For Private Circulation Only Net-journal of 'Project Zaan’ ÒççiççMç p\agPraagaash aS

Dedicated to Our Heritage, Our Language and Our Culture

Walkul, : Photo - Rayees Dar

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Jç<ç& 6 : DçbkçÀ 5~ cçF& 2021 Vol 6 : No. 5~ May 2021 02 Praagaash ÒççiççMç Òççípçíkçwì ]pççvç' kçÀçÇ vçíì-HççÆ$çkçÀç Jç<ç& 6 : DçbkçÀ 5~ cçF& 2021

In this issue Editorial - Dr. K.L.Chowdhury l Cover - Walkul, Lolab Valley - Photo : Rayees Dar 01 l Editorial - Fight with Covid : Dr. K.L.Chowdhury 02 [In view of the alarming situation l JççKç lçe ÞçáKç 05 of pandemic Covid-19 in our l kçÀçJ³ç : jbiçí çÆMçHçÀç : [ç. MççÌkçÀlç çÆMçHçÀç 06 country, we requested Dr. l DçHçÀmççvçe : Ëo³ç kçÀçÌuç YççjlççÇ : Dçç@KçejçÇ Kççvçe yçoçíMç 07 l kçÀçJ³ç : çÆkçÀMçvççÇ hçBçÆ[lçç : m$ççÇ 08 K.L.Chowdhury to write about it, l iç]pçuç : Fuçnçpç mçççÆyçj MçíKçhçájçÇ 09 and also, breaking the standard l Environment & Life : Prof. B.L.Kaul - The Bird Song 10 norm, decided to put it in the l KundanSpeak : T.N.Dhar Kundan Editorial itself. - Editor] - Keep Travelling 13 l Poetry : Nidhi Kansal : I Shed My Eyes With Tears 16 l Yççøçç : çÆ$çuççíkçÀçÇ vççLç Oçj kçáÀvovç : kçÀçJ³ç 17 l kçÀçJ³ç : [ç. vçvçmççÇ hçBçÆ[lçç - mççLç mççLççÇ nçí 19 under Corona siege l DçHçÀmççvçe : DçççÆMçkçÀ námçÌvç ]pçççÆno : c³çççÆvç iççcçákçÀ Dçcçpço 20 l kçÀçJ³ç : DçççÆMçkçÀ námçÌvç ]pçççÆno : kçÀç@MççÆjmç yç®çe mçábo oáDçç 23 orona has laid a seige on India. The virus l Page from Sabzar 24 C l Our Cultural Legacy : G.N.Atash hovers over the country like the shadow of death. - Intangible Heritage of - 3 25 l kçÀçJ³ç : Dç³³çÓyç mçç@çÆyçj : hçLç kçw³çç iççôJç 27 More than three hundred and fifty thousand l J³ççK³ççvç : [ç. DççqivçMçíKçj - kçÀçuçpç³ççÇ uçuç Ðço - 3 28 people are getting infected every day. The l Know Your Motherland : M.K.Raina - 33 reported death count is jumping to more than two l Kashmir Report : Kaleem Bashir 35 thousand daily which, many believe, is hardly a l Letters to the Editor 41 quarter of the actual number dying. There is grim scenario of people dying and no place in the hospitals, a severe deficiency of oxygen, the only lifesaving agent. The nation is suffering from, what I call, Severe Hypoxia. Unless we stop this deadly march of the virus we may lose 3-5 million people in the coming months, there being no proven treatment until now. Can we the people help? Yes, it is all up to us. We can stop it by strict measures to prevent its speed and spread. It entails no costs but strict

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Inspiration : Late Shri J.N.Kachroo ~ Guide & Consulting Editor : Shri T.N.Dhar ‘Kundan’ ~ Editor : M.K.Raina Coordinating Associates ~ : Kaleem Bashir ~ : Er. M.K.Dhar ~ New Delhi : Rajinder Premi ~ Overseas : Dr. Zarka Batul Editorial Office : 104-B, Galaxy, Agarwal Township, Kaul’s Heritage City, Babhola, Vasai Road (W), Dist. Palghar 401 202, Maharashtra, India. E-Mail : [email protected] ~ Cell : +91-9422473459 ~ Website : kpamumbai.org/praagaash/ ~ mkraina.com/category/praagaash/ Layout & DTP : Ashwin Raina ProjectProject Zaan is Zaan the Literaryis supported Initiative by Kashmiri of Kashmiri Pandits’ Pandits’ Association, Association, Mumbai. Mumbai.

ÒççiççMç May 2021 ~ cçF& 2021 p\ag aS 02 03 Praagaash ÒççiççMç Òççípçíkçwì ]pççvç' kçÀçÇ vçíì-HççÆ$çkçÀç Jç<ç& 6 : DçbkçÀ 5~ cçF& 2021 discipline. I have a simple 7- Step Formula:

1) Stay cocooned inside your homes. Work online. Spend time gainfully and don't fret or fume, nor sink onto ugly moods or depression. Try to be cheerful with family members and help in domestic chores. Play indoor games like chess, carrom, bridge which help your thinking process. These are available online as well. Go up the roof for a walk. Be a member of a social network, not to spread misinformation but a creative group. As an example, we formed a group of about 40 writers, poets, literary critics and readers known as Samprati Samanbal. Every day a writer posts her or his work and others, who so desire, post their comments. In the process, it was heartening to discover and number that catches the virus. encourage a lot of new talent in the The only way to stop the entry of the community. virus into your system and stop its spread from the infected person is to use a mask 2) Mask yourself. We know Corona is a that completely and effectively covers your respiratory virus. It thrives in the nose, nose and mouth. No mask is hundred mouth, air passages and lungs. It spreads percent effective in filtering out the virus. from one person to another through the The best available is N 94, nearly 90-95 breath, through coughing and sneezing. percent effective. Surgical mask available An infected person's breath can reach us from chemists is the next best alternative. up to a distance of five to six feet through But you can fashion a mask from cotton the air as virus containing particles or fabric at home folded a couple of times to droplets. Coughing sends the breath a make it doubly effective. Using 2 masks larger distance and sneezing sends it one over the other is advisable if you are further. In closed rooms the air circulates travelling by plane, train, bus or if you are in to further corners, aided by fans and air- a conference or congregation. conditioning during summer, making it an You can go for a walk in the open ideal situation for spread. The more the especially early morning, but masking is people sitting together the more the necessary.

ÒççiççMç May 2021 ~ cçF& 2021 p\ag aS 03 04 Praagaash ÒççiççMç Òççípçíkçwì ]pççvç' kçÀçÇ vçíì-HççÆ$çkçÀç Jç<ç& 6 : DçbkçÀ 5~ cçF& 2021

3) Social distancing. Now that you know Paracetamol for fever and pains, cough how the virus spreads it makes sense to mixtures for cough, warm saline gargle keep ourselves at least 6 feet from others, for sore throat. A well-balanced nutritious be it while socializing, shopping, diet, without restrictions is fine. There is conversing etc. Because the virus can no proven drug. Many drugs are being land on your hands while touching your prescribed arbitrarily. They have not nose or mouth if you're infected, and passed the strict trials that are required settles on surfaces, it is wise to wash your for Evidence Based Treatment. Oxygen is hands with soap or other detergents. Don't the only saviour, to be administered when shake hands. A traditional Namaskar is oxygen levels start falling below 92-94. If the ideal salutation. the level falls in spite of oxygen delivered at home, seek admission into a hospital 4) Testing. It is good to get tested off and which has oxygen supplies. Otherwise it's on for Covid-19 if you are office going, or pointless. working at service centers, shops and Fortunately just a fraction of public places. If positive you must patients die in spite of all the herculean quarantine for 2 weeks to watch for any measures like ventilation etc. signs of infection. Let's work hard to conquer Corona. 5) Tracking. Anyone positive or infected must recall where one may have contracted the virus and who got in touch with him. They must be tracked and informed to quarantine themselves. That is the best way to contain the spread.

6) Vaccination. Get any vaccine available. Don't hesitate, don't be choosy. They are all effective, even against the new mutant variants of the virus that is raging in Delhi, Mumbai and other towns. Even if covid positive, go for vaccination.

7) Treatment. Fortunately only a few infected with the virus become symptomatic. Of them most get well within 2-3 weeks with simple instructions.

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Environment & Life - Prof. B.L.Kaul The Bird Song

Visiting a cousin at Smailpur near sounds and voices Jammu some year ago I was greeted by both human and "Hello" the moment I entered the outer animal. gate. Looking around I could find no Bird song is as human presence but a Myna perched much enchanting as it inside her cage hanging in the balcony is interesting. The was unmistakable. Another "Hello" sound producing followed which not only confirmed the organ of a bird is called source but also helped to inform the "syrinx" which is master about the arrival of a guest. So my located at the bottom of the wind pipe (trachea).Sound is produced at the syrinx in an air stream whose speed and volume is controlled by muscles in the trachea. The sounds are emitted through the bird's mouth with little or no modulation. Some birds with more rudimentary syrinxes than their cousins can become more proficient in creating sound. This fact becomes especially notable when it is realized that the syrinx at its best is far complicated cousin came out to greet me. It was indeed than the human a pleasant experience. Then followed larynx (voice other voices including "mew, mew" - mimic box) for voice of the cats also kept as pets by my cousin. production. It reminded me of a parrot owned by a Human neighbour in early sixties at . The vocalizations beautiful bird used to call its owner by his originate in the pet name, "Baitathya" (Dear brother) in a larynx situated melodious voice. It could also mimic at the top of ÒççiççMç May 2021 ~ cçF& 2021 p\ag aS 10 11 Praagaash ÒççiççMç Òççípçíkçwì ]pççvç' kçÀçÇ vçíì-HççÆ$çkçÀç Jç<ç& 6 : DçbkçÀ 5~ cçF& 2021 trachea. The larynx is roughly similar to sophisticated its syrinx was. In reality the bird's syrinx but more complex and however, most song bird's syrinxes are the produces relatively simple sounds. But same. then important changes in timbre occur Thus there are other factors which because of the position and articulating determine how, when and where a bird movements of the tongue, cheeks, mouth can vocalize. Recent studies show that and lips and the resonating effect of the the part of a bird's brain that controls its hollow sinuses in the facial structure. It vocalizations is in the front and must be, however, remembered that birds corresponds roughly to the human cortex. make better use of the syrinx than humans The males of almost all song bird species do of the larynx, to produce their various are the principal vocalizers and the male and elaborate sounds without the facilities fore-brains, which control their song available to humans. The syrinx does output, have been found to be larger that have two resonating membranes, and in the forebrains of females. The work of many birds they can be independently Fernando Motlabohm and others shows controlled, enabling the birds to produce that larger the forebrains, the larger a two different notes simultaneously. But bird's song repertoire tends to be. They this factor does not account for the ability have also found that the forebrain of parrots and mynas to so precisely expands in size just before the arrival of imitate the human voice. the mating and nesting season, when The abilities of some birds to extensive singing and calling are imitate human speech with uncanny necessary for identifications and to attract precision is now the focus of attention for mates, establish territories and warn of zoologists and ornithologists in many possible dangers. parts of the world. How is it, they want to It is now known to ornithologists know, that these creatures, in captivity and that most song birds do not have innate in the wild, can accomplish such precision genetically derived song patterns but with a primitive apparatus and a brain learn song patterns, their songs and calls about the size of the grape? What is it that at an early age from their parents or enables some kinds of birds, in particular members of the same species. As a the familysturnidae of which the myna is general rule, most species in the wild will the most famously talkative, to learn to not respond to or learn the vocalizations of speak more than 50 words in some cases other species. Yet several species of song and utter as many as 20 sentences?Anew birds including mocking birds, starlings, understanding of how this is thrushes, cat birds, wrens and sparrows accomplished is beginning to evolve. It imitate the calls and songs of many was previously thought that a bird's different kinds of birds they encounter or vocalization repertoire depend on how hear. And some birds like starling learn to

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Contact author at : [email protected] ]]]

ÒççiççMç May 2021 ~ cçF& 2021 p\ag aS 12 13 Praagaash ÒççiççMç Òççípçíkçwì ]pççvç' kçÀçÇ vçíì-HççÆ$çkçÀç Jç<ç& 6 : DçbkçÀ 5~ cçF& 2021

KundanSpeak - T.N.Dhar ‘Kundan’ Keep Travelling

Recently I was reading a book on the gain knowledge of discourses given by Swami everything, our Akhandananda Saraswati. It was stated surroundings, therein that Kaka Saheb Kalelkar was fellow travelers, the once asked by someone the secret of his nature, other longevity. He replied, 'I keep on travelling, species, the flora walking and moving on day and night. The and fauna et al. death tries to catch up with me but before it Above all these reaches a spot I have already left it and things we have to moved forward.' Swami ji added after have awareness of our destination, where narrating this that we should keep on we are heading to. We have to be aware travelling on the journey of life. For this he whether the path chosen by us is the stressed the need for two things, patience correct path leading to our desired goal. and enthusiasm. With the help of these We have to know everything that two traits we shall be able to be on the confronts us on the way including the move always. He also quoted a Mantra companions we are travelling with. We from the Rig Veda, which reads: have to acquire knowledge while we ' Swastipanthaam-anucharema progress in this journey and be wiser by Suryachandramasav-iva, punardadata- every minute of the travel. This awareness aghnata janata sangamemahi – Let us will not only ensure that we make it to our tread on beneficial path like the Sun and destination but will also help us surmount the Moon. Let us travel with full all the obstructions and hurdles on the way awareness, go on giving, avoiding harm to and make our journey pleasant and anyone and carrying others with us.' To comfortable. understand the significance of this mantra Then we must be in the mode of one has to remember and realize that life giving all the time. We must ourselves be is a journey and we have to keep on happy and give happiness to others. We travelling. Since we believe in the must ourselves be knowledgeable and immortality of soul this journey continues impart knowledge to others. We must gain even after death, which virtually is nothing experience, perceive and conceive but a change of form. thoughts and ideas about life, truth, Themantra says that we must live righteousness, our duties and and grow with full awareness. We have to responsibilities and then give these to

ÒççiççMç May 2021 ~ cçF& 2021 p\ag aS 13 14 Praagaash ÒççiççMç Òççípçíkçwì ]pççvç' kçÀçÇ vçíì-HççÆ$çkçÀç Jç<ç& 6 : DçbkçÀ 5~ cçF& 2021 others so that they too are benefitted. living in groups, both for safety and Some great man has said that a wise man survival. In today's world also we live as is not one who only experiences himself members of a family to begin with. Then but one who benefits from the experiences we become members of a community, an of others as well. So giving is important in office or a work place, a society, a city or a the journey of this life. It can be in the form village, a country and of the world at large. of physical help, monetary assistance or In all these places we do and we must of an advice that help others to live a happy necessity take others along, for the smooth life. success of our mission and for If we accept that the life is an experiencing happiness. incessant journey then everyone else too It is only if we are clear about our will be on the move like us. It follows that mission, our goal and destination that we we should travel in such a way, conduct shall be able to figure out whether the path ourselves in such a way and move forward we are treading on is the one leading to in such a way as will not harm others. Our that. This is true of our worldly goals as moving forward should not hamper other's also spiritual destinations. Having progress. We should not be a hindrance identified the path as the correct one, we for our fellow travelers. We should not have to decide how this path can be cause harm to others, physically, mentally traversed comfortably and in shortest or otherwise. This will not only be good for possible time. We have to find the fellow others but also for us. We shall derive travelers who will help us in this utmost happiness of being helpful and not endeavour. We have to chalk out a harmful to others and that will provide programme, collect wherewithal and impetus to us for progress and proceed with determination, confidence advancement in every way. and commitment. Efficiency in our efforts We must carry everyone along with is the key to success for even Shri Gita us. We pray, 'Samgachhadwam sam says, 'Yogah karmasu kaushalam – vadadwam sam vo manansi janataam– Efficiency in one's deeds is the yoga.' Let us walk together, talk together and let There will be ups and downs in this journey our minds be in unison.' This togetherness but we have not to get disheartened by is the hall mark for progress and those. We have to take success and failure happiness. We help others and they in in our stride and try to have a balanced turn help us immensely in this journey of attitude in favourable and unfavourable life. It is like left hand washing the right one circumstances. To quote Shri Gita again, and in turn the right hand washing the left 'Samatvam yoga uchyate – Balanced one. We know that man is a social animal. attitude in opposite situations is the yoga.' It is anybody's guess that soon after the There should be no elation on getting the man came on this planet earth he started loved situation or a happy result and no

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despair on receiving the hated one. Poise allurement that is bound to mislead him. and unruffled attitude will make the The person with an attribute of darkness journey of our life comfortable, meaningful has an uphill task. He will neither have and a success. clarity of his destination nor any idea of the Every person engaged in the path to be taken. He per necessity has to journey of this life is said to have come out of this darkness of ignorance that attributes. These attributes are of three has blinded him and try to change the types, that of light, passion and darkness. quality of his attribute substantially. Then One or the other of these attributes is and then alone shall he be able to chalk out always predominant in a person and that the course of his endeavour. This indeed is determines his attitude, his character and a difficult task but then human effort can his personality. That governs and shapes turn mountains. This is only a question of the quality of his journey. If he has the changing the approach and aptitude. Once attribute of light called 'Satva-guna' he is aware that the attribute of darkness uppermost in his demeanour, he will be has overpowered him, he will find ways always focused in his journey. He will not and means to control it and replace it by deviate and shall always remain heading the superior attribute. towards his pious goal. He will himself be There is one more dimension to this enlightened and shall enlighten others. journey. If it is undertaken with sincerity, He will be guided by righteousness, truth detachment and resilience and if truth, and piety and his fellow travelers will piety and righteousness prevail all emulate him. He will be a source of light through, the journey will be pleasant. We and guidance for others. The one who has shall not have to wait to reach destination the attribute of passion called 'Rajoguna' in order to feel happy and satisfied. The in greater measure will not be able to sail travel itself shall be satisfying and full of smoothly. This attribute will give him happiness. We shall carry others with us, lustful desire 'Kaama' and anger ' Krodha' share our joys and make the journey and the two will distract him from the path refreshing and pleasing. On the way we of righteousness. He will encounter may come across many milestones; some pitfalls and hurdles of sorts. Shri Gita attractive but liable to be hindrances, some says, 'Kama esha krodha esha rajoguna not so attractive but likely to inspire and samudbhava – The lustful desire and encourage for keeping the journey on. It is anger are the product of the attribute of these latter milestones that help us passion'. Such a person has to be extra continue the journey even when our legs cautious and careful. He has to overpower give way and the fatigue disheartens us. his passionate tendencies in order to They give us a hope and a message that if ensure that his journey is smooth and on the path of truth and piety. He has to avoid Continued on Page 18

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Poetry : I Shed My Eyes With Tears

I felt so tired of this empty feeling. Felt so tired of being alone, I am all day lying here staring at the ceiling, Waiting my cellphone will ring.

I jump on every pop-up messages, It brings a smile to my face, When you texted my heart stings, And I sink back into my lonely place.

What I wish and I dream, That we all be together soon, I can't wait untill we can look up hand in hand, At the stars and at the moon.

I am dying for your kisses, Your gentle touch - ohh your Embrace, I can't wait for Monday nor Sunday, When I get to see your face.

I am flooded with your thoughts, In my heart, soul, and mind, I imagine your touch, Dr. Nidhi Kansal So gentle and kind.

I try not to weep, Etawah (U.P) I hope you do not hear my cries, 9354206107 But I can't stop the tears, Falling from my eyes.

I cry a thousand tears, And think how much more can I take? But in my heart I know I'd wait a thousand years, All for your sake of Love, I shed my eyes with Tears ...

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kçÀçJ³ç - [ç. vçvçmççÇ hçBçÆ[lçç mççLç mççLççÇ nçí

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Ever since man chose to give up nomadicnvçç life mçÓbçÆ®çJç!! and settle down as a civilized creature in clusters, villages, towns and cities, he had to cope with the problem of disposalMçá³ç&vç of kçÀLç wastes sá which jçn he himself created. Even the earliest of human civilizationsKçç©vç? like Mohenjo Daro and lççô¿ç çÆsJçe çÆlçcçvç mçól³ç kçÀç@çÆMç³ç& hçç@þîç kçÀLç kçÀjçvç? Mçá³ç&vç mçólççÇ ³ççílç kçw³çç? lççô¿ç çÆsJçe hçvçeçÆvç JççBçÆmç Project Zaan’s nebÐçvç mçól³ç çÆlç kçÀç@çÆMç³ç& Elementary hçç@þîç kçÀLç kçÀjçvç~ Kashmir Information Digest nvçç mçÓbçÆ®çJç! Designed, Edited & Expanded by M.K.Raina Price : Rs. 500.00 kçÀç@Mçej ]pçyççvç çÆkçÀLçe

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Our Cultural Legacy - G.N.Atash Intangible Heritage of Kashmir - 3

YECH powerful. A number ’Yaksha' is called 'Yech' in Kashmiri. of idioms and sayings 'Yaksha' is a Sanskrit word, meaning related to 'Yech' are dangerous and tyrannical. Yakshas are in vogue in Kashmiri believed to be the old inhabitants of language such as : Kashmir. It is said that they could change 'Shure Boache Yech their form at will. They were cannibals. Koche' ( a barren When other tribes entered the valley, lady adopts even a Yakshas were compelled to leave. It is Yech), 'Yech Barrow said that they were the first people to (loud cries of a Yech), embrace the Buddhism in Kashmir. and there are some With the passage of time,Yakshas place names also related to 'Yech' like (Yech) enteredfolklore of Kashmir as Yechgam, Yechhom, Yechkoot, etc. supernatural beings. In the folktales, Yech According to mythgology, Yeksha is is a supernatural character, having great servant of the gods. Kubeer is owner of might and cunningness. He treasures and Yaksha is able to change his form (Yech) and 'Gohad' are the as he may like. He guardians of those becomes as tall as a poplar treasures. It is also tree and as small as a cat. believed that Yakshas All his strength is hidden in were human beings and his cap and one who used to eat uncooked possesses the cap of a meat. Even Aryans were 'Yech', becomes the master afraid of Yakshas. of the 'Yech, who performs Nilamatapurana records any work assigned to him. that in order to keep 'Yech' is afraid of water and Yakshas happy, a festival to keep the cap safe, it is named Yalsha Amavasi either to be kept under a was celebrated. At some water pot or under a places in Kashmir. 'Yech' grinder. If a 'Yech' happens is called 'Way Vouph'. to get back his cap, he However, Yech is an becomes furious and important character in the

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folklore of Kashmir. midwife has done her part, the exact time NAGE GADE of birth is carefully noted by the family ’Nag' means a spring and 'Gade' means astrologer. The birth bed is known as fish. 'Nagas' a human race, were the Hurru, and near the bed is placed an ancient residents of Kashmir. 'Neel' was a earthen vessel known as hurlig . Close to great king of Nagas whose capital was 'Nil the vessel, the floor is carefully swept, and Nag'. Kashmiris have attributed a mystic figure is traced on it in chalk. And supernatural tales to the Nagas. They on this figure is placed a stone pestle believe that Nagas still live in springs which is worshipped by some girls of the because they were able to change their house. Around the stone and on all four bodies from human beings to serpents. sides of the bed, boiled or uncooked rice is Serpent worship is performed by Kashmiri daily scattered. The mother is known as Hindus and the springs are sacred to Losa and if this is her first child, she is them. As a mark of respect and devotion, calledSadh Piai . Often, before the peoplepour milk and rice in the springs. confinement, a ram is brought into the There is a saying in Kashmiri 'Nage Gade room which the patient strokes three Chi Wetchni Halal Te Kheni Haram' which times. She then puts a handful ofrice into a means 'a fish from a spring is an object to basket, her mother puts in a handful of see and sinful to taste'. People go and flour and her sister puts in somemoney. feed fish by throwing edibles into the Then female relations come in, all bringing sacred springs but never eat the presents of figs, dates, almonds, rice and fish.'Nage Gade' refers to the prohibited money. All these gifts are eventually given things. Veneration of the springs has been to the priest. Later the women scatter rice, traced back to Naga worship which was flour and money around the bed, and once a major religious belief of Kashmir. when the child is born, if it isa boy, the assembled relations shout and rejoice. All Rituals and Ceremonies of Kashmiri food taken by the mother after her Pandits : 1. Birth of a Baby : confinement has to be cooked on a fire Though many rituals and ceremonies worshipped by the girl and is placed in the have undergone changes, some age-old Hurlig, and the girl after the fire worship rituals are still being performed. About the anoints her forehead and the foreheads of rituals of the birth of a Hindu child, Sir the mother and child with ghi. For three Walter Lawrence has written: "A Hindu days after the child birth, the mother must child is ushered into the world on a bed of eat butr little, but on the fourth day, a feast soft straw of thedarb (orKoin ) grass, called Panjiri, composed of sesame, which has been rendered holy by walnuts, almonds and suge fried in perfumes and the utterance of Sanskrit oil,isprepared and sent round to relatives mantras and when the Musalmani and friends. [[

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J³ççK³ççvç [ç.- DççqivçMçíKçj kçÀçuçpç³ççÇ uçuçÐço - 3

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To be continued

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Know Your Motherland - M.K.Raina Manasbal Lake

Situated at an altitude of 1583 M and t Manasbal Lake is encircled by about 30 Kms away from Srinagar in the three villages Jarokbal, Kondabal and Safapora area of Gandherbal district, Gandherbal. There is a Mughal Garden Manasbal lake is a beautiful tourist named Jaroka built by Nur Jahan destination. The lake is 5 Kms long with a overlooking the Lake. surface area of about 3 square kms and Manasbal lake is one of the largest maximum depth of 13 meters. Its natural stamping grounds of aquatic birds catchment area is about 33 square kms. in Kashmir. It carries the blooming lotus Manasbal is said to derive its name from along its periphery during July-August Mansarovar Lake. adding to the beauty of crystal clear

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Kashmir Report Kaleem Bashir

Abdul Ahad Azad Day Celebrations:

Gulshan Cultural Forum Kashmir, a renowned cultural organisation organised a grand function at its platform Samanbal Badran on 4th April 2021, on the occasion of 73rd birth anniversary of the legendary poet and literary historian of 20th century, Abdul Ahad Azad. His famous book ‘Kashmiri Zaban aur Shairi’ is a masterpiece which brings detailed information on Kashmiri poetry from Sheakul Aalam and Lala Arifa to the present day. The function was presided over by President, Gulshan Cultural Forum, Syed Bashir Kausar while Prof. Gulshan Majeed was the Chief Guest. Famous Broadcaster Shamshad Karalawari was Guest of Honor. General Secretary of the Forum, Gulshan Baderni in his welcome address said that Abdul Ahad Azad was a revolutionary poet who initiated the new trends that literature should not be for the sake of literature only but for the sake of life. Be it any shade of literature, especially poetry, it should be composed for the cause of common man. It is due to this element in his

Kaleem Bashir poetry that Azad has attained a unique place in the long chain of poets and writers from past to present. The great poet passed away on 4th April 1948.

Kashmir Report Azad Day is celebrated every year to pay tributes to the great poet. Several papers were presented in the function on the life and literary contribution of Abdul Ahad Azad by the noted writers. A detailed discussion was held in which Prof. Gulshan Majeed, Gulshan Baderni, Khurshid Khamosh and Shamshad Karalawari participated. Moreover Dr. Nasreen Aman, Principal Azad Memorial Degree College, , Srinager made online announcement that Azad Chair was being established in the College which had been approved by the Authorities. The Forum thanked the Madam Principal of the College and Cluster University officials for this initiative and hoped that Azad Chair would open a new chapter in Kashmiri literature and culture. Khurshid Khamosh conducted the proceedings. He thanked the guests and audiences for taking due precautionary measures as per the

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Kashmir Report Kaleem Bashir

prescribed. SOP of the Covid-19.

Kaleem Bashir

Kashmir Report

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Kashmir Report Kaleem Bashir

Cutural Function in High School Thregam .

Cultural Forum, Kupwara, Kashmir organised a Cultural Conference at the Boys High School, on 11th April 2021 which was presided over by a legend Abdul Aziz Mistana. M. Ashraf Mir attended the conference as Chief Guest and Master Abdul Rashid as Guest of Honor. The proceedings of colourful conference were carried out by Madam Darakhshan Mumtaz in a beautiful and peaceful manner. The poets put forth their lyrics in Kashmiri, Urdu and English languages which was liked by the audiences in general. The Chief Guest Mohd Asraf Mir appreciated the organisers for conducting the Conference under the present circumstances in a well planned manner where all precautions were taken as per SOP of Covid-19. He also thanked the poets

Kaleem Bashir and audiences for taking keen interest for the success of the Conference. He especially praised the young poets who

Kashmir Report participated in the Conference with full spirit and enthusiasm. The function was addressed by Abdul Aziz Mustana who also presided over the Conference. He hoped that the Cultural Forum Kupwara will continue to organise such kind of Conferences in different areas of the District, so that talented poets, writers and artists can be encouraged in order to determine their bright future. The vote of thanks was put forth by Master Abdul Rashid who was the Guest of Honor in the function. He assured the audiences that Forum will ensure Cultural functions in order to encourage the talent of youngsters with due respect and honour to elders whose footprints will be chased for continuity of cultural activities.

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Kashmir Report Kaleem Bashir

Kaleem Bashir

Kashmir Report

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Kashmir Report Kaleem Bashir

Audio Book of Dr. Showkat Shifa released :

The first ever Audio book in Kashmiri has been released by Maraaz Adbi Sangam at Mugal Darbar Hotel, on 13th April 2021. This book is actually audio version of book "Ka:ne Wa:lay" the first ever poetry collection of Dr Showkat Shifa. Ka:ne Wa:lay was released by J and K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and Maraaz Adbi Sangam in October 2020 at Tigore Hall Srinagar. Dr Showkat Shifa is a neonatologist by profession and is presently working asAssistant Professor Pediatrics at GMCAnantnag. While speaking on the occasion, learned speakers praised the efforts of Dr Shifa and congratulated him for using the latest scientific tools and means for propagating the mother tongue and Kashmiri literature. Renowned personalities who were present on the occasions included well known authour and writer Gh Nabi Aatash, Kaleem Bashir famous bilingual poet Ali Shaida, ex Maraaz Adbi Sangam presidents G N Laloo and Yousuf Jahangir, noted author Mohd Shafi

Kashmir Report Ayaz, MAS president Riyaz Anznoo, MAS General Secretory Izhar Mubashir, Sufi poet Mashroo Naseeb abadi, South Kashmiri JournalistAssociation President S Tariqand many others. S Tariqwho is a famous cortoonist has designed the cover page of book Ka:ne Wa:lay which was praised and appreciated by one and all. Pragaash Magazine congratulates Dr Shifa for releasing the audio book and talking the lead.

Dr. Shifa’s Audio Book is the first of its kind in the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

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Kashmir Report Kaleem Bashir

Kaleem Bashir

Kashmir Report

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Letters to Editor

Dear Editor ‘Praagaash’, narrative is baseless and far from facts. I I would like to express my have been associated with this famous gratitude for your excellent feature right from its inception and coverage of grand broadcast from 1966. One should not try opening on my book and boost to be knowing everything which release ‘JHEEL KI he does not. He has disfigured the facts. I KHAMOSHIYAN’. The am sure you will carry this piece of my positive exposure you observation in the next issue of gave on my book release Praagaash. Regards, on the local news segmentprovided BashirAarif the community with a nice introduction to New Delhi my goals and dreams. I wholeheartedly lll appreciate the professionalism with which Hi Raina Uncle, your magazine team handled everything Having received the regarding my book release event . Elementary Kashmir I am extremely grateful for your Information Digest a couple willingness to include the said event in of weeks back, I got the your coverage. Please extend my thanks opportunity to read it to everyone involved and special thanks to yesterday. Once I opened Kaleem Bashir one who has given me the book, I was unable to immense gladness for his beautiful keep it down till I turned the final page. It narration of the event. I hope his also left me with a desire to read, learn and supporting hands will always enlighten my experience more about our culture. path. Keeping faith in God. Dr. Nidhi Kansal I loved reading about the legends Author ‘Jheel Ki Khamoshiyan’ and stories of the eminent Kashmiris over Etawah (U.P) the course of history. I also was grateful to 9354206107 learn and be reminded of some basic lll things about our culture like the festivals, rituals, arts and crafts. Esteemed Raina Sahab, Thank you so much for making it This is with reference to possible for me and many other Kashmiris Praagaash issue of March to peek inside our own culture. 2020 where in one Dr. Rafiq Masoodi has Thanks and Regards, distorted the facts about Samdarsh Jalali the Zoona Dab feature. His [email protected]

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Letters to Editor

Namaskar, Namaskar Mahra, Thank you very much for I love to read Praagaash the book ’Elementary every month. It is a very Kashmir Information well balanced e- Digest’, which I received magazine. in the first week of April. I received my first copy The book is a concise of Kashmir Information summary of information Digest a month ago and about Kashmir, its history, am so happy to get a geography, culture, whole insight of Kashmir – my heritage and religion, language and many things of my ancestry. general interest. While going through the First of all I would like to contents of the book, I came to know congratulate Shri M.K.Raina and the about certain things which I never knew. It Kashmiri Pandits’ Association, Mumbai for was a surprise to know about the great publishing the Digest..This book is not just Kashmiri scholar of 19th century Pandit for Kashmiris who are unaware or born out Govind Koul, who had assisted Aurel of Kashmir but for all Kashmiris. Stein in translating Rajatarangini and was There are many aspects of history hailed by him as 'another Kalhana’. This that were completely unknown to me and book is a must read for our younger this book is a vast ocean of information generation who will at least get a about our 3200 years of history. I was so knowledge about the place of their origin. encouraged by uncomplicated basic The colourful photographs of mountains, elements of Kashmir mentioned in this lakes, places, shrines and Kashmiri book that I was encouraged to buy 10 cuisines have added spice and flavour to copies. After all, this is the best gift that we the wonderful book. The glossy paper and can give to our future generation. the quality of print has made it a Shivani.Bhan masterpiece work. We should remain Admin, Kashmir As It Is, indebted to you for your tireless efforts in Singapore keeping alive our culture and language, lll which otherwise is dwindling at a fast Dear Mr. M K Raina, pace.Thank you once again. Thank you for bringing yet another exciting M K Dhar edition of the monthly Praagaash. Jammu Dr. Agnishekhar's Part II on Lalded 7889415021,9419190568 gave an interesting aside about Yoginis in lll Karnataka known as Shiv Sharanyas.

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Letters to Editor

Bonta Devi moved to recognition of your work by your own Karnataka leaving her people which is very important; (c) now our royal background in community is realizing the past mistakes Kashmir is a revelation. which we have been doing or still doing in Request more information inculcating in our growing kids the other on this aspect. Allusion languages such as Hindi, Urdu or lately about Yoginis going about English as a status symbol rather than naked in Karnataka could not have been speaking to them in our own mother transported by Bonta Devi after seeing tongue at least in their homes. Lalla in Kashmir. In any case “Nangai I request you to continue your Natsun” has more acceptance as a efforts in promoting the importance of our metaphor. mother tongue. It has become all the more Sunil Fotedar's Kashmir Language important now in view of the post 1989-90 esources on KP Websites was a good era. Best wishes & regards, read as in this part he has picked up two Omkar Safapuri activists about preservation and [email protected] propagation of our mother tongue. We lll look forward to more about it in subsequent issues. Dear Maharij Krishen, MKRaina's article about ' Gangabal You have overwhelmed Lake' was nostalgic. We once again me with the thoughtful congratulate Mr. Raina on his felicitation insertion of a Praagaash by KPA Mumbai. You are an inspiration. Special in the March Ashok Dullu issue. Thanks for your Vadodara greetings on my birthday lll and a short stroll down Dear Mr Raina, memory lane to recount It is heartening to know you have been our first meeting and the close relationship awarded Lifetime Contribution Award that evolved over the years. I must 2019-20 by your own brethren association acknowledge that it has been a very recently. I have learnt this news from complementary and productive one. Praagaash Magazine,April 2021 edition. My brother Robin's longish tribute, As a Kashmiri it gives me pleasure besides highlighting some of my lifetime on three counts; (a) your tireless efforts contribution to society, medicine and towards preserving Kashmiri language in literature, also encapsulates the story of a our society especially post 1989-90; (b) middle-class family in Kashmir of the times

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Letters to Editor we were born and grew up. It seems dreamlike. Though we siblings moved on Editor’s Note to different countries and continents our Views expressed in the signed articles bonds grew stronger with time and distance. are not necessarily those ofZaan or Congratulations for the Lifetime Praagaash. Award conferred upon you. You deserved We invite writers to write for it and a lot more. Proud of you. Praagaash. Write ups can be in With my best wishes, Kashmiri, Hindi, Urdu or English, Dr. K.L.Chowdhury concerning Kashmir, Kashmiri Jammu - USA language and Kashmiri culture. Write lll ups on Science, Medical Science, Dear Raina Sahib, Health, Humour and topics of general Congratulations for the interest are also welcome. Lifetime Contribution Write-ups generating hatred, Award. You don’t belong to demeaning anybody or any religion, or Pandits only, you are a with political overtones will not be proud son of our soil. You accepted for publication. belong to us all and we feel We request writers in Kashmiri proud of you. May Allah (Nastaliq & Devanagari scripts), Hindi, grant you long life and Urdu to send us their write-ups in a more honour. Microsoft WORD document or in a Cdr Mushtaq Jan file. Also attach fonts wherever Srinagar lll necessary. ‘Your Own Page’ is for you. Dear Maharaj Krishen Ji, Kindly don’t hesitate sending us your Hearty congratulations for or your children’s achievements, in the honour. We are all text and photos for publication in grateful to you for your contribution to the Praagaash. We also invite you to send Kashmiri language. us rare photos of Kashmir or Kashmiri Warmly, life for wider publicity in Praagaash. Bharat Wakhlu Pune Articles can be e-mailed to [email protected] lll

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The followers of 'Sanatan Dharma' are hereby informed, that for the first time, a complete and comprehensive book with unprecedented, unique, and novel outline 'Panchayatan Yagya Paddhati Vedic Vidhi-Vidhanusar', compiled and edited by well-versed Pandits has been published recently.

It is the first ideal book of its kind related to Havan and is very useful and guide for devotees. The procedure and actions of Havan are displayed in Devanagari by line drawings, figures, and illustrations. The complete Havan from start to end is systematically described in this self-help book. It is different, exclusively designed as per Vedic Tradition and can be considered as a standard text. It is self-explanatory and has proper guidelines for performers of 'Havan'. An attempt has been made to make the Havan process accessible from beginning to end. Information about other topics related to Havan is also available in it. It is in two volumes. The purpose and significance of each Chapter have been thoroughly explained. In Part One, the entire method from Kalash Puja to the end is contained according to Vedic customs. In Part Two, Ganesha, Surya, Vishnu, Shiva and Goddess Swahakara are compiled. Price of both parts is Rs. 2100, postage and handling additional. Please forward this information to others who may be interested.

For orders and inquiry, please contact : Sharika Gurtu – 9650335120 Sakshi Gurtu – 9665027081 Sh. Omkar Nath Ganjoo – 9910437116

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