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Neel NagA quarterly publication of Kashyap Kashmir Sabha, Gurgoan

Volume : 6 January - March 2007

In This IssuePage ParticularsNo.

2 Editorial

3 President’s Address

4-6 Annual Report 2005-2006

7-11 Audit Report 2005-2006

12-13 2006 Annual Havan - A Glimpse

14-15 Swami Lakshman Joo?s birthAnniversary

18 The Relevance of Muhurat for KPDiasporas

19-20 Saving Kashmiri Language-KoshurSpeaking Contest

21-22 Madhur Millan

23-25 Some thoughts on preservingour cultural traditions

27-30 Chandrakanta-An Award Winning& Phenomenal Writer

31-32 Workshop on Kashmiri Shaivism

33 Travelog by Anjana Dhar

34 Kolkata Report

35-39 List of 2006 Life Members

40-41 Story

43 Hukus-Bukus - A KashmiriSpiritual Riddle

Views expressed in articles are not necessarily those of Kashyap Kashmir Sabha or Neel Nag

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EDITORIAL

A decade and a half after the mass exodus from their homeland, Kashmiri Pandit families havefinally settled down at various locations in the country and a new generation has grown up in anenvironment which is far removed from the environment their parents were used to. Of course,change is necessary for the survival of any species and so has the Kashmiri Pandit community adapteditself to merge with the mainstream of Indian Cosmopolitan Culture wherein the necessity of remainingcompetitive leaves little time for any pursuit other than studies or working 24x7 for a living. Socio-cultural organizations like the Kashyap Kashmir Sabha, Gurgaon are trying their best to bridge thegap between generations so that the roots of the Kashmiri Culture remain within the reach of thosethat wish to seek them. Two articles in this issue by Shri Piyaray Raina are a step in this direction.

Apart from the activities listed in the Annual Report presented by the General Secretary, KKS, Gurgaon,several commendable initiatives have been taken by the Sabha like the Kashmiri Speaking Workshoporganized by Dr. Razdan which finally culminated into the Kashmiri Speaking Contest held on 5th

September,2006. The event is briefly covered in this issue . KKS, Gurgaon has always believed inmaintaining transparency in all its activities and has been publishing the Audit Report every year forall its members to see. We are very grateful to our Auditor, Sh. Lavlesh Bhat who made it possible topublish the Audit Report, Balance Sheet, Income & Expenditure Statement for the Year ended 31st

March 2006 in this issue of Neel Nag.

The Year 2006-2007 is a landmark year since it happens to be the Birth Centenary Year of the greatSaint of Kashmir, Swami Lakshman Joo Maharaj. Swamiji was the last exponent in the oral traditionof Kashmir Shaivism, a philosophy that has originated in Kashmir and is a subject now being studiedall over the world by scholars in religious studies. International Seminars on Kashmir Shaivism havebeen held in Srinagar and Delhi in an attempt to bring the scholars from India and abroad togetherand share their learning. There was a tremendous response during these seminars and a detailedaccount of the events is given in this issue. The proceedings of these Seminars are in the process ofbeing compiled and can be obtained on request from The Ishwar Ashram Trust after February, 2007.

It is also our responsibility to inform our readers about the members of our community who haveexcelled in their fields and have been awarded for their works. Smt. Chandrakanta is an author fromKashmir who has untiringly written stories, poems and novels about the experiences of the people ofKashmir. A few of her stories have also been published in the past issues of Neel Nag. We are proudto inform our readers that she has received numerous awards in recent times including the VyasSamman 2005 given to authors who have made outstanding contribution in the world of literature.She is an inspiration for us all and we congratulate her for her achievements.

The KKS, Gurgaon exhorts all its members to contribute whole heartedly towards the publication ofNeel Nag by way of articles, poems, news, achievements and advertisements and make this effort asuccess.

Wishing you all a very happy & prosperous New Year,Anjana Dhar

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PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

Dear Biradari Members,

Namaskar,

First of all, I wish all my community members a great New Year & happy Shivratri. Before Istart with the message through this medium of Neel Nag, I am personally grateful to all mybiradari members for selfless contribution towards making several events a success in the recentpast year like Annual Havan for betterment of our community, which included Koshur SpeakingContest & Painting Competition for our young generation. The last year went of smoothly &our Sabha has been able to achieve some milestones in terms of tangible developments. I wouldlike to share these developments with all my brethren, who have participated in real sense inways of contribution of donations & their valuable time, which I am personally indebted tothem and am delighted for their marvelous involvement.

Through this issue of Neel Nag, I would like to reemphasize to all my community members toextend their valuable feedback, comments, suggestions, articles, creative inputs, professionalhelp, ideas & views to make our community service goals achievable.

The developments include inclusion of young members in the executive council, positive leadtowards possession of land for temple & community center in Gurgaon from HUDA, extensionof help to students from deprived section of our community in terms of scholarships of someworth, establishing Neel Nag as a quarterly affair from this year to make this as our strong bondto express ones thoughts & creativity including using this as a vehicle of message for joy &sorrow. Designing our own website for Kashyap Kasmir Sabha, Gugaon including creation ofgroup linkage among our members at kksgurgaon@yahoogroups.co.in.

The common cause for all of us shall remain intact, towards helping our community members &create a place for us to get equal rights amidst competition & politics. For this, I request all mycommunity members to work through associations & groups.

I personally feel that we all have to rise above small things in life & support a cause, which ishelpful for humanity at large. I always share with my executive members during our MonthlyExecutive Council Meetings that if we gather for a cause the result should be tangible, otherwisethe purpose is forfeited.

In the end, I wish you all a good life & once again invite you to contribute in real sense to makethis effort a success.

M.K.Kitchloo

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Kashyap Kashmir Sabha (Regd.), GurgaonKKS Office :H-744, Palam Vihar, Gurgaon

Tel. No. : 0124-2369362

Registered Under Societies Act 1860Regd. No. 1291

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"My philosophy is that life is all about learningand growing and that life can be a real

adventure of learning, growing, compasion andjoufullness"

John Mackey

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Annual Havan- Traditional Community Event

Contribution By: Vinod K. Pandita

Community witnessed Year 2006annual Havan a t Sushant Lok- Iorganized by Kashyap Kashmiri Samaj,Gurgaon with great enthuse& participation. The Havanincluded many other culturalprogrammes, which wereenjoyed thoroughly by eachcommunity member. Fromplanning to actual closure ofHavan was a great event fortwo days on 4 th & 5 th o fNovember 2006. The firstday event started with songs& bhajans sung by a popularKashmir i band, whoenthralled the public withbeautiful Kashmiri & Urdusongs. This day could gather a good 400odd number of community membersfrom across Gurgaon locals & the venuewas also visited by a strong Kashmiribiradar i beyond Gurgaon coveringNoida, Faridabad & Ghaziabad.

Kashmiri singing event was followedby mouth watering vegetarian dinnerwhich was re l ished by everyone.Subsequent to this, Havan Kund wasenlightened by the Kashmiri pundits,who took charge of the Havana & startedsholakas & religious hymns along. ShriPK Kaul took the lead & sat for Havanawith h is c lose comrades whosecommitment & religious bent of mindcould make this auspicious event a

success on 5 th by evening. The secondday started by visitors early morningmainly by residents of Sushant Lok &

DLF for taking blessings from HavanaKund. Then the day started with a warmup for the day preparation for HavanNaveed combined with detailed lunch,a painting competition & KashmiriSpeaking Contest for children. Thepainting competition was organizedtowards making Kashmiri Childrenexplore their creativity through art work& a unique contest was organized forchildren to speak correct, pertinent & socalled typical Kashmiri language.

This contes t was organized forchildren who are born after 1990 exodusin Kashmir valley to ensure that theKashmiri language is retained as mother

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tongue of almost all Kashmiri childrenin future. A great amount of learning &tra in ing was impar ted by seniorcommunity members to around twentyodd children ranging from 4 years to 16years & this effort was led by Dr.Ramesh Razdan, who took th ischal lenge for making th is event asuccess.

On this day of event, the menu forlunch was quite comprehensive, whichincluded favorite delicacies like Nadar

"The greatest danger for most of us is not thatour aim is too high and we miss it,

but that it is too lowand we reach it"

Michelongelo

Monja & Luchas, along with maincourse covering Dham Aloos, ChokWangun, Dal & Nadar Monjas, whichwere served to & taken by biradarimembers for their nears & dears whocould not attend this event.

Let’s make such events in the futurealways a success by contributing ourtime, energy & competence towardsensuring our community is enrichedwith love, affinity & passion throughsuch gatherings & events.

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A two day seminar was organized by theIshwar Ashram Trust of Ishber, Nishat on 23-24September, 2006 at SKICC (CENTAURHOTEL, SRINAGAR). The seminar wasorganized by the Ishwar Asram Trust on theoccasion of Birth centenary year of Sri IshwarSwaroop Lakshman joo Maharaj, the founderof the Trust.

Scholars from all parts of the worlddiscussed threadbare Kashmir Shaivism and itsrelevance in the contemporary world. Theseminar evoked extraordinary response from thepublic and the Hall was jampacked on both thedays.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Shri VijayBakaya was the chief guest on the occasion,while as his holiness JagatguruShankarcharaya Amritannad of Sharda Peethwas the guest of honour.

The two day seminar started with thegarlanding of the portrait of the SwamiLakshman Joo and lighting of the traditionalcandle. This was followed by Saraswati Vandanaand reciting of temple verses.

Shri Inder Krishen Raina Secretary/Trustee presented the Bouquets to Chief Guest,Guest of Honour and other Speakers.Vijay Kumar, Convener of the CentenaryCelebrations Srinagar presented the welcomeaddress.

The seminar was attended by Shaivascholars from across the world including BorisMajanovic from Croatia.

The inaugural session was noted for thepresence of audience comprising of Hindus,Muslims and Sikhs. Following the inauguralsession, scholarly papers on role and teachingsof Kashmir Shaivism, which is the old ageheritage of Kashmir has inherited from greatShaivism gurus of Kashmir, like Utpaldeva,Abhinav Gupt followed by a chain of greatShaiva yogis.

Talking about the great philosophy ofKashmir Shaivism, Jagat GuruShankaracharya paid glowing tributes to SriLakshman joo, who he described as Lordincarnate of his times. He further stated that hisholiness Lakshman Joo Maharaj filled up thevoid in the Indian philosophy and gave a newlease of life to Indian philosophical thought.

Chief guest Vijay Bakaya said that KashmirShaivism is a philosophy, which fits in themodern world as the perception and practice ofYogic preaching are more relevant now.

This was followed by reading out of paperson the subject by Shri Samvit Prakash Dhar,Trustee who paid homage to his holiness SwamiLakshman Joo Maharaj and brought out variousaspects of his contribution to Kashmir Shaivism.Sushri Prabha Devi also paid glowing tributes

Swami Lakshman Joo?s birth Anniversary-Scholars discuss on Kashmir Shaivism-

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to Swamiji in her brief speech.Prof. Dharmanand Sharma, Department

of Philosophy, University of Punjab presented apaper on Abhinavgupta?s Aesthetics andKashmir Shaiva Philosophy with specia0lreference to Pratibha.

Shri Moti Lal Qazi presented an interestingprofile on Vijananabhairava, which wasappreciated by the participant. Shri Pran NathKaul read out a paper on Acharya Utpaldevjiand definition of Bakhti in Shivastotravali.Dr. S.S. Toshkhani concluded the delebrations.Later a video cassette of discourses by HisHoliness Swami Lakshamanjoo Maharaj wasalso played.

In question-answer session after a paper“Abhinavgupt?s Aesthetics and Kashmir ShaivaPhilosophy with special reference to Pratibha”by Prof. Sharma of Department of Philosophy,University of Punjab, the participants askedquestions about difference between KashmiriShaivism and Shaivism practised in India. Thequestion generated debate forcing an anchor ofprogramme to say, “Some times simple questionsare most difficult questions.”

Prof. Sharma responding to the question,saying aesthetically there was no difference butthere was difference in the form. However, otherssaid Kashmir Shaivism was different and it hasgot edge over Shaivismpractised elsewhere.

In response to a questionposed by a journalist who hadsought views of “learnedspeakers of the subject”overextension of AmarnathYatra and its religioussignificance, the organizersrefused to comment describingit “not related to the seminar”.

American scholar BorisMarjanovic read his paper on“Rituals and the role of ateacher in enliveningMantravirya.” His paper was

followed by a long speech by Moti Lal Qazidescribed himself as disciple of Ishwar SwaroopSwami Lakshman Joo Maharaj and shared manypersonal experiences and anecdotes with theparticipants.

Prof. Mohammed Hussain Zaffar, Headof Department of Kashmir Studies, KashmirUniversity, read a paper on “Spiritual Evolutionof Lall Ded.” Prof. S.M. Mishra talked about“Upayas-Aspects of praxis in KashmirShaivism.” Shri Vijay Kumar Koul read paperon “Discipline in Kashmir Shaivism Randomthoughts of a disciple.”

Shri R.K.Sadhu, “Convenor” CentenaryCelebration Committee (Central ) delivered thevalidictory address. Talking to Surender Kherof Koshur Samachar Shri Sadhu said motive ofthe conference was to create awareness amongpeople about the Kashmiri Shaivism, “whichtranscends borders, territories and has a universalappeal. “ He said the conferences will beorganised till May 2007 in different parts of theglobe. He also informed that second two daysseminar will be held on 28th & 29th October,2006 at Sai International Centre, Lodhi Road,New Delhi and all are kindly invited.

Shri Mohan Krishan Wattal, Trustee thankedall the speakers and audience

-Courtesy Koshur Samachar

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No. 22/43/2006-2GSHI

From The Chief Secretary to Government Haryana

To1. All Heads of Departments in Haryana States2. Commissioners Rohtak, Gurgaon, Hisar and Ambala Division3. All Deputy Commissioners in Haryana State and4. Managing Directors/Chief Executive Officers of all Boards, Cor-

porations and Cooperative Institutions in Haryana

Dated Chandigarh, the 19th May 2006

Subject: - Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Migrant families in the State of Haryana.

Madam/Sir,

I am directed to invite your attention on the subject cited above and to saythat the plight of Kashmiri Migrant families deserve sympathetic consider-ation and possible assistance for their rehabilitation on the pattern of otherStates like Punjab & Delhi. Therefore, it is requested that such families may behelped under various schemes/training programs in Private/GovernmentSectors after due verification by the district administration.

These instructions should be brought to the notice of all concerned workingunder your control for compliance.

Yours faithfully,

Deputy Secretary General Administration, for Chief Secretary to GovernmentHaryana.

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The Relevance of Muhurat for KP DiasporasPiyaray Raina( Saddhak)*

For a Kashmiri Pandit observance ofmuhurat (saath) is an essential part of his life.Be it time for undertaking a journey, performanceof religious duties, observing a fast on auspiciousdays, shradda of an ancestor, celebrations suchas birthday, marriage or any other auspiciousfunction such as making or entering a new house.In short, observance of muhurat is a sin qua nonfor us. It is for this reason that we always keepsan annual almanac (jantary) handy in oursurroundings and eagerly await for the arrivalof its new annual edition.

Keeping up with these traditions is buildinga wall between seniors and juniors in ourbiradari. Currently, our youth are living in a verydifferent situation than their ancestor. He cannottake the liberty of observing these traditions evenif he wants to continue with these traditions. Heis a world traveler and has to face manychallenges in his career. Life style has changedand is changing rapidly. Twenty-first century isvery different from any thing we have seen sofar.

Muhurat is linked with tithi and nakshatra.Tithi is a lunar day that is determined by thewaxing and waning of the Moon. The path ofthe Moon in reference to our earth is an ellipticpath. Its movement is variable. While the meanduration of its movement in a day is 23 hours 37minutes and 28 seconds, it varies from less than16 hours to a maximum of 36 hours at times,depending upon the position of Moon in itsjourney round the earth. When it is nearest toearth (perigee) it is fastest and travels in less timethat at times results in abandonment of a tithiand when it is farthest from earth (apogee) Moonhas reduced speed thus it may take more thanone day to cover a tithi (devadev). All thepanchangs register these details.

Nakshatras are a group of small stars in the

sky that fall in the path of the lunar motion asobserved from earth. In our astrology, thesenanshatras play an important role as they areconsidered the resting places of the Moon in itsjourney around the earth. They are called as lunarmansions. There are 27 nakshtras viz: Ashwini,Bharani ,Kritika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra,Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Purvaphalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta , Chitra,Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Mula,Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashdha , Shravana,Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada,Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati. In the Vedicastrology the position of the Moon in thesenakshatras is considered important fordetermining the characteristics and timing ofevents.

These nakshatras have been divided intothree groups of nine planets each for determiningtheir influence on the timing of events. Theseare rajsic, tamsic, and sattwic nakshatras. Whilerajsic nakshatras are considered to influence theindividuals with high-energy activities, tamsicnakshatras create dullness, and sattwicnakshatras influence by inducing one intospirituality, purity and harmony.

It is important to understand that allobservations regarding tithi are made in Indiaand while preparing annual almanac the positionon earth from which the observations have beenmade is recorded. Observation of a tithi in ourjantary is made from Jammu (Lat 32 deg 44 minand Long 74 deg and 54 min). Since there isdifference in the timings of day in various partsof the globe the observations made at Jammuwill not apply all over the globe. Technicallyspeaking, to find the muhurat for all the places

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KASHMIRI SPEAKING CONTEST- An event worth remembrance

Contribution By: Vinod K. Pandita

On the auspicious occasion of AnnualYagna (Havan) organized by KashyapKashmir Sabha of Gurgaon, a KashmiriSpeaking Contest among children born after1990 exodus was held on 05th Nov atCommunity Center, Sushant Lok I, Gurgaon.Community members witnessed this contestamong 29 children from age 03 to age 14 whoactively participated with great enthuse andinvolvement, who were trained & guided bysenior community leaders for almost twomonths in advance during various relevantworkshops held at many localities in Gurgaon.

The Children were from almost all areasof Gurgaon covering Palam Vihar, New PalamVihar, Sushant Lok, DLF, Ashok Vihar, MarutiVihar, Sec-31, 40 & 56 and from many otherlocales.

Preserving Mother Tongue and ensuringKashmiri language remains a part of the lifeof future generation to communicate withrelevance among community & familymembers.

Topics like Kashmiri counting(GRANDH), names of body parts, Kashmiri

Bhajans, Kashmiri literature, Kashmirirhymes & riddles (Hokus Bokus), Spiritualquotes were some of the chosen ones for thiscontest, which were fluently spoken by mixof contestants.

Hundreds of community members andparents present during the event appreciatedthe young ones with great applaud. It was awonderful experience listening to toddlerswho were unable to pronounce the correctlingo of the language but proved their intellectand passion while demonstrating theirspeaking talent.

Among winners were Master VayehakGanjoo of 4 Years who stood first among thelot followed by Baby Anoushika Bhatt, againa 4 years old, who stood second followed byBaby Himall Pandita of 07 years old, whostood third. Consolation prizes weredistributed to all participants to encourageeach one of them along with giving awaytrophies to the first three toppers.

Shri A.N.Kaul “Sahib”, noted linguist,Shri Bhatt renowned Radio Producer, ShriT.N. Razdan of J.K.V.M, Shri M.K. Kitchloo,

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President of K.K.S. Gurgaon, and Mrs. AnjanaDhar, Editor Neel Nag were present on theoccasion.

The cover story of the event was capturedby media and was published on different datesin the month of November in news dailies likeGurgaon Explorer of T.O.I., Amar Ujala,Jagran City, Dainik Bhaskar and DLF CityNews.

We all community members mustappreciate the efforts put in by a core teamled by Dr. Ramesh Razdan, who is the soleinspiration behind such cause. We must helpour young minds to participate in these kindof events and programmes towards ensuringKashmiri language remains our MotherTongue, which shall be frequently used withpride at home by our children who are futurearchitects of our social & constitutionalframework.

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where we are now settled there has to be adifferent jantary based on observations madefrom some central position in that area or weneed to make local adjustments based on wherewe live corresponding to the observation madein Jammu.

The purpose of this writing is not to misleadmy biradari into non-observance of ourtraditions but rather to make all aware of theimportance of these practices in the changedsituations. It was a non-issue while we were allliving in Kashmir but now when all of us arescattered all over the globe observance of our

traditions with a blind faith is not practicable. Itwill help us if we know the correct backgroundof our traditions.

* The author is a regular contributor ofarticles regarding Kashmir Pandit traditions.He has recently authored a book Socio-Cultural and Religious Traditions of KashmiriPandits (http://kp-culture-and-religion.blogspot.com) He lives in Alpharetta,Georgia and DLF City, India He can becontacted by email at pl_raina@yahoo.com.

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e/kqj feyuby Bupinder

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efUnj igq¡p dj nknh gj izfrek ijty p<+krh vkSj flUnwj f?klrh vkSj izfrekvksaij fryd vkSj ysi yxkrh] fQj dksus esa cSB djlYxr gksdj Hktu rFkk izHkw dh yhyk xkrhAnknh dh vkokt cgqr lkQ vkSj ekfeZdrkiw.kZFkh] efUnj ls lw;h ;Drtu mldh yhyk lqudjea=xqX/k gks tkrs FksA eSa bu lc ckrksa ls nwjlkeus okys Qyksa ds ckx esa lscksa ds isM+ dksns[krk jgrk FkkA vkSj ykykf;r gksrk Fkk fddc ge ckgj fudys vkSj nknh ml ckx ds

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lkeus :d dj ckx ekfyd ftldk uke eq0vdcj yksu Fkk mls iqdkjs vkSj eq>s ckrs djs]ftlds ckn vdcj yksu ges'kk eq>s ,d nks ykylsc fn;k djrk Fkk vkSj flj ij gkFk Qsjrk Fkk];gh esjk lc ls [kq'kh dk iy gksrk Fkk vkSj eq>slqcg mBus vkSj rst iSny ekpZ djus dh ;krukvksads cnys esa buke feyus dh vrq;wrh gksrh FkhAblds vykok nknh dh fnup;kZ esa ?kj ds ckgjds lkjs dke dk ftEek FkkA efUnj ls vkrs gq,?kj ds fy;s lCth ykuk] ?kj ds fy;s jk'ku vkSjckdh lkSnk ykuk] fctyh dh ykbu esa dqNxM+cM+ gks rks Lineman dks cqyokuk] uy[kjkc gks rks feL=h dh gktjh yxokuh] pwYgs dhydM+h ykus dk izcUèk vkSj lq[kk xkscj xkys lsykus dk ftEek nknh dk FkkA ek¡ dks pkSdk pwYgk?kj dh lkQ lQkbZ] diM+k yRrk /kksuk] ikuhykuk bR;kfn ftEesnkjh FkhA nknh dks [kkukcukrs gq, eSaus dHkh u ns[kk FkkA mls [kkukidkuk vkrk Fkk] ;g eSa ugha tkurk Fkk] lquk Fkktc nknh C;kgh xbZ Fkh rks gekjs ?kj esa pkj cgq¡,sigys ls gh ?kj ds dke dks ckaV dj djrh FkhAbuds lqlqj rks budk iryk 'kjhj vkSj MhyMkSy ns[kdj budh lkal ls rkdhn dh fd bUgsadksbZ Hkh Hkkjh dke u fn;k tk,A urhtk gqvkfd og Åij ds dke esa ekfgj gks xbZA eq>lscgqr Lusg vkSj I;kj Fkk nknh dks ysfdu xqLlsvkSj vkØks'k dh deh Hkh u Fkh] ek¡ vkSj firkthbuds xqLls dk izdksi dbZ ckj lgrs Fks] vkSjml le; mudh ,d ugha pyrh FkhA ysfdunknh ,dne xqLlk Fkwd ds gl cksy ds ?kj dkekgkSy gks gYdk Hkh djuk tkurh FkhA budsfny vkSj isV esa dksbZ ckr nsj rd u jgrh FkhAtks fny esa vk;k oSls gh cksy fn;k] nknh dh,d [kkl ckr Fkh fd og pj[ks ij js'ke cgqrvPNk vkSj ckjhd dkrrh FkhA dkrrs&dkrrsmlds gksaBksa is ges'kk ,d xhr jgrk Fkk tks cgqr

ekfeZd ,oe~ lqjhyk gksrk FkkA vkl iM+ksl dhvkSjrs viuk lkjk dke NksM+dj gekjh f[kM+dhds ikl [kM+h gksdj og xhr lquk djrh FkhAvkSj mlesa [kks tk;k djrhA nknh dks xqtjs gq,ukS fnu gks x, Fks] dy mldk nlok¡ FkkA jhfrvuqlkj nknh dh iguus vks<+us dh oLrqvksa esa lsdqN ,d nku ds fy, nsrh Fkh blfy, eSa nknhds dejs esa mldh lkjh pht+ksa dks fudky djns[k jgk Fkk fd esjh ut+j fe;kuh ij iM+s gq,lUnwd ij xbZ] eSaus og NxS<+k iqjkuk lUnwduhps mrkjk vkSj ml ij ls /kwy dh ijrsa lkQdhaA mldks [kksyus esa cgqr eqf'dy gqbZ ij [kqyx;kA ml esa ,d lksus dk gkj vkSj ,d 'kknhdk tksM+k vkSj ,d QksVks ,yce FkhA gkj vkSj'kknh dk tksM+k rks tSls fcYdqy u;s yx jgs FksAysfdu ,yce csgn iqjkuh FkhA nknh dh 'kknhdh dqN rLohjsa FkhaA esjs nknh th dh ;s rLohjFkh] jkScnkj psgjk] cM+h&cM+h vk¡[ksa] flj ij rqjsZokyh ixM+h] vpdu vkSj pwM+hnkj iktkek] cgqrgh lthy yx jgs FksA nknh ls C;kg ds ,dlky ckn gh Hkxoku dks I;kjs gks x;s FksA vkSj;g igkM+ tSlk thou nknh us muds cxSj dkVkFkkA vc eq>s ;kn vk;k fd ejus ls dqN iyigys nknh ds eqag ij ykyh D;ks vkbZ Fkh vkSjog vDLekr gh D;ksa mBh Fkh] bl iqjkus lUnwddks ns[kdjA D;ksafd mlesa nknh ds ohjku thouesa dqN glhu iyksa dh ;knsa clha Fkha] tks mlusge lc ls ges'kk ds fy, Nqik ds j[kh FkhAnknh ds fy, feyu dh ?kM+h vk xbZ Fkh] vktog vius fiz;k ls feyus tk jgh Fkh vkSj blyksd esa budk dbZ lkyksa ls dksbZ bUrt+kj djjgk FkkA 'kk;n ;g igkM+ lk thou mUgksaus blhiy ds bUrt+kj esa dkVk FkkA nknh dk thoudkyfdruk gh nq[kn jgk gks ij muds ekSr esa lq[kdh ,d mnHkqr fdj.k us ,d gh iy esa mUgsa r`Irdj fn;k FkkA

****

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Some thoughts on preserving our cultural traditionsPiyaray Raina (Saddhak)*

There is a lot of discussion going onthrough all our modes of communications as tohow we can preserve our cultural after ourmigration from Kashmir .It is genuine concern.We have a glorious culture of our traditionsguarded and developed by our ancestors over along period of more than five thousand years Nobody would like to dissociate himself with suchan inheritance .The culture of a group of peopledoes not evolve overnight .It is not philosophyonly. It is collective history; wisdom and thoughtof a group of people living under similargeographic conditions. Traditions are themanifestation of that culture. It is natural thatlonger the life of a culture the more complexwill be its traditions. The components of anyculture can be categorized as:

1) Language of the people through whichthey write and read

2) Religious traditions3) Social customs4) Festivals5) Music, singing and dance6) Food7) Dress8) Art

1) Language

The language we speak is known as Kashmiri.It is spoken by about four million Kashmiris,both Hindus and Muslims. Despite its status asa regional language in the Indian constitution, ithas remained as a spoken language only. Nodoubt we have Arabic as an official script forwriting this language but in actual usage it is notused in any official correspondence. It has notdeveloped as a mass medium for conveying ourwritten thoughts. There is hardly any literarymaterial available which people would like toread. How can we then preserve this language

even as spoken one? Perhaps the answer is tospeak it in the family and familiarize childrenwith its usage. In the mean time we shoulddevelop a Devnagri and Roman fonts which isaccepted by all for preserving whatever literaturewe have in Kashmiri. We have few Devnagrifonts but they are not universal in acceptance.As for example Devnagri font in which KoshurSamachar published from Delhi writes Kashmirisection is not followed by other people who writein Kashmiri language.

2) Religious TraditionsWe are deeply religious people. Perhaps it is dueto our groupings as Brahmins. Although asBrahmins we are supposed to know how toperform their religious rituals but over a timewe have established a subclass of priests calledgorus within our community who guided us inthe performance of our religious functions. Dueto social stigma gorus community had shrunk innumbers while we all lived happily in Kashmir.After our migration, some diasporas ofcommunity are left without the services of priests.The problem is more magnified for those whohave migrated to foreign countries like we arein USA. Our religious scriptures are all inSanskrit and we have little or no knowledge ofwhat goes on the performance of these rituals.We do not have translations of the books thatdescribe the methodology for the performanceof our rituals. A few suggestions for preservingthe religious traditions are as under:

a) Institutionalization. During good olddays we had the privilege of havingpriests calling at our homes forperformance of our rituals. In thechanged situation we should buildestablishments at central places whereour community members are living, withfacilities for the performance of

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religious and social functions. It shouldhave place for installing deities, livingplace for a priest and some cookingfacilities.

b) Recruit new priests. To man theseestablishments we need to recruit priests.If we can not find priests among ourcommunity then we may have to trainpriests from other communities who arewilling to do the job.

c) Separate spiritual from social content.Almost all our festivities in the sociallife are linked with our religiousactivities with the result over the yearsspiritual content of a religious functionhas almost disappeared. For exampleYagnopavit, if performed as per oursacred texts should not take more thanthree or four hours but as per currentpractice it takes a full day from morningto late evening for the performance ofthis samskara. It is so partly becausepriests have developed interest inprolonging the ritual to gain time toreceive maximum possible collection ofabid and also because we keep onserving all sorts of food items while thesacred vedic recitations are going on.This reduces the sacredness of the ritual.We could keep both going on if weseparate the two. For example if weperform sacred rituals in the morningthree or four hours and then serve allthe food items in the lunch or dinner(depending upon the muhurat time ofyagnopavit) time that would do justiceto all.

d) Simplify our rituals. We have lot ofrecitations in our rituals. Even priestsfrom outside Kashmir find it difficult torecite as per our texts .All karmkandas,(texts used for performance of a ritual)are regional in character and most of theregional bodies keep on modifying these

karmkandas as per their needs of time.That is the essence of SanatanaDharma. It is time for us to revise ourkarmkanda. We have to simplify it.

e) Translate texts. We are now in thetwenty-first century. During the last 16years, since we left Kashmir, world haschanged a lot and it will still keep onchanging at a faster rate. Our youth ismore pragmatic. They do not stick toblind faith. They look for the meaningsof their actions we must provide theman opportunity of knowing the sanctitybehind the Vedic rituals by translatingSanskrit texts into the language, whichthey can understand.

3) Social customsSocial customs are the breath of a community. Itis through the social customs that we share thejoys and sorrows of our loved ones. Despite ourdispersion into small-scattered groups we keepup our contacts with our community membersand always feel glad to find a new arrival. A fewsuggestions to preserve our social traditions are:

a) Know your social customs It is importantto know the customs of our socialfunctions such as those associated withthe marriage in the family, celebrationsof festivals and even in the case of adeath of a family member or closerelation. This is our great inheritance,which binds us together. After allhumans have been described as socialanimals to distinguish them from otheranimals.

b) Make global directory of ourcommunity. Almost all Diasporas of ourcommunity have made some sort ofdirectories, which they use forinteraction at the time of performanceof social events such as havan orshivratri. We need to publish them inone volume to serve as our globaladdress book.

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c) Establish Mrityoo Samgri Bhandars. Itis said that you know your true friend inyour adversity. Death of a loved one inthe family puts family members in greatdisarray. In Kashmir, we had a greattradition of having Mriyyoo SamgriBhandars (death related materialwarehouse) in our neighbourhoodlocalities where one could get all thematerials needed for the cremation of abody without any botheration of locatingthe available sources of procurement orimmediate payments. The need forestablishing these bhandars wasrecognized primarily to provide solaceto the bereaved family at a time whenthey it needed most and was appreciated.Senior community members managedthese Bhandars.

d) Community pride symbols. We have asaying in Kashmir which states that forfinding a place for a night halt in avillage look at the condition of villagemosque, meaning thereby that if thecommunity in that village is generousthey would have provided goodamenities for halt of a pilgrims in theirmosque. Post migration, our communitylargely has done well financially.However, we do not have a tradition orculture of giving for social orcommunity causes. While we may spendlavishly on marriage function of ourchildren, we are poor donors when itcomes to community activities. Thereare many of our community membersstill languishing in deplorable conditionsin Jammu camps. They have suffered asa result of migration and have not beenable to wean themselves out of thesituation primarily because of lack ofskills and they need help in the educationof their children, medical care andmarriage of their daughters. We shouldkeep these community members in our

minds and take a lesson from thetraditions of Sikhs who have a greattradition of community life. We shouldbuild small community hospitals,educational centers, community centers,and enhance help in education and jobopportunities for our community. Canwe take a leaf out of many communities,who donate 10% of their annual incomeor spending in a marriage function orspecial event for community causes?

4) FestivalsWe have great traditions of celebrating ourfestivals, which are numerous, reflecting ourlong historical presence in Kashmir and our faithin Shaivism. We must educate our children withthe background of our tradition of celebratingour festivals. For example, our children must alsoknow why we celebrate Shivratri and JanamSaptami (Lord Krishna’s birthday vs otherHindus celebrating His birthday) differently thanother Hindus.

5) Music, Dance, Food, ArtOur community has had a history of developinggreat talent in various fields of art and literature.We should encourage these artistes and strive todevelop new artistes. We should teach our kidsour food preparations and continue to havepicnics where we enjoy good food and music.We should also enhance our repository of music,art work, literary work, poetry, phrases, dramas,etc on our KOA website.

** The author is a regular contributor of articlesregarding Kashmir Pandit traditions. He hasrecently authored a book Socio-Cultural andReligious Traditions of Kashmiri Pandits (http://kp-culture-and-religion.blogspot.com) He livesin Alpharetta, Georgia and DLF City, India Hecan be contacted by email atpl_raina@yahoo.com.

*****

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pUnzdkark %,d ifjp;

pUnzdkUrk dk tUe 3 flrEcj]1938 dks tEew&d'ehj Jhuxj esa gqvkAmUgksaus ch-,- dh f'k{kk Jhuxj dsefgyk egkfo|ky; ls vkSj ch-,M-dh mikf/k xka/kh esesfj;y dkWyst] lsizkIr dhA lkfgR; esa :fp gksus dsdkj.k bUgksaus fcjyk vkV~Zl dkyst]fiykuh ¼jktLFkku½ ls fgUnh lkfgR;esa ,e-,- dh mikf/k izkIr dhA

;ksa rks pUnzdkark dk ys[ku dk;Zfo|ky;h thou ls gh 'kq: gks x;kFkk ij mudh fof/kor~ lkfgR; ;k=k^[kwu ds js'k* 1967 ls vkjEHk gqbZAvkB o"kZ ckn mudk igyk dgkuhlaxzg ^^lyk[kksa ds ihNs** vkSj mldsN% o"kZ ckn igyk miU;kl ^vFkZUrj*izdkf'kr gqvkA pUnzdkark dh jpukvksads vuqokn vU; Hkkjrh; Hkk"kkvksa rFkkvaxzsth Hkk"kk esa Hkh izdkf'kr gq, gSaA

^vFkkZUrj* rFkk ^ckdks lc [kSfj;r gS*miU;kl vksfM+;k Hkk"kk esa vuwfnr gq,gSaA ̂ ,syku xyh ftUnk gS* dk vuqoknvaxzsth Hkk"kk esa izdkf'kr gqvk gSapUnzdkark us ns'k&fons'k esa dkO;xksf"B;ksa vkSj lsfeukjksa esa Hkkx ysdjviuh Nki NksM+h gSA

pUnzdkark ds miU;kl ̂,syku xyhftUnk gS*] ;gka forLrk cgrh gS*]^vius&vius dks.kkdZ* fo'ks"k :i lsizfl) gSaA miU;kl ds vfrfjDr dgkuhds {ks= esa Hkh pUnzdkark us [;kfrvftZr dh gSA pUnzdkark dh dgkfu;ksaesa Hkkjro"kZ ds fofHkUu {ks=ksa ds fofHkUujax fc[kjs gSaA pUnzdkark us viusizkef.kd thoukuqHko dks 'kCnc) djledkyhu dFkk lkfgR; ds {ks= esaviuk fof'k"v LFkku cuk;k gSa ^dFkklrhlj* ftls o"kZ 2005 ds O;kl

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dFkk lrhlj d'ehj dsnnZ vkSj gknlksa dh dFkk

&izdk'k euq

pUnzdkark fganh dh mu 'kfDrlaiUuysf[kdkvksa esa ls gSa ftUgksaus L=h&ys[kudh cuh&cukbZ :f<+;ksa dks <+ksus ds ctk;]viuh izcy ÅtkZ vkSj izfrHkk ls mUgsarksM+k vkSj vius rb± fy[kus] lkspus vkSjthus dk ,dvxy jkLrkcukdj fn[kkfn;kA fygktke f g y kdFkkdkjksa esa oslcl s vyx[kM + h utjvkrh gSa vkSjde l s defganh dh fdlh vkSj ysf[kdk ls mudhrqyuk gesa laHko ugha tku iM+rhA os thoudks laiw.kZrk ls ns[kus&Hkkyus vkSj viuhiqjtksj 'kfDr ls tks Bhd le>k] mlsfy[k kus ds fy, cspSu ,slh ysf[kdk gSaftud s lkeu s ^ L= h&y s[ ku * vk S j^iq:"k&ys[ku* tSls [kkaps fugk;r fQtwy]cklh vkSj fujFkZd yxrs gSaA fganh esa b/kjrstrjkZj vkSj dqN&dqN fcankl eqnzkvksaokyh dFkk&ysf[kdkvksa dh rktk drkj

utj vkus yxh gS] ysfd pUnzdkark ftlfnysjh vkSj csykSl vankt esa viuh ckrdgrh gSa] ldk vkt Hkh dksbZ lkuh ugha gS]D;ksafd os vdsyh ugha muds lkFk&lkFk

le; dh rekei z ' u k d q ycspSfu;ka cksyjgh gksrh gSaA

p Un zd k a r kdh ,d[kkfl;r ;g HkhgS fd eq[; :il s dF k kdkjc fYd dg s am i U ; kld k j

gksus ds ckotwn mUgksaus lkfgR; dh izk;%foèkkvksa esa fy[kk vkSj [kwc tedj fy[kkAmUgksaus dfork,a] vkykspuk] laLej.k] Qhpj];k=k&o`Ùkkar] lHkh dqN fy[kk gS vkSj gjfo|k ij viu s e qDr vk Sj vfMxLora=rk&fiz; ys[kdh; LoHkko dh NkiNksM+h gSA ^;gh dgha vklikl* laxzg esa'kkfey mudh dfork,a ledkyhu le;ls dqN vyx vankt esa eqBHksM+ djds cM+h

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gh d#.kk iwfjr utj ls thou dh cphgqbZ laosnukRed 'kDyksa dh igpku djrhugj vkrh gSA ;gh ckr ,dne vyxtheu ij [kM+h mudh dgkfu;ksa vkSj ftanxhls lh/ks mBdj vk, ̂csgn vlyh* ik=ksa dsckjs esa dgh tk ldrh gSA

^rsarhckbZ*] ^vks lksufdljh*] ^'kj.kkxrnhukrZ] vkSj ̂dkyh cQZ* ljh[kh dgkfu;ksadks ;kn djsa] rks ;g le>rs nsu ugayxrh fd pUnzdkark mu ysf[kdkvksa esa lsgSa ftUgksaus dHkh <jsZ dk dgkfu;ka ughafy[khaA mudh gj dgkuh L=kh dFkkdkjksadh ,d [kkl rjg dh ̂Qsal* ;k lqj{kkRedpkSgn~nh dks mYkka?kj vkrh gS vkSj lh/ks&lh/ks bl cqjs oDr esa tw>rs euq"; dhvkdqy iqdkj ls tqM+us dh dksf'k'k djrhgSa muds vuqHko&lalkj esa T;knkrj dfBula?k"kZ djrh vkSj nq%[k lgrh fL=;ka gSa]ysfdu flQZ fL=k;ka gh ugha gSA os euq";ek= dh d:.k =klnh dks viuk ljksdkjekudj pyrh gSa vkSj L=h ds nq%[kksa dks,d cM+s dsuokl ij j[kdj ns[krh gSaA

^dkyh cQZ*] ^dFkkuxj*] ^vCcw us dgkFkk* ljh[ks rkts dgkuh laxzgksa esa Hkh ,dizcq) dFkk&ysf[kdk :i panzdkark dh ;grstfLrk vkSj pkSduukiu gh /;ku [khaprkgS cs'kd mudh lcls vPNh dgkfu;kad'ehj dh jDrjaftr i`"BHkwfe ij fy[khxbZ gSA ^'kj.kkxr nhukrZ*] &dkyh cQZ*]^uo'khu eqckjd* lansg vkSj vfo'okl dh

rst yiVksa esa tqyVs gq, d'ehj dh d#.kxkFkk dks bl rjg gekjs lkeus ykrh gSa]ekuks bfrgkl&iq:"k ,d d#.k y; vkSj#a/ks gq, xys ls gekjs lkeus [kM+k gksdjmUgsa lquk jgk gksA ihf<+;ksa ls d'ehj dksviuk ?kj] viuh laLd`fr vkSj tkrh;xkSjo ekudj jg jgs] ̂ 'kj.kxr nhukrZ* dsyliafMr dh fny dks cs/krh gqbZ ihM+k]^dkyh cQZ* dh cykd`r ulZ ijeh dhph[ksa vkSj ,d lfn;ksa iqjkuh mnkj ijaijkesa ca/ks] ,d&nwljs dks ^uo'khu eqckjd*dgrs egkjkt HkV~V vkSj lentw dk viuslkeus gh lc dqN mtM= tkus dk vglklfdlh O;xz gkgkdkj dh rjg laxzg dsiUuksa ls fudydj gekjs dkuksa esa iM+rkgSA ;s os dgkfu;ka gSa ftUgsa i<+dj Bhd&Bhdle> esa vkrk gS d'ehj D;k Fkk vkSjd'ehj D;k gks pqdk gSA pUnzdkark us d'ehjdh i`"BHkwfe ij cgqr dqN fy[k gS] ij b/kj dh budh dgkfu;ka rks ,d vkrZukntSlh gSaA

blds vykok ^ouokl* vkSj ^Vsdjh ijnh;k panzdkark dh ;knxkj dgkfu;kaL=h&thou ds ml va/ksjs i{k ij fy[khxbZ gSa] ftl ij vke rkSj ls t;knk /;kuugha fn;k tkrkA vly esa ^dkyh cQZ*,d xgjs izrhdkFkZ dh O;atuk djrh gSvkSj pUnzdkark dh dbZ dgkfu;ka i<+rsle; vyx&vyx vkSj LrCèk djus okyh'kDyksa esa mlls gekjk lk{kkRdkj gksrk gSA

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chloha 'krkCnh ds var esa Nis] panzdkUrkds lokZf/kd pqLr vkSj pfpZr miU;kl^,syku xyh ftank gS* ¼1984½ rFkk ^;kgaforLrk cgrh gS* ¼1992½ ;ksa rks eq[; :ils L=h&vfLerk ds miU;kl ugha gS rFkkmuds dsanz d'ehj dh thou vkSj mldhlkaLd`fr vkc gS ysfdu muds ;s miU;klthoar L=h&pfj=ksa ls Hkjiwj gSaA L=h dsthou dk mRlo/kehZ mYykl vkSj vkalw]nksuksa gh ;gka gSa vkSj vius lPps] thouvkSj [kqjnqjs :i esa gSaA os ^cfg'r* dgstkus okys d'ehj dh l vlfy;r dkslkeus j[krs gSa] ftles dhpM+ vf/kd gSdhpM+ esa dey rks dgha&dgha gh iSnkgksrs gSaA [kkldj ^,syku xyh ftank gS*tSlk miU;kl rks iwjh rjg L=h dh vka[kls ns[kk x;k] thou dk ,d O;kid gypyksaHkjk fp=iV gSa] ftlesa lk/kkj.k thou dsik=ksa ds vius&vius lq[k&nq%[kksa dk esykgSA ,sls vkSlr yksx] tks ?kksj lkalkfjd gSavkSj ftuds fy, Ny&iziap] lwp&>wBftanxh dh Bksl lPpkbZ;ka gSaA blesalalkjpanz tSls iqjksfgr gSa tks oDr&t:jriM+us ij eafnj dk nku&ik=k myVkus lsHkh xqjst ugha djrsA vtqZuukFk vthZuohltSls datwl gSaA vuoj fe;ka tSls ftankfnybalku gSa] rks jRuh tSlh fny dh dM+ohckrsa mxy nsus okyh eqagQV L=h! vkSjfQj ikxy Hkwrk rks gS gh] tks xyh esa ,d

vtc&lh iqdkj yxkrk gqvk&lk ?kwerkgS vkSj miU;kl dks ,d vtc&lk VªsftfMdvFkZ ns nsrk gSA blds vykok ^,syku xyhftank gS* dh Hkk"kk bruh ̂ ,sykfu;ka* <ax lsftank Hkk"k gS fd fdlh dks Hkh panzdkark lsj'd gks ldrk gS ,slh [kqyh vkSj ftanxhdh /kM+duksa ls Hkjiwj Hkk"kk fy[kuk [kkykth dk ?kj ugha!

blh rjg panzdkark ds ,d vkSj iqjvljmiU;kl ^;gka forLrk cgrh gS* esa Hkhd'ehj gS vius vPNs&cqjs lHkh ekStwnkvDlksa vkSj viuh [kjh lkaLd`frd igpkuds lkFkA ^;gka forLrk cgrh gS* dsdFkkuk;d jktukfk dkSy gSa] ftuesa xtcdk thou rst vkSj vlkèkkj.k thouh 'kfDrgSA muds thou esa dbZ rjg dh =klfn;kavkrh gSa] ftUgsa os viuh Nkrh ij >syrs gSa]exj mudk mnkRr vkSj /khj&xaHkhjO;fDrRo >qduk ugha tkurkA os ,d ijaijkdh mit gSa vkSj ,d ubZ ijaijk ds lkFkZokgHkhA panzkdkark us ;gak d'ehj gh ugha]cnyrs gq, le; vkSj dky dks ,d lkFk]vius iwjs fonzwi vkSj mnkÙkrk ds lkFk is'kfd;k gSa dksbZ vk'p;Z ugha] vxj panzdkarkds rekek xaHkhj ikBd muds ̂ ;gka forLrkcgrh gS* dks gh muds lcls 'kfDr'kkyhvkSj 'kkgdkj d`fr ekurs gksa!

*****

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WORKSHOP ON KASHMIR SHAIVISM

TRIKA INTERRELIGIOUS TRUST,having its registered office at GuptagangaN1/66-F-12 Samne Ghat Nagawa,Varanasi organized a workshop during 10th

March 2004 to 19th March 2004 at JNANAPRAVAHA, Varanasi on “KASHMIRSHAIVISM”, a forgotten philosophy oflife, being victim of centuries olddisturbances in Kashmir.

The objective of the workshop was tobring together intellectuals, researchscholars and other interested learners ofthe philosophy under one roof to interactand learn the philosophy and its richness.The workshop was organized in a mannerso that the participant can learn andpractice the philosophy simultaneouslyand also raise their queries, doubts andconfusion to the experts as well as sharetheir respective knowledge andexperiences about the philosophy.

Lectures on a few of the key terms inthe Kashmir Shaivism were delivered byeminent speakers, namely, PunditHemendra Nath Chakravarty, Varanasi on“SHAKTI” and “ANANDA”; Prof. M. L.Kokiloo, Delhi, on “PRANA” and“SAMVIT”; Dr. Mark S. G. Dyczkowski,Varanasi on “SPANDA” and Prof. BettinaBäumer, Varanasi on “HRIDAYA” and“SHAKTIPATA”. After the lectures, theparticipants and the speakers had openinteractions on the subject. One of theparticipants, Dr. Rabinder Kumar Koul, aphysicist by education, also delivered aspecial lecture explaining similarities in

modern science and Kashmir Shaivism aswell as his experiences of both.

Prof. M. L. Kokiloo, Delhi and Prof.Bettina Bäumer, Varanasi also held textstudy and teaching of“PratyabhijñÁhªdaya” by KÒemarÁjawith translation by Dr. Jaidev Singh on allthe ten days of workshop for two hours oneach day with open discussion on thetextbook with the participants.

Kashmir Shaivism is the philosophyaccording to which every individual isSHIVAA and one needs to study andmeditate to achieve the Supreme Shivaa.It is the study of achieving individualconsciousness to the ultimateconsciousness in realty to taste theattainment of spiritual atonement. Itteaches to merge individual consciousnessin the ocean of ultimate consciousness.There are number of scriptures availableon Kashmir Shaivism authored by greatphilosophers of pre-Islamic era likeUtpaladeva and Abhinavagupta as well asof modern time. However it is also matterof great concern that more number ofscriptures are lost than are available dueto continuous and deliberate destruction ofthe same by Islamic invaders and rulers inKashmir and elsewhere and the same iscontinuing even at present time inIndependent and democratic India.

Besides teaching and discussion of“Kashmir Shaivism”, the participants alsopracticed the philosophy of KashmirShaivism closing the day with meditation.

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The workshop also included introductionby Prof. M. L. Kokiloo of Lal Ded, aspiritual woman and a household poet andsinger of Kashmiri Hindus even at present,who followed and practiced KashmirShaivism in the fifteenth century. Duringthe discussion of life of Lal Ded it alsosurfaced that there is ample evidence inthe history that Lal Ded and ShahHamdaan did not exist in the same era inthe history as well as that there is furtherample evidence in the history that ShahHamdaan (through his heavily armedfollowers and soldiers) killed and maimedthousands of Hindus in Kashmir and,therefore, could not have been a spiritualperson as so claimed by few Muslimhistorians. The discussion regarding LalDed was followed by singing by PinkyGiga, Delhi of devotional Lal Ded’s Vakh(Bhajans). The participants also had anopportunity to attend release of CD of“Shivastotravali” by Utpaladeva, whichwas made by Smt. Manju Sundaram(vocal), Vinod Lele (Tabla), SantoshMishra (Sarangi) and introduced by Prof.Bettina Bäumer at “Banaras Art Culture”,Bhadaini followed by a live concert by theartists.

The participants were quite satisfiedwith the workshop but felt that ten daysbeing too short for understanding andstudying such a vast and rich philosophy,there should be more frequent suchworkshops to improve the awareness andlearning of the Kashmir Shaivism. A list

WORKSHOP ON KASHMIR SHAIVISM

List of Teachers

1. Pandit Hemendra Nath Chakravarty,Varanasi

2. Prof. M. L. Kokiloo, Delhi 

3. Dr. Mark S. G. Dyczkowski, Varanasi

4. Prof. Bettina Bäumer, Varanasi

List of Participants

1. Borghild Baldauf, MA, Linz, Austria

2. Yoshihisa Kotani, MA, Hiroshima, Japan

3. Dr. Fabrice Blée, Montreal, Canada

4. Usha Malik MA, Delhi, India

5. Patrick Brennan, Belmont MA, USA

6. Anja Mohrdik, MA, Hamburg, Germany

7. Uma Wu Chen-ting, Taiwan

8. Dr. Pramod Kumar Singh, Varanasi, India

9. David Dubois, MA, Paris, France

10. Prof. Dr. Annette Wilke, Münster, Germany

11. Dr. Sadananda Das, Varanasi, India

12. Lee Hemmen, Texas, USA

13. Kuldeep Drabu, Gurgaon, India

14. Robert Kemter, Thane, Maharashtra

15. Ernst Fürlinger, MA, Wien, Austria

16. Volkmar Schaefer, Berlin, Germany

17. Ariane Hentsch, Geneva, Switzerland

18. Travis L. Smith, Varanasi, India

19. Rabinder Kumar Koul, Chicago, USA

20. Dr. Rama Ghose, Varanasi, India

21. Dr. Aviva Keller, Zurich, Switzerland

22. Pinky Giga, Faridabad, India

23. Michael Ianuzielo, MA, Montreal, Canada

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I had gone to Srinagar to attend an InternationalSeminar (23rd-24th September,2006) on KashmirShaivism - a Philosophy originating from Kashmirand propagated by our Guruji , Swami LakshmanJoo Raina(1907 - 1991) who had his Ashram inNishat, Srinagar. This Seminar was part of theCelebrations to mark the Birth Centenary Year ofSwamiji and organised by the Ishwar Ashram Trustfounded by him.

Mrs. Dube , a friend of mine from NTPCaccompanied me. We were received at the airportby a car sent by the organisers . The venue was Sher-e- Kashmir International Convention Centre whichis a part of Centaur Hotel built on the banks of DalLake. Beautiful view of Shikaras, Char Chinari, andthe mountains covered with Poplar and Chinar Treesgreeted us when we looked outof the windows of the hotel.

After the inaugural session and during the lunchbreak, my friend & I ventured to hire an autorickshaw up to the Dal Lake. After some hardbargaining with the Shikara owner and his agent,we finally agreed on a price of Rs. 200 for a leisurelyShikara ride from Nehru Park to Char Chinari &back to Centaur Hotel. Char Chinari is an Island inDal Lake where Four Chinar Trees are growing. Atone time one of the Chinar trees had fallen downand for almost 20 years the place was called CharChinari even though there were only 3 trees. Thenanother Chinar was planted in 1986 and it hasbecome a grown up tree now though one can makeout it is young compared to others. We also took acup of tea at the restaurant in Char Chinari which isin the shape of a house boat. After the 2 day seminar,we visited the famous temples of Srinagar -Shakaracharya Temple (of Lord Shiva) where theSaint Shankaracharya had done his meditations andis built over a hill top, Ksheer Bhavani Temple , thetemple of Goddess Durga, built over a natural spring(they say that the colour of the natural spring changesaccording to   the fortunes of Kashmir & reportedlyit had turned black during the peak of terrorism in1991 when all the Hindus fled), and Hari Parbat , a

temple of Goddess Kali built over a hill and whereeven Hindu Pandits make offerings of “Kaleji” andRice to the eagles & Kites hovering around.Needless to say there were hardly any visitors tothese temples as even tourists are not to be seen.The temples are heavily guarded by CRPF andmaintained very clean & beautiful by them. Thescenery around the whole place is refreshinglybeautiful. The temperature varied from 4 Deg C atnight to 11 Deg C in the day (very pleasant). Ourplace of stay was also very comfortable and was ata walking distance from the Ashram of Swamiji andalso close to Centaur Hotel.

My brother-in- law Vijay & his wife, Marlenewho were staying in Srinagar for the past fewmonths, took us to the market at Residency roadand Lal Chowk (which are always in the news forbomb blasts, cross firing and terrorist shoot outs)where we did some shopping of gifts etc. We alsobought two Crepe Silk Sarees from Raj Bagh SilkFactory of J&K Govt.

It may be mentioned here that all these daysSrinagar was creepily quiet. Ramzan days hadstarted so even the muslim women were mostlyindoors. The streets were lined up with BorderSecurity Force (BSF) or Central Reserve PoliceForce (CRPF) pointing their AK 40   rifles towardsthe people walking on the streets (unmindful of therifles). Every now and then one would find one selffacing an army bunker with alert eyes peeping out.There were no incidents of terrorism while we werethere, though we heard in the news that on the dayafter we left there were some shoot outs. EvenSwamiji’s Ashram has a bunker inside the AshramGates manned by atleast 6 CRPF men round theClock and one has to use the pass word “ Jai GuruDev “ to enter the gates. What one cannot forget isthe hot Kehwa (Kashmiri Green Tea flavoured withalmonds, dalchini & elaichi, sweet but without milk)with bread fresh from bakery, Dam Alu & Hak (leafy vegetable) with steaming hot rice, the Shikararide in Dal Lake and the majestic mountains allaround.

Travelog by Anjana Dhar – A visit to Srinagar  

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KKS Gurgaon being an affiliate ofAll India Kashmiri Samaj was invitedto attend the AGM to be held in themonth of December 2006 at Kolkata. Pt.Vijay Aima represented KKS Gurgaonduring this general body meeting. Theoccasion also happened to coincide withthe GOLDEN JUBLIEE celebration ofKASHMIR SABHA KOLKATA coupledwith the SILVER JUBLIEE celebrationof AIKS.

KASHMIR SAMAJ KOLKATA hadmade elaborate arrangements for thestay of the participants from all over thecountry. Delegates representing variousaffiliates across India were present &messages were received f rom theaffiliates from abroad during the event.The two days of the AGM & conferencewere taken up by the deliberationsaffec t ing the b i radar i . Pol i t ica ldevelopments taking place within theCountry as well as in the neighboringcountry were spoken about and varyingviews expressed by the delegates .Delegates cutting across their personalviews were unanimous for AIKS to takeproactive initiatives rather than wait for

ALL INDIA KASHMIRI SAMAJANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING / SILVERJUBILEE CELEBRATION & GOLDEN JUBILEE

CELEBRATION OF KASHMIR SABHA, KOLKATA.

events to overtake us. As a consequence,one of the major decisions arrived atreferred to the need of creat ing asepera te pol i t ica l p la t form forexpressing the views of KP biradari. Itwas fur ther enuncia ted tha t theproposed political front will be arepresentative body of the whole KPbiradari and as such all communitymembers shall be invited , irrespectiveof their individual beliefs , to present aunited front .

On second day of the stay of thedelegates , a cul tura l programmeenthralled the delegates & the KashmiriSamaj of Kolkata. Leading Kashmiriartists Smt Neerja Pandit , Dr SapnaRaina Kachru , Pt Dhananjay Kaulenthralled the listners , different itemsby the children & ladies of the KolkataSamaj kept the audience spellbound forthe best part of the programme.

The AGM concluded with a pressconfrence held on third day , where inthe delebrations of the General BodyMeeting and historical background ofKP migration was presented.

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CURRENT KKS LIFE MEMBERS

S.No. NAME ADDRESS

1 Aima Surinder Kumar C-2113A Sushant Lok I2 Aima Vijay H-744 Palam Vihar Gurgaon3 Aima Usha4 Ms. Aima Zippy5 Mr. Aima Siddharth6 Dr. Aima Ashok H-746, Palam Vihar7 Dr. Aima Indu8 Aima Manik9 Aima Misha10 Aima M.L H-682, Palam Vihar11 Late Aima Kanta12 Aima Savitri13 Dr. Anand Ashok 171 Sector-56,14 Bagati Anil 9, D- Block, South City -II15 BakshiDilip 21 GF, I- Block, South City-II16 Bakshi J.N. F-2694, Palam Vihar17 Mrs. Bakshi Vijay18 Bakshi Shiben19 Bachloo K.L. 1242, Sector - 3120 Bhan K.K. 447 sector - 721 Bhan S.K. Malibu Towers22 Bhan Autar Krishen Malibu Towers23 Bhat B.L. Q-9, New Palam Vihar24 Bhat R.K. N-203, New Palam Vihar25 Bhat Baskar C-673, Sushant Lok I26 Bhat Sushil Kumar 1061/31 Laxman Vihar I27 Bhat Vishal C-1517 Sushant Lok I28 Bhat R.N. E-13/29 DLF I29 Dr. Bhat Pushuplata D-2035, Palam Vihar30 Bhat S.N.31 Bhat Amit32 Bhat Lalit33 Bhat Supriya34 Dr. Bindroo Nancy B 95, South City - I35 Challu AVM (Retd.) B.K. 1129, Sector -15, Phase-II36 Challu Atuar Krishan 121/42 Silver Oaks37 Chowdhary Satish S 5415, DLF Ph-III38 Dar Chitranjan LTH-114B, Laburnum Apartments39 Darbari Rita K-39, South City, Gurgaon40 Dhar Vijay 120/140 SO App: DLF I

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41 Dr. Dhar Ravi C-1308 Sushant Lok I42 Dhar Amit C-556 A, Sushant Lok-I43 Dhar C.T. A 24/8, DLF Ph- I44 Smt. Dhar S.T.45 Dhar S.P. L-3/8, DLF Ph-II46 Dhar J.K.47 Dhar Anjana48 Dhar V.K. 120 / 144, Silver Oak Aptt. DLF Ph-I49 Dhar Sushim Mukul   D-78 South City II50 Drabu Kuldeep C1/23, DLF Ph-I51 Fotedar K.K. C-567B, Sushant Lok52 Fotedar P.N. A-591, Palam Vihar53 Fotedar Vijay C-627, Sushant Lok-I54 Ganju A.K. G-18/7, DLF Ph-I55 Ganju Udbhaw U-18/7, DLF Ph-III56 Ganjoo Sanjeev C-153, New Palam Vihar Ph-II57 Ganjoo B.L. C-389, New Palam Vihar Ph-II58 Ganjoo Siddharth C/478, Sushant Lok59 Ganjoo V.K.60 Hanjuria Sajinder F-801, Ardee City61 Lt. Col.(Retd.) Jala B.L 1656 A, Housing Board Colony, Jarsha Road62 Dr. Jalali R.K. C-740B, Sushant Lok63 Jailkhani B.N C1-342, Palam Vihar64 Kachroo Kamal A-498 B, Palam Vihar65 Kachroo Ravinder H 18, FF, South City-II66 Late Kak J.L A-14/9, DLF Ph-I67 Kaw H.N. S-31A/31, DLF, Ph-III68 Kak Madan A-583, Palam Vihar69 Kakroo Anil Kumar CW-42 Malban Towers.70 Kaul Ashish H-11, Ridgewood Estate, DLF Ph-IV71 Dr. Kachro Rajan Malibu Towers72 Kaul Rakesh C-260, Sushant Lok I73 Kaul Kanaya Lal D-32 South End Floor74 Kaul S.N. F-23 Green Wood City Sec 4675 VrC(Retd) Col. Kaul Anil D 15/13 Orchid Floors (FF),Ardee City, Sec 5276 Smt. Kaul Rattantrani H-746 A, Palam Vihar77 Kaul V.J.78 Kaul Manorma79 Kaul Sanatan80 Kaul Kunal81 Kaul K.N.82 Kaul Vishit83 Kaul Renuka84 Kaul Jawahar Lal F-4-26, Ph-I, DLF

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85 Capt. Kaul A.K. 101/37, Silver Oak Aptt. DLF Ph-I86 Kaul Phoola I-866, Palam Vihar87 Kaul Abhimanyu88 Kaul C.K.89 Kaul Dr. R.K. C-260, Sushant Lok90 Kaul H.L. 309, Sector - 1791 Kaul H.N. A-661, Palam Vihar92 Kaul K.K. J-1215 A, Palam Vihar93 Kaul Basanti J-1200 Palam Vihar94 Kaul O.N.95 Kaul R.K. J-964, Palam Vihar96 Kaul B.L. A/44 South end97 Kaul Bansi Lal 1004/A Malibu town98 Kaul Anoop C-478/B, Sushant Lok99 Kaul Pruflit C-266 A, Sushant Lok100 Kaul Ramesh H-694, Palam Vihar101 Dr. Kaul Satish 48, Sukhchain Marg, DLF-I102 Kaul Sarojini U 24A-36, Ground Floor, DLF Ph-III103 Kaul Sameer104 Kaul Vinod 7904, DLF Ph-IV105 Kaul R.K. 2737 A, Sector - 23106 Koul R.L. C-258, Sushant Lok107 Koul T.K. D 86, South City - II108 Koul Usha C-258, Sushant Lok109 Kotwal Rattan 603, Malibu Tower, Sohna Road110 Khazanchi Vikram E-2248, Palam Vihar111 Khar Rattan Lal Shiv Kamal C/898C SushantLok112 Khar Sanjay113 Kher Rahul A-684 Palam Vihar114 Kher Nikhil  115 Kher B.L. E-2190, Palam Vihar116 Kher Susheela 227, Vyapaar Kendra, Palam Vihar117 Kher H.L.118 Kher T.N. M-2/37, DLF Ph-II119 Kher Khema A-684, Palam Vihar120 Kher Jyotsana121 Kher Rakesh122 Kher Sanju123 Kher Satish124 Kher Sunil C-17/35, Sushant Lok125 Kher Vijay 18/4, Ashok Vihar126 Kher Upender Q-56, Ph-I, New Palam Vihar127 Kitchloo P.K. 086 Willingto Estate128 Kitchloo Ravinder Kaul 101/51 Silver Oak.

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129 Kitchloo M.K. 101/51, Silver Oak Apartment130 Kitchloo Saroj131 Kitchloo Suvidha132 Kilam S.N. 98, Sukhchain Marg, DLF Ph-I133 Kuda K.K. E-2090, Palam Vihar134 Labroo Rajender 749, Sector - 23 A135 Labru Mitlesh Malibu Towers136 Labru Shali  137 Labru Divya138 Labru Abhay139 Dr. Magazin Chuni H-714, Palam Vihar140 Mattoo Veena 705A Bevarli Park PH I141 Mattoo Anil   S-313 Uppals South End.142 Mandloo A.K. A 408, Palam Vihar143 Mattoo L.K. H 3615, DLF Ph-I144 Mattoo S.K. 1418, Housing Board Colony145 Mirakhur C.L. H-583, Palam Vihar146 Mirakhur Sanjay147 Misri Sanjeev C-1991, Sushant Lok148 Moza Pankaj B-978, Palam Vihar149 Dr. Moza K.K. C-1/2829, Sushant Lok150 Munshi G.L. 36, National Media Centre151 Nath Samir C1-405, Palam Vihar152 Nath Mohini153 Ogra Ashok 302/21, Heritage City154 Pahalwan Sunil C-336A, Sushant Lok-I155 Pandita Dilip U-24/4, G.F. DLF-III156 Pandita Vinod B-1000  Palam Vihar157 Pandita Vinay   002 J Block Rail Vihar158 Pandita Ajay Kumar 282 Sec 14159 Peshin V.K. 1620 A/10A, Housing Board Colony160 Qasba B.K. C 12/21, DLF Ph-I161 Qasid Ashishek   P-6 Uppal South End.162 Raina R.K. U-14/33, DLF Ph-III163 Raina S.N. K-1210, DLF Ph-II164 Raina Ashok E-7/23, DLF Ph-I165 Dr. Raina Varun K-39, South City-II166 Raina Siddharth G1/71, New Palam Vihar167 Raina M.K. 357/94, Block 16A, Ashok Vihar168 Raina Savya Saachi  D-114 South City II169 Raina Rajesh 2815 sector 23170 Raina M.J. 355/111, Ashok Vihar171 Mrs. Rangroo Vatsala K - 4/5, DLF Ph-II172 Rangroo Sanjay

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173 Razdan B.L. C-1/2924 A, Sushant Lok I174 Razdan Ramesh 236, Sec-40, Housing Board Colony175 Razdan Sanjay L-13/6, DLF Ph-II176 Razdan B.M. S-28, New Palam Vihar Ph-II177 Sadhu Y.N. A-1522, Sector - 31178 Sadhu Surender U-23/5, DLF Ph-III179 Sadhu Ashwani 1656 A, Sector -31180 Smt. Sadhu Deepa181 Safaya P.L. C-2526, Sushant Lok182 Safaya Rajni183 Safaya S.N. Q-22, New Palam Vihar184 Saproo R.L. A-615 Palam Vihar185 Brig (Retd.) Sapru B.L. D-3021, Devendar Vihar, Sec-56186 Sapru Vijay187 Sapru A.N. H-1001, Mapel Heights, Sushant Lok188 Sapru Autar Krishan 1102/8 Sushant Estate.189 Sapru M.L. 966 sector 23A190 Dr. Sar M.L. 1265, sector - 4191 Sar S.M. 1256/4, Urban Estate, DLF192 Sumbly P.N. J-124 A, Palam Vihar193 Takru Sanjeev C-605, Sushant Lok194 Thusu D.K. K-35, New Palam Vihar195 Teng P.K. S-34/21, DLF Ph-III196 Tiku Bupender S 31A/31, DLF Ph- III197 Tiku Sunil 606 Jeevan Tara APP Sec 43198 Tikku Jyotender 377, sector - 5199 Tikku S.N.200 Tikku Priya201 Tikoo R.S. N-141, New Palam Vihar202 Tikoo Ravi 1074, Maruti Vihar203 Tikoo Rajiv B-1259, Palam Vihar204 Tikoo P.L. A-36/18, DLF Ph-I205 Vij Smt. Rajini 85, Akash Marg, DFL Ph-II206 Dr. Vaishnavi Anil C-405A Sushant Lok I207 Dr. Vaishinivi Meenakshi208 Wali S.K. F-2578, Palam Vihar209 Dr. Wasoori S.C. D-240 Sushant Lok I210 Dr. Wasoori Sunita Kaul211 Dr. Wali Ashok Q2 / 26, DLF Ph-II212 Zutshi Ashok B-294, New Palam Vihar213 Zutshi Avinash C-254, Sushant Lok214 Zutshi Vinod P-4/34, DLF Ph-III215 Zutshi Ravinder U 24/25, DLF Ph-III216 Zutshi R.K. B-116, New Palam Vihar

( 40 )

...AND KRISHNA SMILEDContribution by Bupinder

April 28“Robert, these peaks look breathtaking,” Maria

exclaimed as the plane approached the Pir Panchalrange. Robert sitting besides her glanced at thesnow clad mountains and said, “Yes dear, but Ihave to complete this mail before landing.” andresumed work on his laptop. He was a workaholicand passionate about his new project. His Americanbased software company had deputed him toexecute the new contract of networking in Kashmirvalley. He was to stay in Srinagar till the completionof the project. Robert, being the youngest executivesaw it as a huge responsibility. Maria continued toenjoy the majestic mountains. She was an earnestnature lover and was fascinated by the pictures ofKashmir. Maria wanted to explore the vibrant huesof the valley. As the landing was announced andthe plane started its descent, Maria’s chain ofthoughts was broken. A young, jovial Sikh greetedthem at the airport. His real name was HarvinderSingh but everyone called him ‘Harry’. Mariadeveloped an instant liking for Harry as he startedchatting away in his peculiar accent. The taxi tookthem straight to a stone house on the lakefront withmountains serving as the background. The housewas on a plateau and presented a beautiful view ofthe lake. Maria complimented Harry for choosingthe magnificent house for their stay.

The couple settled in the house that belongedto an old Kashmiri lady. Harry told them that thelady was a widow with no children and wouldnot bother them. She lived in the back portion ofthe house whileas they had the front portion withthe beautifully manicured lawns all to themselves.

Robert soon got engrossed in his project. Mariashopped for the daily needs, did small errands andwent sight seeing with Harry. He narrated thehistoric tales about the gardens, temples, mosquesand monuments to her. Maria felt delighted andgot mesmerised by the whole ambience. Thebeauty captivated her senses and she felt thefragrance of the effervescent flowers reach her

womb to the baby she was carrying. As the weekspassed by, Maria nurtured the dream of giving birthto their first child in the lap of nature in thisenchanting valley.

August 1Robert was enjoying the view of setting sun

as the Dal Lake turned into a vast sheet of goldwith the sleek shadows of shikaras making fantasticforms on it. He was relaxed and happy as the projecthad been successfully completed. His relentlesswork during the past weeks had produced positiveresults. They would shortly leave for Bangaloreand Maria could deliver among their friends,besides by being at the headquarters, the companydoctors could handle any emergencies. But, he wasyet to convince Maria about his plans, as she wasinsisting on having the baby in this unknown landof strangers. Reluctantly, Robert got up to go insideas he had to make a few important calls and had toshower to get ready for the felicitation partyorganized by the local business associates. Heremembered Harry telling him that their room hadbeen changed due to some urgent plumbing job tobe done. They had been shifted to another roomdown the passageway.

Normally, he would have been upset, but beingin a buoyant and cheerful mood he did not protest.He had asked Harry about the locationof this room and remembered the walnut paneleddoor on the right side of the corridor.

Robert opened the door and walked into theroom. It was bigger and spacious with hugewindows on either side. Everything was arrangedimmaculately in the closet. As he placed his suiton the couch, his gaze fell on a photograph hangingover the fireplace on the wall. In the dim light hecould see a young woman in the photograph. Heput on the lights and saw the face clearly…astonished and wide-eyed. The same eyes, samesmile, and same dress, same flowers in thebackground… it looked unbelievable. It was the

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photograph of his mother whom he had never seenalive. His father had told him that his mother wasof Asian origin and that her name was Anna. Thepresence of this photograph meant that she hadlived here. Robert was excited, his heart poundingagainst his chest. Tears welled up in his eyes andlump of emotionchoked his throat as he took the photograph in bothhis hands and cried.

“Are you sure it is her,” Maria stood besideshim. Robert cried like a child, “You know dear, itis her, it is my mother and I have found her.”

“I have also found you, my dear grandson.” afemale voice startled both Maria and Robert. Theold kashmiri lady was standing in the opendoor, her deeply lined face lit up as tears rolleddown her cheeks. Robert instantly rushed towardsher open arms and both hugged each other as Mariagazed at them, astounded.

“Her real name was Anu. She was only twentywhen she met and fell in love with your fatherMichael. They married without informing us,”grandma paused and sighed, Maria and Robertwere listening intently as she continued, “Anuwrote to her father from America feeling sorry buthe could never forgive her. He went into depressionand his health started failing. The day you wereborn brought us the news of Anu’s demise duringthe delivery. Her father suffered a stroke and wasbedridden. I was shattered – did not know what todo. Finally, Michael performed her last rites inAmerica under the Vedic rituals and I had to staybehind to look after my husband till he passed awaya month later,” She could not control herself andsobbed as Robert put his arm around her and Mariaconsoled her. “I had been writing to your fatherpleading with him to send you here to live withme, but he was adamant and never agreed. Herefused to give me your school address and thenmy letters would come back undelivered,” Robertremembered that his father had moved to Californiawith him after his second marriage. “I had lost allhope to see you in my lifetime, but God answeredmy prayers and sent you here, along with my greatgrandson.” She patted Maria’s midriff lovingly.

August 15It was Janam Ashtami; Subhadra experienced

vigour and newfound energy. She would celebratethis day after 25 years. It was on this very day shehad lost her daughter, but today was special. Shehad a miraculous reunion with her grandson a fewweeks ago and it was his birthday today. Subhadrahad got a bonus as well; Maria was expected todeliver anytime now. She decorated the pooja roomand performed pooja with Robert and Maria.Although, she had observed a fast, this did not deterher from visiting the Krishna temple on top of thehill.

It was past 10 o clock when Maria developedlabour. Doctor was promptly summoned and afterexamining Maria she announced that the baby wason course. Robert was nervous and restless butSubhadra was eager with expectation. She walkedinto the pooja room and sat by the decorated butempty cradle lying besides the statue of LordKrishna. Suddenly she felt tired and closed hereyes. The moment she closed her eyes, a swirl ofmist and fog started to engulf her. A little later,when the mist evaporated she found herself on herknees. She got up and saw Lord Krishnadescending from the skies with the perennialmischievous smile. As if in a trance, Subhadrafollowed the Lord. She was led to Maria’s roomand saw the newborn baby besides Maria. It wasexactly midnight, Krishna had arrived in her world;all gloom had melted away. She felt exulted withdivine sublimity. The years of pain, anguish andtears were gone replaced by the everlasting smileof Krishna.

Being led by Lord Krishna, Subhadra felt theburden of life being shed off. She felt as light as afeather. Flying across the godly skies she couldsee Anu and her husband waiting at the gates ofheaven. As she looked down, she saw the toothlesssmile of little Krishna – her great grandson. At last,Subhadra had got best of both the worlds. She wasoverwhelmed with gratitude and faith for the Lordand looked at HIM with ultimate reverence… AndKrishna smiled!!

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Seasons  Greetings  & With  Compliments

MacInd Global Services57-58 SCF  Sec 29,  Faridabad.

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I have been hearing this Kashmiririddle from the old days of my grandmother& now I am singing this to my daughter forquite some time, though I never got the realmeaning of it or maybe I never tried to. Buttoday I discovered the meaning of this rhymeand am thrilled to see that this not only pleaseskids but provides them with a message.

The sequence of the whole song:

The children start:“hukus bukus telli wann che kusonum batta lodum deag,shaal kich kich waangano,Brahmi charas puane chhokum,Brahmish batanye tekhis tyakha.”

The Teacher corrects:“Itkayne ne Itkayne...Tse Kus Be Kus Teli Wan Su KusMoh Batuk Logum DegShwas Khich Khich Wang-mayamBhruman daras Poyun chokumTekis Takya bane Tyuk”

MEANINGTse Kus Be Kus Teli Wan su Kus

Who are you and who am I then tellus who is he the creator that permeates throughboth you and I...  

Moh Batuk Logum DegEach day I feed my senses/body with

HUKUS BUKUS– A Spiritual Kashmiri Riddle

Contribution By: Vinod K. Pandita

the food of worldly attachment and materiallove (Moh = attachment)  

Shwas Khich Khich Wang-MayamFor when the breath that I take in

reaches the point of complete purification(Shwas = Breath)  

Bhruman Daras Poyun ChokumIt feels like my mind is bathing in the

water of divine love (Bhruman = nerve centerin the human brain, poyun = water) 

Tekis Takya bane TyukThen I know I am like that sandal

wood which is pasted for divine fragrancesymbolic of universal divinity. I realize that Iam, indeed, divine. (Tyuk = Tika applied onthe forehead)

The message of this poem is rooted inKashmiri religion. The poem itself is ageless.Some say it came up during Lal Ded’s time,other’s say it dates back to the origin ofKashmir and Kashmiri culture itself. Thepoem, in later years, was made a song forchildren. For years it served as a poeticmedium to pass down the essence of Kashmiriculture to little ones.

It is said that the tones produced bythe arrangement of words in this poem as wellas its rhythm has a calming effect for infantsand toddlers of all times.

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OBITUARY

With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sad demise of Sh.Narayan Joo Raina S/o Late Sh. Tara Chand Raina R/o Babapora,Habbakadal Srinagar Kashmir presently At 357/94 Gali No. 16-A Ashok Vihar Gurgaon, Haryana who left for heavenly abodeon 21-12-06.

Grief Stricken

Smt. Sheela Raina-Wife

Smt. Mohini Raina-Bhabi

Smt. Krishna & Sh. P.N. Kaw-Bhabi & Brother

Smt. Kalpana Raina & Sh. Vijay Raina-Daughter-in-law & Son (AIR)

Smt. Daizy Raina & Sh. M.K. Raina-Daughter-in-law & Son (Agri. Deptt.)

Smt. Rajni Raina & Sh. V.K. Raina-Daughter-in-law & Son (BSNL)

Grand Children: Sunny, Sheebu, Preetu, Nitika, Ankush

Tele No: 0124-2253384, Mob: 09818080191

ALL NEARS AND DEARS

Sh. Narayan Joo Raina