webinars were also initially for three months and consequently for Acharya Abhinavagupta, the Shaiva yogi par well received by all the listeners. The event held to deliberate on key issues. The President and three additional months. excellence from Kashmir, who gave the concluded by the singing of Bhairav Stotra other members of the core-committee interact A series of meetings were held to review and precious jewels of Shaiva literature such as and Lal Vaaks by the noted Kashmiri Singer consider how to move forward and give relief, to frequently through con-calls or hold virtual Tantraloka among others. Acharya Sh. Dalip Langoo. meetings. The AIKS managing task force members more families. AIKS is identifying such needy Abhinavagupta, had many worthy disciples, have done their utmost not to hamper the routine cases and will continue to support such persons. At The entire programme over three days work and resolve the important matters concerning the same time we appeal to our brethren to come and chief among them was Acharya was anchored by Sunil Raina Rajanaka and the welfare of the community. forward and supplement our efforts through their Kshemaraja. This year, for the first time, several well supported by Sh Rakesh Kaul and Ms contributions so that none suffers for want of organizations, led by the Ishwar Ashram Trust Letter to the Hon'ble Home Minister Sarah Gates. money. and including Swami Ram Shaiva Ashram, The Union Home Minister, through a letter was A series of talks was also organized by informed that the delimitation commission needs KOA, USA Elects New President Anuttara Trika Kula Organization and Department of Sanskrit, SDHDR&T center of to pay attention to the displaced community and Kashmir Overseas Association, USA (KOA) has Himalayan Heritage foundation came together S D College, Ambala Cantt, Darshan Yoga strengthen their democratic right by empowering elected Dr. Archana Kakroo as its new president. to celebrate this event. Sansthan Dalhousie, Himalayan Heritage them. AIKS President, through a greeting message has The celebrations spanned over three days Foundation and Ishwar Ashram Trust congratulated the elected President. The th th HM was apprised that the Government has beginning from 28 November through 30 Acharya Kshemaraja's contribution to issued instructions for reservation of seats for congratulatory message signifies, “AIKS conveys November. Eminent faculty were brought in several disadvantaged sections of the society in the its warm felicitations to Dr. Archana Kakroo on the Kashmir Shaivism Philosophy has been to hold a series of educations and research immense. He was amongst the very few Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, includes being elected as President of Kashmir Overseas talks online. The inaugural session was taken Gujjars, Bakerwals, Paharis, other nomadic tribes, disciples of Acharya Abhinavgupta, who Association, USA. KOA has been a steadfast by the eminent scholar of Kashmir Shaiva etc. AIKS also pointed out that Kashmiri Pandits affiliate of our organization and has actively apart from being a practicing Yogi, are no less disadvantaged than these groups participated in all AIKS activities/ initiatives over Philosophy, Dr.Navjeevan Rastogi, who contributed a lot to the propagation and mentioned above. the years. KOA has worked tirelessly to render dwelled on the philosophy of Kashmir literature of Kashmir Shaivism. His works Under the circumstances, the Home Minister humanitarian assistance to our displaced Shaivism and presented several examples of include the commentaries of serious Shaiva was requested that the Delimitation Commission community members residing in various camps at the great contribution of Acharya Kshemaraja treat us as a disadvantaged section of the society text such as Swachandatantra and Netratantra Jammu and other places. AIKS is privileged to in his talk. on one hand, and devotional texts such as and provide us with reservation of seats in the State have KOA as one of its most valuable affiliates. Sh Moti Lal Pandit gave a very lucid talk Legislature/Parliament. Kashmiri Pandits be We hope that under the new President, KOA Shivastotravali and Stavachintamini, on the allotted three reserved seats in the State legislature on Sunday related to the Kashmir Shaiva will continue to strengthen its bonds with AIKS other, thus conveying the vast dimension of and one seat in the Lok Sabha was the demand put Philosophy and Acharya Kshemaraja. Mr. his intellect and understanding. forth to the union government. We hope the towards the good of our displaced community. Rattan Parimoo, a noted artist, took pains to genuine demand made on behalf of the community We convey our best wishes to Dr. Archana make an illustration of Acharya Kshemaraja. We sincerely hope and pray that his Birth is considered by the government. Kakroo in her new assignment and assure her of th Jayanti takes all of us one step closer to the our support to KOA” On Sunday, 29 Nov a handmade painting of Review of Donation the great Shaiva master was released by the final aim of self realization. On the appeal of President AIKS, to help the Email: [email protected] noted artist Mr. Ravi Dhar. Compiled by Dr Anusheel Munshi deprived members of the society, many community Mob.: 9910166993 On the final day, several talks and events (Trustee Ishwar Ashram)

08 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 09 N E W S F O L I O Maharaj K. Pajan

Acharya Kshemaraja Jayanti Celebrations General Secretary's Column (28th to 30th November 2020)

08 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 09 Dear Sunil Raina Rajanaka Ji, Editor-in-Chief Namaskar and hearty congratulations for this excellent issue of NAAD. Your untiring efforts have taken Naad to new heights. You have, without resources, further improved quality, content, topicality, design, presentation of Naad to ensure that it is Community voice. It is responsibility of Community to forward and strengthen it with all the required resources. I once again congratulate you for all the hard work. Yours Sincerely Ajey Bharti, Ex MLC

Dear Sunil Raina Rajanaka Ji, Editor-in-Chief Received the e-journal Naad and could not resist the urge to go through it in the middle of the night. I must that and congratulate you for this special issue on Lal Ded. I attended two or three talks so far on Lal Ded. You are quite right in illustrating how our cultural icons have been/are being appropriated in the Semitic framework. You may remember how the whole ancient Greece which was pagan and Oriental, became the victim of appropriation and became Occidental and Christian during the Renaissance. Kashmir is another live example of this hunting culture that treats the 'others' as their fodder. I have seen the reaction of Mr. MM Zafar on the image of Yogini Lal Ded. That image of Shiva-Yogini is the image of protest and an awakening from the age-old slumber caused by radical Islam. We must popularize this image. Like our great mystic poet Kabir, We ll certainly not allow another mystic poet to be their prey. Their principle is very simple: Appropriate the cultural and intellectual icons and those who cannot be appropriated just erase them from the mass memory. Think of Abhinavagupta! Yours Sincerely Dr. Rajnish Mishra HoD Sanskrit, JNU

Dear Sunil Raina Rajanaka Ji, Editor-in-Chief Sunil Ji has been bringing best of the special issues of Naad on great sages and Yoginis very well researched and in-depth articles on Mata Laleshwari. You have infused a new life into this magazine, by involving various stakeholders. The heartbreaking series of stories of from terror victims, special numbers on sage

Bhadrapada - Ashvina - Adhik Ashvina 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî OCTOBER 2020 11

We are aware that Kashmiris are eager to solace and strength to their “freedom dovetail their cause to a wider Islamic movement” are difficult to materialize in given resurgence phenomenon in the Asian region. Of circumstances. There is a new and realistic view COVER STORY - Dr. K.N. Pandita course, most Muslims are conscious of various of the Kashmir issue with many Arab Islamic Islamic resurgence movements and the Arab States. Western powers, including the US, assess Spring is its latest manifestation. On a the Kashmir issue from a different trajectory psychological and historical basis, there is after the UN and the US State Department nothing wrong in that. But the point is that slapped a ban on some terrorist organizations Kashmiri Muslims cannot underestimate that based on Pakistani soil. Osama bin Laden was after independence India adopted the path of found hiding in a residential complex not far A Decisive Moment for democracy, secularism and egalitarianism as the away from the GHQ in Rawalpindi. Pakistan political arrangement of the Indian nation with a Prime Minister was honest in conceding that 30 Hindu majority. The travesty is that some to 40 thousand radicalized terrorists were Kashmir Leadership Valley-centric leaders, blind to the dynamics of roaming the length and breadth of that country. history, would go to the length of accusing India Moreover, owing to Pakistan's failure to contain he decision of the Peoples' Alliance for present. No doubt this is a healthy sign of the for not talking to Pakistan because “the latter is a and control illegal funding to the home-based Gupkar Declaration to participate in the revival of democracy in J&K. Muslim State.” They forget that terrorist organizations, she has Tgrassroots election process viz. DDC, Some political analysts are of the view that Bangladesh, a Muslim dominated By abandoning the not been able to escape from the Local Bodies and Panchayats in the Union the mainstream political parties have abandoned region separated from Pakistan “grey list” syndrome of FATF. Territory, is a sensible and pragmatic one. What their earlier reticent and even non-cooperative mainland by giving the sacrifice negative approach Perhaps the time has come has made them break the jinx is the realization of attitude because of the lurking fear of erosion of of millions of people. for the ordinary Kashmiris to the damage they chose to inflict on their their popularity in a prospect of the boycott call. For a country like India with the alliance look around and also inwards respective political parties by adopting an By leaving the political battlefield vacant for the immense diversities, the adoption rather than become euphoric indifferent attitude towards the democratic BJP, as in previous Panchayat elections, the of secular democracy is of utmost partners have about chasing an unattainable significance. It indirectly means wild dream. Unfortunately, it has conceding the rights and shown political been the bane of most of the less privileges of the minorities of maturity which the developed West Asian and various hues in the country. No Middle East societies to remain Islamic country has any masses of people glued to a politicized rather than a commitment of that kind with its reformative religion. Though minorities. Rather, the history of will certainly belatedly, even Saudi Arabia, the the Caliphate is clear about the known bastion of orthodoxy, has State policy towards religious appreciate. begun to feel the necessity of meaning non-Islamic minorities. keeping pace with the fast Apart from this, the political environment advancing scientific and technological in the South Asian region at this point of time is achievements of the developed countries with not comparable to what it was during the tremendous impact on life. previous elections for the assembly, or the Religious, emotional and social parliament or the local bodies in our country. connectivity apart, the people in the valley need The fissures in the unity among the members of to make a dispassionate and realistic the OIC and the revolt of some non-Semitic appreciation of the evolving socio-political Muslim nations spearheaded by Turkey, construct in the neighbouring country and process in the past. By abandoning the negative mainstream political parties in the valley have Pakistan and Malaysia pose a serious challenge dovetail it to their perceptions. The first approach the alliance partners have shown unwittingly provided space to BJP for upturning to the influence of the OIC. Being a creation of onslaught of modernism or the age of advanced political maturity which the masses of people the turf to facilitate their game plan. The gunning Saudi Arabia, the centripetal force for the science and technology on the Islamic mind is will certainly appreciate. It also indicates down of no fewer than 18 BJP activists in the Muslim world, a revolt directed against the OIC that it throws a serious challenge to the lessening of pressure hither to exert by the length and breadth of the valley during past one cannot be expected to sail smoothly through the exclusivist ideology of any community because separatists in the context of elections. The yearby the gun-wielding “freedom fighters” and disturbed waters of the Middle East politics. of geo-economic constraints. Nations do not and mainstream political leadership should feel the unwillingness of the mainstream parties to The expectations aroused by Pakistan for cannot work with an exclusivist hangover. emboldened to take a considered decision share the grief of the victims of violence will take the Kashmir Valley majority group that the The argument that by embracing particularly at crucial stages like the one at its toll in the impending elections. OIC's resolutions on Kashmir would bring inclusiveness, the Kashmirian or for that matter

10 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 11 Dear Sunil Raina Rajanaka Ji, Editor-in-Chief Namaskar and hearty congratulations for this excellent issue of NAAD. Your untiring efforts have taken Naad to new heights. You have, without resources, further improved quality, content, topicality, design, presentation of Naad to ensure that it is Community voice. It is responsibility of Community to forward and strengthen it with all the required resources. I once again congratulate you for all the hard work. Yours Sincerely Ajey Bharti, Ex MLC

Bhadrapada - Ashvina - Adhik Ashvina 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî OCTOBER 2020 11

10 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 11 the Indian Muslims will lose their identity or after the British left India? pious Muslims. Therefore, in such a prospect the old Islam. It is to bring about slow, silent, distinctiveness is only a figment of the Unfortunately, Kashmiri mind has been question of giving equal treatment to non- rational and hurtless reform in the very mindset imagination. Democracy and openness are polluted to the extent against democracy that it Muslims in an Islamic State did not arise. of the Muslims of India. There are many takers contrary to exclusiveness, rather its antithesis. cannot think beyond a half-century or a century Consequently, democracy and secularism were and there are many who oppose it. However, the Because the economy is the sheet anchor of from now. It is very uncharitable on the part of not choices. consolation is that all these changes though survival for any society, Kashmir is need to think the propagators of political philosophy to be on A significant change ushered in by touching the bottom of social structure, are of long term policy particularly when the the wrong foot. modernism is that the importance has shifted undertaken silently and without fanfare. That is economy of the region is not only fragile but Democracy is a long and trying process. It from religion to economy. The relationship the right way how the reforms can be absorbed entirely dependent on external boost up. has no quick fixes and no cut and dried among nations essentially depends on the and how their impact can be indisputable. We Efforts are made in several Islamic solutions. Democracy is an experiment quality and quantity of economic transactions also need to learn from the Soviet experience in countries to water down the fundamental criteria undertaken with patience and forbearance. After that take place between or among them if the the Central Asian Islamic States. Of all Islamic of the Westminster type a thousand years of democratic trade is multi-cornered. The Industrial countries, the Central Asian Republics have democracy or at least to dovetail rule, the UK continues with its Revolution of 1688 A.D in Europe is a landmark shown remarkable maturity in putting religion it to what is obtainable from the history of bringing amendments, event in the evolution of modernity and the age and politics in their respective compartments. skullduggery of interpretation of new laws, discarding the old ones of reason. (The writer is the former Director of the the Quranic verses. The kid- and reforming the society just Secular and democratic India is making the Centre of Central Asian Studies, University of glove treatment to the scriptural because they have a living, greatest experiment ever made in the 14 century- Kashmir, Srinagar) fundamentals seems difficult to vibrant and result-oriented succeed. Democracy, secularism democracy. India is also pursuing and egalitarianism are deskbook the same path and expects the versions of long experience same results. The Tale of Bess, The Lion through which the political What Kashmiris need to do theoreticians have journeyed. Democracy is a long is to study the Islamic history Misha was brave -Diya Bhat Often, a question is asked by dispassionately and find out if She lived in a cave the younger generation that if and trying process. It there was any Islamic regime at Let's listen to her story India was partitioned in 1947 any point of time in the history That she wrote in her diary Furious now Misha Tess and Jess were based on religion, why the has no quick fixes when such regimes ruled in a Tess said to Jess, use your fur Muslims should continue to be in democratic and secular manner? I Her pet cat loved her. They taunted each other India and such large numbers? and no cut and dried don't think there was any. The Misha loved her fur. Jess said to Tess, you use your feathers The answer is simple. Indian solutions. Democracy Saracens, the Turks, the She lived with a lion and a parrot Tess said to Jess you use your cat brain National Congress-led the Ottomans, the Timurids, the Parrot loved Misha but hated a carrot. Misha angrily threw Jess and Tess in the rain freedom struggle against the is an experiment Mughals, the Safavids, the colonial power not based on Mamluks, take any of them; none The lion was not fearless. She went to Bess religion but on the basis of undertaken with ever practised democracy and His name was Bess. And gave her a kiss democratic rights of the people of secularism as the loadstar of Being a boy he was called a girl Bess went to Tess and Jess India. The Muslims of India patience and statecraft. Not only that. The non- Since he cannot even scare a Merle And they left the cave contributed to the national forbearance. Muslim communities called the He used to fear a lot struggle as ardently as the people dhimmis were treated outside the He never fought Misha regretted, of any other faith did, the Sikhs, pale of ordinary subjects of the As Misha, Tess and Jess thought And she lamented. the Parsees, the Buddhists etc. How could they Islamic State. Numerous restrictions were A fox came by, be ignored or sidelined if they desired to imposed on their religious practices; they were Misha used to laugh at Bess. And he in his muffled voice said cry and cry and cry. continue to live in India and not migrate to the to wear a specific black or green armband to She even brought Bess a dress! Misha was his new target newly formed Dominion of Pakistan? After all, distinguish them from the rest of the populace Parrot whose name was Tess, Misha was fidgeting Pakistan was the new avatar of colonial ideology and hence entitled to a different treatment. The Laughed and laughed and laughed on Bess. where the landlords, either living in Pakistan or history of the Caliphate is replete with such migrated from India, harboured feudalist sordid stories. Cat who was called Jess, Bess saw him mentality and the construct of that society. Islam polarized human population into two She supported Misha and mocked Bess. And gobbled him Kashmiris had waged a freedom struggle of broad segments – the Ahl-e-Imaan meaning the Bess also laughed when they mocked him, Misha saw Bess' brave act forty long years to get rid of feudalism. How faithful and the kafirs meaning the heretics. The He didn't care when they used to grin And then she made a pact come they would find comfort and treatment meted out to the heretics was He only cared about Misha, Tess and Jess That no one would ever taunt anyone reconciliation with a feudalist system evolving universally followed by the moments or the Unlike the other three, he never used to fuss And then all the four hugged and played with fun!

12 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 13 the Indian Muslims will lose their identity or after the British left India? pious Muslims. Therefore, in such a prospect the old Islam. It is to bring about slow, silent, distinctiveness is only a figment of the Unfortunately, Kashmiri mind has been question of giving equal treatment to non- rational and hurtless reform in the very mindset imagination. Democracy and openness are polluted to the extent against democracy that it Muslims in an Islamic State did not arise. of the Muslims of India. There are many takers contrary to exclusiveness, rather its antithesis. cannot think beyond a half-century or a century Consequently, democracy and secularism were and there are many who oppose it. However, the Because the economy is the sheet anchor of from now. It is very uncharitable on the part of not choices. consolation is that all these changes though survival for any society, Kashmir is need to think the propagators of political philosophy to be on A significant change ushered in by touching the bottom of social structure, are of long term policy particularly when the the wrong foot. modernism is that the importance has shifted undertaken silently and without fanfare. That is economy of the region is not only fragile but Democracy is a long and trying process. It from religion to economy. The relationship the right way how the reforms can be absorbed entirely dependent on external boost up. has no quick fixes and no cut and dried among nations essentially depends on the and how their impact can be indisputable. We Efforts are made in several Islamic solutions. Democracy is an experiment quality and quantity of economic transactions also need to learn from the Soviet experience in countries to water down the fundamental criteria undertaken with patience and forbearance. After that take place between or among them if the the Central Asian Islamic States. Of all Islamic of the Westminster type a thousand years of democratic trade is multi-cornered. The Industrial countries, the Central Asian Republics have democracy or at least to dovetail rule, the UK continues with its Revolution of 1688 A.D in Europe is a landmark shown remarkable maturity in putting religion it to what is obtainable from the history of bringing amendments, event in the evolution of modernity and the age and politics in their respective compartments. skullduggery of interpretation of new laws, discarding the old ones of reason. (The writer is the former Director of the the Quranic verses. The kid- and reforming the society just Secular and democratic India is making the Centre of Central Asian Studies, University of glove treatment to the scriptural because they have a living, greatest experiment ever made in the 14 century- Kashmir, Srinagar) fundamentals seems difficult to vibrant and result-oriented succeed. Democracy, secularism democracy. India is also pursuing and egalitarianism are deskbook the same path and expects the versions of long experience same results. The Tale of Bess, The Lion through which the political What Kashmiris need to do theoreticians have journeyed. Democracy is a long is to study the Islamic history Misha was brave -Diya Bhat Often, a question is asked by dispassionately and find out if She lived in a cave the younger generation that if and trying process. It there was any Islamic regime at Let's listen to her story India was partitioned in 1947 any point of time in the history That she wrote in her diary Furious now Misha Tess and Jess were based on religion, why the has no quick fixes when such regimes ruled in a Tess said to Jess, use your fur Muslims should continue to be in democratic and secular manner? I Her pet cat loved her. They taunted each other India and such large numbers? and no cut and dried don't think there was any. The Misha loved her fur. Jess said to Tess, you use your feathers The answer is simple. Indian solutions. Democracy Saracens, the Turks, the She lived with a lion and a parrot Tess said to Jess you use your cat brain National Congress-led the Ottomans, the Timurids, the Parrot loved Misha but hated a carrot. Misha angrily threw Jess and Tess in the rain freedom struggle against the is an experiment Mughals, the Safavids, the colonial power not based on Mamluks, take any of them; none The lion was not fearless. She went to Bess religion but on the basis of undertaken with ever practised democracy and His name was Bess. And gave her a kiss democratic rights of the people of secularism as the loadstar of Being a boy he was called a girl Bess went to Tess and Jess India. The Muslims of India patience and statecraft. Not only that. The non- Since he cannot even scare a Merle And they left the cave contributed to the national forbearance. Muslim communities called the He used to fear a lot struggle as ardently as the people dhimmis were treated outside the He never fought Misha regretted, of any other faith did, the Sikhs, pale of ordinary subjects of the As Misha, Tess and Jess thought And she lamented. the Parsees, the Buddhists etc. How could they Islamic State. Numerous restrictions were A fox came by, be ignored or sidelined if they desired to imposed on their religious practices; they were Misha used to laugh at Bess. And he in his muffled voice said cry and cry and cry. continue to live in India and not migrate to the to wear a specific black or green armband to She even brought Bess a dress! Misha was his new target newly formed Dominion of Pakistan? After all, distinguish them from the rest of the populace Parrot whose name was Tess, Misha was fidgeting Pakistan was the new avatar of colonial ideology and hence entitled to a different treatment. The Laughed and laughed and laughed on Bess. where the landlords, either living in Pakistan or history of the Caliphate is replete with such migrated from India, harboured feudalist sordid stories. Cat who was called Jess, Bess saw him mentality and the construct of that society. Islam polarized human population into two She supported Misha and mocked Bess. And gobbled him Kashmiris had waged a freedom struggle of broad segments – the Ahl-e-Imaan meaning the Bess also laughed when they mocked him, Misha saw Bess' brave act forty long years to get rid of feudalism. How faithful and the kafirs meaning the heretics. The He didn't care when they used to grin And then she made a pact come they would find comfort and treatment meted out to the heretics was He only cared about Misha, Tess and Jess That no one would ever taunt anyone reconciliation with a feudalist system evolving universally followed by the moments or the Unlike the other three, he never used to fuss And then all the four hugged and played with fun!

12 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 13 residence of Dr. Farooq Abdullah on this day color only when the state flag is hoisting like it i.e., 4 Aug 2019, one day prior to the decision of used to. the Parliament abrogating Art 370 and 35A. While the UT administration was running COVER STORY -Capt. S K Tikoo These parties made a joint declaration, called the smoothly, with hardly any protests, not a single Gupkar Declaration. They resolved, in the stone pelting incident, the separatists and the Declaration, to unite and collectively fight for half separatists Under Ground and Over Ground defending the 'identity', 'autonomy' and 'special workers of banned anti-national groups, having status' of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. It gone into hibernation. It seems, the government seems, Altaf Bukhari, the President of Jammu wisely thought it fit, to call for elections to Kashmir Apni Party, has a point. When being DDCs, probably for two reasons. First, these accused of having met the Prime Minister and DDCs would be represented by those elected by the Home Minister of India, after the State was the masses and second and more important, the downgraded to UT and divided into two UT's, he general masses could approach these elected said in a public speech that, days before Aug 5, leaders for redressal of grievances, more freely 2019, some VVIPs (he didn't name them, but he than, the present system of getting any job done was pointing towards Dr. Farooq Abdullah, at the bureaucratic level. Earlier too, when the Omar Abdullah, etc.) had had a long meeting elections to Panchayats to elect Panchas and with the Prime Minister in Delhi, and then asked Sarpanchas, or elections to Urban Local Bodies the audience, “Do we conclude, that they were in were conducted, after the Panchayat Act was collusion with or in know of, the GoI's move to made applicable, to the erstwhile State of J&K, abrogate the Art 370 and 35 A and also divide the mainstream parties of the Valley had, by & large, State into two Union Territories ………?” He boycotted these elections. Most of the stopped at that, but dropped broad hints that he Panchs/Sarpanchs got elected, unopposed or

Omar Abdullah was emphatic, when he, on behalf of all these ‘main stream’ parties, declared that, they will not Participate in any of the elections, till they did not achieve the goal of restoring DDC Elections in Kashmir the Art 370. was in know of much more, that could expose after winning a token contest. Kashmiri Pandits, lections in Kashmir, always throw Let us start with “Garland Tactics” – a new these “DYNASTIES”. Incidentally, Congress living as refugees in their own country for the something unique, and it is immaterial coinage. Well, it started in Bunkoot village of was not physically present, when these seven so last 30 years, were easy cannon fodder to fight Ewhether the elections are held for Bandipora District, where PDP, claimed that it called mainstream leaders met at Dr. Farooq's these elections and most of them got elected too, Panchayats or the LOK Sabha. Elections to had won 2 Sarpanchs and 34 Panchs, Gupkar residence. These leaders again met, on to head or represent Panchayats or Urban Local DDCs' – District Development Councils (being unopposed. The truth is however, different. 22 Aug 2020, after the release of their leaders Bodies of those vary villages from where they held for the first time in the UT of Jammu and These elected Panchs/Sarpanchs, were from and reiterated their resolve to fight collectively were forcibly evicted by Islamists in 1989-90. Kashmir) are keeping the tradition of throwing Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP). Wearing and untidily to achieve the goals set in the Visiting their villages regularly, it goes to their something different alive. These elections the garlands offered by the PDP, these newly Gupkar Declaration. Omar Abdullah was credit that they did an honest job and cannot be seen in isolation, People's Alliance for elected guys coolly walked into their office of emphatic, when he, on behalf of all these 'main improvements in their villages, neglected for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) and DDC elections JKAP, surprising every one over there, by their stream parties, declared that, they will Not decades were quite visible. They had to pay a are complimentary to each other. It appears, as if appearance with garlands on. So the word, Participate In Any Of The Elections, till they did price, sometimes, with their lives, for keeping the PAGD was born for DDC elections-making spread – Garland Tactics, and witty Kashmiris, not achieve the goal of restoring the Art 370. the grass root level democracy alive in the these elections, colourful, bitterly contested with started mocking their erstwhile colleagues, (in Mehbooba Mufti, soon thereafter, went a valley. Worse is, the radicalized state no holds barred, seeing three ex-chief ministers, PDP, NC, Congress) – Sarpanch Nahin – Posh seditious step further, she was furious, administration, didn't co-operate with these besides any number of ex-cabinet ministers, ex- Maal Sahih. aggressive in her press conference, where she genuine peoples representatives, whose all legislators and political 'touch-me-not', adding We will go back a year or so, August 4, spectacularly, mocked Tri-color and efforts were aimed at ameliorating the lot of flavour to otherwise, an election, that is not 2019. The so called seven main stream political treacherously displayed her love for the flag of residents of their respective Panchayats all of going to elect a legislative assembly and none of People's leaders of the valley, after sensing the erstwhile State of J&K. She too declared that, whom were Kashmiri Muslims. In our kind of these elected, is going to be the Chief Minister possibility of Central Government meddling they will not participate in any elections, till Act electoral democracy, you have to put up with its either. with Article 370 and 35A, met at Gupkar 370 is restored and she would recognise the tri- hazards, like it is immaterial whether you get

14 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 15 residence of Dr. Farooq Abdullah on this day color only when the state flag is hoisting like it i.e., 4 Aug 2019, one day prior to the decision of used to. the Parliament abrogating Art 370 and 35A. While the UT administration was running COVER STORY -Capt. S K Tikoo These parties made a joint declaration, called the smoothly, with hardly any protests, not a single Gupkar Declaration. They resolved, in the stone pelting incident, the separatists and the Declaration, to unite and collectively fight for half separatists Under Ground and Over Ground defending the 'identity', 'autonomy' and 'special workers of banned anti-national groups, having status' of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. It gone into hibernation. It seems, the government seems, Altaf Bukhari, the President of Jammu wisely thought it fit, to call for elections to Kashmir Apni Party, has a point. When being DDCs, probably for two reasons. First, these accused of having met the Prime Minister and DDCs would be represented by those elected by the Home Minister of India, after the State was the masses and second and more important, the downgraded to UT and divided into two UT's, he general masses could approach these elected said in a public speech that, days before Aug 5, leaders for redressal of grievances, more freely 2019, some VVIPs (he didn't name them, but he than, the present system of getting any job done was pointing towards Dr. Farooq Abdullah, at the bureaucratic level. Earlier too, when the Omar Abdullah, etc.) had had a long meeting elections to Panchayats to elect Panchas and with the Prime Minister in Delhi, and then asked Sarpanchas, or elections to Urban Local Bodies the audience, “Do we conclude, that they were in were conducted, after the Panchayat Act was collusion with or in know of, the GoI's move to made applicable, to the erstwhile State of J&K, abrogate the Art 370 and 35 A and also divide the mainstream parties of the Valley had, by & large, State into two Union Territories ………?” He boycotted these elections. Most of the stopped at that, but dropped broad hints that he Panchs/Sarpanchs got elected, unopposed or

14 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 15 elected un-opposed, or by even a single vote cast residence Fairview – an old palace of Maharaja Pulwama was barely 2%. Trivita as they hold up their worked fingers after in a Lok Sabha constituency, you represented the Hari Singh, situated on the foothills of Something spectacular is happening in casting their votes on Friday, Dec 4, “today, our whole constituency in the Parliament. However, Zabarwan, overlooking majestic Dal Lake. This Kashmir, it is both delightful and surprising, Top wish to vote once in our life-time was fulfilled”, the PAGD had a rethinking, soon after the Fairview is spread over acres of priceless land. BJP leaders like Shah Nawaz, Mukhtar Naqvi said the couple. Chand and his wife are West elections to DDCs were announced. They She goes campaigning, guarded by elite Black are campaigning in the valley. Shah Nawaz is Pakistan refugees, who fled to India during thought, and wisely so, that boycotting these Cat Commandoes and she spews venom against staying but, he has been there for almost a month Partition in 1947. Along with nearly 1.5 Lakh elections, would further isolate them, and they India. When I talked to someone in the valley, to and he is in no hurry to call it a day. He must be others, they became eligible to vote in J&K local would have no say in the local administration, find out, why PAGD Candidates were not enjoying the hospitality – typical and traditional elections, after the abrogation of Article 370 last secondly, their estimation was that they were a allowed a free movement for canvassing, I was Kashmiri style, whether in far flung villages of year. Their village CHAK JAFFER wore a monolith, a Goliath, an entity that couldn't be told there was no truth in it, all candidates were Kupwara district in North Kashmir or in the festive look. People, old and young, danced to defeated, besides, their well wishers and 'handlers' given accommodation in protected and secure pocket borough of Muftis – Khannabal drumbeats as they celebrated “independence” in Delhi advised them not to miss this opportunity hotels/lodges, and requested to inform the Anantnag in South Kashmir. He must be and shedding the “unwanted citizens' tag”. to prove their 'mass popularity' well, they decided officer in charge Security, about their tour pleasantly surprised, when he is received by Everyone gains in these elections, these to fight the DDC elections in full force. programmes 24 hrs in advance, most of them enthusiastic crowds, with women singing folk elections will ensure the developments of all the Distribution of seats amongst them, was chose to enjoy the hospitality of the state and songs, while dancing ROUF dance and all of districts, funds are aplenty and those elected, done, apparently, smoothly to the satisfaction of stay put in the free lodging (boarding too) them, men and women, raising rhythmic belonging to any party or even independents, are all, however, Congress decided to fight the provided by the government. slogans, vociferously' answerable to their electorate once their term is Naqli Shera Vatth Wyan Dera over, so they, in all probability will work hard Asli Shera Aa Gaya and honestly to achieve their goals. However, Rashvat Khora Vatth Wyan Dera There Is One Large Section, That Will Not be Asli Shera Aa Gaya Benefitted at all, by these elections – and they All these dancing, BJP flag hoisting, are us – The Aborigines of Kashmir – Kashmiri sloganeering, boisterous reception crowds, were Pandits, because we have no districts.

Imagine, a public meeting held in Bandipora, where an enthusiastic crowd of near 2000 (the ground could hold no more) braved the falling snow and extreme cold for hours to listen to their JKAP leaders, Altaf Bukhari, Ghulam Hussain Mir and Usman Majid.

not hiding their identity, nay, they were keen to Government of India could have easily declared be seen in front of the video camera. Or imagine, Jagti and other Kashmiri Pandit refugee camps a public meeting held in Bandipora, where an in Jammu as an additional though temporary enthusiastic crowd of near 2000 (the ground district (in Exile) for the sole purpose of DDC could hold no more) braved the falling snow and Election but they did not do so. Why? Because elections as part of the PAGD yet not counted as First and second phase saw sizeable extreme cold for hours to listen to their JKAP Kashmiri Pandits are expandable. one of them. NC got the lion's share and their turnout in the valley, when compared to leaders, Altaf Bukhari, Ghulam Hussain Mir “Rumour mill in the valley is spinning out campaign was vitriolic, aggressive, sometimes elections held previously, but it also started and Usman Majid. that top leadership of PAGD has reached some bordering sedition. They went for the kill, ringing alarm bells in PAGD circles. Voting Something extra-ordinary and un- kind of agreement with an influential section of whole-hog against BJP and JKAP that they percentage in the strongholds of PDP (Jamaat-i- imaginable too happened this election and it powers that be and common Kashmiri who named as King's Party. Islam) in South Kashmir was abysmally low. happened this side of Pir-panchal, a large voted against them is apprehensive that it might Initial stages of the campaign, after filing Not only that, more and more candidates, number of J&K residents, living in Jammu area be a repetition of 1987. Hopefully not. the nomination papers by candidates of various jumped into the election fray, against the official for over 70 years, voted for the First Time in “PAGD locally mocked as Pagal and parties and independents, seemed quite normal, PAGD candidate, as Independents though they local elections. Their joy knew no bounds. I Ghatkar while Shah Nawaz called them but then one fine morning, Mehbooba Mufti are known as important workers of these talked to one of them, he was reluctant to speak, Gumrah.” publically accused the civil administration 'mainstream' parties, which goes by the PAGD all that, he said, “Sir, vote dala yakeen nahin It all goes well, PAGD – called by any (though handpicked by her earlier only) of not name. Fissures developed – Congress hota.” He didn't, even want to identify himself, name, is Going in a big Shock when results are allowing the PAGD candidates, free movement Candidates, in many constituencies are fighting “I am keeping my fingers crossed, till my vote is declared. in their constituencies. Facts are otherwise, she openly against PAGD Candidates. This trend counted.” But it was different, in CHAK rd th enjoys Z+ security, over a 1000 security continues, even in 3 & 4 phase, the voting JAFFAR (Jammu), 'Tears well up in the eyes of (The writer is well known Political Analyst and personnel are on 24/7 security at her official percentage in JI strongholds of PDP, like 87 years on Lal Chand and his 82 years old wife writes for various national dailies)

16 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 17 elected un-opposed, or by even a single vote cast residence Fairview – an old palace of Maharaja Pulwama was barely 2%. Trivita as they hold up their worked fingers after in a Lok Sabha constituency, you represented the Hari Singh, situated on the foothills of Something spectacular is happening in casting their votes on Friday, Dec 4, “today, our whole constituency in the Parliament. However, Zabarwan, overlooking majestic Dal Lake. This Kashmir, it is both delightful and surprising, Top wish to vote once in our life-time was fulfilled”, the PAGD had a rethinking, soon after the Fairview is spread over acres of priceless land. BJP leaders like Shah Nawaz, Mukhtar Naqvi said the couple. Chand and his wife are West elections to DDCs were announced. They She goes campaigning, guarded by elite Black are campaigning in the valley. Shah Nawaz is Pakistan refugees, who fled to India during thought, and wisely so, that boycotting these Cat Commandoes and she spews venom against staying but, he has been there for almost a month Partition in 1947. Along with nearly 1.5 Lakh elections, would further isolate them, and they India. When I talked to someone in the valley, to and he is in no hurry to call it a day. He must be others, they became eligible to vote in J&K local would have no say in the local administration, find out, why PAGD Candidates were not enjoying the hospitality – typical and traditional elections, after the abrogation of Article 370 last secondly, their estimation was that they were a allowed a free movement for canvassing, I was Kashmiri style, whether in far flung villages of year. Their village CHAK JAFFER wore a monolith, a Goliath, an entity that couldn't be told there was no truth in it, all candidates were Kupwara district in North Kashmir or in the festive look. People, old and young, danced to defeated, besides, their well wishers and 'handlers' given accommodation in protected and secure pocket borough of Muftis – Khannabal drumbeats as they celebrated “independence” in Delhi advised them not to miss this opportunity hotels/lodges, and requested to inform the Anantnag in South Kashmir. He must be and shedding the “unwanted citizens' tag”. to prove their 'mass popularity' well, they decided officer in charge Security, about their tour pleasantly surprised, when he is received by Everyone gains in these elections, these to fight the DDC elections in full force. programmes 24 hrs in advance, most of them enthusiastic crowds, with women singing folk elections will ensure the developments of all the Distribution of seats amongst them, was chose to enjoy the hospitality of the state and songs, while dancing ROUF dance and all of districts, funds are aplenty and those elected, done, apparently, smoothly to the satisfaction of stay put in the free lodging (boarding too) them, men and women, raising rhythmic belonging to any party or even independents, are all, however, Congress decided to fight the provided by the government. slogans, vociferously' answerable to their electorate once their term is Naqli Shera Vatth Wyan Dera over, so they, in all probability will work hard Asli Shera Aa Gaya and honestly to achieve their goals. However, Rashvat Khora Vatth Wyan Dera There Is One Large Section, That Will Not be Asli Shera Aa Gaya Benefitted at all, by these elections – and they All these dancing, BJP flag hoisting, are us – The Aborigines of Kashmir – Kashmiri sloganeering, boisterous reception crowds, were Pandits, because we have no districts.

16 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 17 concern for collateral damage has pushed them employ drones to drop weapons in the region to the brink. They are simultaneously unwilling have met with limited success. Narco-terrorism to risk any major operation which could lead to is equally ineffective as monitoring is effective. COVER STORY - Maj Gen (R) Harsha Kakar an Indian counterstrike. To add to Pakistan's misery is the Any counterstrike in Pakistan would conditions created by the central government adversely impact the power and control of the leading to the participation of all major political Pak army, which is already facing intense parties in these forthcoming DDC elections. The internal pressure from the People's Democratic PAGD (Political Alliance for Gupkar Movement and other rising protests across the Declaration), a grouping of 11 valley based country. There are demands from every quarter political parties have realised that if they do not Elections in Kashmir for the army to return to barracks, which it has so participate, they would lose control of the state far managed to stall. In case, it is embarrassed by to the BJP ending their political future. an Indian strike, it would either be compelled to While the PAGD continues to rant on and Pakistan counter or face internal political humiliation. restoration of article 370, this election would Comments by Ayaz Sadiq, in the national determine their fate. The elections would be a he encounter last week, wherein four pro-Pakistan are now witnessing a change. assembly, projecting panic within the Pak military battle between the BJP and all other political Pakistani terrorists were eliminated at Pakistan releasing the dossier, blaming and political leadership post the Balakote strike, parties. For the globe, it would display return of TNagrota, while attempting to infiltrate into India for supporting terrorism within their continues to haunt the Pak leadership. democratic process in the valley and put paid to the valley from Samba, with large quantities of country, is aimed at enhancing pressure on Aware that it can no longer play the nuclear Pak's cries of resistance and forced incarceration arms and ammunition displays desperation India, which has also failed. In the dossier, it card, the deep state is being careful in its of the region. within Pakistan. Surge in cease fire violations, blames India for cease fire violations and approach. It has realised that its global support Victory by the BJP would indicate that the targeting pro-Indian civilian population in Uri and targeting of civilians. It was hoping that Chinese base has reduced with even close allies population has rejected Pakistan and accepted Tangdar, increased attempts at infiltration, all actions in Ladakh would push India onto the including Saudi Arabia and UAE singing the abrogation of Article 370. It would end failing, has added to Pakistan's desperation. They defensive, but that too failed adding to their Indian song. China is already stalled in Ladakh Pakistan's claim to the region as also prove that see their Kashmir strategy going up in smoke. woes. India has not only held the Chinese at bay and would be unwilling to enhance pressure to the valley is peaceful, and the population As per reports only 20-25 Pak trained but gained advantage by claiming the Kailash support Pakistan. Economically, Pakistan is in unwilling to support terrorism. This scenario is a terrorists have managed to infiltrate into the Ridge. To display its confidence, India is not valley this year, most of whom have been killed, rushing for talks or accepting limited The elections would be a battle between the BJP and all other political parties. For the globe, it would leaving most terrorist groups leaderless. Total withdrawal with China and is prepared to terrorists eliminated this year has crossed the continue with the standoff through the winters. display return of democratic process in the valley and put paid to Pak's cries of resistance and 200 mark, most being locals. With no funds There is no doubt that Pakistan is aware forced incarceration of the region. being inducted through Hawala, overground that time for infiltration in the valley is fast workers have failed to invoke violence and running out as winters are setting in. With snow dire states. Its oil reserves cannot even sustain a nightmare for Pakistan. Hence, it would make incite fresh recruits needed to keep terrorism falling, tracking sneaking terrorists becomes few days of operations. The same is the state every attempt to stall the elections. The latest alive. Violence to support terrorists trapped in easier. Hard Indian retaliation, targeting terrorist with its ammunition stocks. What is hurting encounter is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to encounters has receded. Even areas which were camps and supporting Pakistan posts, with little Pakistan even more is the announcement and push in terrorists to disrupt the peaceful election conduct of the District Development Council process currently underway. Every election (DDC) elections in the Union Territory. The announced for the valley will be challenged by announcement of elections displays the Pakistan. It must be made to lose. confidence within the Indian government that If India is to change the global narrative on the situation is near normal and terrorism is on Kashmir, then the election process, the wane. To add to Pakistan's woes is that their commencing from the DDC and moving favourite proxy, the Hurriyat, is currently in a onwards, must be launched and conducted state of near collapse, with no ability to either violence free. Pakistan would make every enforce violence, protests or bandhs. Its silence attempt to disrupt them as their Kashmir strategy since the abrogation of article 370 indicates this. depends on violence, intimidation and terrorism, With increased surrenders of local all of which are waning. The game is on and terrorists, their reduced lifespan after joining India cannot afford to lose. It has gained the terrorist groups, shortage of arms and upper hand and it must ensure it does not lose it. ammunition available in the valley displays (The writer is retired Army General and Pakistan's failing strategy. Its attempts to writes on strategic and political affairs)

18 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 19 concern for collateral damage has pushed them employ drones to drop weapons in the region to the brink. They are simultaneously unwilling have met with limited success. Narco-terrorism to risk any major operation which could lead to is equally ineffective as monitoring is effective. COVER STORY - Maj Gen (R) Harsha Kakar an Indian counterstrike. To add to Pakistan's misery is the Any counterstrike in Pakistan would conditions created by the central government adversely impact the power and control of the leading to the participation of all major political Pak army, which is already facing intense parties in these forthcoming DDC elections. The internal pressure from the People's Democratic PAGD (Political Alliance for Gupkar Movement and other rising protests across the Declaration), a grouping of 11 valley based country. There are demands from every quarter political parties have realised that if they do not Elections in Kashmir for the army to return to barracks, which it has so participate, they would lose control of the state far managed to stall. In case, it is embarrassed by to the BJP ending their political future. an Indian strike, it would either be compelled to While the PAGD continues to rant on and Pakistan counter or face internal political humiliation. restoration of article 370, this election would Comments by Ayaz Sadiq, in the national determine their fate. The elections would be a he encounter last week, wherein four pro-Pakistan are now witnessing a change. assembly, projecting panic within the Pak military battle between the BJP and all other political Pakistani terrorists were eliminated at Pakistan releasing the dossier, blaming and political leadership post the Balakote strike, parties. For the globe, it would display return of TNagrota, while attempting to infiltrate into India for supporting terrorism within their continues to haunt the Pak leadership. democratic process in the valley and put paid to the valley from Samba, with large quantities of country, is aimed at enhancing pressure on Aware that it can no longer play the nuclear Pak's cries of resistance and forced incarceration arms and ammunition displays desperation India, which has also failed. In the dossier, it card, the deep state is being careful in its of the region. within Pakistan. Surge in cease fire violations, blames India for cease fire violations and approach. It has realised that its global support Victory by the BJP would indicate that the targeting pro-Indian civilian population in Uri and targeting of civilians. It was hoping that Chinese base has reduced with even close allies population has rejected Pakistan and accepted Tangdar, increased attempts at infiltration, all actions in Ladakh would push India onto the including Saudi Arabia and UAE singing the abrogation of Article 370. It would end failing, has added to Pakistan's desperation. They defensive, but that too failed adding to their Indian song. China is already stalled in Ladakh Pakistan's claim to the region as also prove that see their Kashmir strategy going up in smoke. woes. India has not only held the Chinese at bay and would be unwilling to enhance pressure to the valley is peaceful, and the population As per reports only 20-25 Pak trained but gained advantage by claiming the Kailash support Pakistan. Economically, Pakistan is in unwilling to support terrorism. This scenario is a terrorists have managed to infiltrate into the Ridge. To display its confidence, India is not valley this year, most of whom have been killed, rushing for talks or accepting limited The elections would be a battle between the BJP and all other political parties. For the globe, it would leaving most terrorist groups leaderless. Total withdrawal with China and is prepared to terrorists eliminated this year has crossed the continue with the standoff through the winters. display return of democratic process in the valley and put paid to Pak's cries of resistance and 200 mark, most being locals. With no funds There is no doubt that Pakistan is aware forced incarceration of the region. being inducted through Hawala, overground that time for infiltration in the valley is fast workers have failed to invoke violence and running out as winters are setting in. With snow dire states. Its oil reserves cannot even sustain a nightmare for Pakistan. Hence, it would make incite fresh recruits needed to keep terrorism falling, tracking sneaking terrorists becomes few days of operations. The same is the state every attempt to stall the elections. The latest alive. Violence to support terrorists trapped in easier. Hard Indian retaliation, targeting terrorist with its ammunition stocks. What is hurting encounter is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to encounters has receded. Even areas which were camps and supporting Pakistan posts, with little Pakistan even more is the announcement and push in terrorists to disrupt the peaceful election conduct of the District Development Council process currently underway. Every election (DDC) elections in the Union Territory. The announced for the valley will be challenged by announcement of elections displays the Pakistan. It must be made to lose. confidence within the Indian government that If India is to change the global narrative on the situation is near normal and terrorism is on Kashmir, then the election process, the wane. To add to Pakistan's woes is that their commencing from the DDC and moving favourite proxy, the Hurriyat, is currently in a onwards, must be launched and conducted state of near collapse, with no ability to either violence free. Pakistan would make every enforce violence, protests or bandhs. Its silence attempt to disrupt them as their Kashmir strategy since the abrogation of article 370 indicates this. depends on violence, intimidation and terrorism, With increased surrenders of local all of which are waning. The game is on and terrorists, their reduced lifespan after joining India cannot afford to lose. It has gained the terrorist groups, shortage of arms and upper hand and it must ensure it does not lose it. ammunition available in the valley displays (The writer is retired Army General and Pakistan's failing strategy. Its attempts to writes on strategic and political affairs)

18 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 19 couplet of the famous Persian poet of Kashmir, Sultan Sikandar has exerted so much for the Gani Kashmiri: spread of Islam as did Malik Musa” (Persian text Shudsangi aastaani diin har buteeki buud of Tarikh of Haidar Malik of Chadurah, given in - Dr. R L Bhat Kaafar biyaava sajda kuniinaastaanraa the English translation of the work titled History [Every idol there was put in the foundation of the of Kashmir, by Razia Bano, published by aastaan of diin; come ye Kaafir and bow to this Bhavana Prakashan, New Delhi, page 65). None shrine, now.] of it was because of any paucity of building As is well known, Pandits in Kashmir have materials. As it is, there are whole mountains of been paying due respects at all the asthaanas rock known for supplying building materials there! Though it is difficult to say what exactly and used for the purpose all along. The huge Temple Heritage of Kashmir the famed poet was intimating through this kaarobaar of stone works at Pantha Chowk, is couplet, his couplet could be an explicit testimony to it. And, so is the extensive use of declaration of the large scale decimation of the giirykani for foundations and raising structures, Record of Vandalization ancient shrines of Kashmir. The Persian to this day. (Adapted from Book Hindu Shrines of Kashmir -Dr. R. L. Bhat) histories repeatedly state that the material of the Justifying the destruction of Hindu temples demolished shrines were used to build masjids, on the plea of dearth of building material can ziayarats, roozas, dargahs, their boundary walls only be seen as a perverse rationalization of the and the pavements leading to them. There is religious bigotry. It was a mission to destroy as a enough evidence to hold that this was done declaration of superior prowess, even primarily to desecrate the sacerdotal icons. superiority of the deities. Gani Kashmiri could Tarikhi Sayyid Ali (Persian text page 12), be asserting this superiority of the mission describes with great pride the razing down of which endeavoured to stamp out all traces of Kaalishvar temple, destruction at Poonpar and kufur, as Sayyid Ali calls it, extolling the Vejibroor (pages 14-15) by Sayyid Ali Hamdani. 'pious'icon classicism of Sikandra (TSA, Persian Tohafatul Ahbaab chapter 4 singing paens to Mir text, ibid, page 20). In any case, it does not refer Araki for razing countless temples etc. similar to the standing temples and shrines and other references are found in Baharistani Shahi and Hindu religious places of Kashmir. There are other chronicles. references to them in Merza Haidar's Tarikhi They are competing with others in telling Rashidi, who says that grand shrines of Hindus how destructive they or their pirs, preceptors still dotted the valley in the middle of the 15th and ancestors have been in this endeavour. century: 'Foremost among the wonders of Haidar Malik Chadurah, extolling the activities Kashmir stand more than 150 temples built of of his ancestor Malik Musa, says: “Nobody after hewn stone. The temples are all built on the same

indu shrines and temple in Kashmir seen even to middle of the 20th century. There are have seen extensive destruction, wide mentions by Stein, Lawrence and other Hdemolition and decimation over the European visitors to Kashmir often speak of past several centuries. The details from the these, giving specific locations where the Persian histories of Kashmir written over the last Murtis, Shivalings and other remains of the four centuries given in this work, are graphic destroyed temples lay scattered in the 19th and illustration of how this destruction was early 20th centuries. The ruins at Vaangat still undertaken. Most of the studies undertaken in bear these tell-tale signs of the destruction. the modern times, have focussed on the English scholars visiting Kashmir often took identification and listing of the ruins which photographs of the ruins as a curious interest as littered Kashmir till the early 20th century. The well as to document the history of this land. temples lay half demolished, the carved stones The first work by a Kashmiri in this regard of the shrines were scattered around, the is Anand Kaul's Ancient Remains of Kashmir, marvellous murtis, broken and disfigured had published in 1937. In his introduction Kaul also been thrown pell-mell. Some of them could be points to the poignancy of the much recited

20 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 21 couplet of the famous Persian poet of Kashmir, Sultan Sikandar has exerted so much for the Gani Kashmiri: spread of Islam as did Malik Musa” (Persian text Shudsangi aastaani diin har buteeki buud of Tarikh of Haidar Malik of Chadurah, given in - Dr. R L Bhat Kaafar biyaava sajda kuniinaastaanraa the English translation of the work titled History [Every idol there was put in the foundation of the of Kashmir, by Razia Bano, published by aastaan of diin; come ye Kaafir and bow to this Bhavana Prakashan, New Delhi, page 65). None shrine, now.] of it was because of any paucity of building As is well known, Pandits in Kashmir have materials. As it is, there are whole mountains of been paying due respects at all the asthaanas rock known for supplying building materials there! Though it is difficult to say what exactly and used for the purpose all along. The huge Temple Heritage of Kashmir the famed poet was intimating through this kaarobaar of stone works at Pantha Chowk, is couplet, his couplet could be an explicit testimony to it. And, so is the extensive use of declaration of the large scale decimation of the giirykani for foundations and raising structures, Record of Vandalization ancient shrines of Kashmir. The Persian to this day. (Adapted from Book Hindu Shrines of Kashmir -Dr. R. L. Bhat) histories repeatedly state that the material of the Justifying the destruction of Hindu temples demolished shrines were used to build masjids, on the plea of dearth of building material can ziayarats, roozas, dargahs, their boundary walls only be seen as a perverse rationalization of the and the pavements leading to them. There is religious bigotry. It was a mission to destroy as a enough evidence to hold that this was done declaration of superior prowess, even primarily to desecrate the sacerdotal icons. superiority of the deities. Gani Kashmiri could Tarikhi Sayyid Ali (Persian text page 12), be asserting this superiority of the mission describes with great pride the razing down of which endeavoured to stamp out all traces of Kaalishvar temple, destruction at Poonpar and kufur, as Sayyid Ali calls it, extolling the Vejibroor (pages 14-15) by Sayyid Ali Hamdani. 'pious'icon classicism of Sikandra (TSA, Persian Tohafatul Ahbaab chapter 4 singing paens to Mir text, ibid, page 20). In any case, it does not refer Araki for razing countless temples etc. similar to the standing temples and shrines and other references are found in Baharistani Shahi and Hindu religious places of Kashmir. There are other chronicles. references to them in Merza Haidar's Tarikhi They are competing with others in telling Rashidi, who says that grand shrines of Hindus how destructive they or their pirs, preceptors still dotted the valley in the middle of the 15th and ancestors have been in this endeavour. century: 'Foremost among the wonders of Haidar Malik Chadurah, extolling the activities Kashmir stand more than 150 temples built of of his ancestor Malik Musa, says: “Nobody after hewn stone. The temples are all built on the same

20 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 21 plan' (Tarikhi Rashidi by Merzaa Haidar to the shrine, this author, particularly asked the Kalhana celebrates (tarang 1 Shlooka 38) this of the prominent temples and shrines of translated by E D Ross as 'A History of the local Muslims who now have built houses on the widespread acridity of Kashmir : Kashmir. The most valuable thing about this Moghuls of Central Asia' published by Abi skirts of Parbat, whether they have ever seen any Chakrabrit-vijayash-aadi-keeshava-ishaana- compilation is establishing the continuity of the Prints & Publishing Co, New Delhi, Volume II, snakes in the area and they all replied in the bhuushitee| tradition and faith in Kashmir, over thousands of page 426). negative, emphatically. Speaking of the Tila-anshapina yatra years, underlining the reverence associated with Writing in 1594 CE, half a century after splendour of these shrines the earliest Persian astiprithvyahtiirthahbahishkritah || the holy shrines. Though some of the shrines Merza, Akbar's minister Abul Fazl noted in his historian of Kashmir, Sayid Ali says “… Mir M A Stein in his monumental translation of may have been renovated later, their antiquity, Aayini Akbari the splendour the temples and Sayyid Ali Hamdani was wonder struck at the the eight books of Rajatarangini of Pandit sacred nature and the historical appeal is remarked that “the ancient temples inspire splendour of the Bijbihara temples… built … by Kalhana, undertook the major work in obvious. astonishment. At present many of them are in Parbal, the first king of Kashmir…” (TSA, identification, history and detailing the then My book, Hindu Shrines of Kashmir, from ruins” (Volume II, translated by Jarret, edited by Persian text, ibid. page 16). Of course, Abul status of the ancient Hindu shrines of the valley. which this paper has been adapted, tabulates all Sarkar, Atlantic Publishers and Distributors, Fazl's is not the first admission of this grandeur. He traces every mention of the shrine(s) in each these shrines together with the references in the New Delhi, page 353). Confirming Kalhana However, Merza Haidar and Abul Fazl, only tell shlooka of Rajatarangini on the landscape of historical records. R N Singh has also listed Pandit's observation, he informs that “the whole of the most conspicuous of the temples there. Kashmir, ascertains their status and collates the some of the shrines around the city that have country is regarded as holy by the Hindu sages... They do not tell of all temples, not even all the references in other works. It is a tribute to the been converted into mosques and khanakahs. In seven hundred places there are graven images major ones. acuity of Pandit Kalhana that this modern However, this listing is not a complete record of researcher could precisely trace the locations these conversions. The first Persian history of and attest to the truth of the historians Kashmir, Tarikhi Sayyid Ali, tells how descriptions. Equally laudable is the impinging this conversion was: “in every village perspicacity of this researcher from far away and town, where there existed a temple, he Europe in searching out these hallmarks [Sikandar] with the connivance of of Kashmir culture and heritage. Dr Sayyid Muhammad, demolished it Stein is pleasantly bereft of the and raised a mosque on the missionary slant visibly foundation, till Kashmir patent in most of the became a heavenly place Orientalists. His notice is The Persian histories (Persian text, page 27).” also untrammelled by the repeatedly state that the material Writing half a century after colonial politics that Sayyid Ali, Haidar Malik colours the approach of of the demolished shrines were used of Chadurah tells: “during the Raj Scholars, if not to build masjids, ziayarats, roozas, his rule, Malik Musa formatting their points and dargahs, their boundary walls and demolished most of the perceptions. Stein's work is temples and built mosques the primary source here, for the pavements leading to at their foundations” (Tarikhi the meticulous scholarship as them. Haidar Malik of Chadurah, well as its comprehensiveness. Persian text, page 65). Dr Raghu Nath Singh, the T h e n , t h e r e i s t h e next scholar in that same mould, has hagiography of Shamsudin Araki produced a comprehensive listing of the which lists the temples and shrines which of snakes, which they worship and regarding The temple heritage of Kashmir is as shrines of Kashmir. Using Kalhana Pandit's were demolished by him and converted into which wonderful legends are told”(ibid., page fabled as it is extensive. Kalhana Pandit, work and the subsequent continuations of mosques and ziyarats, over two chapters. Sayyid 356). Though the Kashmiri word 'naaga' would describing the founding of the land, also tells of Rajatarangini by Jonaraja, Shrivara and Shuka Ali in the tarikh mentioned above tells that the be translated as 'snake' in both Persian and its holiness and the consecrating it with shrines together with the mentions in the religious khanakah at Zadibal was actually a temple, English, in Kashmiri it implies both a 'snake' and and sacred grooves. Those edifices of stone still literature and the Persian works, Dr Singh has which Araki first occupied and then converted a 'spring'. The words 'images of snakes' refer to stand witness to the craftsmanship as well the produced a reliable listing of the Hindu temples into a Khanakah (Persian text, pages 46-47). the Murtis that would have stood all over, veneration that was expressed by the people. and shrines of Kashmir, mentioned in at least Most of these erstwhile temples and asthapans including the peripheries of the holy springs Kalhana has also provided an extended listing of one historical work. The lists, carried as exist now as the asthaanas and ziyarats spread which dotted the whole landscape of Kashmir. this heritage. Indeed temples and shrines holy to appendices to his Hindi translation of Jonaraja's all over the countryside of Kashmir valley. It would probably have been on the basis of the people were so extensive and dotted every R a j a t a r a n g i n i , a r e c a t e g o r i s e d a s These are the shrines which the Persian these grand icons that the Persian chroniclers bit of land so as to turn every speck of the land deevasthaanas, aashrams, ksheetras, etc. With chronicles speak of in an inclusive way. renamed the hoary Pradyu managiri Parbat, as into a virtual tirtha. In the very first verses of his painstaking research, Raghu Nath Singh has However, their erstwhile character is evident in Kohi Maran, the hill of snakes. On a recent visit Rajatarangini spread over eight tarangs, pinpointed the historicity and antiquity of most their structure, the tell-tale foundations and

22 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 23 plan' (Tarikhi Rashidi by Merzaa Haidar to the shrine, this author, particularly asked the Kalhana celebrates (tarang 1 Shlooka 38) this of the prominent temples and shrines of translated by E D Ross as 'A History of the local Muslims who now have built houses on the widespread acridity of Kashmir : Kashmir. The most valuable thing about this Moghuls of Central Asia' published by Abi skirts of Parbat, whether they have ever seen any Chakrabrit-vijayash-aadi-keeshava-ishaana- compilation is establishing the continuity of the Prints & Publishing Co, New Delhi, Volume II, snakes in the area and they all replied in the bhuushitee| tradition and faith in Kashmir, over thousands of page 426). negative, emphatically. Speaking of the Tila-anshapina yatra years, underlining the reverence associated with Writing in 1594 CE, half a century after splendour of these shrines the earliest Persian astiprithvyahtiirthahbahishkritah || the holy shrines. Though some of the shrines Merza, Akbar's minister Abul Fazl noted in his historian of Kashmir, Sayid Ali says “… Mir M A Stein in his monumental translation of may have been renovated later, their antiquity, Aayini Akbari the splendour the temples and Sayyid Ali Hamdani was wonder struck at the the eight books of Rajatarangini of Pandit sacred nature and the historical appeal is remarked that “the ancient temples inspire splendour of the Bijbihara temples… built … by Kalhana, undertook the major work in obvious. astonishment. At present many of them are in Parbal, the first king of Kashmir…” (TSA, identification, history and detailing the then My book, Hindu Shrines of Kashmir, from ruins” (Volume II, translated by Jarret, edited by Persian text, ibid. page 16). Of course, Abul status of the ancient Hindu shrines of the valley. which this paper has been adapted, tabulates all Sarkar, Atlantic Publishers and Distributors, Fazl's is not the first admission of this grandeur. He traces every mention of the shrine(s) in each these shrines together with the references in the New Delhi, page 353). Confirming Kalhana However, Merza Haidar and Abul Fazl, only tell shlooka of Rajatarangini on the landscape of historical records. R N Singh has also listed Pandit's observation, he informs that “the whole of the most conspicuous of the temples there. Kashmir, ascertains their status and collates the some of the shrines around the city that have country is regarded as holy by the Hindu sages... They do not tell of all temples, not even all the references in other works. It is a tribute to the been converted into mosques and khanakahs. In seven hundred places there are graven images major ones. acuity of Pandit Kalhana that this modern However, this listing is not a complete record of researcher could precisely trace the locations these conversions. The first Persian history of and attest to the truth of the historians Kashmir, Tarikhi Sayyid Ali, tells how descriptions. Equally laudable is the impinging this conversion was: “in every village perspicacity of this researcher from far away and town, where there existed a temple, he Europe in searching out these hallmarks [Sikandar] with the connivance of of Kashmir culture and heritage. Dr Sayyid Muhammad, demolished it Stein is pleasantly bereft of the and raised a mosque on the missionary slant visibly foundation, till Kashmir patent in most of the became a heavenly place Orientalists. His notice is The Persian histories (Persian text, page 27).” also untrammelled by the repeatedly state that the material Writing half a century after colonial politics that Sayyid Ali, Haidar Malik colours the approach of of the demolished shrines were used of Chadurah tells: “during the Raj Scholars, if not to build masjids, ziayarats, roozas, his rule, Malik Musa formatting their points and dargahs, their boundary walls and demolished most of the perceptions. Stein's work is temples and built mosques the primary source here, for the pavements leading to at their foundations” (Tarikhi the meticulous scholarship as them. Haidar Malik of Chadurah, well as its comprehensiveness. Persian text, page 65). Dr Raghu Nath Singh, the T h e n , t h e r e i s t h e next scholar in that same mould, has hagiography of Shamsudin Araki produced a comprehensive listing of the which lists the temples and shrines which of snakes, which they worship and regarding The temple heritage of Kashmir is as shrines of Kashmir. Using Kalhana Pandit's were demolished by him and converted into which wonderful legends are told”(ibid., page fabled as it is extensive. Kalhana Pandit, work and the subsequent continuations of mosques and ziyarats, over two chapters. Sayyid 356). Though the Kashmiri word 'naaga' would describing the founding of the land, also tells of Rajatarangini by Jonaraja, Shrivara and Shuka Ali in the tarikh mentioned above tells that the be translated as 'snake' in both Persian and its holiness and the consecrating it with shrines together with the mentions in the religious khanakah at Zadibal was actually a temple, English, in Kashmiri it implies both a 'snake' and and sacred grooves. Those edifices of stone still literature and the Persian works, Dr Singh has which Araki first occupied and then converted a 'spring'. The words 'images of snakes' refer to stand witness to the craftsmanship as well the produced a reliable listing of the Hindu temples into a Khanakah (Persian text, pages 46-47). the Murtis that would have stood all over, veneration that was expressed by the people. and shrines of Kashmir, mentioned in at least Most of these erstwhile temples and asthapans including the peripheries of the holy springs Kalhana has also provided an extended listing of one historical work. The lists, carried as exist now as the asthaanas and ziyarats spread which dotted the whole landscape of Kashmir. this heritage. Indeed temples and shrines holy to appendices to his Hindi translation of Jonaraja's all over the countryside of Kashmir valley. It would probably have been on the basis of the people were so extensive and dotted every R a j a t a r a n g i n i , a r e c a t e g o r i s e d a s These are the shrines which the Persian these grand icons that the Persian chroniclers bit of land so as to turn every speck of the land deevasthaanas, aashrams, ksheetras, etc. With chronicles speak of in an inclusive way. renamed the hoary Pradyu managiri Parbat, as into a virtual tirtha. In the very first verses of his painstaking research, Raghu Nath Singh has However, their erstwhile character is evident in Kohi Maran, the hill of snakes. On a recent visit Rajatarangini spread over eight tarangs, pinpointed the historicity and antiquity of most their structure, the tell-tale foundations and

22 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 23 building materials, as well as the folk memory replacements being carried out over a wide area, which still identifies them by their original as in Tohfatul Ahbaab. These specific mentions names. All of them stand on the ashttadal of the temples demolished have been detailed in foundations, which are a characteristic feature of Hindu Shrines of Kashmir, mentioned above. - Dr. Ramesh Tamiri the shrines of Kashmir. One important point that needs to be mentioned Most of the changed names are easily here is that the demolitions did not happen, with traceable to the original ones, as they have been the locals looking on in passivity. They resisted only slightly modified to yield a Persio-Arabic and even fought pitched battles with the sounding name: Bhiimas vaamiin, through demolishing squads. Such has been the travesty Bumu' Saad, to Bamudin. A peculiarly telling of the times of Kashmir, that this resistance has instance here is ekadashi rudra being called generally been forgotten even effaced from the kahnoov. Then, there are the ancient practices records, even as it is there in the earliest records. like observance of specific holy days, the Joona Raaja tells how the indigenous Kashmiris practices of vegetarianism which were resisted the attempts of Sikandar. They fought Maqbool Sherwani 's Role in 1947 associated with the shrines and are still extent in his son out and brought in Shahi Khan . the areas around the shrines. These evident Shrivara tells that Hindus actually fought pointers connect the converted shrines and Zainulabdin's son Haidar Shah and even (Politics Behind National Conference Narrative) temples to the ancient lore. A large number of demolished some structures raised on the ruins sacred locales, including the shrines therein, of their shrines with their material. The have been converted into graveyards. There the persecution they suffered thereafter, brought in uring Chiefministership of GM Sadiq religious connections have largely been lost. the cries of nabattooahm. Tohalfatul Ahbaab school textbooks in J&K carried a As Kalhana points carries at least ten Dchapter on Maqbool Sherwani of out, there was hardly any instances of the Hindus in Baramulla, Master Abdul Aziz of Muzaffarabad place over the length and different parts of the and that of Pushkar Nath Zadu. It extolled breadth of the valley of valley fighting pitched contribution of three heroes during 1947 Kashmir that did not battles with the Sufi Pakistani invasion. carry a manifest sanctity demolition squads of Mir Sherwani-The Communist View for the indigenous people Araki to carry out the Who was this Sherwani and what made him a of Kashmir. This holiness destruction of temples national hero? In 1974 I happened to meet a is celebrated with the and shrines (translated by professor, who had joined Communist obvious founding of a K N Pandit, pages 200- movement somewhere in 1944. I asked him devalya, establishment of 78). These resisters have how did Sherwani become a national hero from an asthapan, investment as a tirtha, a gufa, or got very less credit for the sacrifices made to just a ground-level National Conference worker serving as a general place of religious gathering preserve the holdfasts of faith and culture of of amoffusiltown. The learned professor left me and discourse. Dinanath Yaksha, the late Kashmir. An idea of the hardships faced by them stunned. Not that professor was way off the antiquarian of Kashmir, told this author during a can be found in The Valley of Kashmir by W R mark but because Kashmir's complex politics session, that Hindus still remembered the Lawrence (pages 190-99). Under great duress had many layers which the professor failed to compound of Khanakahi Hamdaniya as Vyasa they have preserved for us the numerous shrines fathom. Pyu'nd, the seat of Veda Vyasa. Accumulated that venerate today. As it is there is hardly any The professor disregarded Sherwani as a over thousands of years of faith and devotion, shrine or venerated place in the whole of the superhero. He said Sherwani was a bully whose the temples, shrines and sacred religious places country, which is not represented by one or sole politics revolved round his strong personal shaped by skilled craftsmanship, would have another of the shrines of the valley. Since this loyalty to the person of Sheikh Abdullah. The been too numerous to be counted. excludes the countless shrines that have been professor was partly correct and partly not right. They definitely were too numerous to be lost for ever, the original sweep would have been He was correct. Sherwani indeed was a brave totally obliterated over long centuries of even more extensive. From Vyasa Pyand to man who would go to any lengths to counter his fundamentalism that supervened in the valley. Sita Kond, there is hardly any signpost of Indian political rivals even physically. This he had done Shaping of Sherwani's Political Views Persian histories, TSA, VK, BS, THMC, clearly veneration that is not represented here. The on a couple of occasions. He was pure at heart Sherwani joined National Conference in 1939 state 'demolished all the temples and shrines in same goes for the tirthas that are associated with and quite emotional. The professor was wrong. when he was 32.A right age to decide political the area' and converted them to mosque or laid different places of Kashmir valley. Sherwani did have fierce loyalty towards the issues clearly. 1939 was the time when British mosques over the demolished foundations. (The writer is a well known Kashmir researcher and has person of Sheikh Abdullah but to say that he had support to Sheikh Abdullah had cooled off post- Often, they talk of the destructions and authored various books) no politics beyond that loyalty was outlandish. 1935 lease of Gilgit Agency by J&K Govt. to the

24 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 25 building materials, as well as the folk memory replacements being carried out over a wide area, which still identifies them by their original as in Tohfatul Ahbaab. These specific mentions names. All of them stand on the ashttadal of the temples demolished have been detailed in foundations, which are a characteristic feature of Hindu Shrines of Kashmir, mentioned above. - Dr. Ramesh Tamiri the shrines of Kashmir. One important point that needs to be mentioned Most of the changed names are easily here is that the demolitions did not happen, with traceable to the original ones, as they have been the locals looking on in passivity. They resisted only slightly modified to yield a Persio-Arabic and even fought pitched battles with the sounding name: Bhiimas vaamiin, through demolishing squads. Such has been the travesty Bumu' Saad, to Bamudin. A peculiarly telling of the times of Kashmir, that this resistance has instance here is ekadashi rudra being called generally been forgotten even effaced from the kahnoov. Then, there are the ancient practices records, even as it is there in the earliest records. like observance of specific holy days, the Joona Raaja tells how the indigenous Kashmiris practices of vegetarianism which were resisted the attempts of Sikandar. They fought Maqbool Sherwani 's Role in 1947 associated with the shrines and are still extent in his son out and brought in Shahi Khan . the areas around the shrines. These evident Shrivara tells that Hindus actually fought pointers connect the converted shrines and Zainulabdin's son Haidar Shah and even (Politics Behind National Conference Narrative) temples to the ancient lore. A large number of demolished some structures raised on the ruins sacred locales, including the shrines therein, of their shrines with their material. The have been converted into graveyards. There the persecution they suffered thereafter, brought in uring Chiefministership of GM Sadiq religious connections have largely been lost. the cries of nabattooahm. Tohalfatul Ahbaab school textbooks in J&K carried a As Kalhana points carries at least ten Dchapter on Maqbool Sherwani of out, there was hardly any instances of the Hindus in Baramulla, Master Abdul Aziz of Muzaffarabad place over the length and different parts of the and that of Pushkar Nath Zadu. It extolled breadth of the valley of valley fighting pitched contribution of three heroes during 1947 Kashmir that did not battles with the Sufi Pakistani invasion. carry a manifest sanctity demolition squads of Mir Sherwani-The Communist View for the indigenous people Araki to carry out the Who was this Sherwani and what made him a of Kashmir. This holiness destruction of temples national hero? In 1974 I happened to meet a is celebrated with the and shrines (translated by professor, who had joined Communist obvious founding of a K N Pandit, pages 200- movement somewhere in 1944. I asked him devalya, establishment of 78). These resisters have how did Sherwani become a national hero from an asthapan, investment as a tirtha, a gufa, or got very less credit for the sacrifices made to just a ground-level National Conference worker serving as a general place of religious gathering preserve the holdfasts of faith and culture of of amoffusiltown. The learned professor left me and discourse. Dinanath Yaksha, the late Kashmir. An idea of the hardships faced by them stunned. Not that professor was way off the antiquarian of Kashmir, told this author during a can be found in The Valley of Kashmir by W R mark but because Kashmir's complex politics session, that Hindus still remembered the Lawrence (pages 190-99). Under great duress had many layers which the professor failed to compound of Khanakahi Hamdaniya as Vyasa they have preserved for us the numerous shrines fathom. Pyu'nd, the seat of Veda Vyasa. Accumulated that venerate today. As it is there is hardly any The professor disregarded Sherwani as a over thousands of years of faith and devotion, shrine or venerated place in the whole of the superhero. He said Sherwani was a bully whose the temples, shrines and sacred religious places country, which is not represented by one or sole politics revolved round his strong personal shaped by skilled craftsmanship, would have another of the shrines of the valley. Since this loyalty to the person of Sheikh Abdullah. The been too numerous to be counted. excludes the countless shrines that have been professor was partly correct and partly not right. They definitely were too numerous to be lost for ever, the original sweep would have been He was correct. Sherwani indeed was a brave totally obliterated over long centuries of even more extensive. From Vyasa Pyand to man who would go to any lengths to counter his fundamentalism that supervened in the valley. Sita Kond, there is hardly any signpost of Indian political rivals even physically. This he had done Shaping of Sherwani's Political Views Persian histories, TSA, VK, BS, THMC, clearly veneration that is not represented here. The on a couple of occasions. He was pure at heart Sherwani joined National Conference in 1939 state 'demolished all the temples and shrines in same goes for the tirthas that are associated with and quite emotional. The professor was wrong. when he was 32.A right age to decide political the area' and converted them to mosque or laid different places of Kashmir valley. Sherwani did have fierce loyalty towards the issues clearly. 1939 was the time when British mosques over the demolished foundations. (The writer is a well known Kashmir researcher and has person of Sheikh Abdullah but to say that he had support to Sheikh Abdullah had cooled off post- Often, they talk of the destructions and authored various books) no politics beyond that loyalty was outlandish. 1935 lease of Gilgit Agency by J&K Govt. to the

24 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 25 British. Jinnah was unwilling to crown him as a humiliating treatment he meted out to Jinnah in Communist Approach on Sherwani 2 kms. from Vaskuraand was reportedly kept regional Muslim satrap. In Jinnah's politics 1944. This episode symbolized Sherwani's Why did the learned professor make such in the house of a Pandit family in Sumbal before regional Muslim satraps had to agree to total brave persona as well as ideological opposition observations about Sherwani? There was major being taken to Baramulla. surrender. to Jinnah. discord between Sheikh Abdullah and local After being taken captive and subjected to The absence of support from the British Adhikari Thesis Communists. Not on Adhikari thesis but simple several days of interrogation & torture he was and Jinnah left only the Congress door open for Ironically, initiative for inviting Jinnah to organizational rivalry. Sheikh Abdullah wanted tied to two pillars near the Regina Cinema in the Sheikh Abdullah. Sherwani's politics was Kashmir was taken by the local communist to use communists for furthering his agenda but centre of the town. Nails were driven into his shaped by this particular context. Sheikh group. It wasin line with CPI's Adhikari thesis was unwilling to tolerate their supremacy. hands forehead and back. Even while being Abdullah's distrust of Jinnah became political which justified creation of Pakistan and Sherwani's role was seen by the professor nailed he continued to shout 'Sher-e-Kashmir ideology for Sherwani at personal level. This accorded legitimacy to religious sub- through Abdullah-Communist discord. Zindabad. 'Finally, he was shot dead. He was just when Sheikh Abdullah's opposition to Jinnah nationalism as basis of formation for new Possibly, Sherwani was also not well-disposed 40 at the time of his martyrdom.14 bullets were was neither ideological nor strategic but purely states. Adhikari thesis called for break-up of towards communists. At no point of time recovered from his body. The invaders called tactical. In 1940's Sheikh Abdullah tried to build India in to 16 states. The following year the local Sherwani ever praised communist role or him a 'traitor.' It was only after Baramulla was bridges with Jinnah at least on four occasions but communist group at Sopore session called for supported their political agenda. liberated by the army Sherwani's body was self-determination for Kashmir to carry forward Jinnah spurned the offers of rapprochement. But Sherwani's Actual Role removed from the pillars and burial done. What really was Sherwani's role that made him a A verse recalling this sacrifice became national hero: popular: Kujay Sher Sherwani, Dichath Kithkyan 1. The main reason is that no one else among Kurbani, Khudaya Vanya Kar Ahsan, Kashir Kashmir's political leaders stood up Baniyav Hindustan, Yoti Ayi Pulhor Choor, against Jinnah and Pakistan ideology as Korakh Varan Yi Gulistan, Kasheer Banyav strongly and as clearly as Sherwani did, not Hindustan. even his leader Sheikh Abdullah. (Hail Tiger Sherwani! How he gave 2. Sherwani 's sacrifice and refusal to bow to supreme sacrifice! God, now have mercy upon the Pakistani invaders. Neither the local us. Kashmir has become Hindustan. Looters communists nor Sheikh Abdullah were who invaded this place did not spare even grass- consistent in their opposition to Pakistan shoes. They ravaged this beautiful garden. and two-nation theory. Sherwani was not Kashmir has become Hindustan.) only clear about sinister politics of two- A play Shaheed Sheerwani, scripted by PN nation theory but also laid down his life in Pardesi and directed by Ved Lal Vakil, was contestation against this. Circumstances staged to recall Sherwani's great sacrifice. Artist around his death and his steadfastness in GR Santosh played the role of Sherwani, while not bowing even when subjected to worse Nissar Aziz Beg as a raider. torture make him a super-hero. Sherwani Role in Sopore Martyrdom Another role which has received no attention at Sherwani had learnt motorbike driving some all is his role vis-à-vis Kashmiri Hindus. He Sherwani 's opposition to Jinnah was ideological the Adhikari line. Nehru was alarmed over this days before the Pakistani attack.Shiv JeeKoul considered himself as part of Kashmiri Hindu as well as political. Sherwani was personally approach of local left group and Sheikh had lent him his bike. On 20 October 1947 fraternity, even cutting across political barriers. secular. Sheikh Abdullah was not. Abdullah's tacit support to the left position. He began building closer relations with DP Dhar. Sherwani and NC chief of Sopore Sofi He had close friendship with many RSS Humiliation of Jinnah Mohammad Akbar had left Sopore on the activists of Baramulla town. In July 1944 Jinnah addressed Baramulla Attempt to Revive National Conference motorbike and reached Srinagar, taking the His role in saving the Pandits of Sopore people in the Post Office grounds, the present Soon after Jinnah left Kashmir National Sumbal route. After dropping Sofi at Srinagar town will be written in the golden letters. Soon Higher Secondary School. Sherwani, who was Conference proposed to reconvert National Sherwani was returning to Sumbal. At after the Pakistani invaders entered Baramulla listening nearby, tried to put a garland of Conference in to Muslim Conference. This was Duderhama the local National Conference town Sherwani escaped to Sopore and lashed out shoes around his neck. Muslim Conference dropped after Raja Akbar Khan strongly leaders- Mohan Lal Tikoo Shahpoori and at Sopore NC leaders for stopping the Pandits workers in the audience ran after him but he opposed the move. Veteran communist leader Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Baboosa forcefully from leaving. He was shocked on the killing of jumped into the flowing Jhelum. A Muslim KD Sethi has recalled this episode in his pleaded that he should not go back as Sumbal his neighbours –Sudarshan Watt and Balak Ram Conference volunteer took hold of a boat to memoir. and Vaskura were under the control of the and was inconsolable. He said,” What I saw chase him but Sherwani managed to evade So, neither the local left nor Sheikh Pakistani invaders. A brave man Sherwani did today in Baramulla nobody should have the him. A section of the majority community in Abdullah were consistent in opposing two- not fear bullets. He was taken captive by the misfortune of seeing it again”. Sherwani must Baramulla was annoyed with him over the nation theory. raiders at Satkreri near Zazun badampora, have personally visited 10-15 Pandit families in

26 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 27 British. Jinnah was unwilling to crown him as a humiliating treatment he meted out to Jinnah in Communist Approach on Sherwani 2 kms. from Vaskuraand was reportedly kept regional Muslim satrap. In Jinnah's politics 1944. This episode symbolized Sherwani's Why did the learned professor make such in the house of a Pandit family in Sumbal before regional Muslim satraps had to agree to total brave persona as well as ideological opposition observations about Sherwani? There was major being taken to Baramulla. surrender. to Jinnah. discord between Sheikh Abdullah and local After being taken captive and subjected to The absence of support from the British Adhikari Thesis Communists. Not on Adhikari thesis but simple several days of interrogation & torture he was and Jinnah left only the Congress door open for Ironically, initiative for inviting Jinnah to organizational rivalry. Sheikh Abdullah wanted tied to two pillars near the Regina Cinema in the Sheikh Abdullah. Sherwani's politics was Kashmir was taken by the local communist to use communists for furthering his agenda but centre of the town. Nails were driven into his shaped by this particular context. Sheikh group. It wasin line with CPI's Adhikari thesis was unwilling to tolerate their supremacy. hands forehead and back. Even while being Abdullah's distrust of Jinnah became political which justified creation of Pakistan and Sherwani's role was seen by the professor nailed he continued to shout 'Sher-e-Kashmir ideology for Sherwani at personal level. This accorded legitimacy to religious sub- through Abdullah-Communist discord. Zindabad. 'Finally, he was shot dead. He was just when Sheikh Abdullah's opposition to Jinnah nationalism as basis of formation for new Possibly, Sherwani was also not well-disposed 40 at the time of his martyrdom.14 bullets were was neither ideological nor strategic but purely states. Adhikari thesis called for break-up of towards communists. At no point of time recovered from his body. The invaders called tactical. In 1940's Sheikh Abdullah tried to build India in to 16 states. The following year the local Sherwani ever praised communist role or him a 'traitor.' It was only after Baramulla was bridges with Jinnah at least on four occasions but communist group at Sopore session called for supported their political agenda. liberated by the army Sherwani's body was self-determination for Kashmir to carry forward Jinnah spurned the offers of rapprochement. But Sherwani's Actual Role removed from the pillars and burial done. What really was Sherwani's role that made him a A verse recalling this sacrifice became national hero: popular: Kujay Sher Sherwani, Dichath Kithkyan 1. The main reason is that no one else among Kurbani, Khudaya Vanya Kar Ahsan, Kashir Kashmir's political leaders stood up Baniyav Hindustan, Yoti Ayi Pulhor Choor, against Jinnah and Pakistan ideology as Korakh Varan Yi Gulistan, Kasheer Banyav strongly and as clearly as Sherwani did, not Hindustan. even his leader Sheikh Abdullah. (Hail Tiger Sherwani! How he gave 2. Sherwani 's sacrifice and refusal to bow to supreme sacrifice! God, now have mercy upon the Pakistani invaders. Neither the local us. Kashmir has become Hindustan. Looters communists nor Sheikh Abdullah were who invaded this place did not spare even grass- consistent in their opposition to Pakistan shoes. They ravaged this beautiful garden. and two-nation theory. Sherwani was not Kashmir has become Hindustan.) only clear about sinister politics of two- A play Shaheed Sheerwani, scripted by PN nation theory but also laid down his life in Pardesi and directed by Ved Lal Vakil, was contestation against this. Circumstances staged to recall Sherwani's great sacrifice. Artist around his death and his steadfastness in GR Santosh played the role of Sherwani, while not bowing even when subjected to worse Nissar Aziz Beg as a raider. torture make him a super-hero. Sherwani Role in Sopore Martyrdom Another role which has received no attention at Sherwani had learnt motorbike driving some all is his role vis-à-vis Kashmiri Hindus. He Sherwani 's opposition to Jinnah was ideological the Adhikari line. Nehru was alarmed over this days before the Pakistani attack.Shiv JeeKoul considered himself as part of Kashmiri Hindu as well as political. Sherwani was personally approach of local left group and Sheikh had lent him his bike. On 20 October 1947 fraternity, even cutting across political barriers. secular. Sheikh Abdullah was not. Abdullah's tacit support to the left position. He began building closer relations with DP Dhar. Sherwani and NC chief of Sopore Sofi He had close friendship with many RSS Humiliation of Jinnah Mohammad Akbar had left Sopore on the activists of Baramulla town. In July 1944 Jinnah addressed Baramulla Attempt to Revive National Conference motorbike and reached Srinagar, taking the His role in saving the Pandits of Sopore people in the Post Office grounds, the present Soon after Jinnah left Kashmir National Sumbal route. After dropping Sofi at Srinagar town will be written in the golden letters. Soon Higher Secondary School. Sherwani, who was Conference proposed to reconvert National Sherwani was returning to Sumbal. At after the Pakistani invaders entered Baramulla listening nearby, tried to put a garland of Conference in to Muslim Conference. This was Duderhama the local National Conference town Sherwani escaped to Sopore and lashed out shoes around his neck. Muslim Conference dropped after Raja Akbar Khan strongly leaders- Mohan Lal Tikoo Shahpoori and at Sopore NC leaders for stopping the Pandits workers in the audience ran after him but he opposed the move. Veteran communist leader Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Baboosa forcefully from leaving. He was shocked on the killing of jumped into the flowing Jhelum. A Muslim KD Sethi has recalled this episode in his pleaded that he should not go back as Sumbal his neighbours –Sudarshan Watt and Balak Ram Conference volunteer took hold of a boat to memoir. and Vaskura were under the control of the and was inconsolable. He said,” What I saw chase him but Sherwani managed to evade So, neither the local left nor Sheikh Pakistani invaders. A brave man Sherwani did today in Baramulla nobody should have the him. A section of the majority community in Abdullah were consistent in opposing two- not fear bullets. He was taken captive by the misfortune of seeing it again”. Sherwani must Baramulla was annoyed with him over the nation theory. raiders at Satkreri near Zazun badampora, have personally visited 10-15 Pandit families in

26 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 27 no military role in that. No one else among Kashmir’s political It is also claimed that he along with many leaders stood up against Jinnah and others were tasked to work underground behind the enemy lines and delay the advance of the Pakistan ideology as strongly and as - Vuzmal Nehru Pakistanis to Srinagar. What NC volunteers did clearly as Sherwani did, not even his in this regard has never been documented? Had leader Sheikh Abdullah. there been some major role it would have been recorded. NC and other volunteers worked as guides and at few places kept track of the Sopore and asked them to save their lives. He invaders. Some of them later joined J&K stayed in Sopore town from evening of 27 Militia, which was a regular force. October1947 till morning of 29 October Sherwani was in Sopore between 27 to 29 1947.On 29 October a Pandit family could not October1947. He was seen at a few places in make any arrangements to leave. Sherwani vicinity of Sopore town where he misinformed reached the family's mohalla and lashed outat the invaders to save the Pandits of those places. Muslims, asking them couldn't they protect a Then on 29 October 1947he left for Srinagar. single Pandit family. Sherwani was last seen in He remained there till 2 November 1947 and Sopore on 29 October when he cautioned a thereafter he left for Sumbal possibly on way kafila of Sikhs of Hamal region not to take to Baramulla. So where did he work behind the Sangrama-Srinagar national highway for enemy lines? Srinagar. They disregarded his advice and rest is Maqbool Sherwani had no military history. Over 400 Sikhs were killed at Choora- knowledge. He had not allowed the Pandit Bulgam and many abducted. families of Baramulla town to leave till National Conference Narrative on Sherwani afternoon of 26 October. He and also most NC Why did National Conference distort the leaders believed that the invaders would narrative, underplaying his anti-Pakistan and straightway head for Srinagar and not touch secular role and thrusted the role of savior of non-Muslims at places which were away from Kashmir on him which was untrue. the highway. National Conference narrative claimed : Politics behind NC Narrative on Sherwani That Sherwani saved Srinagar by diverting KASHMIR Sherwani's political and secular role was the invaders to Kruhn (Tangmarg-Budgam) underplayed and so-called military role “Once Land of Saints and Sufis Now Echo Hue and Cry” region and made them wander aimlessly in Sumbal area. overplayed to : 1. To build a myth that not Indian army but hen I was child, I would often hear my from Kashmir. I would ask to my parents and What really is the truth? National Conference saved Kashmir for elders saying- “Yemen Miltantan Loug grandparents about it. They would share their Pakistani's already had a plan to take Baramulla- India and NC had sole right to decide WNaar Asye Pauy Travun Panun Kashir: experiences. Gradually my conscious made me Tangmarg-Budgam route to capture airfield. In Kashmir's future. NC Propaganda Soun Aah Karnayakh Chah!” which means to realise and aware myself about the pain of my fact, Capt Sher Khan left Baramulla on 27 pamphlet shows Sherwani in action. “these militants made our lives hell, we curse roots and community. So, I started searching October itself. Sherwani had left Baramulla soon Where and when is not mentioned. them that one day their lives will also become facts, reading books, collecting materials and after the invaders entered the town. So where did hell”. watching documentaries. When I came across Sherwani have a role? Secondly, Pakistani's 2. By not highlighting anti-Pakistan and Whenever something would be there about these, only then I could relate to the pain of continued to targeting Indian army along secular role of Sherwani NC kept space Kashmir, they would recall their heritage and Kashmiri Pandits, minority in number but major Baramulla-Srinagar highway but our jawans open for dabbling in communal-separatist smile, and then suddenly their eyes would in qualitative inculcations. stood firm. After tactical withdrawal from politics when needed. Sangrama on the evening of 28 October 1947 our become teary, voice choked and limbs numbed. I Kashmir which was once the abode of After Sheikh Abdullah returned to power could sense that something wrong had happen Saints and Sufis which had now converted into forces defended positions at Pattan till 4 in 1975 Sherwani was totally ignored. Chapters November. Then our army vacated Pattan to with them but didn’t know that what at hander the land of hell. Political rivalries were adding force the invaders in to open confrontation in a from school textbooks were withdrawn. Even clap had fallen to the Kashmiri Pandits which fuel to the fire and the two communities who battle-field at Shalteng. This battle turned the the signboard Sherwani Road (Residency Road) left the community scattered with eternal once lived as hither to brothers were now tide against the invaders and saved Kashmir. was not seen. engraving wounds that could not be ever healed targeting the minorities. They were subjected to Sikhs at Ichhama blocked the raiders for (The author is a keen researcher on Kashmir's by general console. “Spree-Killing” which included barbaric ways. two days to give ample time to army to save history and politics. His books on Pakistan invasion As I grew up, my inquisitiveness made me No one was spared not even young ones. Men airfield. Our army saved Srinagar. Sherwani had of Kashmir in 1947 will be out early next year.) to assimilate reality and facts about our exodus were mercilessly tortured and maimed and

28 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 29 no military role in that. No one else among Kashmir’s political It is also claimed that he along with many leaders stood up against Jinnah and others were tasked to work underground behind the enemy lines and delay the advance of the Pakistan ideology as strongly and as - Vuzmal Nehru Pakistanis to Srinagar. What NC volunteers did clearly as Sherwani did, not even his in this regard has never been documented? Had leader Sheikh Abdullah. there been some major role it would have been recorded. NC and other volunteers worked as guides and at few places kept track of the Sopore and asked them to save their lives. He invaders. Some of them later joined J&K stayed in Sopore town from evening of 27 Militia, which was a regular force. October1947 till morning of 29 October Sherwani was in Sopore between 27 to 29 1947.On 29 October a Pandit family could not October1947. He was seen at a few places in make any arrangements to leave. Sherwani vicinity of Sopore town where he misinformed reached the family's mohalla and lashed outat the invaders to save the Pandits of those places. Muslims, asking them couldn't they protect a Then on 29 October 1947he left for Srinagar. single Pandit family. Sherwani was last seen in He remained there till 2 November 1947 and Sopore on 29 October when he cautioned a thereafter he left for Sumbal possibly on way kafila of Sikhs of Hamal region not to take to Baramulla. So where did he work behind the Sangrama-Srinagar national highway for enemy lines? Srinagar. They disregarded his advice and rest is Maqbool Sherwani had no military history. Over 400 Sikhs were killed at Choora- knowledge. He had not allowed the Pandit Bulgam and many abducted. families of Baramulla town to leave till National Conference Narrative on Sherwani afternoon of 26 October. He and also most NC Why did National Conference distort the leaders believed that the invaders would narrative, underplaying his anti-Pakistan and straightway head for Srinagar and not touch secular role and thrusted the role of savior of non-Muslims at places which were away from Kashmir on him which was untrue. the highway. National Conference narrative claimed : Politics behind NC Narrative on Sherwani That Sherwani saved Srinagar by diverting KASHMIR Sherwani's political and secular role was the invaders to Kruhn (Tangmarg-Budgam) underplayed and so-called military role “Once Land of Saints and Sufis Now Echo Hue and Cry” region and made them wander aimlessly in Sumbal area. overplayed to : 1. To build a myth that not Indian army but hen I was child, I would often hear my from Kashmir. I would ask to my parents and What really is the truth? National Conference saved Kashmir for elders saying- “Yemen Miltantan Loug grandparents about it. They would share their Pakistani's already had a plan to take Baramulla- India and NC had sole right to decide WNaar Asye Pauy Travun Panun Kashir: experiences. Gradually my conscious made me Tangmarg-Budgam route to capture airfield. In Kashmir's future. NC Propaganda Soun Aah Karnayakh Chah!” which means to realise and aware myself about the pain of my fact, Capt Sher Khan left Baramulla on 27 pamphlet shows Sherwani in action. “these militants made our lives hell, we curse roots and community. So, I started searching October itself. Sherwani had left Baramulla soon Where and when is not mentioned. them that one day their lives will also become facts, reading books, collecting materials and after the invaders entered the town. So where did hell”. watching documentaries. When I came across Sherwani have a role? Secondly, Pakistani's 2. By not highlighting anti-Pakistan and Whenever something would be there about these, only then I could relate to the pain of continued to targeting Indian army along secular role of Sherwani NC kept space Kashmir, they would recall their heritage and Kashmiri Pandits, minority in number but major Baramulla-Srinagar highway but our jawans open for dabbling in communal-separatist smile, and then suddenly their eyes would in qualitative inculcations. stood firm. After tactical withdrawal from politics when needed. Sangrama on the evening of 28 October 1947 our become teary, voice choked and limbs numbed. I Kashmir which was once the abode of After Sheikh Abdullah returned to power could sense that something wrong had happen Saints and Sufis which had now converted into forces defended positions at Pattan till 4 in 1975 Sherwani was totally ignored. Chapters November. Then our army vacated Pattan to with them but didn’t know that what at hander the land of hell. Political rivalries were adding force the invaders in to open confrontation in a from school textbooks were withdrawn. Even clap had fallen to the Kashmiri Pandits which fuel to the fire and the two communities who battle-field at Shalteng. This battle turned the the signboard Sherwani Road (Residency Road) left the community scattered with eternal once lived as hither to brothers were now tide against the invaders and saved Kashmir. was not seen. engraving wounds that could not be ever healed targeting the minorities. They were subjected to Sikhs at Ichhama blocked the raiders for (The author is a keen researcher on Kashmir's by general console. “Spree-Killing” which included barbaric ways. two days to give ample time to army to save history and politics. His books on Pakistan invasion As I grew up, my inquisitiveness made me No one was spared not even young ones. Men airfield. Our army saved Srinagar. Sherwani had of Kashmir in 1947 will be out early next year.) to assimilate reality and facts about our exodus were mercilessly tortured and maimed and

28 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 29 women were inhumanely raped and brutally order to investigate and prosecute various Court also asked the petitioner to come up with amputated. Such was the terror that the victims people for clutch of offences including the the evidence if possible.” After reading the would ask for death but militants would enjoy massacre of over 700 Kashmiri Pandits although verdict I was broken but at the same time I watching them in dreadful state and then finally the figure was uncountable between 1989-1990, gathered zeal. they were killed cold bloodedly. saying it was too late. Finally, the dissertation submission and But what was more painful for me was that The court said that “it was heart wrenching viva day came. I knew that it was difficult to most of our people didn’t know what exactly but you should have moved the court 27 years convince them about reality, but I had already happened with Kashmiri Pandits. They had an ago. Organisation alleged that 215 F.I.R’s had thought that I will make it my day. My roll impression that Kashmiri Pandits left their been lodged relating to the murder over 700 number was called and I entered the room where mother land instead of knowing the fact that they Kashmiri Pandits. Plea has also sought a probe 7 invigilators from renowned university were were forced to leave their mother land. and prosecution of various persons including sitting and now all eyes were on me. When they I was searching for an opportunity where I separatist leader Yasin Malik and Bitta Karate saw my dissertation the first question which I could bring up the pain of my community. and various others the main onus in the ethnic had to counter was “why did you choose the Meanwhile I came in the final year of my cleansing and exodus of Kashmiri Pandits topic which was and will be always in integrated law course where I had to submit a during the height of militancy in valley in 1989- controversy?” I answered “being a Kashmiri dissertation. I availed this opportunity and decided to dedicate my dissertation to my community who were victims of ethnic cleansing and mass genocide and exodus. I visited Kashmiri refugee camp where vulnerable Kashmiri Pandits were made to live miserable plight. When I entered in camp, I saw a room which was hardly of 10x10 feet space in

Kashmir which was once the abode of Saints and Sufis which had now converted into the land of hell. Political rivalries were adding fuel to the fire and the two communities who once lived as hither to brothers were now targeting the minorities. toto which was allotted to refugee families. supported by brick walls. At one corner there 1990. The PIL filed by NGO on the behalf of Pandit, I was searching for an opportunity where Three generations were living under one roof. was kitchen at other bathroom divided by cloth. Kashmiri Pandits has sought reinvestigation in I could bring up the pain of my community The roof was covered with asbestos sheets Every room had hard and painful realities the criminal cases and transfer of these cases which has been ignored since past 27 years.” My to tell. Some lost their sole bread winner and outside the state. It is also contended that none of answer made them to enquire more. Then they some saw the robbing of their family women the murder cases filed in the matter seemed to went through the cases after the silence of a honor’s in front of their eyes, some were victims have reached at logical conclusion. minute or two they asked me “where did you get of conspiracy and some were targeted openly, A bench of Chief Justice J.S. Keher and these facts?” I told them about my journey of some were left to bemoan their loved ones and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said almost 27 years year which I had dedicated to my dissertation. some were unlucky to see their loved ones lastly, have passed and it will be very difficult to gather They seemed more interested. It was a platform some lost their lives from sun stroke and some evidences in cases of arson and looting which where I was the speaker and rest people were were bite by poisonous creature’s. Things would had led to mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits listener. When I was speaking there came a point come in front of my eyes rolling down tears to from the valley. You (petitioner) sat over it for where my eyes were filled with tears and my my cheeks. I could feel pain and hear the hue and last 27 years; now tell us from where the voice was almost getting timid. Suddenly the cry of my community. I would become anxious. evidence comes. head invigilator offered me his glass of water. I Somewhere deep in my heart and mind all that The council for the NGO, Vikas Padora felt relaxed. He appreciated me for my efforts made accord between me and my community. said Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave their and work. He even extended his invitation to me Meanwhile the Supreme Court on 25 July 2017 homes in the valley and could not join the as a guest for future debates on Kashmir at gave the verdict rejecting the plea for probe into investigation. While he conceded that there has university. I felt like social achievement for my massacre of Kashmiri Pandits. The Supreme been a delay, he also said neither the centre and community and I am proud to be a Kashmiri Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation state government nor the judiciary took Pandit! filed by an NGO – Roots in Kashmir seeking an adequate note of it to do the needful. The Apex Writer is Advocate, Social Worker and Blogger

30 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 31 women were inhumanely raped and brutally order to investigate and prosecute various Court also asked the petitioner to come up with amputated. Such was the terror that the victims people for clutch of offences including the the evidence if possible.” After reading the would ask for death but militants would enjoy massacre of over 700 Kashmiri Pandits although verdict I was broken but at the same time I watching them in dreadful state and then finally the figure was uncountable between 1989-1990, gathered zeal. they were killed cold bloodedly. saying it was too late. Finally, the dissertation submission and But what was more painful for me was that The court said that “it was heart wrenching viva day came. I knew that it was difficult to most of our people didn’t know what exactly but you should have moved the court 27 years convince them about reality, but I had already happened with Kashmiri Pandits. They had an ago. Organisation alleged that 215 F.I.R’s had thought that I will make it my day. My roll impression that Kashmiri Pandits left their been lodged relating to the murder over 700 number was called and I entered the room where mother land instead of knowing the fact that they Kashmiri Pandits. Plea has also sought a probe 7 invigilators from renowned university were were forced to leave their mother land. and prosecution of various persons including sitting and now all eyes were on me. When they I was searching for an opportunity where I separatist leader Yasin Malik and Bitta Karate saw my dissertation the first question which I could bring up the pain of my community. and various others the main onus in the ethnic had to counter was “why did you choose the Meanwhile I came in the final year of my cleansing and exodus of Kashmiri Pandits topic which was and will be always in integrated law course where I had to submit a during the height of militancy in valley in 1989- controversy?” I answered “being a Kashmiri dissertation. I availed this opportunity and decided to dedicate my dissertation to my community who were victims of ethnic cleansing and mass genocide and exodus. I visited Kashmiri refugee camp where vulnerable Kashmiri Pandits were made to live miserable plight. When I entered in camp, I saw a room which was hardly of 10x10 feet space in

30 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 31 Divine Mother Uma. This Temple came into Ji was Swami Ramji's contemporary. He came existence when the Bhat dynasty migrated from from Varanasi and spent much time practicing village Sumbal to this village in 1775. Yoga here. It is said that some saint also spent - Chander M. Bhat Sumbal, a beautiful village in North some five years in a cave behind this temple Kashmir was the birthplace of the great-grand while practicing different paths of God ancestors of the Bhat dynasty. This village used realization. The cave still exists in the temple. to be often submerged during the rainy season. Adjacent to the Brari Meaj temple is a Pandit Bhawani Bhat (1760-1840), a pious and Shivalaya dedicated to Lord Shiva. Behind the orthodox person, had a celestial dream, on Magh main temple, there is a marshy land locally Ashtami. A diving effulgence filled his muddy known as Saar. There are two dharmshalas on Brari Maej of Village Murran room as the Divine Mother looked the right side of the main entrance built for the affectionately at Pandit Bhawani Bhat, beckoned him to approach and said: “Your great devotion has made me happy. The time has come to shift you from this place, as you are facing a lot of hardships during the rainy season here. Early the next morning, there will appear a cat in your compound. Pack up your belongings and follow he her and settle down where she will give you an indication. That will be your next place of settlement but, remember, your seven generations will live at the new place of settlement with dignity and honour and your eighth generation will no longer stay there.” The Divine Mother disappeared after revealing the story to Pandit Bhawani Bhat. Early next morning, the divine cat appeared in the compound of Pandit Bhawani Bhat. By that time he had already packed up his little belongings and followed the cat till both of them reached a village. The Divine Cat gave an indication to Pt. Bhat by waving the tip of her tail and disappeared. When she was gone, a small urran is located within Ghulam Ahmad 'Mahjoor'. spring emerged on the spot. The spring was the jurisdiction of The word Brari Nearby is a hamlet of Haarpur, afterwards expanded by laying a single piece of Pulwama District. the last abode of ascetic Nidhan some (Pather Kein) and a temple was built on it. M This was later called Brari Maej (Cat Mother) The village is about two has developed Sahib. The natural scenery of kilometers to the west of Murran is very charming. and an icon of the Divine Mother was installed Pulwama town. The original Surrounded by green pastures, by Shri Loket Bhat (1801-1876) in year 1875. n a m e o f P u l w a m a w a s from Bhattarika, untrimmed meadows, trees and This is a beautiful temple surrounded by Panwangam, which comprised shrubs and paddy fields, the mighty chinars all around with a big, and accommodation of the pilgrims, wandering four patties namely Malikpora, the venerated village breathes a typical rural beautiful spring having crystal clear water monks, pujaris and other wayfarers. There are Dangeropra, Chatpora and atmosphere. having a diameter of about 15 meters. The many walnut and almond trees in the premises of Dulipora. At some stage, Mother. The temple of Brari Maej is temple is facing towards the east of the upper this temple comprising about ten kanals of land. Pulwangam became to be called situated in the North West of the bank of the spring. The spring is attractive at On one side of the marshy land, there is a as Pulgam, which with the Brari Maej is village in Mohalla Brarimaejpur. every hour, in every season. Whosoever sits in braedmushuk (salix caprea) tree, the flowers of passage of time changed to the The word Brari has developed its side in a devotional prayer gets entranced and which were used to be procured by us a day present name Pulwama. Two synonymous to from Bhattarika, the venerated spiritually transformed. Some years before before Navrah or Soanth for placing these for kilometers to the east, is village Mother. Bhattarika in Sanskrit 1947, a great saint Swami Ramji spent some two the traditional thaal barun ritual and to have its Matrigam, the birthplace of Divine Mother Uma. means revered or venerated. decades at Murran. He was transformed and first glimpse on the morning of Soanth and the renowned patriotic poet Pirzada Brari Maej is synonymous to became a exalted soul. Swami Madhavananda New Year's Day (Navrah).

32 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 33 Divine Mother Uma. This Temple came into Ji was Swami Ramji's contemporary. He came existence when the Bhat dynasty migrated from from Varanasi and spent much time practicing village Sumbal to this village in 1775. Yoga here. It is said that some saint also spent - Chander M. Bhat Sumbal, a beautiful village in North some five years in a cave behind this temple Kashmir was the birthplace of the great-grand while practicing different paths of God ancestors of the Bhat dynasty. This village used realization. The cave still exists in the temple. to be often submerged during the rainy season. Adjacent to the Brari Meaj temple is a Pandit Bhawani Bhat (1760-1840), a pious and Shivalaya dedicated to Lord Shiva. Behind the orthodox person, had a celestial dream, on Magh main temple, there is a marshy land locally Ashtami. A diving effulgence filled his muddy known as Saar. There are two dharmshalas on Brari Maej of Village Murran room as the Divine Mother looked the right side of the main entrance built for the affectionately at Pandit Bhawani Bhat, beckoned him to approach and said: “Your great devotion has made me happy. The time has come to shift you from this place, as you are facing a lot of hardships during the rainy season here. Early the next morning, there will appear a cat in your compound. Pack up your belongings and follow he her and settle down where she will give you an indication. That will be your next place of settlement but, remember, your seven generations will live at the new place of settlement with dignity and honour and your eighth generation will no longer stay there.” The Divine Mother disappeared after revealing the story to Pandit Bhawani Bhat. Early next morning, the divine cat appeared in the compound of Pandit Bhawani Bhat. By that time he had already packed up his little belongings and followed the cat till both of them reached a village. The Divine Cat gave an indication to Pt. Bhat by waving the tip of her tail and disappeared. When she was gone, a small urran is located within Ghulam Ahmad 'Mahjoor'. spring emerged on the spot. The spring was the jurisdiction of The word Brari Nearby is a hamlet of Haarpur, afterwards expanded by laying a single piece of Pulwama District. the last abode of ascetic Nidhan some (Pather Kein) and a temple was built on it. M This was later called Brari Maej (Cat Mother) The village is about two has developed Sahib. The natural scenery of kilometers to the west of Murran is very charming. and an icon of the Divine Mother was installed Pulwama town. The original Surrounded by green pastures, by Shri Loket Bhat (1801-1876) in year 1875. n a m e o f P u l w a m a w a s from Bhattarika, untrimmed meadows, trees and This is a beautiful temple surrounded by Panwangam, which comprised shrubs and paddy fields, the mighty chinars all around with a big, and accommodation of the pilgrims, wandering four patties namely Malikpora, the venerated village breathes a typical rural beautiful spring having crystal clear water monks, pujaris and other wayfarers. There are Dangeropra, Chatpora and atmosphere. having a diameter of about 15 meters. The many walnut and almond trees in the premises of Dulipora. At some stage, Mother. The temple of Brari Maej is temple is facing towards the east of the upper this temple comprising about ten kanals of land. Pulwangam became to be called situated in the North West of the bank of the spring. The spring is attractive at On one side of the marshy land, there is a as Pulgam, which with the Brari Maej is village in Mohalla Brarimaejpur. every hour, in every season. Whosoever sits in braedmushuk (salix caprea) tree, the flowers of passage of time changed to the The word Brari has developed its side in a devotional prayer gets entranced and which were used to be procured by us a day present name Pulwama. Two synonymous to from Bhattarika, the venerated spiritually transformed. Some years before before Navrah or Soanth for placing these for kilometers to the east, is village Mother. Bhattarika in Sanskrit 1947, a great saint Swami Ramji spent some two the traditional thaal barun ritual and to have its Matrigam, the birthplace of Divine Mother Uma. means revered or venerated. decades at Murran. He was transformed and first glimpse on the morning of Soanth and the renowned patriotic poet Pirzada Brari Maej is synonymous to became a exalted soul. Swami Madhavananda New Year's Day (Navrah).

32 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 33 Many people have experienced spiritual experiences here while many had the darshan of Goddess Uma. Many have seen the spring in its divine glow at the dead of night. - Dr. M K Mam The annual Yagna, which also included the was the tradition with every woman of the cleaning of the spring after autumn, was Pandit family to give brandeh fash (cleaning of performed here. The stock items needed for this the stairs) to their houses early in the morning. purpose were collected from amongst the The practice was also applicable to the temples villagers, especially the Pandits. The Uma and other sacred places in the Valley and the Natak Mandli used to stage a drama on this womenfolk would vie with each other to occasion. Prior to migration, it was a routine for perform this sacred act first. One day Smt. Trigger Finger the elderly members of the community to Haarmal, wife of Pandit Zinda Bhat (1876- perform the daily puja at the temple. 1917), woke up in the wee hours of the morning Many people have experienced spiritual and thought that she was late. Since there were experiences here while many had the darshan of no watches at that time, she rushed towards the Goddess Uma. Many have seen the spring in its Brari Meaj temple, washed her face and went to divine glow at the dead of night. the spot where the liven-dul (cleaning pot) was One day a cow belonging to Pandit being kept. She put some fresh water into it and Sarwanand Bhat (1901-1977) did not return started rubbing the brand. Afterwards she went from the pasture and at dusk all the members, inside the temple and paid obeisance to the excluding the womenfolk, went for its search. Divine Mother. Late in the evening, his wife, Smt. Sampakuj, Smt. Haarmal was not aware of the fact that went herself to search for the cow. As she she had come too early. After leaving the reached near the Brari Meaj temple from temple, she noticed a little girl all in silk near the Devspat paddy fields (back side of the temple) in gate of the temple. The girl directed her not to her search, to her surprise, she noticed some little come too early henceforth and disappeared. She girls all in silk playing in the temple and amongst rushed towards her home and told the story to them was a most beautiful girl. The atmosphere her husband. It was later disclosed by the was so bright that the light reflected onto her elderly persons of the village that the little girl eyes. As she went ahead after giving humble was no other than the Divine Mother Herself. salutations to the Divine Mother, who was In dark nights, under the shade of the rigger finger is a fairly common problem of finger including thumb, however ring finger, playing with the little girls, she found the cow chinars, the sacred places present an atmosphere the hand. It is a condition where there is thumb and middle finger are more commonly some yards away from the temple. She went where one becomes one with God. And in obstruction in the free movement of the involved. Sometimes several fingers are home with the cow with a gratitude-filled heart. moonlit nights, devotees experienced T finger. It is caused by thickening and affected at the same time and occasionally both Prior to partition, all the womenfolk of something mystic all over in the temple of constriction of the sheath i.e., the covering of the hands can be involved. It occurs more often in Murran used to get to the temple very early in the Brari Maej. flexor tendon of the finger at the base of the the middle age and women are more frequently morning, before the menfolk would go there. It (The writer is documenting the shrines and temples of Kashmir) finger i.e. at the level of metacarpophalangeal affected as compared to men. The patient joint. This results in the narrowing of the space complains of difficulty in bending and within the sheath surrounding the tendon which straightening of the finger. There is pain and affects the free movement of the tendon and the catching during movement of the finger. The finger thereby. With the obstruction of the patient notices a click or a jerk as the finger is Dear Sunil Raina Rajanaka movement of finger, there is a snap during these bent and active straightening is not possible. Editor-in-Chief movements. However, it can be straightened passively with Aetiology : Exact cause of trigger finger is not force and straightening is sudden with a snap and Thanks for including my article in this edition. Sure, in future I will be sending articles as desired. I known. It is supposed to be due to some chronic severe pain. In short, finger is bent and appreciate your effort of projecting the community, its affairs and Kashmir issue in your valuable inflammation of the tendon sheath which leads straightened with a snap like a trigger being magazine. to its constriction. At times, a secondary nodule pulled and released. In severe cases we cannot Your Sincerely can develop on the tendon just proximal to the straighten it even with force and finger gets - K N Pandita site of constriction. locked in a bent position. In late stages we can Clinical features : Trigger finger can affect any feel a thickening or a nodule in the substance of

34 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 35 Many people have experienced spiritual experiences here while many had the darshan of Goddess Uma. Many have seen the spring in its divine glow at the dead of night. - Dr. M K Mam The annual Yagna, which also included the was the tradition with every woman of the cleaning of the spring after autumn, was Pandit family to give brandeh fash (cleaning of performed here. The stock items needed for this the stairs) to their houses early in the morning. purpose were collected from amongst the The practice was also applicable to the temples villagers, especially the Pandits. The Uma and other sacred places in the Valley and the Natak Mandli used to stage a drama on this womenfolk would vie with each other to occasion. Prior to migration, it was a routine for perform this sacred act first. One day Smt. Trigger Finger the elderly members of the community to Haarmal, wife of Pandit Zinda Bhat (1876- perform the daily puja at the temple. 1917), woke up in the wee hours of the morning Many people have experienced spiritual and thought that she was late. Since there were experiences here while many had the darshan of no watches at that time, she rushed towards the Goddess Uma. Many have seen the spring in its Brari Meaj temple, washed her face and went to divine glow at the dead of night. the spot where the liven-dul (cleaning pot) was One day a cow belonging to Pandit being kept. She put some fresh water into it and Sarwanand Bhat (1901-1977) did not return started rubbing the brand. Afterwards she went from the pasture and at dusk all the members, inside the temple and paid obeisance to the excluding the womenfolk, went for its search. Divine Mother. Late in the evening, his wife, Smt. Sampakuj, Smt. Haarmal was not aware of the fact that went herself to search for the cow. As she she had come too early. After leaving the reached near the Brari Meaj temple from temple, she noticed a little girl all in silk near the Devspat paddy fields (back side of the temple) in gate of the temple. The girl directed her not to her search, to her surprise, she noticed some little come too early henceforth and disappeared. She girls all in silk playing in the temple and amongst rushed towards her home and told the story to them was a most beautiful girl. The atmosphere her husband. It was later disclosed by the was so bright that the light reflected onto her elderly persons of the village that the little girl eyes. As she went ahead after giving humble was no other than the Divine Mother Herself. salutations to the Divine Mother, who was In dark nights, under the shade of the rigger finger is a fairly common problem of finger including thumb, however ring finger, playing with the little girls, she found the cow chinars, the sacred places present an atmosphere the hand. It is a condition where there is thumb and middle finger are more commonly some yards away from the temple. She went where one becomes one with God. And in obstruction in the free movement of the involved. Sometimes several fingers are home with the cow with a gratitude-filled heart. moonlit nights, devotees experienced T finger. It is caused by thickening and affected at the same time and occasionally both Prior to partition, all the womenfolk of something mystic all over in the temple of constriction of the sheath i.e., the covering of the hands can be involved. It occurs more often in Murran used to get to the temple very early in the Brari Maej. flexor tendon of the finger at the base of the the middle age and women are more frequently morning, before the menfolk would go there. It (The writer is documenting the shrines and temples of Kashmir) finger i.e. at the level of metacarpophalangeal affected as compared to men. The patient joint. This results in the narrowing of the space complains of difficulty in bending and within the sheath surrounding the tendon which straightening of the finger. There is pain and affects the free movement of the tendon and the catching during movement of the finger. The finger thereby. With the obstruction of the patient notices a click or a jerk as the finger is Dear Sunil Raina Rajanaka movement of finger, there is a snap during these bent and active straightening is not possible. Editor-in-Chief movements. However, it can be straightened passively with Aetiology : Exact cause of trigger finger is not force and straightening is sudden with a snap and Thanks for including my article in this edition. Sure, in future I will be sending articles as desired. I known. It is supposed to be due to some chronic severe pain. In short, finger is bent and appreciate your effort of projecting the community, its affairs and Kashmir issue in your valuable inflammation of the tendon sheath which leads straightened with a snap like a trigger being magazine. to its constriction. At times, a secondary nodule pulled and released. In severe cases we cannot Your Sincerely can develop on the tendon just proximal to the straighten it even with force and finger gets - K N Pandita site of constriction. locked in a bent position. In late stages we can Clinical features : Trigger finger can affect any feel a thickening or a nodule in the substance of

34 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 35 tendon at the base of the finger. There is Treatment: tenderness i.e. pain on pressure of the nodule and Nonsurgical – Gentle stretching exercises help tendon sheath. The click can also be reproduced in relieving stiffness and improving the at the site by alternately bending and movement of the finger. Anti-inflammatory - Shivani Bhan Dhar straightening the finger. Recurrent triggering drugs – NSAIDS given for few days or so help in can occur in around 30 % of patients especially reducing inflammation and pain. in younger patients and those with diabetes. It is Local injection of hydrocortisone mixed also known that spontaneous resolution of the with a local anaesthetic, carefully given into the triggering can occur in some of the patients tendon sheath near the nodule gives relief in without any treatment over a period of some majority of the patients by reducing months or so. inflammation and the constriction. If symptoms do not resolve within a reasonable time second Risk factors : Certain factors that increase the injection can be given. risk of having a trigger finger are— Surgical : Surgery is done in patients that are i) People involved in work or hobbies that refractory to nonsurgical treatment, when the

An Interview with Community Artist (History From the Strokes of Brush)

I was always lured by the scenic beauty of Kashmir from the very childhood. The lush green fields, mountain scape, the snow on the mountains, the lovely Chinar trees. Not only this, I had require repetitive gripping actions are constriction is very tight, the finger is locked and certainly at a higher risk of developing is not reducible. The constricted sheath is a great fascination for the Gods and Goddesses of Kashmir from the very childhood. trigger finger. released surgically until the tendon moves freely. Surgical release can be done by an open aad decided to take an interview with community artist Sh. Ravi Dhar whose ii) Medical conditions - Trigger finger is more or percutaneous method. Open release is the paintings is making a huge impact in the community. On behalf of Naad, Shivani common in patients with diabetes or “gold standard” of the treatment of the trigger NBhan Dhar decided to take an interview with the artist and get his views on his rheumatoid arthritis. finger as we can very well see the surgical area works. Born in 1958 at Safakadal, Srinagar in a joint family in a famous Dhar clan of Balkak iii) Trigger finger can also occur after a and it is highly effective with low complication and Shyam Lal Dhar, Ravi passed his schooling followed by graduation from Kashmir forceful activity of the hand. rates, however percutaneous release is getting University and thereafter Master's in Hindi and English Literature from Rajasthan Diagnosis is made on the basis of history popular as procedure time is shorter and University. and clinical examination. Normally X-Rays or recovery of function is quicker. Surgical release Presently Ravi Dharis working as a freelancer professional artist making paintings in oil, other tests are not needed. Lab tests are done results in significant relief from the pain and water and acrylic, besides making sculptures in cement and fiberglass and have painted more than seven hundred especially when multiple fingers are affected in improvement in the function. portraits and a vast number of paintings in abstract and realistic since then. Apart from this he has acted in many order to rule out any specific cause like (The writer is Formerly, Vice Principal, Professor. & plays staged in Tagore Hall, Srinagar. He has done several one man shows of his paintings across the country. rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes etc. Head Deptt. of Orthopaedics, CMC, and Ludhiana) He received J&K State Award in 1982 from the then Chief Minister Sheikh Abdullah.

36 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 37 tendon at the base of the finger. There is Treatment: tenderness i.e. pain on pressure of the nodule and Nonsurgical – Gentle stretching exercises help tendon sheath. The click can also be reproduced in relieving stiffness and improving the at the site by alternately bending and movement of the finger. Anti-inflammatory - Shivani Bhan Dhar straightening the finger. Recurrent triggering drugs – NSAIDS given for few days or so help in can occur in around 30 % of patients especially reducing inflammation and pain. in younger patients and those with diabetes. It is Local injection of hydrocortisone mixed also known that spontaneous resolution of the with a local anaesthetic, carefully given into the triggering can occur in some of the patients tendon sheath near the nodule gives relief in without any treatment over a period of some majority of the patients by reducing months or so. inflammation and the constriction. If symptoms do not resolve within a reasonable time second Risk factors : Certain factors that increase the injection can be given. risk of having a trigger finger are— Surgical : Surgery is done in patients that are i) People involved in work or hobbies that refractory to nonsurgical treatment, when the

An Interview with Community Artist (History From the Strokes of Brush)

36 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 37 SBD: - Tell us about yourself, your education, RD : - Since my very childhood I used to copy thankful to the Almighty for providing me the background & love for your roots? pictures from the comic books, popular in our opportunity to be a human being. Having good RD: - Being an elder kid in the joint family, I was times was Chanda-mama, Motu Patlu, Chacha food, enjoying life, bringing up children and a brought up with great care and luxury. I was the Chaudhary and of course Phantom etc. we were nice house, doesn't mean that you are a good most loved one among all. I was admitted in provided with all these comic books by our human being. You have got a different intellect, Rupa Bhawani Memorial School, Nawakadal, parents and an English Newspaper The Blaze. the thought process and of course a great sense to about one and a half kilometers away from my All these were the source of inspiration for me. do something not only for yourself but for the house where I studied up to class eighth because On the walls of our house on paper bits and whole human society as well. If you don't do that where ever I could find the space to draw. Many it was a middle school. Then I joined National you are not worth being a human being. And I am a times I was scolded not to do that. High School, Karan Nagar from where I passed lucky enough to have chosen a profession like This was perhaps the inner passion. I class 10, which was the highest class at the this in which there is a great scope of helping the remember one incident when I was in class 10. school level at that time. We had Mr. M. L. Misri society. When I realized that, I was alarmed and I During the board exams I once woke up as the drawing teacher in National high School. I decided to dedicate my art in painting the people throughout the night to make illustrations of was so fascinated with his drawing that I left of our society who have made us pioneers and Tabla, Saraswati etc. to complete a B.Ed. note placed us among the world's most intelligent biology and took up drawing as one of the book of one of our neighbors. This was the subjects with science. I think this was the start of races. This was enough for me to be inspired. interest I had in this field and I thought I was I have decided to write Kashmiri Pandit my journey to opt painting as my profession. already an artist at that time. My parents too As you know parents are very peculiar in history with my brush. I want to record all such were very keen to see me an engineer, but the events which have been ignored and deliberately shaping the career of their children, so I too was fate had something else to do. pursued to join college and have degree in bypassed and hidden by the pseudo historians of science. So, I got admission in Amar Singh SBD : - As an artist, you convey a lot from your the past. I want all of us to be the torch bearers in College, Srinagar in PUC having subjects art, what do you think are your responsibilities this cause and come forward to give their Geology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English. towards modern KP society? contribution. Our posterity must know our rich But the fate had something else to store in. After RD : - Human being is the most intelligent of all cultural, literary and spiritual heritage. When we completing one year in college I joined Institute the species existing in the world and I am very honestly provide them the facts of our struggle of Music and Fine Arts Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, mention another name Mr. Zahoor Hassan, a and triumph, they will feel proud of their which was affiliated to Kashmir University, to great sculptor, whom I never saw sitting idle, he illustrious ancestors and would want to be like pursue a degree in painting. My parents too were had always a chisel and a hammer in his hand, them. sitting before a raw stone sculpting stones, a not happy as every one would think there was no SBD : - Did your art practices change with time? good career in this field. But I stuck to my great man and great artist. Being very passionate for reading books, I What has been your most memorable experience decision and continued my studies. This was that changed you and the artist within you? something which made me happy. I went on have done Master's Degree in Hindi and English RD : - It depends on the requirements of what doing commercial jobs during my training Literature also from Rajasthan University. period along with the studies I was pursuing till I I was always lured by the scenic beauty of has to be made. The second thing is the intuition finally got a degree in Fine Arts Painting and was Kashmir from the very childhood. The lush which is the primary thing that a painting a topper of that batch. Before leaving Kashmir in green fields, mountain scape, the snow on the requires. When you are doing a painting the 1982, I was felicitated with J & K State Award mountains and the clouds covering the tops at canvas itself demands what should be done. The for my painting “TENSIONS IMMEMORABLE” many places making them disappear. The lovely colors, the forms and the thought, all these play a in the Annual State Art Exhibition presided by Chinar trees at the time of the fall during autumn great role in the completion of a painting. The the then Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad season made me wild. Not only had this I had a balance of colors and the composition makes it Abdullah. great fascination for the Gods and Goddesses of aesthetically perfect. You must have seen that I will always remain indebted to my Kashmir from the very childhood. We used to go the faces I make are not the ones traditionally teachers Revered Sh. Bhushan Kaul Sahib and to Hari Parvat to have a “Parikrama” on foot, made in god paintings. The faces I chose are the Sh. Gokul Dembi Sahab under whose able and which most of the Kashmiri Pandits used to do. ones often seen in our neighborhood. I want to sympathetic guidance I could learn the Hari Parvat was about three and a half portray them as if the god is one among us. But I minuteness of the painting. What I am today is kilometers from our house. And we enjoyed that must reveal that doesn't work. Everyone wants because of them only. And here I would mention very much. to see his deity with a beautiful face therefore it one more name of Late Sh. Bashir Ahmad Shora, SBD : - Being from a Kashmiri Family, a kid becomes necessary for me to paint them in that a fine sculptor and great water color artist, who from his very childhood is pushed to either be an way. From now on you will see the faces with a would take me along with him to make water Engineer or a Doctor. What inspired you to be an beautiful look. color paintings and guided me too. Here I would artist? I remember one incident, some three years

38 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 39 SBD: - Tell us about yourself, your education, RD : - Since my very childhood I used to copy thankful to the Almighty for providing me the background & love for your roots? pictures from the comic books, popular in our opportunity to be a human being. Having good RD: - Being an elder kid in the joint family, I was times was Chanda-mama, Motu Patlu, Chacha food, enjoying life, bringing up children and a brought up with great care and luxury. I was the Chaudhary and of course Phantom etc. we were nice house, doesn't mean that you are a good most loved one among all. I was admitted in provided with all these comic books by our human being. You have got a different intellect, Rupa Bhawani Memorial School, Nawakadal, parents and an English Newspaper The Blaze. the thought process and of course a great sense to about one and a half kilometers away from my All these were the source of inspiration for me. do something not only for yourself but for the house where I studied up to class eighth because On the walls of our house on paper bits and whole human society as well. If you don't do that where ever I could find the space to draw. Many it was a middle school. Then I joined National you are not worth being a human being. And I am a times I was scolded not to do that. High School, Karan Nagar from where I passed lucky enough to have chosen a profession like This was perhaps the inner passion. I class 10, which was the highest class at the this in which there is a great scope of helping the remember one incident when I was in class 10. school level at that time. We had Mr. M. L. Misri society. When I realized that, I was alarmed and I During the board exams I once woke up as the drawing teacher in National high School. I decided to dedicate my art in painting the people throughout the night to make illustrations of was so fascinated with his drawing that I left of our society who have made us pioneers and Tabla, Saraswati etc. to complete a B.Ed. note placed us among the world's most intelligent biology and took up drawing as one of the book of one of our neighbors. This was the subjects with science. I think this was the start of races. This was enough for me to be inspired. interest I had in this field and I thought I was I have decided to write Kashmiri Pandit my journey to opt painting as my profession. already an artist at that time. My parents too As you know parents are very peculiar in history with my brush. I want to record all such were very keen to see me an engineer, but the events which have been ignored and deliberately shaping the career of their children, so I too was fate had something else to do. pursued to join college and have degree in bypassed and hidden by the pseudo historians of science. So, I got admission in Amar Singh SBD : - As an artist, you convey a lot from your the past. I want all of us to be the torch bearers in College, Srinagar in PUC having subjects art, what do you think are your responsibilities this cause and come forward to give their Geology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English. towards modern KP society? contribution. Our posterity must know our rich But the fate had something else to store in. After RD : - Human being is the most intelligent of all cultural, literary and spiritual heritage. When we completing one year in college I joined Institute the species existing in the world and I am very honestly provide them the facts of our struggle of Music and Fine Arts Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, mention another name Mr. Zahoor Hassan, a and triumph, they will feel proud of their which was affiliated to Kashmir University, to great sculptor, whom I never saw sitting idle, he illustrious ancestors and would want to be like pursue a degree in painting. My parents too were had always a chisel and a hammer in his hand, them. sitting before a raw stone sculpting stones, a not happy as every one would think there was no SBD : - Did your art practices change with time? good career in this field. But I stuck to my great man and great artist. Being very passionate for reading books, I What has been your most memorable experience decision and continued my studies. This was that changed you and the artist within you? something which made me happy. I went on have done Master's Degree in Hindi and English RD : - It depends on the requirements of what doing commercial jobs during my training Literature also from Rajasthan University. period along with the studies I was pursuing till I I was always lured by the scenic beauty of has to be made. The second thing is the intuition finally got a degree in Fine Arts Painting and was Kashmir from the very childhood. The lush which is the primary thing that a painting a topper of that batch. Before leaving Kashmir in green fields, mountain scape, the snow on the requires. When you are doing a painting the 1982, I was felicitated with J & K State Award mountains and the clouds covering the tops at canvas itself demands what should be done. The for my painting “TENSIONS IMMEMORABLE” many places making them disappear. The lovely colors, the forms and the thought, all these play a in the Annual State Art Exhibition presided by Chinar trees at the time of the fall during autumn great role in the completion of a painting. The the then Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad season made me wild. Not only had this I had a balance of colors and the composition makes it Abdullah. great fascination for the Gods and Goddesses of aesthetically perfect. You must have seen that I will always remain indebted to my Kashmir from the very childhood. We used to go the faces I make are not the ones traditionally teachers Revered Sh. Bhushan Kaul Sahib and to Hari Parvat to have a “Parikrama” on foot, made in god paintings. The faces I chose are the Sh. Gokul Dembi Sahab under whose able and which most of the Kashmiri Pandits used to do. ones often seen in our neighborhood. I want to sympathetic guidance I could learn the Hari Parvat was about three and a half portray them as if the god is one among us. But I minuteness of the painting. What I am today is kilometers from our house. And we enjoyed that must reveal that doesn't work. Everyone wants because of them only. And here I would mention very much. to see his deity with a beautiful face therefore it one more name of Late Sh. Bashir Ahmad Shora, SBD : - Being from a Kashmiri Family, a kid becomes necessary for me to paint them in that a fine sculptor and great water color artist, who from his very childhood is pushed to either be an way. From now on you will see the faces with a would take me along with him to make water Engineer or a Doctor. What inspired you to be an beautiful look. color paintings and guided me too. Here I would artist? I remember one incident, some three years

38 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 39 back I had painted a God in my own way. The SBD :- What do you want to tell to the critics act plays in Hindi for children have also been painting had come out very nice but I was who think you have mutilated Lal-Ded by written by me apart from translating two English surprised when the buyer sent me the showing her fully clad in traditional costume plays in Hindi which have been staged many photograph of Hema Malini (film actress) and with Shivlinga in her hands? times. asked me to paint the face of that actress. I feel it RD :- I think I have already answered this In response to the next part of your question was okay, because as I said, everyone wants to question. But adding to that I must say I paint all I would simply say that I will be the last person see his deity with a beautiful face. This particular our ancestors with great passion. For me Lal Ded to forgo the claim of my motherland at the hands incident gave me the impression that it hardly is not an ordinary Yogini but an institution in her. of those who have hurt my community. And I am matters whether the deity is from your Her concept of Shiva is not what we ordinarily not going to forgive those too who support them neighborhood, the face should be beautiful. No think of, but it is something that can't be even if they are from my community. I will go on aesthetics, no art works withstand in front of explained simply. We need to have a deep study taking up this matter of exodus with all my might that. to understand her. For her the costumes do not through my paintings and stories. I will not rest till the goal is reached. No matter what hardships SBD :- Your recent portraits of Shiva Yogini Lal matter at all she is above all this. We have stories I have to go through. Ded are the most talked about these days. You of her without costumes too. I don't want to go have received appreciation and you have into the stories but the fact of the matter is that I SBD :- Have you chosen art as your career? Are received criticism. always wanted to see Lalla as my grandmother, you already having a collector base or you are the attire she used to be in and on special RD :- Lal Ded is the most revered figure in doing it as a hobby and your love for art? occasions she would carry Shivlinga for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Every KP has a RD : - Of course, I am a professional artist. I earn family. In fact Lala is the divine mother of all of picture of his own in his mind. She is not only the bread from it. But I am happy my paintings are us and I have no doubt about it. I hope no one most regarded one but people follow her too. bought by the people. I am working hard to make will differ from me. Everyone wants to see her from their own a collector base for myself and I am getting good perspective thus have different point of view. SBD :- Your each piece of art oozes love for your results also. As you know I am not only a painter There is a broader concept of her having a roots, your love for our own motherland but a sculptor too. I make sculptures in cement Taranga (head gear) and a Dejhor in their minds Kashmir. What do you want to say/what and fiber glass on commercial contracts. You and I also wanted to see her in the same attire message you want to convey to the world from must have seen some of my sculptures in cement which I did. The most talked of was not the attire have been making Mata Lalleshwari's portraits? your art? which I have posted on Facebook recently. but the Shivlinga in her hand. I must confess that RD :- That is very much true. I am always SBD : - Does your work comment on current people in general did not have any problems with RD : - As I told you earlier that I always had one thing in mind that is to paint a purely Hindu fascinated towards my motherland, Kashmir. social or political issues or are you planning to that but the ones who believed that she practiced That is why, without any intention, it finds a Nirakar rather than idol worshipping. woman in her Kashmiri attire. And I did the have such things addressed via your art? same but then the controversy about the place in my paintings. I, till my last breath, will Secondly, there is a sect among Muslims not be able to forget it. My paintings are RD : - All my work which I do is social and I like who want to change the concept of 'Her' being a Shivlinga came to my mind and I approached to make people remember our great saints and Sh. Shashi Shekhar Toshkhani ji, (renowned incomplete without its mention. Not only my Hindu purely out of the nefarious design to paintings but a collection of my stories in Hindi sages who have created an impact on our culture. malign the Hindu community. They wanted to thinker and scholar) who explained the various They are the backbone of our community. We minute details regarding Lalleshwari, her attire, which are ready to go in press for publication prove that she had converted to Islam, which I (but due to financial constraints I have still to have to propagate them and spread the light of couldn't bear and which is totally wrong. and the Shivlinga. And the new Lalleshwari had spirituality in our community through their appeared before us which was completely wait a little bit more) and has the memories of I had a different concept of painting Lal teachings. They are our pride. different from that of the traditional one painted my boyhood in Kashmir narrated in the form of a Ded. I always wanted to portray Lalleshwari Secondly, I have taken up the task of till now. stories and again a collection of my short stories entirely in Pandit woman attire. I did not want painting the atrocities of our ancestors and we Frankly speaking the way I painted that in English is underway in the same way in which her to be high jacked by the Muslims in the name I have displayed the radical Islamic face. Not have faced at the hands of the terrorists. This of Sufism. As far as the Shivlinga is concerned was a different concept which I knew people would not digest. But its portrayal was only this but I have a collection of my poems in cannot be forgotten. And at least me, I will not there is no harm in that. She didn't hate English too, I don't know how they will be forget and will never make it happen that we are Shivlinga, so keeping a Shivlinga killed two important to make people believe that she was a yogini and she did not wear Dejhor and the reacted by the readers but they are the honest lured by anyone to compromise on our ideals of birds with one stone. One Muslims couldn't expression of my subconscious mind. Three one a homeland safer for our posterity. resist it and second she looked purely a Hindu pheran was not the actual attire of those times. It woman. was forcefully introduced lately as a symbol of slavery by the Muslim invaders and therefore, is I am always fascinated towards my motherland, Kashmir. That is why, SBD : - We have seen very different picture or i not the real attire of Kashmiri Pandits. But now without any intention, it finds a place in my paintings. I, till my last breath, should say a true picture of Lal Ded which is it has become a part and parcel of our entirely different from what has been painted in community attire and we are recognized will not be able to forget it. My paintings are incomplete without its mention. our minds. What was in your mind while you because of this attire in the globe

40 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 41 back I had painted a God in my own way. The SBD :- What do you want to tell to the critics act plays in Hindi for children have also been painting had come out very nice but I was who think you have mutilated Lal-Ded by written by me apart from translating two English surprised when the buyer sent me the showing her fully clad in traditional costume plays in Hindi which have been staged many photograph of Hema Malini (film actress) and with Shivlinga in her hands? times. asked me to paint the face of that actress. I feel it RD :- I think I have already answered this In response to the next part of your question was okay, because as I said, everyone wants to question. But adding to that I must say I paint all I would simply say that I will be the last person see his deity with a beautiful face. This particular our ancestors with great passion. For me Lal Ded to forgo the claim of my motherland at the hands incident gave me the impression that it hardly is not an ordinary Yogini but an institution in her. of those who have hurt my community. And I am matters whether the deity is from your Her concept of Shiva is not what we ordinarily not going to forgive those too who support them neighborhood, the face should be beautiful. No think of, but it is something that can't be even if they are from my community. I will go on aesthetics, no art works withstand in front of explained simply. We need to have a deep study taking up this matter of exodus with all my might that. to understand her. For her the costumes do not through my paintings and stories. I will not rest till the goal is reached. No matter what hardships SBD :- Your recent portraits of Shiva Yogini Lal matter at all she is above all this. We have stories I have to go through. Ded are the most talked about these days. You of her without costumes too. I don't want to go have received appreciation and you have into the stories but the fact of the matter is that I SBD :- Have you chosen art as your career? Are received criticism. always wanted to see Lalla as my grandmother, you already having a collector base or you are the attire she used to be in and on special RD :- Lal Ded is the most revered figure in doing it as a hobby and your love for art? occasions she would carry Shivlinga for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Every KP has a RD : - Of course, I am a professional artist. I earn family. In fact Lala is the divine mother of all of picture of his own in his mind. She is not only the bread from it. But I am happy my paintings are us and I have no doubt about it. I hope no one most regarded one but people follow her too. bought by the people. I am working hard to make will differ from me. Everyone wants to see her from their own a collector base for myself and I am getting good perspective thus have different point of view. SBD :- Your each piece of art oozes love for your results also. As you know I am not only a painter There is a broader concept of her having a roots, your love for our own motherland but a sculptor too. I make sculptures in cement Taranga (head gear) and a Dejhor in their minds Kashmir. What do you want to say/what and fiber glass on commercial contracts. You and I also wanted to see her in the same attire message you want to convey to the world from must have seen some of my sculptures in cement which I did. The most talked of was not the attire have been making Mata Lalleshwari's portraits? your art? which I have posted on Facebook recently. but the Shivlinga in her hand. I must confess that RD :- That is very much true. I am always SBD : - Does your work comment on current people in general did not have any problems with RD : - As I told you earlier that I always had one thing in mind that is to paint a purely Hindu fascinated towards my motherland, Kashmir. social or political issues or are you planning to that but the ones who believed that she practiced That is why, without any intention, it finds a Nirakar rather than idol worshipping. woman in her Kashmiri attire. And I did the have such things addressed via your art? same but then the controversy about the place in my paintings. I, till my last breath, will Secondly, there is a sect among Muslims not be able to forget it. My paintings are RD : - All my work which I do is social and I like who want to change the concept of 'Her' being a Shivlinga came to my mind and I approached to make people remember our great saints and Sh. Shashi Shekhar Toshkhani ji, (renowned incomplete without its mention. Not only my Hindu purely out of the nefarious design to paintings but a collection of my stories in Hindi sages who have created an impact on our culture. malign the Hindu community. They wanted to thinker and scholar) who explained the various They are the backbone of our community. We minute details regarding Lalleshwari, her attire, which are ready to go in press for publication prove that she had converted to Islam, which I (but due to financial constraints I have still to have to propagate them and spread the light of couldn't bear and which is totally wrong. and the Shivlinga. And the new Lalleshwari had spirituality in our community through their appeared before us which was completely wait a little bit more) and has the memories of I had a different concept of painting Lal teachings. They are our pride. different from that of the traditional one painted my boyhood in Kashmir narrated in the form of a Ded. I always wanted to portray Lalleshwari Secondly, I have taken up the task of till now. stories and again a collection of my short stories entirely in Pandit woman attire. I did not want painting the atrocities of our ancestors and we Frankly speaking the way I painted that in English is underway in the same way in which her to be high jacked by the Muslims in the name I have displayed the radical Islamic face. Not have faced at the hands of the terrorists. This of Sufism. As far as the Shivlinga is concerned was a different concept which I knew people would not digest. But its portrayal was only this but I have a collection of my poems in cannot be forgotten. And at least me, I will not there is no harm in that. She didn't hate English too, I don't know how they will be forget and will never make it happen that we are Shivlinga, so keeping a Shivlinga killed two important to make people believe that she was a yogini and she did not wear Dejhor and the reacted by the readers but they are the honest lured by anyone to compromise on our ideals of birds with one stone. One Muslims couldn't expression of my subconscious mind. Three one a homeland safer for our posterity. resist it and second she looked purely a Hindu pheran was not the actual attire of those times. It woman. was forcefully introduced lately as a symbol of slavery by the Muslim invaders and therefore, is I am always fascinated towards my motherland, Kashmir. That is why, SBD : - We have seen very different picture or i not the real attire of Kashmiri Pandits. But now without any intention, it finds a place in my paintings. I, till my last breath, should say a true picture of Lal Ded which is it has become a part and parcel of our entirely different from what has been painted in community attire and we are recognized will not be able to forget it. My paintings are incomplete without its mention. our minds. What was in your mind while you because of this attire in the globe

40 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 41 pearls. The Minister then built a town Shukavali significant in the development of Kashmir during to celebrate the bird. In one of the temples built the rule of Avantivarman. These were again by Minister Shura's son, Ramaja (Sanskrit glorious and happy times for Kashmiris. - Usha Munshi Gramarian) was employed as expositor. Good times don't last forever. King Minister Shura raised many edifices including Avantivarman was struck by a deadly disease. the one for Hari Parvati. The temples and towns He retired to a temple and spent his last days in built were of the architectural splendor. devotion of Lord Vishnu. Minister Shura patronized and encouraged Shankaravarman, the son of Avantivarman learned ones. Many authors flourished in these ascended the throne with the help of a Royal times. One bard Minister would often recite a Guard. He had to first subjugate his family couplet for king, which meant “This is the time members who aspired for the throne. Then he set Take Aways From Our History – Part II to do good, while fortunes last; for fortunes are out for the conquest of other countries. Starting n history, times don't remain same. History next puppet king. Somehow, these brothers naturally fleeting, and danger is always at hand; with the less impressive number of 900,000 foot is dynamics of events - events, which are ruled Kashmir indirectly for 36 years after the and when danger comes, there will be no more soldiers, he was soon commanding other kings. decided by past and current situations; death of their nephew. During this time, Karkota opportunity.” This was the time when people He easily walked over country after country I were of religious. Some of them had gained with least resistance. He was seen as a brave which have bearing on the future; and which are lineage became extinct. outcome of a number of factors in constant inter- Meanwhile, one of the Uncles of extraordinary powers through religious king, who could capture lions. play. The history at any time is shaped by the Chippatajayapira named Utpal emerged practices. Some people had powers to even When he returned from his conquests, he character, intelligence, vision and go-get attitude stronger. Minister Shura, found Avantivarman, cause rain. It seems, even animals did not kill set up a beautiful city in Kashmir and of the person who takes over the charge of the grandson of Utpal, fit for ascending the throne. each other in this era. The relationship between constructed temples. Unfortunately, soon greed affairs; state of well being and moral of the Thus, King Avantivarman (A. D 855-883) King and his ministers was very cordial. took over him. He extracted money from his people living in those times; and prevailing established Utpala dynasty and this marked the One of the famous anecdotes of these times subjects by unfair means. He appropriated internal and external threats. The history of formal end of Karkota dynasty. is how Suyya saved Kashmir from ravages of temple money–supposed to be used for worship. Kashmir post Karkota dynasty was also shaped King Avantivarman's coronation was done flood and famine, which often caused sufferings Once his son tried to reason out with him that he by the factors such as above. in a grand way. It appeared as if “Sun and Moon to the people of Kashmir. Suyya was found by a should stop torturing his subjects, but that did Kashmir kingdom, which was at pinnacle descended from heaven to bless him.” One of woman of Chandal caste in a basket. It seems not impress him. at the time of King Lalitaditya rule (624 – 661 the most impressive Kings of Kashmir, he first that when this woman lifted the lid of the basket, The King was ill advised by people close to AD), was brought down to nadir stateby the cleared all his enemies from his Kingdom. He she found a baby boy doing Japa. She took this him. He reduced salaries of his courtiers to one- trailing kings of Karkota dynasty and kings won the hearts of nobles by his good behavior. boy to a wet mother in Shudra family for his care fourth and imposed heavy fines for small thereafter. King Lalitapira (great grandson of He was forgiving, kind and without vanity. He taking and even paid for his maintenance. The offences. Due to curses of his oppressed Lalitaditya) was under the evil influence of never forgot his humble past and believed that boy grew up into an educated and intelligent subjects, it is said that his 20 - 30 sons died prostitutes and likes, hardly attended his royal regal grandeur does not last and one shall not person, and would often be found in intellectual mysteriously without any disease. He himself duties. Unable to reform him, his wise minister become slave of it. He considered the wealth left circles. It was the time when Kashmir was got killed unceremoniously and accidently by stopped attending the court. After a brief stint of behind by his predecessors as impure, and to use ravaged by floods – the people and cattle were the arrow of a hunter when he was on one his his and his step brother's rule, his infant son their gold ornaments and utensils as shameful. dying. Suyya said to his friends that while he had conquest expeditions. As per his instructions, his Chippata jayapira from Jayadevi ascended the He believed that wealth can be purified when intellect, he did not have money to redress this faithful carried his dead body in a palanquin throne. The Kingdom was virtually ruled by the given to deserving people. He donated gold and problem. The King heard about it and kept all the without disclosing his death till they lead the five brothers of Jayadevi amid the murders of silver from the ornaments and utensils to money at the disposal of Suyya. Suyya filled army back to the safe territory of Kashmir. His various contenders to the throne. The five Brahmins, distributed wealth among his friends urns with Dinars and went to different places in a dead body was cremated after six days of his brothers squandered the wealth of the Kingdom. and servants. His reign was marked by boat. He threw Dinars at strategic places - in death. His three queens and four other persons Their nephew died mysteriously. consolidation and bringing prosperity to the submerged villages and rivers - where the flow perished on the same pyre. Evil people get together to carry out their Kingdom. of water was obstructed. People jumped in The following years saw total anarchy - evil designs, but ultimately they are bound to fall Avantivarman was a just king. He and his waters to salvage the money so thrown and in the conspiracies, family feuds, murders and apart. Same happened to these five uncles of ministers built towns and temples. It seems that process removed the silt and rocks obstructing mysterious deaths of kings and potential kings; Chippata jayapira. They started quarreling one of his Ministers had a parrot, which along the flow. He further constructed canals to divert debauch and greedy kings; queens having extra among themselves, and could not agree on the with other parrots brought large number of water from Vitasta at the points of obstruction and marital affairs, widow queens living with raised stone embankments for miles along the paramours and the later squandering state river banks. Substantial land was reclaimed and treasures. There were regular fights among the The history at any time is shaped by the character, intelligence, vision and go-get attitude of subsequently used for farming. Suyya seemed to contenders of the throne. the person who takes over the charge of the affairs; state of well being and moral of the people have repeated what Kashyap Rishi had done To be continued….. living in those times; and prevailing internal and external threats. thousands of years ago. Thus, Suyya's role was The writer is a blogger

42 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 43

In every person's life, even if it is as dull as a doormat, there is enough material for writing at least one book. Call it whatever you may: a novel or an autobiography; it is always there. One has only to dig it with care. pearls. The Minister then built a town Shukavali significant in the development of Kashmir during to celebrate the bird. In one of the temples built the rule of Avantivarman. These were again by Minister Shura's son, Ramaja (Sanskrit glorious and happy times for Kashmiris. - Usha Munshi Gramarian) was employed as expositor. Good times don't last forever. King Minister Shura raised many edifices including Avantivarman was struck by a deadly disease. the one for Hari Parvati. The temples and towns He retired to a temple and spent his last days in built were of the architectural splendor. devotion of Lord Vishnu. Minister Shura patronized and encouraged Shankaravarman, the son of Avantivarman learned ones. Many authors flourished in these ascended the throne with the help of a Royal times. One bard Minister would often recite a Guard. He had to first subjugate his family couplet for king, which meant “This is the time members who aspired for the throne. Then he set Take Aways From Our History – Part II to do good, while fortunes last; for fortunes are out for the conquest of other countries. Starting n history, times don't remain same. History next puppet king. Somehow, these brothers naturally fleeting, and danger is always at hand; with the less impressive number of 900,000 foot is dynamics of events - events, which are ruled Kashmir indirectly for 36 years after the and when danger comes, there will be no more soldiers, he was soon commanding other kings. decided by past and current situations; death of their nephew. During this time, Karkota opportunity.” This was the time when people He easily walked over country after country I were of religious. Some of them had gained with least resistance. He was seen as a brave which have bearing on the future; and which are lineage became extinct. outcome of a number of factors in constant inter- Meanwhile, one of the Uncles of extraordinary powers through religious king, who could capture lions. play. The history at any time is shaped by the Chippatajayapira named Utpal emerged practices. Some people had powers to even When he returned from his conquests, he character, intelligence, vision and go-get attitude stronger. Minister Shura, found Avantivarman, cause rain. It seems, even animals did not kill set up a beautiful city in Kashmir and of the person who takes over the charge of the grandson of Utpal, fit for ascending the throne. each other in this era. The relationship between constructed temples. Unfortunately, soon greed affairs; state of well being and moral of the Thus, King Avantivarman (A. D 855-883) King and his ministers was very cordial. took over him. He extracted money from his people living in those times; and prevailing established Utpala dynasty and this marked the One of the famous anecdotes of these times subjects by unfair means. He appropriated internal and external threats. The history of formal end of Karkota dynasty. is how Suyya saved Kashmir from ravages of temple money–supposed to be used for worship. Kashmir post Karkota dynasty was also shaped King Avantivarman's coronation was done flood and famine, which often caused sufferings Once his son tried to reason out with him that he by the factors such as above. in a grand way. It appeared as if “Sun and Moon to the people of Kashmir. Suyya was found by a should stop torturing his subjects, but that did Kashmir kingdom, which was at pinnacle descended from heaven to bless him.” One of woman of Chandal caste in a basket. It seems not impress him. at the time of King Lalitaditya rule (624 – 661 the most impressive Kings of Kashmir, he first that when this woman lifted the lid of the basket, The King was ill advised by people close to AD), was brought down to nadir stateby the cleared all his enemies from his Kingdom. He she found a baby boy doing Japa. She took this him. He reduced salaries of his courtiers to one- trailing kings of Karkota dynasty and kings won the hearts of nobles by his good behavior. boy to a wet mother in Shudra family for his care fourth and imposed heavy fines for small thereafter. King Lalitapira (great grandson of He was forgiving, kind and without vanity. He taking and even paid for his maintenance. The offences. Due to curses of his oppressed Lalitaditya) was under the evil influence of never forgot his humble past and believed that boy grew up into an educated and intelligent subjects, it is said that his 20 - 30 sons died prostitutes and likes, hardly attended his royal regal grandeur does not last and one shall not person, and would often be found in intellectual mysteriously without any disease. He himself duties. Unable to reform him, his wise minister become slave of it. He considered the wealth left circles. It was the time when Kashmir was got killed unceremoniously and accidently by stopped attending the court. After a brief stint of behind by his predecessors as impure, and to use ravaged by floods – the people and cattle were the arrow of a hunter when he was on one his his and his step brother's rule, his infant son their gold ornaments and utensils as shameful. dying. Suyya said to his friends that while he had conquest expeditions. As per his instructions, his Chippata jayapira from Jayadevi ascended the He believed that wealth can be purified when intellect, he did not have money to redress this faithful carried his dead body in a palanquin throne. The Kingdom was virtually ruled by the given to deserving people. He donated gold and problem. The King heard about it and kept all the without disclosing his death till they lead the five brothers of Jayadevi amid the murders of silver from the ornaments and utensils to money at the disposal of Suyya. Suyya filled army back to the safe territory of Kashmir. His various contenders to the throne. The five Brahmins, distributed wealth among his friends urns with Dinars and went to different places in a dead body was cremated after six days of his brothers squandered the wealth of the Kingdom. and servants. His reign was marked by boat. He threw Dinars at strategic places - in death. His three queens and four other persons Their nephew died mysteriously. consolidation and bringing prosperity to the submerged villages and rivers - where the flow perished on the same pyre. Evil people get together to carry out their Kingdom. of water was obstructed. People jumped in The following years saw total anarchy - evil designs, but ultimately they are bound to fall Avantivarman was a just king. He and his waters to salvage the money so thrown and in the conspiracies, family feuds, murders and apart. Same happened to these five uncles of ministers built towns and temples. It seems that process removed the silt and rocks obstructing mysterious deaths of kings and potential kings; Chippata jayapira. They started quarreling one of his Ministers had a parrot, which along the flow. He further constructed canals to divert debauch and greedy kings; queens having extra among themselves, and could not agree on the with other parrots brought large number of water from Vitasta at the points of obstruction and marital affairs, widow queens living with raised stone embankments for miles along the paramours and the later squandering state river banks. Substantial land was reclaimed and treasures. There were regular fights among the The history at any time is shaped by the character, intelligence, vision and go-get attitude of subsequently used for farming. Suyya seemed to contenders of the throne. the person who takes over the charge of the affairs; state of well being and moral of the people have repeated what Kashyap Rishi had done To be continued….. living in those times; and prevailing internal and external threats. thousands of years ago. Thus, Suyya's role was The writer is a blogger

42 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 43

In every person's life, even if it is as dull as a doormat, there is enough material for writing at least one book. Call it whatever you may: a novel or an autobiography; it is always there. One has only to dig it with care. Krishan Dass started as a Shree Ram they are in and use their intellect to mold and bakhta, initiated by some layman who advised modify those customs, ensuring a mix of him to love Ram as much and with such fervor as continuity and change. He exhorted people to - Suraj Krishan Koul Hanumanji did. There are speculations that this acquaint their children with our rich cultural Guru was a village rustic who teasingly mocked ethos and foster in them a belief system based on at the behavior of Krishan Dass, and this high spiritual and moral values. He wanted sarcasm became his Guru Mantra. Swami youth to emulate Swami Vivekananda and his Aatma Ramji is also being described as his oft-repeated quote used to be “Action speaks possible Guru, for whom he showed great a urge louder than words”. He had all the qualities of and commitment. Many anecdotes are doing the Grahasta Aashrami saint and, besides keeping Swami Krishan Dass rounds about his childhood craze in meeting the an eye on the family chores, albeit with sublime Master, even when the distance he would tread disengagement, he embraced his visitors with was above thirty miles at a stretch. He had humility, honesty and sincerity, almost (Kintothji of Ichikote, Budgam Kmr.) tremendous affinity and soulful relationship unnerving them. His life was Bhagwatagita with Swami Ganesh (Gan) Kak of Ichigam and personified. It may not be out of place to Born to Smt. Kuji Maal alias Rukhmal and this relationship flourished for decades. Swami mention here his love for cows. One day my Shri Shankar Dass, Shri Krishan Dass, Kintoth would read from scriptures and the two mother Lt. Kamalawati threw some loose grass popularly known as “Kintoth”, was born in would feel pleased in the satsang as at times the over the heads of cow from the veranda, prompt village Ichikote (Badgam) in the year 1908-1909 elder saint would fall into trance for hours came the reprimand, “treat them as your in-laws in the month of April, Vaishakh Shukla Paksha, together. At times seeing Swami Kintoth just and feed them with respect and dignity”. He was twelfth moon day. As was ordained by Swami waiting for the saint to open his eyes, I would get a vegetarian all through but never thrust his likes Bal Kak of Ichigam (Badgam), the boy born was a bit annoyed, not knowing the language of and dislikes on others. at a cost and the cost was early death of his father spiritualists, much less, these intimate ones. Kintothji was a contemporary of Swami Shri Shankar Dass. Krishan Dass was a special Meetings among saints have a hugely different Nand Lalji of Hashru (Badgam) with whom he and a different child and those who saw him take and the satsang at that level is completely had highest level relationship possible in grow in their midst could well see the distinct heightened bliss, I just try to comprehend now. spirituality. This, I could see one day when the difference. When it was time to be mischievous Being fully established in His Bakhti, this Great Yogi Saint Swami Nand Lalji invited and prankish, he would be recluse, ever devout saint also expressed himself in love and Swami Kintoth on the eve of his Guru's birthday. brooding and looking for something deep and devotion of divinity in all its facets. He would Accompanied by Swami Ganakakji of Ichigam sublime, yet unknown. wake up at 3 in the morning, go to the stream for (Badgam), when the two reached Hashru, My mother, Lt. Smt. Kamalawati, who Sandhya, come back at 4 a.m. and remain in Swami Nand Lalji wanted Kintoth to sit on his happened to be Krishan Dass's niece and was meditation and Samadhi for around three hours. Aasan which the latter refused and the three of closely associated with him, told me that for desire to be of some help to his family and earn He would also read religious texts like Bhagwat them moved away from the Aasan, sat at some weeks and months Krishan Dass would remain some money. He had some shopkeeper in mind Gita, Yog Vashist, Bhagvat besides Purans and distance and engaged in eye contact without proper food and at times he would eat and there, it is said, he further improved upon his other Shastras for an hour or so daily. In his early communication which left the people around like a glutton and frighten his family members Sadhana under the benevolence of that days, he would sing bhajans of Swami spell bound and transported. with his actions. The lady folk in the shopkeeper. This further made the family Parmanaji, Krishanjoo Razdan and Prakash Swami Kintoth believed that each prani neighborhood would feel it a privilege if they members distraught and they thought and Ram's Ramayana. His love for flute has also (creature) has to reap the fruit of his actions and could feed the loitering wonder boy with a cup of decided to get him married. After huge been taken note of by the people who listened to nobody can escape this truth. The grace of saints milk, a fruit or a glass of water. Anxious parents persuasion and pressure, marriage was thrust him then. Those were the days of exacting only helps in minimizing the pain or lightening sent Krishan Dass to Jogi Lankar, Rainawari to upon him but the boy had already expressed his Sadhana. He had devotion for Laleshwari and the liberation route. the house of his Massi so that he could be disinterest both to his family and the family of Abhinavgupta, calling them as Jagatgurus. He was against pomp & show and hollow educated and distracted from his other worldly the bride. But the times being different then, Ichikote was blessed with ancient Sharda Mata activism and was never inclined for any show of behavior. This attempt did not succeed for the Krishan Dass was married to Prabhavati, Asthapan and the saint had a mother-son spiritual prowess as he believed such activities desired objective but, on the other hand, further daughter of Ramji Padhey of “Chitru”, Badgam. relationship with the divinity. He would each are pretentious, hardly desirable, unless required quickened his quest and search for the unknown. Marriage was performed but not consummated day visit the shrine till his nirvana, setting under divine scheme of things. It was under Krishan Dass used this opportunity in as Krishan Dass had no body temptations and precedence for entire village biradari to visit the tremendous pressure of some family members establishing contacts with some spiritually hence no scope for conjugal relationship. shrine almost daily. and close devotees that his birthday started awakened persons, besides taking some interest Prabhavati died after sometime and the recluse Krishan Dass believed in harmonious being celebrated as a family affair, joined by in regular education. and the lady, both were relieved by destiny to continuity of positive customs and traditions but only some close people. He was not in favour of It is said that one day he expressed his track on their different paths. wanted people to be aware of the time and space his photograph being exhibited and for two

44 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 45 Krishan Dass started as a Shree Ram they are in and use their intellect to mold and bakhta, initiated by some layman who advised modify those customs, ensuring a mix of him to love Ram as much and with such fervor as continuity and change. He exhorted people to - Suraj Krishan Koul Hanumanji did. There are speculations that this acquaint their children with our rich cultural Guru was a village rustic who teasingly mocked ethos and foster in them a belief system based on at the behavior of Krishan Dass, and this high spiritual and moral values. He wanted sarcasm became his Guru Mantra. Swami youth to emulate Swami Vivekananda and his Aatma Ramji is also being described as his oft-repeated quote used to be “Action speaks possible Guru, for whom he showed great a urge louder than words”. He had all the qualities of and commitment. Many anecdotes are doing the Grahasta Aashrami saint and, besides keeping Swami Krishan Dass rounds about his childhood craze in meeting the an eye on the family chores, albeit with sublime Master, even when the distance he would tread disengagement, he embraced his visitors with was above thirty miles at a stretch. He had humility, honesty and sincerity, almost (Kintothji of Ichikote, Budgam Kmr.) tremendous affinity and soulful relationship unnerving them. His life was Bhagwatagita with Swami Ganesh (Gan) Kak of Ichigam and personified. It may not be out of place to Born to Smt. Kuji Maal alias Rukhmal and this relationship flourished for decades. Swami mention here his love for cows. One day my Shri Shankar Dass, Shri Krishan Dass, Kintoth would read from scriptures and the two mother Lt. Kamalawati threw some loose grass popularly known as “Kintoth”, was born in would feel pleased in the satsang as at times the over the heads of cow from the veranda, prompt village Ichikote (Badgam) in the year 1908-1909 elder saint would fall into trance for hours came the reprimand, “treat them as your in-laws in the month of April, Vaishakh Shukla Paksha, together. At times seeing Swami Kintoth just and feed them with respect and dignity”. He was twelfth moon day. As was ordained by Swami waiting for the saint to open his eyes, I would get a vegetarian all through but never thrust his likes Bal Kak of Ichigam (Badgam), the boy born was a bit annoyed, not knowing the language of and dislikes on others. at a cost and the cost was early death of his father spiritualists, much less, these intimate ones. Kintothji was a contemporary of Swami Shri Shankar Dass. Krishan Dass was a special Meetings among saints have a hugely different Nand Lalji of Hashru (Badgam) with whom he and a different child and those who saw him take and the satsang at that level is completely had highest level relationship possible in grow in their midst could well see the distinct heightened bliss, I just try to comprehend now. spirituality. This, I could see one day when the difference. When it was time to be mischievous Being fully established in His Bakhti, this Great Yogi Saint Swami Nand Lalji invited and prankish, he would be recluse, ever devout saint also expressed himself in love and Swami Kintoth on the eve of his Guru's birthday. brooding and looking for something deep and devotion of divinity in all its facets. He would Accompanied by Swami Ganakakji of Ichigam sublime, yet unknown. wake up at 3 in the morning, go to the stream for (Badgam), when the two reached Hashru, My mother, Lt. Smt. Kamalawati, who Sandhya, come back at 4 a.m. and remain in Swami Nand Lalji wanted Kintoth to sit on his happened to be Krishan Dass's niece and was meditation and Samadhi for around three hours. Aasan which the latter refused and the three of closely associated with him, told me that for desire to be of some help to his family and earn He would also read religious texts like Bhagwat them moved away from the Aasan, sat at some weeks and months Krishan Dass would remain some money. He had some shopkeeper in mind Gita, Yog Vashist, Bhagvat besides Purans and distance and engaged in eye contact without proper food and at times he would eat and there, it is said, he further improved upon his other Shastras for an hour or so daily. In his early communication which left the people around like a glutton and frighten his family members Sadhana under the benevolence of that days, he would sing bhajans of Swami spell bound and transported. with his actions. The lady folk in the shopkeeper. This further made the family Parmanaji, Krishanjoo Razdan and Prakash Swami Kintoth believed that each prani neighborhood would feel it a privilege if they members distraught and they thought and Ram's Ramayana. His love for flute has also (creature) has to reap the fruit of his actions and could feed the loitering wonder boy with a cup of decided to get him married. After huge been taken note of by the people who listened to nobody can escape this truth. The grace of saints milk, a fruit or a glass of water. Anxious parents persuasion and pressure, marriage was thrust him then. Those were the days of exacting only helps in minimizing the pain or lightening sent Krishan Dass to Jogi Lankar, Rainawari to upon him but the boy had already expressed his Sadhana. He had devotion for Laleshwari and the liberation route. the house of his Massi so that he could be disinterest both to his family and the family of Abhinavgupta, calling them as Jagatgurus. He was against pomp & show and hollow educated and distracted from his other worldly the bride. But the times being different then, Ichikote was blessed with ancient Sharda Mata activism and was never inclined for any show of behavior. This attempt did not succeed for the Krishan Dass was married to Prabhavati, Asthapan and the saint had a mother-son spiritual prowess as he believed such activities desired objective but, on the other hand, further daughter of Ramji Padhey of “Chitru”, Badgam. relationship with the divinity. He would each are pretentious, hardly desirable, unless required quickened his quest and search for the unknown. Marriage was performed but not consummated day visit the shrine till his nirvana, setting under divine scheme of things. It was under Krishan Dass used this opportunity in as Krishan Dass had no body temptations and precedence for entire village biradari to visit the tremendous pressure of some family members establishing contacts with some spiritually hence no scope for conjugal relationship. shrine almost daily. and close devotees that his birthday started awakened persons, besides taking some interest Prabhavati died after sometime and the recluse Krishan Dass believed in harmonious being celebrated as a family affair, joined by in regular education. and the lady, both were relieved by destiny to continuity of positive customs and traditions but only some close people. He was not in favour of It is said that one day he expressed his track on their different paths. wanted people to be aware of the time and space his photograph being exhibited and for two

44 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 45 years continuously one of his devotees failed to saint asked her to prepare a space for him to lie take a click. It was after some real tears and talks down and ask the elderly lady in the that Kakaji Zutshi could manage a few neighborhood to be present. Within a flash, the photographs. He was assisted in this endeavor by cap from the head slipped a bit and body became - Ramesh Manvati Dr. Peshan who after a medical check-up motionless. All the arrangements for funeral described Kintothji as a saint living on his will were done, mostly, by the Muslim members of and keeping his own time. His blood pressure the village in conjunction with my elder machine just failed to read the saint's pressure maternal uncle – Lt. Shri Niranjan Nath Koul and the machine just did not stick to the saint's and other Pandit biradari members, till all of us arm. The full hall of around sixty odd people saw returned from the marriage. Nature was the event happening. Dr. Peshan, in awe, mourning the departure of one of its blessed prostrated and murmured, “I have yet to see a souls from the karam bhoomi. Winds, rains and Tribute saint like this man”. thunder engulfed the entire area. We had to I may revert back to the days when Swami change the route onwards Razbal (shimshaan Kintothji showed evidently that he had bhoomi) and yet when the elements were a bit Prof. Chaman Lal Sapru completely outgrown body consciousness and peaceful the pyre was lit and the entire place was would move out of the body frame at will. We full of peace, and enticing breeze. One Pir could see this feat on the nirvana divas of Swami Mohd. Yahya, one of the top Ahil-e-Hadis rof. C.L.Sapru's passing away is a great Gankakji when Krishan Dass was seen leaders of Kashmir, who lived at village loss to our community in exile. He was a simultaneously in his meditation room and also Ichikote, very near the cremation site, said “I Pliving encyclopaedia; always ready to attending to the last rites of the departed saint. could feel the messengers of God coming down share some interesting anecdotes of community Towards the later part of his life, Swami Kintoth and being part of the spectacle”. These words as well as literary affairs as and when an had developed some unknown body ailment coming from one, who hate idol worshippers, opportunity presented itself - be it in private or at which he kept to himself up to his last days. This speaks volumes about the height Swami public forums. was evident to all those who came into his close Kintothji had attained. It would be appropriate One such anecdote that Sapru Sb. revealed contact besides to some doctors, including Dr. to summarize his loftiness in the words of to me, once, while we were discussing some Peshin, who was brought by devotees for Swami Radhey Shyamji: literary matters, was the background / treatment of the saint's ailment. “Sat bhaav satogun prakrat Chaney inspiration behind penning down by Master This was the period when two things of …….Kam krodh lobh moh vochmai hormut, Zinda Kaul one of his famous poems: immense consequence could be seen moving on choshvin kormut ikwata grass……..khass “….sumran panne'n ditsa'num, the time scale simultaneously. One, devotees chukha aasith bas na divani…..Krishna Tathi premuk kkhazaan' avessiye; outside the family fold entered and the canvass Zaar boz myney………..” rutsa'run togum'na rovum, of spiritual activities increased. Satsang and (A person of truth and naked truth without osum'na baana vessiye…..” bhajans began to be conducted regularly. Lt. any protestations, with poise and equanimity of It so happened that a young girl in the Shri Krishanji Koul, Shri Raj Nath Bhat, Shri highest order, this saint has conquered all the family had gifted a hand -embroidered Girdhari Lal Bhat (Bittuji), Shri Dwarka Nath forces of senses and is seated in eternal, pure, handkerchief to the distinguished poet. Koul and many other locals formed the nucleus divine consciousness. His face always emitting Unfortunately, while drying it one winter day on of regular Bhajan mandali. This was the time joy and loveliness………..) a kangri by 'Master Ji', the handkerchief got when the devotees of Swami Gobind Koul of The Nirvana Divas and the Voharvod of burnt; and thus was born the much celebrated Wanpoh, mainly Swami Prithvi Nath Bhagwan, Shree Kintothji are being celebrated on Ashaadh poem of the first Sahitya Academy Award Swami Shamboo Nath Raina (alias Raina Krishna Pakhsh Saptami and Vaisaakh Shakul- winner of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmiri), Triloki Nath Raina, Swamini paksh Duwadashi respectively every year at H. Kashmir (1956). Nirmalaji, Phoolaji, Brij Kishori, Lalaji, Triloki No. 7, Lane No. 1/A, Udheywala, Bohri, Prof. Sapru was a true lifelong activist at Nath Hashru, Kakaji Zutshi, Rajaji Naqeb and Jammu. Arrangements for these events are heart and in action too - a rare combination. I feel scores of others would regularly visit Swami being made by the extended family members fortunate to have shared the activism; and, to My respectful tributes to this great social Kintoth and the circle widened with more people and some close devotees who form the trust. have received his affection and blessings in and literary icon of our community. And, my joining the blessed company. good measure during the last over three decades heartfelt condolences to Prof. C. L.Sapru's And when the nirvana time came, his The author of this article is (Retd. KAS), ever since this writer came in contact with him entire clan of family, friends and admirers. May family was away to attend a marriage ceremony son of Late Smt. Kamalawati (main source of following the forced exodus from our place of his seminal work keep on inspiring the future and the only person at home was my Mami. At material who happened to be neice of Swami origin - Kashmir valley. And, he would always generations. the appointed time, after taking early meals, the Kintothji Maharaj. admire my humble work. ………..Om Shanti!

46 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 47 years continuously one of his devotees failed to saint asked her to prepare a space for him to lie take a click. It was after some real tears and talks down and ask the elderly lady in the that Kakaji Zutshi could manage a few neighborhood to be present. Within a flash, the photographs. He was assisted in this endeavor by cap from the head slipped a bit and body became - Ramesh Manvati Dr. Peshan who after a medical check-up motionless. All the arrangements for funeral described Kintothji as a saint living on his will were done, mostly, by the Muslim members of and keeping his own time. His blood pressure the village in conjunction with my elder machine just failed to read the saint's pressure maternal uncle – Lt. Shri Niranjan Nath Koul and the machine just did not stick to the saint's and other Pandit biradari members, till all of us arm. The full hall of around sixty odd people saw returned from the marriage. Nature was the event happening. Dr. Peshan, in awe, mourning the departure of one of its blessed prostrated and murmured, “I have yet to see a souls from the karam bhoomi. Winds, rains and Tribute saint like this man”. thunder engulfed the entire area. We had to I may revert back to the days when Swami change the route onwards Razbal (shimshaan Kintothji showed evidently that he had bhoomi) and yet when the elements were a bit Prof. Chaman Lal Sapru completely outgrown body consciousness and peaceful the pyre was lit and the entire place was would move out of the body frame at will. We full of peace, and enticing breeze. One Pir could see this feat on the nirvana divas of Swami Mohd. Yahya, one of the top Ahil-e-Hadis rof. C.L.Sapru's passing away is a great Gankakji when Krishan Dass was seen leaders of Kashmir, who lived at village loss to our community in exile. He was a simultaneously in his meditation room and also Ichikote, very near the cremation site, said “I Pliving encyclopaedia; always ready to attending to the last rites of the departed saint. could feel the messengers of God coming down share some interesting anecdotes of community Towards the later part of his life, Swami Kintoth and being part of the spectacle”. These words as well as literary affairs as and when an had developed some unknown body ailment coming from one, who hate idol worshippers, opportunity presented itself - be it in private or at which he kept to himself up to his last days. This speaks volumes about the height Swami public forums. was evident to all those who came into his close Kintothji had attained. It would be appropriate One such anecdote that Sapru Sb. revealed contact besides to some doctors, including Dr. to summarize his loftiness in the words of to me, once, while we were discussing some Peshin, who was brought by devotees for Swami Radhey Shyamji: literary matters, was the background / treatment of the saint's ailment. “Sat bhaav satogun prakrat Chaney inspiration behind penning down by Master This was the period when two things of …….Kam krodh lobh moh vochmai hormut, Zinda Kaul one of his famous poems: immense consequence could be seen moving on choshvin kormut ikwata grass……..khass “….sumran panne'n ditsa'num, the time scale simultaneously. One, devotees chukha aasith bas na divani…..Krishna Tathi premuk kkhazaan' avessiye; outside the family fold entered and the canvass Zaar boz myney………..” rutsa'run togum'na rovum, of spiritual activities increased. Satsang and (A person of truth and naked truth without osum'na baana vessiye…..” bhajans began to be conducted regularly. Lt. any protestations, with poise and equanimity of It so happened that a young girl in the Shri Krishanji Koul, Shri Raj Nath Bhat, Shri highest order, this saint has conquered all the family had gifted a hand -embroidered Girdhari Lal Bhat (Bittuji), Shri Dwarka Nath forces of senses and is seated in eternal, pure, handkerchief to the distinguished poet. Koul and many other locals formed the nucleus divine consciousness. His face always emitting Unfortunately, while drying it one winter day on of regular Bhajan mandali. This was the time joy and loveliness………..) a kangri by 'Master Ji', the handkerchief got when the devotees of Swami Gobind Koul of The Nirvana Divas and the Voharvod of burnt; and thus was born the much celebrated Wanpoh, mainly Swami Prithvi Nath Bhagwan, Shree Kintothji are being celebrated on Ashaadh poem of the first Sahitya Academy Award Swami Shamboo Nath Raina (alias Raina Krishna Pakhsh Saptami and Vaisaakh Shakul- winner of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmiri), Triloki Nath Raina, Swamini paksh Duwadashi respectively every year at H. Kashmir (1956). Nirmalaji, Phoolaji, Brij Kishori, Lalaji, Triloki No. 7, Lane No. 1/A, Udheywala, Bohri, Prof. Sapru was a true lifelong activist at Nath Hashru, Kakaji Zutshi, Rajaji Naqeb and Jammu. Arrangements for these events are heart and in action too - a rare combination. I feel scores of others would regularly visit Swami being made by the extended family members fortunate to have shared the activism; and, to My respectful tributes to this great social Kintoth and the circle widened with more people and some close devotees who form the trust. have received his affection and blessings in and literary icon of our community. And, my joining the blessed company. good measure during the last over three decades heartfelt condolences to Prof. C. L.Sapru's And when the nirvana time came, his The author of this article is (Retd. KAS), ever since this writer came in contact with him entire clan of family, friends and admirers. May family was away to attend a marriage ceremony son of Late Smt. Kamalawati (main source of following the forced exodus from our place of his seminal work keep on inspiring the future and the only person at home was my Mami. At material who happened to be neice of Swami origin - Kashmir valley. And, he would always generations. the appointed time, after taking early meals, the Kintothji Maharaj. admire my humble work. ………..Om Shanti!

46 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 47 course of time, the succession was broken and identification with human consciousness in therefore, the science as it appears has been lost. general. This is termed as Manu state of the It is explained here that “Iksvaku” is a vedic descending soul. The Omnipresent cosmic -C.L. Kaloo name appearing in both the Rig-veda and energy (vivasvat) becomes manifest as life- Atharva-veda. In the Upanishads “Iksh” imply a force or life trons in a human being through the state of seeing and knowing as a creative influence of mind. The cosmic energy (vivasvat) omnipresent consciousness- thus, it is not is the source of life-force that becomes manifest ordinary seeing (eye) as we understand literally. in the astral body of a human being through the In Shloka 1&2 of Adhaya 4th in the Holy process of mind, means Manu. Thus, life-force Bhagavat Gita, the Lord proclaims that the and mind are closely associated for the body of a eternal science of uniting soul and spirit- means human being. One cannot exist without the other The Science of Knowing God “Raja Yoga” and gave concise description of when they descend from cosmic consciousness that science- the steps by which the soul and cosmic energy; their manifestation is he science of knowing God is to planet and forefather of Rugu dynasty in which descends from cosmic consciousness to the through the eye of intuition (spiritual eye). Thus, understand the tenets of Bhagavat Gita, Lord RamChandra appeared. Therefore, mortal state of identification with the human from the Manu state, the soul flows down into a Tin order to be able to know consciousness Bhagavat Gita existed in human society from body and the route it takes to its sources- the all specific channel of the intuitive sense, and then of God’s presence in a human body and to the time of Maharaja Iksvaku. It may be clarified blissful eternal spirit. Now, during the descent of into the astral channels of life-force and protect the people from material knowledge here that the science of Bhagavat Gita has to be a human being from a spiritual age to a material consciousness (the astral eye). which turns instrumental in understanding the accepted from the disciple succession as the age, the knowledge of the science of yoga From the intuitive astral state, the soul then basic truth that every human being is essentially Lord Krishna spoke to the Sun God, the Sun God declines and is forgotten. But since the spirit is further descends to the various powerful sense a soul covered with a veil of “Maya” (delusion). spoke to Manu and Manu spoke to his son Eternal, so the yoga of the art of uniting the soul perceptive states- : “Jnanendriyas” and then In reality, human life is essentially meant for Iksvaku. Thus, the Lord says in the Bhagavat with the omnipresent spirit is also imperishable. flowing into the gross physical manifestations of cultivation of spiritual knowledge, in eternal Gita (Adhaya 4th,Shloka 2nd): The above Shlokas explain the genesis of yoga. the senses. This is called sense-identified state. The first manifestation of spirit is cosmic light. Thus, the yoga signifies the union of spirit and God vibrated His cosmic consciousness as soul. The spirit as cosmic consciousness is

The first manifestation of spirit is cosmic light. God vibrated his cosmic consciousness as intelligent cosmic energy or cosmic light referred by the Lord.

intelligent cosmic energy or cosmic light united to the omnipresent cosmic energy which referred by the Lord in these Shloka as Vivasvat- is limited to the spiritual eye of life and one who shines forth or diffuses light, say the consciousness in human being. Life and enlightened Rishi of ancient times who came to consciousness are linked to the mind. The mind be known as Sun-God. This Omnipresent is linked to the astral eye and the intuitive mind cosmic energy or light exists in human being as of the astral body and astral life and mind are the microcosmic sun of the spiritual eye which linked with the five sensory instruments of becomes visible during meditation when the knowledge. The lord teaches us through the concentration deepens at the point between the above narrated Shloka that links of union (yoga) eyebrows of two physical eyes. All the with spirit are indestructibly present within him. intelligent creative power of cosmic energy is A man is not aware of or does not remember how present in spiritual eye (microcosmically). the spirit vibrated into different states; the soul is relationship with the Supreme. In the beginning “evam parampara praptam – imam Various states are experienced through this forgotten after having descended into the senses. of the millennium, known as “Treta –yuga”, this rajarsayaviduh spiritual eye (consciousness in the physical In conclusion, it is stated that this yoga or the science of relationship with the Supreme was Sa kaleneharmahata – yogonastah param tapa” astral and casual bodies). supreme science of knowledge (knowing God) delivered by Vivasvan (Sun God) to Manu, Means: This Supreme science was thus received Every soul emerges from cosmic consciousness is revived again whenever a devotee detaches being the father of the Mankind, who gave it to through the chain of disciple succession and the when the descending soul comes under the his true-self from the senses by practicing his son Maharaja Iksvaku, the king of the Earth family kings understood it in that way. But in influence of mind; it becomes limited by meditation and thus re-unites the soul with spirit.

48 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 49 course of time, the succession was broken and identification with human consciousness in therefore, the science as it appears has been lost. general. This is termed as Manu state of the It is explained here that “Iksvaku” is a vedic descending soul. The Omnipresent cosmic -C.L. Kaloo name appearing in both the Rig-veda and energy (vivasvat) becomes manifest as life- Atharva-veda. In the Upanishads “Iksh” imply a force or life trons in a human being through the state of seeing and knowing as a creative influence of mind. The cosmic energy (vivasvat) omnipresent consciousness- thus, it is not is the source of life-force that becomes manifest ordinary seeing (eye) as we understand literally. in the astral body of a human being through the In Shloka 1&2 of Adhaya 4th in the Holy process of mind, means Manu. Thus, life-force Bhagavat Gita, the Lord proclaims that the and mind are closely associated for the body of a eternal science of uniting soul and spirit- means human being. One cannot exist without the other The Science of Knowing God “Raja Yoga” and gave concise description of when they descend from cosmic consciousness that science- the steps by which the soul and cosmic energy; their manifestation is he science of knowing God is to planet and forefather of Rugu dynasty in which descends from cosmic consciousness to the through the eye of intuition (spiritual eye). Thus, understand the tenets of Bhagavat Gita, Lord RamChandra appeared. Therefore, mortal state of identification with the human from the Manu state, the soul flows down into a Tin order to be able to know consciousness Bhagavat Gita existed in human society from body and the route it takes to its sources- the all specific channel of the intuitive sense, and then of God’s presence in a human body and to the time of Maharaja Iksvaku. It may be clarified blissful eternal spirit. Now, during the descent of into the astral channels of life-force and protect the people from material knowledge here that the science of Bhagavat Gita has to be a human being from a spiritual age to a material consciousness (the astral eye). which turns instrumental in understanding the accepted from the disciple succession as the age, the knowledge of the science of yoga From the intuitive astral state, the soul then basic truth that every human being is essentially Lord Krishna spoke to the Sun God, the Sun God declines and is forgotten. But since the spirit is further descends to the various powerful sense a soul covered with a veil of “Maya” (delusion). spoke to Manu and Manu spoke to his son Eternal, so the yoga of the art of uniting the soul perceptive states- : “Jnanendriyas” and then In reality, human life is essentially meant for Iksvaku. Thus, the Lord says in the Bhagavat with the omnipresent spirit is also imperishable. flowing into the gross physical manifestations of cultivation of spiritual knowledge, in eternal Gita (Adhaya 4th,Shloka 2nd): The above Shlokas explain the genesis of yoga. the senses. This is called sense-identified state. The first manifestation of spirit is cosmic light. Thus, the yoga signifies the union of spirit and God vibrated His cosmic consciousness as soul. The spirit as cosmic consciousness is

The first manifestation of spirit is cosmic light. God vibrated his cosmic consciousness as intelligent cosmic energy or cosmic light referred by the Lord.

48 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 49 Normally the locals, mostly Kashmiri Pandits pieces of egg transformed into two beautiful visit that place twice in a year during Navratras. springs and mysterious glowing flames beamed The path leading to this shrine is in dilapidated from the broken egg. The first ray of light is - Vinod Tikoo condition. The terrain is tough as the mountain called Martand and that light hit four places and has steep elevation. Like all places of our those places became Shakti Peeths. Those four worship, this temple has also faced the neglect of places are known as: State Administration. Ever since 2010, when 1. Bhargashika Devi sizable number of Kashmiri Pandits, like those 2. Bheema Devi working as PM Package employees, as non- 3. Baswati Devi migrant Pandits also started this yatra again, no 4. Shree Bhawani Devi. facility is being provided to them from the local These shakti peeths are situated on four Bhargashika Mata of Martand administration. Everyone visits this temple on sides of Martand spring. his/her own risk. hargashika Mata is Aadhi Shakti Peeth “We have written to Government hundreds I have vivid memories of 1980's when Smt. located on the hilltop overlooking of times but all our pleas have fallen on deaf Indira Gandhi visited Mattan and people in Martand which is presently called as ears”, lamented a local resident. Thousands assembled here to have one glimpse B of their leader, nobody at that time would have Mattan. Mattan is a Town and Notified area A Brief History about Martand Committee in South Kashmir district of thought that they will leave behind this land and Martand in Hinduism is the eighth and last of the Anantnag. Of late, it has become Tehsil. will be homeless and nameless in their own Vedic Solar deities called Aditya. He is known as Historically it was a pilgrim village as it is one of country. Aditya by virtue of being born to Aditi. the stopovers for the Holy Amarnath Yatra. The Martand Mattan has produced two According to legend and in texts "Martand road from Martand Mattan leads to pictures que personalities that are known to all the Pandits of Katha" and stories coming down from one Pahalgam and finally to Amarnath Cave. Till this Kashmir and also find mention in history. day Holy Chaddi is brought here in Mattan for generation to another, Martanda (Sun God) was born from Aditi, the wife of Kashyap Reshi. They are Pandit Kripa Ram Dutt and "Charri-Snan", i.e the holy mace is immersed in Kashmiri poet Pandit Parmanand. Pandit Kripa holy waters of Martand springs. Kashyap Reshi is the saint on whose name the Ram Dutt saved the Pandits during the Mattan is a tiny town having roughly a Kashmir valley is named. population of 20,000 people, due to migration of Aditi had given birth to 12 children in the tyrannical rule of Aurangzeb. Pandit Kripa Ram Pandits and terrorism. Literacy rate of this town form of eggs which later produced 12 Suns. Dutt was a great scholar who taught the 10th is 54% which is even less than National average. However, when she gave birth to the 13th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, Sanskrit. The coordinates of this place are 33.77 deg offspring in the form of an egg before time, it Martand finds its place in the Vaakhs of North & 75.20 deg East. Residents of the created a rift between the couple. She had an Lalleshwari (Lalded) also. adjoining villages of Mattan, like Krangsoo, argument with husband, Kashyap Rishi and in Martand is a very pious place for Hindus, Akura, Nambal, Hutmura, Nanil, Ranbirpora, the fit of anger; she abandoned her egg in the which has same sanctity as the Ganga. One can Achabal & Wantrag etc would also visit Mattan waters of Satisar. Thus her 13th Sun remained perform the shraads, i.e., the ritual performed for for day-to-day activities. These villages also had lifeless under water somewhere in Satisar departed souls. The religious festival of a sizable number of KP Population before our (present Kashmir) for generations. Malmass-Banmass is still held every two-and-a- migration. The Tirth complex is situated near the Then Kashyap Rishi was entrusted with the half years when pilgrims, mostly from Northern main Bazar of Mattan. The market of Mattan task of draining water from Satisar so that water India assemble and perform shraad of their used to be abuzz with activities. Tourists and demon Jalodbhav would be killed. Jalodbhav departed souls near the springs or along the pilgrims would throng here from different states rivulet Chaka Nadi. The ancestors of Mattan & even from foreign lands. was nearly immortal under water. When village used to keep record of all the visitors in The Pandits of Martand were always close Kashyap Rishi tried to drain water from Satisar, he recalled his 13th Sun Martand. As soon as he their books which they called "Bahee". to Power corridors as this place was visited by Bargha Shikha Mata's Temple is VIP's, be it bollywood celebrities or political tried to touch him, he was warned of dire Nowadays only few have retained this custom. personalities. Bargha Shikha Mata's Temple is situated on a hilltop. There is a small Temple consequences. Kashyap Rishi knew it was This area has been a religious, social and situated on a hilltop. There is a small Temple constructed way back before our displacement impossible for him to do that task and he prayed cultural center from generations. Now, with a constructed way back before our displacement and it still stands tall. The locals call this Mandir to Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh & Parvati Mata for sizable number of PM Package employees also and it still stands tall. The locals call this Mandir help. Mata Shakti sought Lord Vishnu's help and putting up at this pious place, the Government as Devi Bal. This temple is like Adi Shakti Peeth. as Devi Bal. This temple is like Adi Shakti Peeth. Lord Vishnu cut that egg with his sudarshana should cease this opportunity to try to reverse There is a holy rock inside the temple (Shilla). There is a holy rock inside the temple (Shilla). Chakra into 2 Pieces. In the process, the two migration from this place.

50 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 51 Normally the locals, mostly Kashmiri Pandits pieces of egg transformed into two beautiful visit that place twice in a year during Navratras. springs and mysterious glowing flames beamed The path leading to this shrine is in dilapidated from the broken egg. The first ray of light is - Vinod Tikoo condition. The terrain is tough as the mountain called Martand and that light hit four places and has steep elevation. Like all places of our those places became Shakti Peeths. Those four worship, this temple has also faced the neglect of places are known as: State Administration. Ever since 2010, when 1. Bhargashika Devi sizable number of Kashmiri Pandits, like those 2. Bheema Devi working as PM Package employees, as non- 3. Baswati Devi migrant Pandits also started this yatra again, no 4. Shree Bhawani Devi. facility is being provided to them from the local These shakti peeths are situated on four Bhargashika Mata of Martand administration. Everyone visits this temple on sides of Martand spring. his/her own risk. hargashika Mata is Aadhi Shakti Peeth “We have written to Government hundreds I have vivid memories of 1980's when Smt. located on the hilltop overlooking of times but all our pleas have fallen on deaf Indira Gandhi visited Mattan and people in Martand which is presently called as ears”, lamented a local resident. Thousands assembled here to have one glimpse B of their leader, nobody at that time would have Mattan. Mattan is a Town and Notified area A Brief History about Martand Committee in South Kashmir district of thought that they will leave behind this land and Martand in Hinduism is the eighth and last of the Anantnag. Of late, it has become Tehsil. will be homeless and nameless in their own Vedic Solar deities called Aditya. He is known as Historically it was a pilgrim village as it is one of country. Aditya by virtue of being born to Aditi. the stopovers for the Holy Amarnath Yatra. The Martand Mattan has produced two According to legend and in texts "Martand road from Martand Mattan leads to pictures que personalities that are known to all the Pandits of Katha" and stories coming down from one Pahalgam and finally to Amarnath Cave. Till this Kashmir and also find mention in history. day Holy Chaddi is brought here in Mattan for generation to another, Martanda (Sun God) was born from Aditi, the wife of Kashyap Reshi. They are Pandit Kripa Ram Dutt and "Charri-Snan", i.e the holy mace is immersed in Kashmiri poet Pandit Parmanand. Pandit Kripa holy waters of Martand springs. Kashyap Reshi is the saint on whose name the Ram Dutt saved the Pandits during the Mattan is a tiny town having roughly a Kashmir valley is named. population of 20,000 people, due to migration of Aditi had given birth to 12 children in the tyrannical rule of Aurangzeb. Pandit Kripa Ram Pandits and terrorism. Literacy rate of this town form of eggs which later produced 12 Suns. Dutt was a great scholar who taught the 10th is 54% which is even less than National average. However, when she gave birth to the 13th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, Sanskrit. The coordinates of this place are 33.77 deg offspring in the form of an egg before time, it Martand finds its place in the Vaakhs of North & 75.20 deg East. Residents of the created a rift between the couple. She had an Lalleshwari (Lalded) also. adjoining villages of Mattan, like Krangsoo, argument with husband, Kashyap Rishi and in Martand is a very pious place for Hindus, Akura, Nambal, Hutmura, Nanil, Ranbirpora, the fit of anger; she abandoned her egg in the which has same sanctity as the Ganga. One can Achabal & Wantrag etc would also visit Mattan waters of Satisar. Thus her 13th Sun remained perform the shraads, i.e., the ritual performed for for day-to-day activities. These villages also had lifeless under water somewhere in Satisar departed souls. The religious festival of a sizable number of KP Population before our (present Kashmir) for generations. Malmass-Banmass is still held every two-and-a- migration. The Tirth complex is situated near the Then Kashyap Rishi was entrusted with the half years when pilgrims, mostly from Northern main Bazar of Mattan. The market of Mattan task of draining water from Satisar so that water India assemble and perform shraad of their used to be abuzz with activities. Tourists and demon Jalodbhav would be killed. Jalodbhav departed souls near the springs or along the pilgrims would throng here from different states rivulet Chaka Nadi. The ancestors of Mattan & even from foreign lands. was nearly immortal under water. When village used to keep record of all the visitors in The Pandits of Martand were always close Kashyap Rishi tried to drain water from Satisar, he recalled his 13th Sun Martand. As soon as he their books which they called "Bahee". to Power corridors as this place was visited by Bargha Shikha Mata's Temple is VIP's, be it bollywood celebrities or political tried to touch him, he was warned of dire Nowadays only few have retained this custom. personalities. Bargha Shikha Mata's Temple is situated on a hilltop. There is a small Temple consequences. Kashyap Rishi knew it was This area has been a religious, social and situated on a hilltop. There is a small Temple constructed way back before our displacement impossible for him to do that task and he prayed cultural center from generations. Now, with a constructed way back before our displacement and it still stands tall. The locals call this Mandir to Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh & Parvati Mata for sizable number of PM Package employees also and it still stands tall. The locals call this Mandir help. Mata Shakti sought Lord Vishnu's help and putting up at this pious place, the Government as Devi Bal. This temple is like Adi Shakti Peeth. as Devi Bal. This temple is like Adi Shakti Peeth. Lord Vishnu cut that egg with his sudarshana should cease this opportunity to try to reverse There is a holy rock inside the temple (Shilla). There is a holy rock inside the temple (Shilla). Chakra into 2 Pieces. In the process, the two migration from this place.

50 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 51 households upto the year 1990. It was famous for its two Shiva temples and especially seven holy springs, which surrounded it. It derived its (Part 2) - Upender Ambardar name from the practice of discriminating reasoning, contemplation and reflective discourses organised here on the Hindu religious matters in the earlier times. Jagat Guru Shrankachariya is said to have visited the place and participated in a deliberative discourse as per an oral tradition. The other folklore also Brutalized Shrines & Temples holds the view that the Kushan King Kanishka had also organised an engaging oration at Vicharnaag. Vicharnaag has a prime land of Wailing Echoes from Kashmir seventy eight kanals running into thousands of crores at the present day market rate. It has four he communal onslaught let loose on the its rich Hindu past but has also blemished the three storied Dharamshala buildings comprising miniscule religious minority of kashmiri fair name of humanity and the virtues of about twenty rooms and eight set of shops. A part Thindus was a sort of deluge for them. It also humanness. of it's prized land comprising about thirteen broke the umbilical cord of the trust and The often parroted rhetoric of dignified kanals is presently used as a playground by the confidence reposed in the majority community. return and rehabilitation of kashmiri Hindus neighbourhood. It's adjacent cremation ground The immediate neighbours, acquaintance and becomes devoid of any purposeful standing and has an area of about five kanals and twelve the civil society of kashmir either acted as mute meaning until our holiest of the holy shrine of marlas. Painfully enough, post exodus, a road spectators or in many cases tactfully the Hari Parbat is not restored to the pre 1990 has been constructed on it which has divided it collaborated with the killers and the ravagers. In year position and is fully cleared of the into two halves. No permission was either taken genocidal wordage, those who remain close encroachments and illegal constructions made or compensation given for the land so acquired mouthed are tight lipped on the gruesome on its traditional ancient Parikrama route post .About six to eight maralas of the cremation killings and atrocities are also counted as exodus. ground land has illegally been converted into the culprits and perpetrators. The Taliban type Vicharnaag, a suburb of the old Srinagar graveyard by the locals near the vicinity of Bilal medievalism inflicted upon the Hindu holy city was both a historical ancient shrine and a Colony. Another one and a half kanal's of it's places in Kashmir has not only robbed history of thirving kashmiri Pandit locality of about 110 land on the same side has been encroached upon earlier ,where residential houses have come up of bricks, stones and surviving wooden .It's holiest two Shiva temples along with its structures were looted in entirety. In earlier enclosed courtyard, pathetically enough is today times, Vicharnaag boasted of having a large submerged in the knee deep accumulated water. number of the magestic chinar and willow trees. The inundation is partly due to the Painfully enough they too suffered the onslaught encroachment of the land near the holy spring of of the tumultuous times as accepting about less Mokhta Pokher, where two residential house than a half dozen chinar trees and almost all have been built illegally after 1990 by one willows have been mercilessly axed out. named as Paetgaroo. The ancient Shivling of the The temple situated at Drabiyar, main Shiva temple is said to have been uprooted Habbakadal srinagar has been burnt down and thrown into the adjacent spring. The other completely. It's courtyard housed a three storied Shivlinga of the side temple is reported to be Dharamshala building and another two storied intact so far .One of its Dharamshala building Dharamshalla was situated adjacent to the which housed the Govt. primary school prior to temple. The temple also has one more two the year 1990 has collapsed. The other bigger storied building situated on the inner lane of three storied Dharamshalla construction having Purshiyar - Dalhassanyar route. It has two shops about twenty rooms had a private school by the at the ground level and two rooms in the upper name of M.R.K. School (Madhav Ram Kak storey. The second storey was spotted sometime School). It was put on fire after the year 1990. back to display a board indicating a majoritarian Every trace of its existence has today vanished religion teaching centre; indicating there by from its site as it's building material comprising that it has illegally been occupied. The Drabiyar

52 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 53 households upto the year 1990. It was famous for its two Shiva temples and especially seven holy springs, which surrounded it. It derived its (Part 2) - Upender Ambardar name from the practice of discriminating reasoning, contemplation and reflective discourses organised here on the Hindu religious matters in the earlier times. Jagat Guru Shrankachariya is said to have visited the place and participated in a deliberative discourse as per an oral tradition. The other folklore also Brutalized Shrines & Temples holds the view that the Kushan King Kanishka had also organised an engaging oration at Vicharnaag. Vicharnaag has a prime land of Wailing Echoes from Kashmir seventy eight kanals running into thousands of crores at the present day market rate. It has four he communal onslaught let loose on the its rich Hindu past but has also blemished the three storied Dharamshala buildings comprising miniscule religious minority of kashmiri fair name of humanity and the virtues of about twenty rooms and eight set of shops. A part Thindus was a sort of deluge for them. It also humanness. of it's prized land comprising about thirteen broke the umbilical cord of the trust and The often parroted rhetoric of dignified kanals is presently used as a playground by the confidence reposed in the majority community. return and rehabilitation of kashmiri Hindus neighbourhood. It's adjacent cremation ground The immediate neighbours, acquaintance and becomes devoid of any purposeful standing and has an area of about five kanals and twelve the civil society of kashmir either acted as mute meaning until our holiest of the holy shrine of marlas. Painfully enough, post exodus, a road spectators or in many cases tactfully the Hari Parbat is not restored to the pre 1990 has been constructed on it which has divided it collaborated with the killers and the ravagers. In year position and is fully cleared of the into two halves. No permission was either taken genocidal wordage, those who remain close encroachments and illegal constructions made or compensation given for the land so acquired mouthed are tight lipped on the gruesome on its traditional ancient Parikrama route post .About six to eight maralas of the cremation killings and atrocities are also counted as exodus. ground land has illegally been converted into the culprits and perpetrators. The Taliban type Vicharnaag, a suburb of the old Srinagar graveyard by the locals near the vicinity of Bilal medievalism inflicted upon the Hindu holy city was both a historical ancient shrine and a Colony. Another one and a half kanal's of it's places in Kashmir has not only robbed history of thirving kashmiri Pandit locality of about 110 land on the same side has been encroached upon earlier ,where residential houses have come up of bricks, stones and surviving wooden .It's holiest two Shiva temples along with its structures were looted in entirety. In earlier enclosed courtyard, pathetically enough is today times, Vicharnaag boasted of having a large submerged in the knee deep accumulated water. number of the magestic chinar and willow trees. The inundation is partly due to the Painfully enough they too suffered the onslaught encroachment of the land near the holy spring of of the tumultuous times as accepting about less Mokhta Pokher, where two residential house than a half dozen chinar trees and almost all have been built illegally after 1990 by one willows have been mercilessly axed out. named as Paetgaroo. The ancient Shivling of the The temple situated at Drabiyar, main Shiva temple is said to have been uprooted Habbakadal srinagar has been burnt down and thrown into the adjacent spring. The other completely. It's courtyard housed a three storied Shivlinga of the side temple is reported to be Dharamshala building and another two storied intact so far .One of its Dharamshala building Dharamshalla was situated adjacent to the which housed the Govt. primary school prior to temple. The temple also has one more two the year 1990 has collapsed. The other bigger storied building situated on the inner lane of three storied Dharamshalla construction having Purshiyar - Dalhassanyar route. It has two shops about twenty rooms had a private school by the at the ground level and two rooms in the upper name of M.R.K. School (Madhav Ram Kak storey. The second storey was spotted sometime School). It was put on fire after the year 1990. back to display a board indicating a majoritarian Every trace of its existence has today vanished religion teaching centre; indicating there by from its site as it's building material comprising that it has illegally been occupied. The Drabiyar

52 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 53 temple had a mystic Shivling, which was said to branch office of the V.H.P. Another temple change colours during the day. It was this building facing the Habbakadal chowk was two mysterious aspect of the Shivling that used to storeyed. It had a chain of 6 shops at the ground make then Maharaja Pratap Singh to visit this level, with the same space shop outlets situated temple during his kingship days. The inside in the second storey. The Post office was run in - Jyotsna Fotedar & Ash Raina temple sanctum had a wooden door measuring it's upper storey space. It's one more 8x8 feet followed by an entry arch of about 6x7 construction had a big 60x25 feet hall known as feet, which contained an image of lord Ganesha Geeta Bhawan. It housed the Murti of Lord with an underlying inscription in Sharda lipi. A Krishna and Panch Deva's. Sh.Maheshwar Nath highly spiritually evolved tantrik Acharya Shri Santoshi Raina, the katha vachak used to do Makhan Lal once lived in the temple Geeta Satsang in the Geeta bhawan. Latter on, Dharamshala. He had done his rigorous sadhna the reputed Jyotish Acharya Sh.Prem Nath Future Business Opportunities in the Himalayas .According to the temple lore, Shastri would also conduct satsang and he was instructed by his Guru to go to kashmir Shrimad Bagwat Geeta teaching classes from for getting rid off the cycle of birth and death. the said premises. The entire road side building and Collaboration One more revered spiritual saint Shri Maanakak block of the temple along with the shops was Zadoo of Karifali Mohalla Srinagar would also burnt down in the wakeup of the terrible anti he genesis of Global Kashmiri Pandit globe, with a common passion for the cause of come to the temple for the daily pooja. He, Pandit riots of Anantnag in the year 1986. Business Foundation (GKPBF) is the creating sustainable ecosystem for Kashmiri according to an another lore is said to have In Shallakadal area of Habbakadal, there Tvision its founders have for their fellow KP Pandit business community. The launch, which foretold about the date and timings of his demise existed two adjacent Ashrams on the names of entrepreneurs. The Foundation is a unique was a historic step in bolstering the KP business in a dream to his foremost disciple Smt. Tulsi famous saintess Sati Ded and the reputed mystic platform that provides an opportunity to community, was commemorated by the Devi Raina of Drabiyar. His foretelling latter on Sh. Nand Bub. It was originally a residential emerging KP startups and small businesses to presence of esteemed KP dignitaries, Mr. Moti turned out to be true to the astonishment of all house owned by Smt. Sati Ded, which was receive guidance and support from a pool of Kaul, Mr. Ashok Koul and Mr. Uday Challu. profound experts and venture capitalists, and in the neighbouring residents. There is no trace of spread on two kanals of land. The mystic Nand The Foundation Strives to Achieve : the Drabiyar temple and the Dharamshala Bub used to visit the house to meet the saintess turn provides such experts and investors with v Up-Skilling and Up-Scaling up MSME buildings visible now as they were set on fire by Smt. Sati Ded. Her daughter Smt. Deka Ded massive human capital as well as a medium of businesses; the religious fanatics. Today, painfully enough, was also a spiritually evolved saintess in her strengthening the KP community. v Building investment worthy business only a huge mass of debris and rebels can be own right. She had donated a piece of her Global Kashmiri Pandit Business models; and seen. Additionally there is no trace of the mystic residential land for the construction of Sh. Nand Foundation ('GKPBF') was launched virtually v Shivling, which either has been thrown into the Bab Ashram, which was built with the efforts of on 22 October 2020 by its seven founding Fundraising for the businesses on basis of river or is buried deep in the destroyed temple one Sh. Shreedhar Dulloo. Both these Ashrams directors – DK Bakshi, Ravinder Kachroo, equity model. wreckage. The near by temple of Purshyar has existed in the Tickoo mohalla. Another small Supriya Kaboo, Jyotsna Fotedar, Vidya B Dhar, GKPBF has its registered office in Sector escaped damage and disfigurement due to the Shiva Temple was situated in the interior part of Vinod K Pandita and Ash Raina. The founding 10, Noida (India), however the foundation has a presence of a few KP families who have the same mohalla. They too have borne the brunt members are based out of different parts of clear roadmap to establish key offices in various presently taken shelter in its adjoining of traumatic onslaught of the 90's. Dharamshala building post exodus. One more Shiva temple was situated in the The neighbouring Somyar temple across Tarae Boien area of the nearby Karfalli mohalla. It the Vitista river presents a forlorn and deserted too has been Vandalised. It's Shivling has been look. It is being guarded by the security forces uprooted and the Shiv murti totally destroyed, presently. Before exodus, it was a thriving sparing only its pedestal base. It was disclosed to the author during his visit there that the Shivling temple blooming with religious liveliness. It was has been dumped into the nearby Kaetakoel famously known for the Soma Amavasya teerath streamlet. The author also found two Muslim and the connected festival, which was families residing in the temple Dharamshalla celebrated at its Yarbal ghat since ancient times. premises illegally. The ownership of the holy spot Apart from the magnificent temple, its sprawling of the Tripura Bagwati situated in the same courtyard possessed a huge three storeyed mohalla has now changed hands. it has came to Dharamshala building having a big hall. The light that its scared well has been filled up, there then known artist Sh.Kaka ji Sopori used to run by defiling its scantomonous ambience. classical music classes under the banner of (To be continued.....) Institute of Fine Arts from the premises of the (The writer is regularly writing on Oral said hall. The second room of this building had a traditions of Kashmir) Figure 1 - GKPBF team with Hon. LG Shri Manoj Sinha

54 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 55 temple had a mystic Shivling, which was said to branch office of the V.H.P. Another temple change colours during the day. It was this building facing the Habbakadal chowk was two mysterious aspect of the Shivling that used to storeyed. It had a chain of 6 shops at the ground make then Maharaja Pratap Singh to visit this level, with the same space shop outlets situated temple during his kingship days. The inside in the second storey. The Post office was run in - Jyotsna Fotedar & Ash Raina temple sanctum had a wooden door measuring it's upper storey space. It's one more 8x8 feet followed by an entry arch of about 6x7 construction had a big 60x25 feet hall known as feet, which contained an image of lord Ganesha Geeta Bhawan. It housed the Murti of Lord with an underlying inscription in Sharda lipi. A Krishna and Panch Deva's. Sh.Maheshwar Nath highly spiritually evolved tantrik Acharya Shri Santoshi Raina, the katha vachak used to do Makhan Lal once lived in the temple Geeta Satsang in the Geeta bhawan. Latter on, Dharamshala. He had done his rigorous sadhna the reputed Jyotish Acharya Sh.Prem Nath Future Business Opportunities in the Himalayas .According to the temple lore, Shastri would also conduct satsang and he was instructed by his Guru to go to kashmir Shrimad Bagwat Geeta teaching classes from for getting rid off the cycle of birth and death. the said premises. The entire road side building and Collaboration One more revered spiritual saint Shri Maanakak block of the temple along with the shops was Zadoo of Karifali Mohalla Srinagar would also burnt down in the wakeup of the terrible anti he genesis of Global Kashmiri Pandit globe, with a common passion for the cause of come to the temple for the daily pooja. He, Pandit riots of Anantnag in the year 1986. Business Foundation (GKPBF) is the creating sustainable ecosystem for Kashmiri according to an another lore is said to have In Shallakadal area of Habbakadal, there Tvision its founders have for their fellow KP Pandit business community. The launch, which foretold about the date and timings of his demise existed two adjacent Ashrams on the names of entrepreneurs. The Foundation is a unique was a historic step in bolstering the KP business in a dream to his foremost disciple Smt. Tulsi famous saintess Sati Ded and the reputed mystic platform that provides an opportunity to community, was commemorated by the Devi Raina of Drabiyar. His foretelling latter on Sh. Nand Bub. It was originally a residential emerging KP startups and small businesses to presence of esteemed KP dignitaries, Mr. Moti turned out to be true to the astonishment of all house owned by Smt. Sati Ded, which was receive guidance and support from a pool of Kaul, Mr. Ashok Koul and Mr. Uday Challu. profound experts and venture capitalists, and in the neighbouring residents. There is no trace of spread on two kanals of land. The mystic Nand The Foundation Strives to Achieve : the Drabiyar temple and the Dharamshala Bub used to visit the house to meet the saintess turn provides such experts and investors with v Up-Skilling and Up-Scaling up MSME buildings visible now as they were set on fire by Smt. Sati Ded. Her daughter Smt. Deka Ded massive human capital as well as a medium of businesses; the religious fanatics. Today, painfully enough, was also a spiritually evolved saintess in her strengthening the KP community. v Building investment worthy business only a huge mass of debris and rebels can be own right. She had donated a piece of her Global Kashmiri Pandit Business models; and seen. Additionally there is no trace of the mystic residential land for the construction of Sh. Nand Foundation ('GKPBF') was launched virtually v Shivling, which either has been thrown into the Bab Ashram, which was built with the efforts of on 22 October 2020 by its seven founding Fundraising for the businesses on basis of river or is buried deep in the destroyed temple one Sh. Shreedhar Dulloo. Both these Ashrams directors – DK Bakshi, Ravinder Kachroo, equity model. wreckage. The near by temple of Purshyar has existed in the Tickoo mohalla. Another small Supriya Kaboo, Jyotsna Fotedar, Vidya B Dhar, GKPBF has its registered office in Sector escaped damage and disfigurement due to the Shiva Temple was situated in the interior part of Vinod K Pandita and Ash Raina. The founding 10, Noida (India), however the foundation has a presence of a few KP families who have the same mohalla. They too have borne the brunt members are based out of different parts of clear roadmap to establish key offices in various presently taken shelter in its adjoining of traumatic onslaught of the 90's. Dharamshala building post exodus. One more Shiva temple was situated in the The neighbouring Somyar temple across Tarae Boien area of the nearby Karfalli mohalla. It the Vitista river presents a forlorn and deserted too has been Vandalised. It's Shivling has been look. It is being guarded by the security forces uprooted and the Shiv murti totally destroyed, presently. Before exodus, it was a thriving sparing only its pedestal base. It was disclosed to the author during his visit there that the Shivling temple blooming with religious liveliness. It was has been dumped into the nearby Kaetakoel famously known for the Soma Amavasya teerath streamlet. The author also found two Muslim and the connected festival, which was families residing in the temple Dharamshalla celebrated at its Yarbal ghat since ancient times. premises illegally. The ownership of the holy spot Apart from the magnificent temple, its sprawling of the Tripura Bagwati situated in the same courtyard possessed a huge three storeyed mohalla has now changed hands. it has came to Dharamshala building having a big hall. The light that its scared well has been filled up, there then known artist Sh.Kaka ji Sopori used to run by defiling its scantomonous ambience. classical music classes under the banner of (To be continued.....) Institute of Fine Arts from the premises of the (The writer is regularly writing on Oral said hall. The second room of this building had a traditions of Kashmir) Figure 1 - GKPBF team with Hon. LG Shri Manoj Sinha

54 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 55 opportunities in J&K and various migrant Bhoomi. The focused industry segments are camps, and facilitate business ventures for Manufacturing, Agro based Commodity Kashmiri Pandits. The Foundation believes that Trading, Travel & Tourism, Hospitality, Smart this development will function as a game City, IT/ITeS, Educational Institution, changer for the Union Territory, and for the Entrepreneurship Development Incubation Community's honorable return. Centres, et al. Further, through this meeting, the team GKPBF followed it up with the 1st of identified business opportunities for startups, multiple virtual “Digital Business & Investor aspiring and existing entrepreneurs among Summit” and attended by GKPBF Board of Kashmiri Pandit community in India and Directors, 30 top businesses and investors, and possible routes for Kashmiri Pandits living government represented by the Principal overseas to invest in UT of J&K. The members Secretary and his team. spoke with the Hon’ble LG regarding special Upcoming Events of the Foundation business zones, monetary & financial packages GKPBF plans to hold the 2nd virtual “Digital for businesses, concessional loans for NRI and Business & Investor Summit” attended by KP investment (domestic and international), GKPBF Board of Directors, businesses and which was duly acknowledged by his investors and government represented by the Figure 2 - GKPBF team with Principal Secretary Mr. Nitishwar Kumar Excellency, and that his office would revert with Principal Secretary. This meet is to be held in the necessary action in due time. parts of globe in the coming years. The Pandit community by building successful December, wherein our tentative pool of GKPBF received best wishes from the LG foundation has a robust plan for next three years businesses investors and potential projects in the J&K and his support in ensuring its success, which starting with on-boarding of advisors, mentors v To generate jobs through successful Union Territory shall be discussed. The Summit will not only re-establish KP’s as business aims to provide a common platform to further and investor panels. businesses professionals but also help with monetary and out roadmap, strategy, planning and GKPBF is a team of internationally cultural connect with the roots of KP’s Dev implementation. acclaimed professionals and plan to have the Roadmap v The best advisory support system for the businesses, Empaneling a pool of Investors, Advisers in preparing detailed market & financial and Mentors perpetrators of this v feasibility report and facilitate required due Maintaining Online Database of KP I Will Succeed in Life Entrepreneurs genocide had meticulously diligence. GKPBF will be acting as facilitators v throughout the journey from setting up of Registration of Users (Aspiring, Existing) prepared not only for the genocide, v Webinar Series not Immediately but Definitely.... business venture in terms of developing they had also crafted a false v Program Management business strategies, talent acquisition and v IT Infrastructure narrative for the media and for the establishing end-to-end operations. With its v KP Manufacturing Cluster in Jammu nd Ashtami 22 Dec 2020 politicians, a narrative that stated mentors, advisors and investors, GKPBF will v Academic Institute Campus in Kashmir help businesses to achieve the desired growth. v Skill Development Centre in Kashmir Ekadashi (Shukla Paksha) 25th Dec 2020 that what was happening in v Online Training Portal (Pre-recorded LMS) Vision of the Foundation th Kashmir was an v Purnima 30 Dec 2020 The vision of our foundation is to create a Contributing to the Smart City in Jammu & Kashmir th sustainable ecosystem for incubating start-ups, Ekadashi (Krishna Paksha) 09 Jan 2020 scaling up existing enterprises, restructuring Meeting with Honourable Governor of th stressed businesses and create new business Jammu & Kashmir Mr Manoj Sinha at the Kheche’ Maavas (Chaturdashi) 12 Jan 2020 Raj Bhavan, Jammu on 10th of November ventures to create global success stories for Amavasya 13th Jan 2020 Kashmiri Pandit business community and with a 2020. spirit of inclusivity of other business GKPBF, represented by Mr. DK Bakshi communities in the world. (Founder), Mr. Ravinder Kachroo (CEO), Mr. Panchak Starts on 19th Dec, Ends on 23rd /24th Dec B.B. Bhat (Coordinator J&K)and Mr. Vinod K Panchak Starts on 15th Jan, Ends on 20th Jan Objectives of the Foundation Pandita (Director), had a historical meeting with v To nurture entrepreneurship among the Hon'ble Lt. Governor (LG) of J&K Union Note ------Kashmiri Pandits Territory, Sh. Manoj Sinha. The delegates Margshirsh (Monjhor)(Shukla Paksha) from 15th Dec to 30th Dec 2020 v To guide aspiring entrepreneurs and apprised him of the vision and purpose of the Poh (Krishna Paksha) from 31st Dec to 13th Jan 2021 existing businesses Foundation, and how it aims to accelerate the v To create wealth and assets for Kashmiri creation of wealth, employment and economic Events of the Month

56 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 57 opportunities in J&K and various migrant Bhoomi. The focused industry segments are camps, and facilitate business ventures for Manufacturing, Agro based Commodity Kashmiri Pandits. The Foundation believes that Trading, Travel & Tourism, Hospitality, Smart this development will function as a game City, IT/ITeS, Educational Institution, changer for the Union Territory, and for the Entrepreneurship Development Incubation Community's honorable return. Centres, et al. Further, through this meeting, the team GKPBF followed it up with the 1st of identified business opportunities for startups, multiple virtual “Digital Business & Investor aspiring and existing entrepreneurs among Summit” and attended by GKPBF Board of Kashmiri Pandit community in India and Directors, 30 top businesses and investors, and possible routes for Kashmiri Pandits living government represented by the Principal overseas to invest in UT of J&K. The members Secretary and his team. spoke with the Hon’ble LG regarding special Upcoming Events of the Foundation business zones, monetary & financial packages GKPBF plans to hold the 2nd virtual “Digital for businesses, concessional loans for NRI and Business & Investor Summit” attended by KP investment (domestic and international), GKPBF Board of Directors, businesses and which was duly acknowledged by his investors and government represented by the Figure 2 - GKPBF team with Principal Secretary Mr. Nitishwar Kumar Excellency, and that his office would revert with Principal Secretary. This meet is to be held in the necessary action in due time. parts of globe in the coming years. The Pandit community by building successful December, wherein our tentative pool of GKPBF received best wishes from the LG foundation has a robust plan for next three years businesses investors and potential projects in the J&K and his support in ensuring its success, which starting with on-boarding of advisors, mentors v To generate jobs through successful Union Territory shall be discussed. The Summit will not only re-establish KP’s as business aims to provide a common platform to further and investor panels. businesses professionals but also help with monetary and out roadmap, strategy, planning and GKPBF is a team of internationally cultural connect with the roots of KP’s Dev implementation. acclaimed professionals and plan to have the Roadmap v The best advisory support system for the businesses, Empaneling a pool of Investors, Advisers in preparing detailed market & financial and Mentors perpetrators of this v feasibility report and facilitate required due Maintaining Online Database of KP I Will Succeed in Life Entrepreneurs genocide had meticulously diligence. GKPBF will be acting as facilitators v throughout the journey from setting up of Registration of Users (Aspiring, Existing) prepared not only for the genocide, v Webinar Series not Immediately but Definitely.... business venture in terms of developing they had also crafted a false v Program Management business strategies, talent acquisition and v IT Infrastructure narrative for the media and for the establishing end-to-end operations. With its v KP Manufacturing Cluster in Jammu nd Ashtami 22 Dec 2020 politicians, a narrative that stated mentors, advisors and investors, GKPBF will v Academic Institute Campus in Kashmir help businesses to achieve the desired growth. v Skill Development Centre in Kashmir Ekadashi (Shukla Paksha) 25th Dec 2020 that what was happening in v Online Training Portal (Pre-recorded LMS) Vision of the Foundation th Kashmir was an v Purnima 30 Dec 2020 The vision of our foundation is to create a Contributing to the Smart City in Jammu & Kashmir th sustainable ecosystem for incubating start-ups, Ekadashi (Krishna Paksha) 09 Jan 2020 scaling up existing enterprises, restructuring Meeting with Honourable Governor of th stressed businesses and create new business Jammu & Kashmir Mr Manoj Sinha at the Kheche’ Maavas (Chaturdashi) 12 Jan 2020 Raj Bhavan, Jammu on 10th of November ventures to create global success stories for Amavasya 13th Jan 2020 Kashmiri Pandit business community and with a 2020. spirit of inclusivity of other business GKPBF, represented by Mr. DK Bakshi communities in the world. (Founder), Mr. Ravinder Kachroo (CEO), Mr. Panchak Starts on 19th Dec, Ends on 23rd /24th Dec B.B. Bhat (Coordinator J&K)and Mr. Vinod K Panchak Starts on 15th Jan, Ends on 20th Jan Objectives of the Foundation Pandita (Director), had a historical meeting with v To nurture entrepreneurship among the Hon'ble Lt. Governor (LG) of J&K Union Note ------Kashmiri Pandits Territory, Sh. Manoj Sinha. The delegates Margshirsh (Monjhor)(Shukla Paksha) from 15th Dec to 30th Dec 2020 v To guide aspiring entrepreneurs and apprised him of the vision and purpose of the Poh (Krishna Paksha) from 31st Dec to 13th Jan 2021 existing businesses Foundation, and how it aims to accelerate the v To create wealth and assets for Kashmiri creation of wealth, employment and economic Events of the Month

56 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 57 Book Review Ten Studies in Kashmir History and Politics One Day, You'll Reproach! Author : Kashi Nath Pandit Review By : Dr.Tej Nath Dhar

Maybe I was born bad luck, New Delhi : Indian Council for Social Science Research in association with Academic definitely never scrounged for it. Foundation, New Delhi, 2019; pp. 337; price: Rs 850; HB Maybe was it foretold by Almighty, Ten Studiesis a collection of but didn't let me starve to bits. essays in which all but one deal with the history and politics of Kashmir. Though the book is silent about their They came for errands, exact provenance, their content which longed to be perpetual. - Smakshi Bhat clearly reveals that the essays have been written at different times and for I never knew for right, different occasions. Because of this, till the licit grew sensible. there is considerable overlap in them. So instead of looking at them individually, it is appropriate to look They made it worse, at them together,asan attempt at to the heights it was possible. presenting an account of the political history of Kashmir from the earliest Such myopic they are, times, but mostly from 1930s and their nature, plausible. onwards, to the present. The motive for putting the essays together has been clarified by the It is said very well, author in his Introduction, in which he by the fairies of heaven, writes somewhat lamentably that you get what you sow, “Unscrupulous stakeholders have used unfair means to influence the and your dears soon beckon. views and perceptions of historians. In the process, true and hard facts of Kashmir history have been a casualty” For what you did to me, (12). This is an extraordinarily bold you'll soon be poached. statement and even disputable, You get what you deserve, because in our times, the notion of the “true and hard facts” is open to and one day, you'll reproach! question. And the idea of influencing the historians may also not find many takers, though it Topic(s) of this poem: hope is true that historians have often served power structures or their pet constituencies through their written accounts. Panditais like an old-style hard working scholar who is conscious of the politicization of history; he disputes some known positions about events and peopleanddiscussessome new ones too. Even if one might object to Pandita's stated motive for compiling the essays, one cannot deny the credibility of the Kashmir narrative built in them, for it rests on strong foundations.

58 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 59 Book Review Ten Studies in Kashmir History and Politics One Day, You'll Reproach! Author : Kashi Nath Pandit Review By : Dr.Tej Nath Dhar

58 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 59 It is based on his first-hand experience of events and people of the post-1947 history of The announcement changed a part of Kashmir into POK. Pandita traces the changes Kashmir. He is a historical witnessto most of the events that figure in them and has also an that have taken place there, andshows how closely they have been connected with changes acute analytical mind to assess their significance. He complements his experience with in Pakistani leadership. In spite of its democratic exterior, the region, in effect, is under the details culled from archives in India and Europe and written sources from virtually all parts control of the Pakistani Army and ISI, andused mainly for running terror campsthatare of the world, including Pakistan. Because of this, the essays are rich in detail and reveal meant for creating problems in Kashmir. many new and interesting aspects of happenings and events that have been in the public Pandita dwells on how the Maharaja begged Nehru for accepting his plea for the domain for long and also about the main actors involved in the history and politics of accession of the state to India and how he did not relent till he releasedAbdullahfrom jail. Kashmir. Another revealing detail is related to the Maharaja's plea for military help to fight the In his synoptic account of the history of Kashmir from the earliest times, the author raiders. The British army generals expressed their inability to send troops at a short notice traverses the familiar ground about the coming of Muslims in the Valley, about which he and Mountbatten remained visibly indifferent to Maharaja's pleadings. Patel's timely makes two significant points: the widely accepted conversion of Rinchan to the Muslim faith intervention saved Kashmir, because he ordered Gen Carriapato send troops to Srinagar. because of Bulbul Shah and the details about Shah Mir's royal ancestry and the dream that Since a part of the state remained with Pakistan because of the ceasefire, Nehru took led him to Kashmir are controversial. They were made current by the Farsi historians. the matter to the UN, where the Security Council in its Resolution of 1948 recommended Because of his access to the manuscripts of Baharistan-i-Shahi and ToftulAhbab, which that Pakistan withdraw its troops and then holds a plebiscite, though the Maharajah had set he has translated into English, Panditadisputes the thesis put forth by many historians that no such condition. Mountbatten personally went to meet Jinnah and requested him to conversions of the Hindus to the Muslim faith were spontaneous and not forced. He also withdraw troops, but he refused. reveals that from the available manuscripts of the Baharistanin the Valley,many pages that Panditadocuments the Kashmir case in the Council, analysing all the debates and contain vital information about this have been torn. These issues have been discussed in resolutions, and shows how the Anglo-American block leaned heavily in favour of Pakistan. detail by him in the essay “Medieval Kashmir Historiography.” Panditaalso states that the Because of this, Pakistan succeeded in changing the very nature of the case: the issue of work of Alistair Lamb and Victoria Schonfieldis heavily tilted in favour of Pakistani aggression in Kashmir changed into one of India Pakistan Question. This in spite of the fact viewpoint on Kashmir. that one of the fact finding missions confirmed Pakistan's aggression and the presence of The major strands in the history of Kashmir after 1947 that emerge from the essays three brigades of Pakistani army in POK. are: a) the partition of India, the tribal invasion of Pakistan, and the creation of POK; b) Though Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession without any preconditions, Kashmir's accession to India and the role of Sheikh Abdullah in the evolving crisis in Nehru's faith in Abdullah made it problematic. The problems multiplied after Pakistan's Kashmir; and c) the rise of radical Islam and the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits. raid and India's complaint against Pakistan in the United Nations. Abdullah went to the UN The announcement of the partition of the country by Mountbatten in 1942 set into as part of the Indian delegation, and was emboldened to think differently about his position motion a flurry of activity, in which local leaders and international powers became very after he saw that the Anglo-American block was visibly anti-India. active. Panditaexplains how Hari Singh's delay in deciding about the accession of the state to In a way, this proved a crucial moment for Abdullah to move ahead with his plans, India or Pakistan frustrated Pakistani leaders, who also felt threatened by Sheikh's which Pandita has sketched in detail. Because of the influence of Pandits, who organized a hobnobbing with leaders of the Congress party. Because of this, they engineered a rebellion movement in Lahore in the 1920s for democratic rule in the state, he converted the Muslim against the Maharajah in Poonch, with the help of Muslim Conference leaders, set up the Conference into National Conference and established links with the Congress leaders. In Azad Kashmir Government in Muzaffarabad, and planned and executed a raid on Kashmir to spite of this, he persisted in his efforts to join Pakistan on his terms, but Jinnah did not accept take it by force. them. Abdullah banished PremnathBazaz and KanhayalalKaulfrom Kashmir because they Pandita provides a detailed account of how the raid called Operation Gulmarg was had pleaded for independent Kashmir. Before leaving for the UN, he entered into an organized by the Pakistani military and operated by the lashkars, and how they succeeded understanding with Chaudhari Abbas to work on the possibility of a new arrangement. His in their plans because of the complicity of the local Muslims.The raiders captured the bridge meetings with Adlai Stevenson made him dream of becoming the head of an independent linking Muzaffarabad with Abbottabad in quick time because the Muslim Guard Platoon of Kashmir. Because of his prevarications and open threats to secede from the Indian union, he Jammu and Kashmir Infantry deserted and joined the tribesman, affecting thousands of was arrested in 1953. With the help of his associate Beg, he let the Plebiscite Front non-Muslims there. They were killed, their homes looted and their women raped. consolidate its hold in the Valley. When the raiders entered Baramulla on October 27, the DC Chowdhury Faizullah The most stunning revelation made by Pandita is that after his release and visit to welcomed them and the local Muslims helped them move around, locating Hindu and Sikh Pakistan, Abdullah told the intelligence chief of Pakistan in Mecca in 1965 that he would not houses for loot and plunder, and also gave them a list of prominent Pandits who were shot like to go back to India but stay in Sinkiang wherefrom he would urge the Kashmiris to rise - Diya Bhat dead by them. He also provides vital information about their three-day stay in Baramullah, in revolt to support “Operation Gibraltor,” but Ayub Khan did not accept his help. The the complex military manoeuvre of the Indian army which pushed back the enemy, and the Operation met with failure in the Valley.AfterPakistan launched Operation Topaz in 1970, in circumstances in which the ceasefire was announced on December 31, 1948. which it lost its eastern wing, Abdullah and Indira Gandhi signed an accord in 1975, a move

60 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 61

- Vimarshi It is based on his first-hand experience of events and people of the post-1947 history of The announcement changed a part of Kashmir into POK. Pandita traces the changes Kashmir. He is a historical witnessto most of the events that figure in them and has also an that have taken place there, andshows how closely they have been connected with changes acute analytical mind to assess their significance. He complements his experience with in Pakistani leadership. In spite of its democratic exterior, the region, in effect, is under the details culled from archives in India and Europe and written sources from virtually all parts control of the Pakistani Army and ISI, andused mainly for running terror campsthatare of the world, including Pakistan. Because of this, the essays are rich in detail and reveal meant for creating problems in Kashmir. many new and interesting aspects of happenings and events that have been in the public Pandita dwells on how the Maharaja begged Nehru for accepting his plea for the domain for long and also about the main actors involved in the history and politics of accession of the state to India and how he did not relent till he releasedAbdullahfrom jail. Kashmir. Another revealing detail is related to the Maharaja's plea for military help to fight the In his synoptic account of the history of Kashmir from the earliest times, the author raiders. The British army generals expressed their inability to send troops at a short notice traverses the familiar ground about the coming of Muslims in the Valley, about which he and Mountbatten remained visibly indifferent to Maharaja's pleadings. Patel's timely makes two significant points: the widely accepted conversion of Rinchan to the Muslim faith intervention saved Kashmir, because he ordered Gen Carriapato send troops to Srinagar. because of Bulbul Shah and the details about Shah Mir's royal ancestry and the dream that Since a part of the state remained with Pakistan because of the ceasefire, Nehru took led him to Kashmir are controversial. They were made current by the Farsi historians. the matter to the UN, where the Security Council in its Resolution of 1948 recommended Because of his access to the manuscripts of Baharistan-i-Shahi and ToftulAhbab, which that Pakistan withdraw its troops and then holds a plebiscite, though the Maharajah had set he has translated into English, Panditadisputes the thesis put forth by many historians that no such condition. Mountbatten personally went to meet Jinnah and requested him to conversions of the Hindus to the Muslim faith were spontaneous and not forced. He also withdraw troops, but he refused. reveals that from the available manuscripts of the Baharistanin the Valley,many pages that Panditadocuments the Kashmir case in the Council, analysing all the debates and contain vital information about this have been torn. These issues have been discussed in resolutions, and shows how the Anglo-American block leaned heavily in favour of Pakistan. detail by him in the essay “Medieval Kashmir Historiography.” Panditaalso states that the Because of this, Pakistan succeeded in changing the very nature of the case: the issue of work of Alistair Lamb and Victoria Schonfieldis heavily tilted in favour of Pakistani aggression in Kashmir changed into one of India Pakistan Question. This in spite of the fact viewpoint on Kashmir. that one of the fact finding missions confirmed Pakistan's aggression and the presence of The major strands in the history of Kashmir after 1947 that emerge from the essays three brigades of Pakistani army in POK. are: a) the partition of India, the tribal invasion of Pakistan, and the creation of POK; b) Though Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession without any preconditions, Kashmir's accession to India and the role of Sheikh Abdullah in the evolving crisis in Nehru's faith in Abdullah made it problematic. The problems multiplied after Pakistan's Kashmir; and c) the rise of radical Islam and the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits. raid and India's complaint against Pakistan in the United Nations. Abdullah went to the UN The announcement of the partition of the country by Mountbatten in 1942 set into as part of the Indian delegation, and was emboldened to think differently about his position motion a flurry of activity, in which local leaders and international powers became very after he saw that the Anglo-American block was visibly anti-India. active. Panditaexplains how Hari Singh's delay in deciding about the accession of the state to In a way, this proved a crucial moment for Abdullah to move ahead with his plans, India or Pakistan frustrated Pakistani leaders, who also felt threatened by Sheikh's which Pandita has sketched in detail. Because of the influence of Pandits, who organized a hobnobbing with leaders of the Congress party. Because of this, they engineered a rebellion movement in Lahore in the 1920s for democratic rule in the state, he converted the Muslim against the Maharajah in Poonch, with the help of Muslim Conference leaders, set up the Conference into National Conference and established links with the Congress leaders. In Azad Kashmir Government in Muzaffarabad, and planned and executed a raid on Kashmir to spite of this, he persisted in his efforts to join Pakistan on his terms, but Jinnah did not accept take it by force. them. Abdullah banished PremnathBazaz and KanhayalalKaulfrom Kashmir because they Pandita provides a detailed account of how the raid called Operation Gulmarg was had pleaded for independent Kashmir. Before leaving for the UN, he entered into an organized by the Pakistani military and operated by the lashkars, and how they succeeded understanding with Chaudhari Abbas to work on the possibility of a new arrangement. His in their plans because of the complicity of the local Muslims.The raiders captured the bridge meetings with Adlai Stevenson made him dream of becoming the head of an independent linking Muzaffarabad with Abbottabad in quick time because the Muslim Guard Platoon of Kashmir. Because of his prevarications and open threats to secede from the Indian union, he Jammu and Kashmir Infantry deserted and joined the tribesman, affecting thousands of was arrested in 1953. With the help of his associate Beg, he let the Plebiscite Front non-Muslims there. They were killed, their homes looted and their women raped. consolidate its hold in the Valley. When the raiders entered Baramulla on October 27, the DC Chowdhury Faizullah The most stunning revelation made by Pandita is that after his release and visit to welcomed them and the local Muslims helped them move around, locating Hindu and Sikh Pakistan, Abdullah told the intelligence chief of Pakistan in Mecca in 1965 that he would not houses for loot and plunder, and also gave them a list of prominent Pandits who were shot like to go back to India but stay in Sinkiang wherefrom he would urge the Kashmiris to rise - Diya Bhat dead by them. He also provides vital information about their three-day stay in Baramullah, in revolt to support “Operation Gibraltor,” but Ayub Khan did not accept his help. The the complex military manoeuvre of the Indian army which pushed back the enemy, and the Operation met with failure in the Valley.AfterPakistan launched Operation Topaz in 1970, in circumstances in which the ceasefire was announced on December 31, 1948. which it lost its eastern wing, Abdullah and Indira Gandhi signed an accord in 1975, a move

60 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 61

- Vimarshi COUNSELLING Vijay Kashkari that Mir Qasim did not like. In the election of 1977, NC opened itself up to the secessionists: rock salt, green kerchiefs, khan dress were visible signs of this new bonhomie between the NC and the Jamaatees. NAAD Education Folio The Jamaat infiltrated the different cadres of the government, including the police. AYUSH Admissions in India Jehlum Valley Medical College, set up with Saudi help, turned into a den for money AYUSH Courses in India As mentioned above, the candidates who are laundering. The staff there were found involved in crimes. Sheikh's speeches in 1979 and Students across the nation have been looking at pursuing higher education in Ayurveda, Unani, interested in pursuing any of the above- 1982 acquired a palpable communal tinge. He changed the Hindu names of 2500 villages Siddha and Homeopathy, as an alternative to mentioned programmes must appear for an into new Muslim ones. In his autobiography, he called the Hindus mukhbirs, which was MBBS and BDS. entrance test for either UG or PG courses. In used later as an excuse by the terrorists for their selective killings. Aspirants will be able to pursue one of the India, there are two entrance exams that are The work of Abdullah was carried forward by G M Shah and Farooq Abdullah. People AYUSH programmes, at both undergraduate conducted, one each for UG and PG courses. Here are the entrance exams that the were encouraged to acquire guns. Literature was imported from the other side of the border and postgraduate levels in India. At the aspirants will need to attempt in order to take to inflame passions. Abdur-Rahim Rather, the NC MLA,produced a pamphlet in which he postgraduate levels, like other medical wrote of a conspiracy to change the Muslims into a minority. Ladakhwas divided into two admission to the AYUSH courses in India. programmes, aspirants will be able to pursue an For UG AYUSH Courses : National districts. A ring of Muslim colonies was set up around Jammu. In Shah's time two battalions MD and MS as well. Eligibility-cum-Entrance Exam NEET of police were recruited from among the Jamaatees. NC contributed liberally to the process Admissions to the AYUSH courses will be For PG AYUSH Courses : All India of alienation of Kashmiris from the “Indian national mainstream,” and Kashmiriyatacquired based on an entrance exam, which will be AYUSH Postgraduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET) a sectarian Muslim identity. conducted differently for both UG and PG More than 300 Madrasas became centres of indoctrination. Allah wale gave a new courses. Candidates will be required to attempt Eligibility Criteria The candidates who wish to pursue any one of the twist to Islam in Kashmir, by purging it of its indigenous links. They organized conferences entrances such as NEET-UG 2020 (for UG programmes will first need to meet the AYUSH and had a clout even in the central government. JamaateTulaba organized Conferences Courses) and AIAPGET 2020 (for PG Courses), eligibility criteria in India. The eligibility criteria asking for the implementation of the UN resolutions and voicing slogans like Islam, Quran, in order to pursue an AYUSH course in India. for the courses will be set by the college, institute Jihad, and victory. Everything collapsed in 1990. Since then there has been a steady erosion or University that offers the programme. However, of the secular base in the Valley. AYUSH UG Courses in India aspirants will still be required to have satisfied the Pandita's signal contribution in tracing this phase of Kashmir politics is that he sees (Undergraduate Level) general eligibility criteria for AYUSH in India. For admissions to the undergraduate these developments in the larger perspective of the changing contours of the Muslim polity If you wish to pursue a course in AYUSH at the undergraduate level, then there are plenty of programmes in AYUSH, interested candidates will in Kashmir, to which he devotes an exclusive essay. He argues how the upper classes in need to ensure that they meet the AYUSH UG Kashmir, who were economically rich, contributed money and effort to align themselves courses in each field. In other words, the eligibility criteria 2020. As mentioned above, with the masses, who had been subjected to the growing influence of indoctrination in candidates will be able to pursue UG courses in candidates must appear for an entrance test in mosques and madarasas. Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. order to take admission to any one of the AYUSH This growing menace led to the eviction of the Pandits from the Valley in 1990. Tracing Here is a list of AYUSH UG courses in India. UG courses in India. v Candidates will have to qualify the eligibility its roots, Panditawrites how Pandits were killed by militants in a highly charged Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery criteria for the NEET 2021. atmosphere of fear and menace, which was compounded by the virtual absence of v Candidates should have cleared class 12 governance in the Valley. Threats to them became endemic; they were issued from mosques, Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery board examinations in the stream of science with printed in newspapers published in the Valley, and sent through notices pasted on the doors subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, v Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yoga of their houses. Their exodus was ascribed to the Governor of the state, a myth that was Biology/Biotechnology Along with English from Sciences given wide currency in the Valley and by political parties in the country. v CBSE or any other recognised state board. Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery Candidates who are to appear for class 12 Pandita has provided evidence from different sections of the UN documents to show v Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery how the exiled Panditseminently qualified for the status of the IDPs, which would have board examinations will need to ensure that they entitled them to help from the UN, but the callous governments in the state and at the centre AYUSH PG Courses in India (Graduate have obtained a minimum aggregate score of 50% (for General Category) in the qualifying exam. just did not let that happen. So they were made to suffer in refugee camps, in the sweltering Level) Candidates from reserved categories will be offered heat of the plains, and back home their properties were vandalized. Their return to their In other medical fields, graduates of MBBS and relaxations as per the government guidelines. homes was used as a slogan by political parties, at the time of elections. BDS can pursue courses in MD (Doctor of For admission in AYUSH UG courses like Ten Studiesis a must read for all the citizens of the country, so that they can understand Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery). Similarly, BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, there is no entrance exam. how the so-called mainstream political parties and the forces of disruption in the valley graduates in the field of AYUSH will be able to It is mandatory for the candidate to appear for worked in tandem to create a totally non-secular polity in Kashmir and worked havoc with pursue the postgraduate programmes in AYUSH NEET-UG and qualify the exam in order to apply for admission in AYUSH courses. human lives for their petty gains. courses as well, i.e. in MD and MS.

62 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 63 COUNSELLING Vijay Kashkari that Mir Qasim did not like. In the election of 1977, NC opened itself up to the secessionists: rock salt, green kerchiefs, khan dress were visible signs of this new bonhomie between the NC and the Jamaatees. NAAD Education Folio The Jamaat infiltrated the different cadres of the government, including the police. AYUSH Admissions in India Jehlum Valley Medical College, set up with Saudi help, turned into a den for money AYUSH Courses in India As mentioned above, the candidates who are laundering. The staff there were found involved in crimes. Sheikh's speeches in 1979 and Students across the nation have been looking at pursuing higher education in Ayurveda, Unani, interested in pursuing any of the above- 1982 acquired a palpable communal tinge. He changed the Hindu names of 2500 villages Siddha and Homeopathy, as an alternative to mentioned programmes must appear for an into new Muslim ones. In his autobiography, he called the Hindus mukhbirs, which was MBBS and BDS. entrance test for either UG or PG courses. In used later as an excuse by the terrorists for their selective killings. Aspirants will be able to pursue one of the India, there are two entrance exams that are The work of Abdullah was carried forward by G M Shah and Farooq Abdullah. People AYUSH programmes, at both undergraduate conducted, one each for UG and PG courses. Here are the entrance exams that the were encouraged to acquire guns. Literature was imported from the other side of the border and postgraduate levels in India. At the aspirants will need to attempt in order to take to inflame passions. Abdur-Rahim Rather, the NC MLA,produced a pamphlet in which he postgraduate levels, like other medical wrote of a conspiracy to change the Muslims into a minority. Ladakhwas divided into two admission to the AYUSH courses in India. programmes, aspirants will be able to pursue an For UG AYUSH Courses : National districts. A ring of Muslim colonies was set up around Jammu. In Shah's time two battalions MD and MS as well. Eligibility-cum-Entrance Exam NEET of police were recruited from among the Jamaatees. NC contributed liberally to the process Admissions to the AYUSH courses will be For PG AYUSH Courses : All India of alienation of Kashmiris from the “Indian national mainstream,” and Kashmiriyatacquired based on an entrance exam, which will be AYUSH Postgraduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET) a sectarian Muslim identity. conducted differently for both UG and PG More than 300 Madrasas became centres of indoctrination. Allah wale gave a new courses. Candidates will be required to attempt Eligibility Criteria The candidates who wish to pursue any one of the twist to Islam in Kashmir, by purging it of its indigenous links. They organized conferences entrances such as NEET-UG 2020 (for UG programmes will first need to meet the AYUSH and had a clout even in the central government. JamaateTulaba organized Conferences Courses) and AIAPGET 2020 (for PG Courses), eligibility criteria in India. The eligibility criteria asking for the implementation of the UN resolutions and voicing slogans like Islam, Quran, in order to pursue an AYUSH course in India. for the courses will be set by the college, institute Jihad, and victory. Everything collapsed in 1990. Since then there has been a steady erosion or University that offers the programme. However, of the secular base in the Valley. AYUSH UG Courses in India aspirants will still be required to have satisfied the Pandita's signal contribution in tracing this phase of Kashmir politics is that he sees (Undergraduate Level) general eligibility criteria for AYUSH in India. For admissions to the undergraduate these developments in the larger perspective of the changing contours of the Muslim polity If you wish to pursue a course in AYUSH at the undergraduate level, then there are plenty of programmes in AYUSH, interested candidates will in Kashmir, to which he devotes an exclusive essay. He argues how the upper classes in need to ensure that they meet the AYUSH UG Kashmir, who were economically rich, contributed money and effort to align themselves courses in each field. In other words, the eligibility criteria 2020. As mentioned above, with the masses, who had been subjected to the growing influence of indoctrination in candidates will be able to pursue UG courses in candidates must appear for an entrance test in mosques and madarasas. Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. order to take admission to any one of the AYUSH This growing menace led to the eviction of the Pandits from the Valley in 1990. Tracing Here is a list of AYUSH UG courses in India. UG courses in India. v Candidates will have to qualify the eligibility its roots, Panditawrites how Pandits were killed by militants in a highly charged Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery criteria for the NEET 2021. atmosphere of fear and menace, which was compounded by the virtual absence of v Candidates should have cleared class 12 governance in the Valley. Threats to them became endemic; they were issued from mosques, Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery board examinations in the stream of science with printed in newspapers published in the Valley, and sent through notices pasted on the doors subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, v Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yoga of their houses. Their exodus was ascribed to the Governor of the state, a myth that was Biology/Biotechnology Along with English from Sciences given wide currency in the Valley and by political parties in the country. v CBSE or any other recognised state board. Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery Candidates who are to appear for class 12 Pandita has provided evidence from different sections of the UN documents to show v Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery how the exiled Panditseminently qualified for the status of the IDPs, which would have board examinations will need to ensure that they entitled them to help from the UN, but the callous governments in the state and at the centre AYUSH PG Courses in India (Graduate have obtained a minimum aggregate score of 50% (for General Category) in the qualifying exam. just did not let that happen. So they were made to suffer in refugee camps, in the sweltering Level) Candidates from reserved categories will be offered heat of the plains, and back home their properties were vandalized. Their return to their In other medical fields, graduates of MBBS and relaxations as per the government guidelines. homes was used as a slogan by political parties, at the time of elections. BDS can pursue courses in MD (Doctor of For admission in AYUSH UG courses like Ten Studiesis a must read for all the citizens of the country, so that they can understand Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery). Similarly, BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, there is no entrance exam. how the so-called mainstream political parties and the forces of disruption in the valley graduates in the field of AYUSH will be able to It is mandatory for the candidate to appear for worked in tandem to create a totally non-secular polity in Kashmir and worked havoc with pursue the postgraduate programmes in AYUSH NEET-UG and qualify the exam in order to apply for admission in AYUSH courses. human lives for their petty gains. courses as well, i.e. in MD and MS.

62 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 63 The counseling authority, AYUSH Program Offered MCA Counselling Round at to “Director, Sydenham Institute 28-12-2020 to Admission Central Counselling Committee v MBA (Finance) of Management Studies & Research & Entrepreneurship 31-12-2020 (AACCC) conducts the counseling for 15% AIQ v MBA (Business Economics) Education(SIMSREE), Churchgate, Mumbai 400020” seats for Government; Government aided Central v Last date for submission of online Universities, National Institutes, Private colleges Application form B. HMCT Counselling Round at “The Principal, Maharashtra State 22-12-2020 to and 100% seats for Deemed Universities. v 10th January 2021 Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology 24-12-2020 Admission in State AYUSH colleges is done by the v Reservation of seats as per the University counseling authority of the respective state. rules. 412-C, K.M.Munshi Road, Shivaji Nagar Pune 411016” v Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery Interested Candidates can apply online Gross annual income of the family of the (BAMS) 5½ years through the official Websites http:// www.dbe- Scholarships candidate from all sources should not exceed Rs. v Bachelor of Yoga and Nathuropathy du.org/ or www.mfc.edu Samsung Star Scholar Program 2020-21 2.00 lakhs per annum. (B.N.Y.S) 5½ years Azim Premji University Bangalore Samsung India invites applications for Samsung v The applicant can register by filling the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery Admission to UG Courses 2021 Star Scholar Programme 2020-21 from students of online application form. (BUMS) 5 years Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNVs) currently v Azim Premji University, Bangalore invites Fill the form and send it with all the Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and application from eligible candidates for admission pursuing a full-term B. Tech/Dual Degree (B.Tech supporting documents to Scholarship Officer, Surgery (BHMS) 5½ years to 3-years full time Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and + M.Tech) course in an Indian Institute of Swami Dayanand Charitable Education v Technology (IIT) or a National Institute of Bachelor of Sidha Medicine and Surgery Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and B.Sc.B.Ed. - Dual Foundation, A-74, Ground Floor, Sector-2, Noida- Technology (NIT) in India. (BSMS) 5½ year degree in Science and Education for the academic 201301, UP (India). v New Applicants (1st year) admitted in the Candidates declared Qualified/Eligible for year 2021. F o r a n y q u e r i e s w r i t e t o All India Quota Undergraduate Seats course in FY 2020-21 Last date of apply : 25th December 2021 v [email protected] (BAMS/BUMS/BHMS/BSMS) only will be January 25, 2021 Date of Entrance test : 10th January 2021 v eligible for online allotment process for All India Renewal (Star Scholars of FY 2019-20) CBSE announces Merit Scholarship Scheme Candidates should apply through online or v December 20, 2020 Quota Seats, which is conducted by the AACCC. offline mode. 2020 for Single Girl Child for Plus 2 Studies Samsung is offering a scholarship for student(s) Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. For Eligible candidates can apply online only The Central Board of Secondary Education S t a t e Q u o t a , P r i v a t e A y u r v e d a / graduating from all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, run (CBSE) invites 'online applications' from eligible through the official website: https://azim by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, an autonomous Siddha/Unani/Homoeopathy college seats the premjiuniversity.edu.in/ students who have passed Class X Examination candidates are required to contact the appropriate organization under the Ministry of Human Resource 2020 from the CBSE affiliated Schools for the Application Form can be downloaded from Development, Government of India. State Government/Admission Authority & CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme 2020 for Single the University website The details on the form can The Scholarship Candidate(s) should be first Directorate of ASU & H Medical Education. Girl Child for + 2 Studies and Renewal of CBSE be hand written and sent to the Admissions Office year students, or last year's scholarship holders in a There are about 854 Institutions in India, along with the Demand Draft in favour of "Azim Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child offering the AYUSH courses Premji Foundation for Development" and full term B. Tech/Dual Degree (B.Tech+M.Tech) awarded in 2019. photographs on or before the last date. The course at the Institute. The objective of CBSE Merit Scholarship Admission Alerts completed application form should be mailed to Read the instructions carefully and download Scheme is to provide Scholarships to the meritorious Single Girl Students, who are the only Delhi University Admission to MBA (Business the Admissions Office, Azim Premji University, the application form from the official website Last PES Campus, Pixel Park, B Block, Electronics date to apply January 25. child of their parents; and have passed the CBSE Economics) and MBA (Finance) Program 2021-22 City, Hosur Road, Bengaluru – 560100. Additionally original application form and Class X Exam with 60% or more marks and are Department of Financial Studies and Department Government of Maharashtra signed receipts of documents should be sent by continuing their further school education of Class of Business Economics, University of Delhi, South State Common Entrance Test Cell Speed Post to Samsung Star Scholar, Samsung XI and XII. v Campus invites applications from eligible Counselling Dates for admission for B.E./B. India Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Corporate Citizenship The rate of the scholarship shall be Rupees candidates for admission to 2-years MBA TECH, B.Arch, MBA/MMS for Academic year Five Hundred (Rs. 500/-) per month. (CRO), 20th ~ 24th Floor, Two Horizon Centre, v (Business Economics) and MBA (Finance) 2020-21 to Migrant students of Union Territory of Golf Course Road, Sector – 43,, DLF Phase V, Last date for submission of online Program for the academic year 2021-22. Jammu and Kashmir Gurgaon, Haryana -122002 application 10th December 2020 v Last date for submission of Hard Copy 28th Course Counselling at Dates SDEF School Scholarship Program 2020 December 2020 Swami Dayanand Education Foundation invites The Application Form is available on Board's B.E./B. TECH Director, Sardar Patel College of Engineering 28-12-2020 to applications from the students of Class IX to XII of website www.cbse.nic.in at Scholarship Link (SPCE), Versova Road, Munshi Nagar, Andheri (West), 30-12-2020 the Delhi/NCR region for the School Scholarship Program 2020. The scholarship will be awarded for Education News B.Arch Sir J. J. College of Architecture, 78 / 3, Dr.D.N. Road, Fort, Mumbai 22-12-2020 to studies in India in a government or private school NTA to make fresh syllabus for JEE Main, NEET 24-12-2020 from class IX TO XII Applications for the same can be submitted and other competitive Entrance Exams to be MBA/MMS Sydenham Institute of Management Studies & Research & 22-12-2020 to through online or offline mode till December 31, held in 2021 Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE), B-Road, 24-12-2020 2020. Read further for more details on SDEF Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Churchgate, Mumbai School Scholarship Program 2020 Nishank has directed the National Testing Agency

64 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 65 The counseling authority, AYUSH Program Offered MCA Counselling Round at to “Director, Sydenham Institute 28-12-2020 to Admission Central Counselling Committee v MBA (Finance) of Management Studies & Research & Entrepreneurship 31-12-2020 (AACCC) conducts the counseling for 15% AIQ v MBA (Business Economics) Education(SIMSREE), Churchgate, Mumbai 400020” seats for Government; Government aided Central v Last date for submission of online Universities, National Institutes, Private colleges Application form B. HMCT Counselling Round at “The Principal, Maharashtra State 22-12-2020 to and 100% seats for Deemed Universities. v 10th January 2021 Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology 24-12-2020 Admission in State AYUSH colleges is done by the v Reservation of seats as per the University counseling authority of the respective state. rules. 412-C, K.M.Munshi Road, Shivaji Nagar Pune 411016” v Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery Interested Candidates can apply online Gross annual income of the family of the (BAMS) 5½ years through the official Websites http:// www.dbe- Scholarships candidate from all sources should not exceed Rs. v Bachelor of Yoga and Nathuropathy du.org/ or www.mfc.edu Samsung Star Scholar Program 2020-21 2.00 lakhs per annum. (B.N.Y.S) 5½ years Azim Premji University Bangalore Samsung India invites applications for Samsung v The applicant can register by filling the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery Admission to UG Courses 2021 Star Scholar Programme 2020-21 from students of online application form. (BUMS) 5 years Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNVs) currently v Azim Premji University, Bangalore invites Fill the form and send it with all the Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and application from eligible candidates for admission pursuing a full-term B. Tech/Dual Degree (B.Tech supporting documents to Scholarship Officer, Surgery (BHMS) 5½ years to 3-years full time Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and + M.Tech) course in an Indian Institute of Swami Dayanand Charitable Education v Technology (IIT) or a National Institute of Bachelor of Sidha Medicine and Surgery Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and B.Sc.B.Ed. - Dual Foundation, A-74, Ground Floor, Sector-2, Noida- Technology (NIT) in India. (BSMS) 5½ year degree in Science and Education for the academic 201301, UP (India). v New Applicants (1st year) admitted in the Candidates declared Qualified/Eligible for year 2021. F o r a n y q u e r i e s w r i t e t o All India Quota Undergraduate Seats course in FY 2020-21 Last date of apply : 25th December 2021 v [email protected] (BAMS/BUMS/BHMS/BSMS) only will be January 25, 2021 Date of Entrance test : 10th January 2021 v eligible for online allotment process for All India Renewal (Star Scholars of FY 2019-20) CBSE announces Merit Scholarship Scheme Candidates should apply through online or v December 20, 2020 Quota Seats, which is conducted by the AACCC. offline mode. 2020 for Single Girl Child for Plus 2 Studies Samsung is offering a scholarship for student(s) Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. For Eligible candidates can apply online only The Central Board of Secondary Education S t a t e Q u o t a , P r i v a t e A y u r v e d a / graduating from all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, run (CBSE) invites 'online applications' from eligible through the official website: https://azim by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, an autonomous Siddha/Unani/Homoeopathy college seats the premjiuniversity.edu.in/ students who have passed Class X Examination candidates are required to contact the appropriate organization under the Ministry of Human Resource 2020 from the CBSE affiliated Schools for the Application Form can be downloaded from Development, Government of India. State Government/Admission Authority & CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme 2020 for Single the University website The details on the form can The Scholarship Candidate(s) should be first Directorate of ASU & H Medical Education. Girl Child for + 2 Studies and Renewal of CBSE be hand written and sent to the Admissions Office year students, or last year's scholarship holders in a There are about 854 Institutions in India, along with the Demand Draft in favour of "Azim Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child offering the AYUSH courses Premji Foundation for Development" and full term B. Tech/Dual Degree (B.Tech+M.Tech) awarded in 2019. photographs on or before the last date. The course at the Institute. The objective of CBSE Merit Scholarship Admission Alerts completed application form should be mailed to Read the instructions carefully and download Scheme is to provide Scholarships to the meritorious Single Girl Students, who are the only Delhi University Admission to MBA (Business the Admissions Office, Azim Premji University, the application form from the official website Last PES Campus, Pixel Park, B Block, Electronics date to apply January 25. child of their parents; and have passed the CBSE Economics) and MBA (Finance) Program 2021-22 City, Hosur Road, Bengaluru – 560100. Additionally original application form and Class X Exam with 60% or more marks and are Department of Financial Studies and Department Government of Maharashtra signed receipts of documents should be sent by continuing their further school education of Class of Business Economics, University of Delhi, South State Common Entrance Test Cell Speed Post to Samsung Star Scholar, Samsung XI and XII. v Campus invites applications from eligible Counselling Dates for admission for B.E./B. India Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Corporate Citizenship The rate of the scholarship shall be Rupees candidates for admission to 2-years MBA TECH, B.Arch, MBA/MMS for Academic year Five Hundred (Rs. 500/-) per month. (CRO), 20th ~ 24th Floor, Two Horizon Centre, v (Business Economics) and MBA (Finance) 2020-21 to Migrant students of Union Territory of Golf Course Road, Sector – 43,, DLF Phase V, Last date for submission of online Program for the academic year 2021-22. Jammu and Kashmir Gurgaon, Haryana -122002 application 10th December 2020 v Last date for submission of Hard Copy 28th Course Counselling at Dates SDEF School Scholarship Program 2020 December 2020 Swami Dayanand Education Foundation invites The Application Form is available on Board's B.E./B. TECH Director, Sardar Patel College of Engineering 28-12-2020 to applications from the students of Class IX to XII of website www.cbse.nic.in at Scholarship Link (SPCE), Versova Road, Munshi Nagar, Andheri (West), 30-12-2020 the Delhi/NCR region for the School Scholarship Program 2020. The scholarship will be awarded for Education News B.Arch Sir J. J. College of Architecture, 78 / 3, Dr.D.N. Road, Fort, Mumbai 22-12-2020 to studies in India in a government or private school NTA to make fresh syllabus for JEE Main, NEET 24-12-2020 from class IX TO XII Applications for the same can be submitted and other competitive Entrance Exams to be MBA/MMS Sydenham Institute of Management Studies & Research & 22-12-2020 to through online or offline mode till December 31, held in 2021 Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE), B-Road, 24-12-2020 2020. Read further for more details on SDEF Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Churchgate, Mumbai School Scholarship Program 2020 Nishank has directed the National Testing Agency

64 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 65 to make fresh syllabus for JEE Main, NEET and Visit the official site of NIOS on others competitive entrance exams to be conducted sdmis.nios.ac.in. AIKS in 2021 by the agency. NTA will assess the situation across different states and education GCET 2021 Entrance Exam date Matrimonial Service boards before finalizing the syllabus. The Directorate of Technical Education, JEE Main is conducted to offer admission Government of Goa has announced the exam date for the Goa Common Entrance Test (GCET) 2021. into B.Tech/ B.E/ B.Arch /B.Plan in various Seeking suitable alliance for my son, Name: (Optional), Date of birth : 11th August, 1991, As per the notification, the entrance test will Time : 5.31PM (Day Time), Place of Birth: Jammu, Height: 188cm, Qualification: B.Tech Engineering institutions. be conducted on May 4 and 5, 2021. The test of NTA officials have told that the first session (Karnataka) & M.S in : Computer science-Artificial Intelligence (UCD Dublin Ireland), Job Physics will be held on May 4 from 10 am to 12 Description : Software engineer in a reputed MNC IT (at Dublin), Permanent add (valley): of JEE Main 2021 is likely to be held in February noon and the Chemistry exam will be held in the instead of January. Rainawari, later at Shivpura, Srinagar, Present add: Bohri Jammu, Email: evening shift on the same day. The Mathematics [email protected], Mobile no.: 9419309913, Any other relevant information AKTU scraps Uttar Pradesh State Engineering exam is scheduled for May 5 from 10 am to 12 like Manglik, Divorce etc: No, Father's Name: Dr. Ramesh Tamiri (Sadhu), Res. Phone no: noon. 01912554428 Entrance Exam (UPSEE) Candidates seeking admission into BTech Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Technical University courses must appear for all papers and candidates vvvvv ( AKTU) Lucknow has scrapped the Uttar Pradesh seeking admission into BPharm courses do not Seeking suitable match preferably with Finance background / Banker / CA for our elder son State Engineering Entrance Exam (UPSEE) from require sitting for Mathematics paper. DOB...05011993, TOB...1135hrs, POB...New Delhi, B.E (Chemical) BITS, PILANI. the academic year 2021-22 onwards. As per the For further details regarding the Schedule, EMPLOYED with GOI, Dept. Of Science in Technology (BARC) Mumbai, Non Transferable notification released by AKTU, the admission to Centres, pattern, application form and other Job. Interested may please respond on [email protected], 9910076101 relevant information, candidates are advised to engineering colleges would be on the basis of the vvvvv refer to the relevant website. Admissions to B.E., JEE Main 2021 score. AKTU took an official B.Pharm. courses in the State of Goa for the Suitable alliance invited for our son born on 8th April,1989,1110 hours,5 feet 10 inch tall,at Twitter handle to share the information. academic year 2021-22 shall be carried out on Anantnag Kashmir.The boy is B tech Mechanical with MS applied mechanics from Ecole Candidates can check the official notice on the basis of GCET-2021,(Goa Common Entrance central's,DeNantes, France and is presently working as senior business Analyst,Sopra Steria official site at upsee.nic.in. Test),which shall be conducted in various Centres, India at Noida (UP). Interested may please call for tekni and biodata from WhatsApp number JEE Main is conducted twice a year for the across Goa State. 9419765031,7051961209. admissions to the Undergraduate engineering Admissions to B.Arch. course shall be on the vvvvv program offered at the IIITs, NITs and other top basis of scores obtained at NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture), conducted by Looking for alliance for our son born in New Delhi on 1st Sept 1989.Height 186 cm. He isa engineering institutions across the country. Council of Architecture, and qualifying exam(Std. Computer Engineering from India and M.B.A from U.S.A. Presently working as Senior Application process for the JEE Main 2020 XIIth /HSSC/Diploma.) Consultant with IT company based in New York, USA. The girl should be Masters/MBA from January session is expected to begin any time soon. Prospectus containing details of GCET-2021 USA and working in USA on her work visa. Parents based in Dubai. Interested please contact Candidates are advised to keep visiting the and admissions to Professional Degree courses on mob no +971506196474, EMAIL [email protected] . official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in for regular will be duly notified on the website of this vvvvv updates. Directorate www.dte.goa.gov.in. Looking Suitable Match for my Son, Born on 22.10.1992, 13.52 Hrs at Jammu, Height 5'11". NIOS Board Exam 2020 for classes 10, 12 to Tentative dates for Class 12 Practical Exams Done B.E from Mysore and MS from USA. Working as Software Developer in USA on H1B be held in January/February 2021 2021 Visa interested may contact [email protected], Mobile 9419191462, 9419114335. National Institute of Open Schooling has released The Central Board of Secondary Education vvvvv the schedule of registration, payment of has released the tentative dates for the Class 12 Suitable Alliance for our daughter Born 22 August 1993, Height: 168 Cms. Bachelor’s in examination fees for Senior Secondary. As per the practical exams 2021. Architecture from I.P University Delhi, working with an MNC at Bangalore. Please send As per the report by various news media the schedule, NIOS will conduct Class 10, 12 October Tekni and kulawali at Email: [email protected] OR Mob. No: 9868901676 & practical exams for Class 12 will be conducted 8383032306. Board Exam 2020 during January- February 2021. from January 1 till February 8, 2021. A detailed The complete date sheet for the exam would be schedule will be released by the board soon on its vvvvv released by the Institute soon. official website, cbse.nic.in. Seeking Suitable Alliance for our daughter Born on 04.09.1984 in Delhi, HT 165 Cms. v For all learners with late fee of Rs 100/- per The board has fixed a standard Operating Economics Honours Graduate from Delhi University and MBA (Finance and HR) from subject: December 11 to 15, 2020 Procedure (SOP) for conducting the examination. reputed institute Delhi. Working in Govt. of India Institution at Manesar, Gurugram as v For all learners with consolidated late fee of According to CBSE Class 12 practical exams consultant in Human Resources Development Deptt. With good Annual Package. Interested Rs 1500/- per Learner: December 16 to 21, SOPs may please send Kulawali and Tekni at Email:- [email protected] OR WhatsApp at 2020 Feedback: [email protected] 9873787189.

66 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 67 to make fresh syllabus for JEE Main, NEET and Visit the official site of NIOS on others competitive entrance exams to be conducted sdmis.nios.ac.in. AIKS in 2021 by the agency. NTA will assess the situation across different states and education GCET 2021 Entrance Exam date Matrimonial Service boards before finalizing the syllabus. The Directorate of Technical Education, JEE Main is conducted to offer admission Government of Goa has announced the exam date for the Goa Common Entrance Test (GCET) 2021. into B.Tech/ B.E/ B.Arch /B.Plan in various Seeking suitable alliance for my son, Name: (Optional), Date of birth : 11th August, 1991, As per the notification, the entrance test will Time : 5.31PM (Day Time), Place of Birth: Jammu, Height: 188cm, Qualification: B.Tech Engineering institutions. be conducted on May 4 and 5, 2021. The test of NTA officials have told that the first session (Karnataka) & M.S in : Computer science-Artificial Intelligence (UCD Dublin Ireland), Job Physics will be held on May 4 from 10 am to 12 Description : Software engineer in a reputed MNC IT (at Dublin), Permanent add (valley): of JEE Main 2021 is likely to be held in February noon and the Chemistry exam will be held in the instead of January. Rainawari, later at Shivpura, Srinagar, Present add: Bohri Jammu, Email: evening shift on the same day. The Mathematics [email protected], Mobile no.: 9419309913, Any other relevant information AKTU scraps Uttar Pradesh State Engineering exam is scheduled for May 5 from 10 am to 12 like Manglik, Divorce etc: No, Father's Name: Dr. Ramesh Tamiri (Sadhu), Res. Phone no: noon. 01912554428 Entrance Exam (UPSEE) Candidates seeking admission into BTech Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Technical University courses must appear for all papers and candidates vvvvv ( AKTU) Lucknow has scrapped the Uttar Pradesh seeking admission into BPharm courses do not Seeking suitable match preferably with Finance background / Banker / CA for our elder son State Engineering Entrance Exam (UPSEE) from require sitting for Mathematics paper. DOB...05011993, TOB...1135hrs, POB...New Delhi, B.E (Chemical) BITS, PILANI. the academic year 2021-22 onwards. As per the For further details regarding the Schedule, EMPLOYED with GOI, Dept. Of Science in Technology (BARC) Mumbai, Non Transferable notification released by AKTU, the admission to Centres, pattern, application form and other Job. Interested may please respond on [email protected], 9910076101 relevant information, candidates are advised to engineering colleges would be on the basis of the vvvvv refer to the relevant website. Admissions to B.E., JEE Main 2021 score. AKTU took an official B.Pharm. courses in the State of Goa for the Suitable alliance invited for our son born on 8th April,1989,1110 hours,5 feet 10 inch tall,at Twitter handle to share the information. academic year 2021-22 shall be carried out on Anantnag Kashmir.The boy is B tech Mechanical with MS applied mechanics from Ecole Candidates can check the official notice on the basis of GCET-2021,(Goa Common Entrance central's,DeNantes, France and is presently working as senior business Analyst,Sopra Steria official site at upsee.nic.in. Test),which shall be conducted in various Centres, India at Noida (UP). Interested may please call for tekni and biodata from WhatsApp number JEE Main is conducted twice a year for the across Goa State. 9419765031,7051961209. admissions to the Undergraduate engineering Admissions to B.Arch. course shall be on the vvvvv program offered at the IIITs, NITs and other top basis of scores obtained at NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture), conducted by Looking for alliance for our son born in New Delhi on 1st Sept 1989.Height 186 cm. He isa engineering institutions across the country. Council of Architecture, and qualifying exam(Std. Computer Engineering from India and M.B.A from U.S.A. Presently working as Senior Application process for the JEE Main 2020 XIIth /HSSC/Diploma.) Consultant with IT company based in New York, USA. The girl should be Masters/MBA from January session is expected to begin any time soon. Prospectus containing details of GCET-2021 USA and working in USA on her work visa. Parents based in Dubai. Interested please contact Candidates are advised to keep visiting the and admissions to Professional Degree courses on mob no +971506196474, EMAIL [email protected] . official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in for regular will be duly notified on the website of this vvvvv updates. Directorate www.dte.goa.gov.in. Looking Suitable Match for my Son, Born on 22.10.1992, 13.52 Hrs at Jammu, Height 5'11". NIOS Board Exam 2020 for classes 10, 12 to Tentative dates for Class 12 Practical Exams Done B.E from Mysore and MS from USA. Working as Software Developer in USA on H1B be held in January/February 2021 2021 Visa interested may contact [email protected], Mobile 9419191462, 9419114335. National Institute of Open Schooling has released The Central Board of Secondary Education vvvvv the schedule of registration, payment of has released the tentative dates for the Class 12 Suitable Alliance for our daughter Born 22 August 1993, Height: 168 Cms. Bachelor’s in examination fees for Senior Secondary. As per the practical exams 2021. Architecture from I.P University Delhi, working with an MNC at Bangalore. Please send As per the report by various news media the schedule, NIOS will conduct Class 10, 12 October Tekni and kulawali at Email: [email protected] OR Mob. No: 9868901676 & practical exams for Class 12 will be conducted 8383032306. Board Exam 2020 during January- February 2021. from January 1 till February 8, 2021. A detailed The complete date sheet for the exam would be schedule will be released by the board soon on its vvvvv released by the Institute soon. official website, cbse.nic.in. Seeking Suitable Alliance for our daughter Born on 04.09.1984 in Delhi, HT 165 Cms. v For all learners with late fee of Rs 100/- per The board has fixed a standard Operating Economics Honours Graduate from Delhi University and MBA (Finance and HR) from subject: December 11 to 15, 2020 Procedure (SOP) for conducting the examination. reputed institute Delhi. Working in Govt. of India Institution at Manesar, Gurugram as v For all learners with consolidated late fee of According to CBSE Class 12 practical exams consultant in Human Resources Development Deptt. With good Annual Package. Interested Rs 1500/- per Learner: December 16 to 21, SOPs may please send Kulawali and Tekni at Email:- [email protected] OR WhatsApp at 2020 Feedback: [email protected] 9873787189.

66 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 67 Parents seeking marriage proposal for their daughter. Our daughter is a physician and is based in the US. She is a US citizen. We are looking for a suitable professional Kashmiri Pandit match. Our daughter is talented, humble, and has been raised in Kashmiri and Indian culture at home. She is willing to relocate to India or other countries for the right match. Date of birth October 12, 1982 at 1:30 am, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. A recent photograph would be very helpful. Please correspond with a brief writeup of the family and a tekni to: [email protected]. WhatsApp: +1 202-765-5444. vvvvv We are looking for a MEDICO Match with MD/MS for our Daughter who has done MBBS from RGUHS, Bangalore presently working as MO in a Private Hospital in Delhi and also preparing for MD, born on 30th March 1991, 17:37 at Udhampur. Interested may contact with Tekni and Biodata on 94191-30214, 94191-13288. vvvvv Wanted a suitable alliance for my legally separated daughter born 22.04.1986 at Srinagar , time of birth 10.25 hrs ,height 173 cms who has perused BE(CSE) from MIET college Jammu and M.Tech(IT) from KSOU Mysore.She is working as an Executive in a Govt of India Enterprise and presently posted at Jammu. Her job is transferable to any part in India. Her earlier marriage lasted for a brief duration only . Merely Lagan dosha. Interested may kindly send the tekni and kulawali per return mail to R.K.Raina on email id [email protected] or can whatsApp the details to 9419264309. vvvvv Seeking Alliance for Our Daughter born 2/1/1991 at Jammu, B.Tech (IT) M. Tech (computer Science ) Presently Working as Assistant Professor In Engineering College (NCR). Previously Worked At MNC Cognizant Pune. Interested May please send Tekni / Kulwali on Mob/What's App- 9419209499 vvvvv We are looking for MEDICO MATCH with MD/MS/DN working in DELHI – NCR match for our Daughter, beautiful & tall , Born-June 87 / Ht.- 167 Cm qualified as MD in Obs. & Gynae. & Specialization in IVF & working as IVF Consultant with Hospital in GURGAON. Interested may please contact on e-mail at: [email protected] Mob. +91 9873452557 / 9414012557. vvvvv Looking for a Suitable Match for our Son Born on 13th July 1991, 11.40 AM at Jammu. Parents are presently living in Roop Nagar, Jammu. Height 5’11”, Qualified as BE in Computer Science. Working as Application Developer in Dhyey Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd. at Vadodara, Gujrat. Interested may contact on MB- 9419141511, Email id: [email protected] for Tekni & Biodata. vvvvv Seeking suitable alliance for our son, born at Srinagar on 23rd July, 1988 at 11.59 AM, 173 CMS. He is pursuing his own business at Valsad, Gujarat having a decent annual income in seven figures. The family is currently based in Faridabad. Interested may please contact for further details on email: [email protected] or Mobile/WhatsApp: 9810847376 vvvvv

68 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 69 Parents seeking marriage proposal for their daughter. Our daughter is a physician and is based in the US. She is a US citizen. We are looking for a suitable professional Kashmiri Pandit match. Our daughter is talented, humble, and has been raised in Kashmiri and Indian culture at home. She is willing to relocate to India or other countries for the right match. Date of birth October 12, 1982 at 1:30 am, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. A recent photograph would be very helpful. Please correspond with a brief writeup of the family and a tekni to: [email protected]. WhatsApp: +1 202-765-5444. vvvvv We are looking for a MEDICO Match with MD/MS for our Daughter who has done MBBS from RGUHS, Bangalore presently working as MO in a Private Hospital in Delhi and also preparing for MD, born on 30th March 1991, 17:37 at Udhampur. Interested may contact with Tekni and Biodata on 94191-30214, 94191-13288. vvvvv Wanted a suitable alliance for my legally separated daughter born 22.04.1986 at Srinagar , time of birth 10.25 hrs ,height 173 cms who has perused BE(CSE) from MIET college Jammu and M.Tech(IT) from KSOU Mysore.She is working as an Executive in a Govt of India Enterprise and presently posted at Jammu. Her job is transferable to any part in India. Her earlier marriage lasted for a brief duration only . Merely Lagan dosha. Interested may kindly send the tekni and kulawali per return mail to R.K.Raina on email id [email protected] or can whatsApp the details to 9419264309. vvvvv Seeking Alliance for Our Daughter born 2/1/1991 at Jammu, B.Tech (IT) M. Tech (computer Science ) Presently Working as Assistant Professor In Engineering College (NCR). Previously Worked At MNC Cognizant Pune. Interested May please send Tekni / Kulwali on Mob/What's App- 9419209499 vvvvv We are looking for MEDICO MATCH with MD/MS/DN working in DELHI – NCR match for our Daughter, beautiful & tall , Born-June 87 / Ht.- 167 Cm qualified as MD in Obs. & Gynae. & Specialization in IVF & working as IVF Consultant with Hospital in GURGAON. Interested may please contact on e-mail at: [email protected] Mob. +91 9873452557 / 9414012557. vvvvv Looking for a Suitable Match for our Son Born on 13th July 1991, 11.40 AM at Jammu. Parents are presently living in Roop Nagar, Jammu. Height 5’11”, Qualified as BE in Computer Science. Working as Application Developer in Dhyey Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd. at Vadodara, Gujrat. Interested may contact on MB- 9419141511, Email id: [email protected] for Tekni & Biodata. vvvvv Seeking suitable alliance for our son, born at Srinagar on 23rd July, 1988 at 11.59 AM, 173 CMS. He is pursuing his own business at Valsad, Gujarat having a decent annual income in seven figures. The family is currently based in Faridabad. Interested may please contact for further details on email: [email protected] or Mobile/WhatsApp: 9810847376 vvvvv

68 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 69 BECOME A LIFE MEMBER OF ALL INDIA KASHMIRI SAMAJ AND SUBSCRIBE TO NAAD MONTHLY JOURNAL A I K S Application Form for Life Member naad All India Kashmiri Samaj (REGD.) A Monthly Publication of 244, Sector 3, R.K. Puram, New Delhi - 110022, Telephone : 011-26107431, Mobile : 9958154848 Subscribe Naad Web : www.aiks.org E-mail : [email protected] Online!! Application No. : ...... Date : ...... www.aiks.org The President All India Kashmir Samaj Subscription Charges 244, Sector-3, R.K. Puram Price/Issue – Rs 50/- New Delhi - 110022 Annual – Rs 600/- Dear Sir, I hereby apply for Life membership of the All India Kashmiri Samaj. Advertisement Tariff My Particulars are as under : Back cover - Rs 20,000/- Name (In full) : ...... Inside Cover (Front & back) - Rs. 10,000/- Date of Birth : ...... Father’s/Husband’s Name : ...... Full Page Colour - Rs.8,000/- Address : ...... Full Page (B/W) - Rs. 5000/- ...... Half Page (B/W) - Rs. 2500/- ...... Centre Spread (Colour) - Rs.12,000/- ...... Pin : ...... Matrimonial - Rs. 400/- Per Insertion Tel : (Res.) : ...... Office : ...... Mobile : ...... Email : ...... Half Yearly I have studied the AIKS Constitution and agree to abide by the policies and programmes of the AIKS. Vaakh is an informative and compact literary half yearly in Kashmiri (Devnagri Script), containing very interesting material - prose, poetry, short stories and essays, of deep interest to our community members. With best wishes Please subscribe to it for reading pleasure. Yours Sincerely Three year 500/- Signature Modes of Payment A Cheque of Rs 5,000/- (Rs. Five Thousand) only favouring All India Kashmiri Samaj is enclosed here with. 1. All Cheques/DDs favouring All India Kashmiri Samaj to be sent at 244, Sec-3, R.K. Puram- 110022, New Delhi. Cheque No. : ...... Drawn on (Bank) : ...... 2. Subscriptions can also be remitted directly online to the following Amount : ...... Date : ...... A/C Punjab National Bank : A/c No. 0151000100442202 A/c Name : All India Kashmiri Samaj IFSC Code : PUNB0015100 MICR Code : 110024094 AIKS Receipt No. : ...... Note : After making the payment through Internet the subscriber must send intimation to AIKS on (Life Members will receive a free copy of Naad for Fifteen Years) Mob No. 9958154848 through WhatsApp/SMS/Sending snapshot of the payment receipt.

70 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 71 BECOME A LIFE MEMBER OF ALL INDIA KASHMIRI SAMAJ AND SUBSCRIBE TO NAAD MONTHLY JOURNAL A I K S Application Form for Life Member naad All India Kashmiri Samaj (REGD.) A Monthly Publication of 244, Sector 3, R.K. Puram, New Delhi - 110022, Telephone : 011-26107431, Mobile : 9958154848 Subscribe Naad Web : www.aiks.org E-mail : [email protected] Online!! Application No. : ...... Date : ...... www.aiks.org The President All India Kashmir Samaj Subscription Charges 244, Sector-3, R.K. Puram Price/Issue – Rs 50/- New Delhi - 110022 Annual – Rs 600/- Dear Sir, I hereby apply for Life membership of the All India Kashmiri Samaj. Advertisement Tariff My Particulars are as under : Back cover - Rs 20,000/- Name (In full) : ...... Inside Cover (Front & back) - Rs. 10,000/- Date of Birth : ...... Father’s/Husband’s Name : ...... Full Page Colour - Rs.8,000/- Address : ...... Full Page (B/W) - Rs. 5000/- ...... Half Page (B/W) - Rs. 2500/- ...... Centre Spread (Colour) - Rs.12,000/- ...... Pin : ...... Matrimonial - Rs. 400/- Per Insertion Tel : (Res.) : ...... Office : ...... Mobile : ...... Email : ...... Half Yearly I have studied the AIKS Constitution and agree to abide by the policies and programmes of the AIKS. Vaakh is an informative and compact literary half yearly in Kashmiri (Devnagri Script), containing very interesting material - prose, poetry, short stories and essays, of deep interest to our community members. With best wishes Please subscribe to it for reading pleasure. Yours Sincerely Three year 500/- Signature Modes of Payment A Cheque of Rs 5,000/- (Rs. Five Thousand) only favouring All India Kashmiri Samaj is enclosed here with. 1. All Cheques/DDs favouring All India Kashmiri Samaj to be sent at 244, Sec-3, R.K. Puram- 110022, New Delhi. Cheque No. : ...... Drawn on (Bank) : ...... 2. Subscriptions can also be remitted directly online to the following Amount : ...... Date : ...... A/C Punjab National Bank : A/c No. 0151000100442202 A/c Name : All India Kashmiri Samaj IFSC Code : PUNB0015100 MICR Code : 110024094 AIKS Receipt No. : ...... Note : After making the payment through Internet the subscriber must send intimation to AIKS on (Life Members will receive a free copy of Naad for Fifteen Years) Mob No. 9958154848 through WhatsApp/SMS/Sending snapshot of the payment receipt.

70 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi) NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 71 With best compliments from

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72 NAAD îî DECEMBER 2020 Margashirsha Krishna - Shukla Paksha 2077/ 5096 (Saptarishi)

Prominent Shrines of Kashmir OBITUARY

"The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had” – Robert L Stevenson

Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar Hari Parvat

SHRI CHUNILAL PANDITA With profound grief and sorrow, we deeply mourn the demise of our beloved Shri Chunilal Pandita (fondly called "Papaji"), son of late Shri Shiv Jee Pandita, who left for heavenly abode on 4th Aug 2020 at his residence in Bangalore, Karnataka. Born and brought up in Wadipora village, Dist. Kupwara, he grew up to be a reputed teacher (M.A., M. Ed) by virtue of his hard work. He was revered and loved by students and colleagues and retired as the Principal of District Institute of Education and Training, Basoli, Jammu. He will always remain in our hearts and memories as a doting father, grandfather, husband, brother, friend, teacher, guide and above all a great human being. His powerful presence, kind words Kheer Bhawani and pearls of advice will be dearly missed. We hope to carry with us his principles of discipline, integrity, and lifelong learning in our journey ahead. In Grief May God grant eternal peace to his departed soul and continue to shower blessings on all of us. • Shanta Ji – Bhabhi (70061-24522) Grand Children Deeply Missed and Remembered By : • Sumedh & Rita – Brother & Bhabhi (94692-14455) • Abhay & Pooja – (96509-24455) Wife : Smt.Parmeshwari Pandita • Kuldeep & Nirmala – Son & Daughter-in-Law (98110-58696) • Sumeghna & Gautam Channa – (98183-14537) Son & Daughter-in-law : Sudheer and Achala Pandita (9845666001) • Arun & Rajani – Son & Daughter-in-Law (98110-54228) • Shikha & Akshar Wali – (98189-26047) Daughter & Son-in-law : Shamita Pandita & Vinodji Pandita (9419218288) • Satish & Anilla - Son & Daughter-in-Law (98102-22339) • Aditya & Sakshi – (98113-60996) Grand Children : Sagar Pandita, Ellora Pandita and Kalhan Pandita • Babli Ji – Daughter-in-Law (90860-29321) • Shakun & Prateek Bhatia – (+19734446910) • Susheel & Sushma – Nephew & Daughter-in-Law (70061-24522) • Akshay & Swati - (+14086790040) Sister-in-law : Smt. Pran Pyari Pandita W/o Late Sh Moti Lal Pandita • Vasanta Ji Koul (Pandit) – Sister (95828-05035) • Ritishi & Karan – (88992-45987) Brother and Sister-in-law : Shri Som Nath Pandita and Smt. Nirija Pandita • Indira & Ashok Kotha – Sister & Brother-in-Law (94191-31241) • Abhishek – (97174-33703) Sister : Smt. Sheela Lidhoo W/o Late Shri Makhan Lal Lidhoo • Hira Lal Koul – Brother-in-Law (85879-20318) • Ayush – (98102-49134) Sister-in-law : Smt. Ushaji Pandita W/o Late Shri Mararaj Krishan Pandita • Guddi & Bharat Kaul – Sister & Brother-in-Law (88516-20397) • Sukanya – (80823-21808) Brother-in-law and Sister-in-Law : Shri Makhan Lal Bhat and Smt. Jaikishori Bhat (9891830346) Sister-in-law and Brother-in-Law : Smt. Umaji Pandita and Shri Dwarika Nath Pandita (9891836878) Mata Jwala Ji Krew and Samast Pandita, Lidhoo, Bhat, Raina Parivar and close Friends. AIKS NAAD, December 2020 RNI Registration No. 53585/92 Posted on 17th/18th of every month Postal Registration No. DL-SW-17/4209/19-21

Printed and Published by Tej Kumar Tikoo on behalf of All India Kashmiri Samaj . Published at 244, Sector 3, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110022 Email: [email protected] Printed at Royal Press, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-I, New Delhi -110020 Editor: Sunil Raina Rajanaka