The Heaven on Earth: KASHMIR

KASHMIR

Amisha Mayani

With the temperatures nearing to 50⁰ Celsius in the mainland, even the word “Kashmir” bring the much-needed feeling of cold comfort. It really seems to have been blessed by the Gods who keep it near to their own residence- The Himalayas.

As rightfully put by Kalidasa in his Kumarsambhavam, it is a place where one can see magic on Earth. Its glory magnified with the embellishments of Snow, Meadows and the tall evergreen trees. Indeed, one is convinced of Kashmir itself being the heaven.

Upon my recent visit to Kashmir, I have come to develop a differing opinion. I don’t think that it’s just the geography that brings glory to Kashmir, I think that the indication is towards the “people of Kashmir”.

People from mainland have come to develop certain opinions about the Kashmiris and people from the valley given the incidences of disturbances. But let me assure you, that no matter the popular opinion, the Kashmiris are a lot sweeter than most people I have come across.

Let me justify myself with a few examples. I saw a few people paragliding from distance and got enthusiastic about it. To book for the same, the internet did have some contact numbers, but they were all switched off. Thus, without any booking, I followed the map location which was on the top of a mountain at Astanmarg.

The road was motorable only upto a certain extent and then I followed the trail, almost 2 Km uphill. The car began its downhill journey upon the assumption that it will have to pick me up from the landing location. Upon reaching the top, I got to learn that there were no authorities, no office, nothing, only a cliff for people to jump from. Not surprisingly, no mobile network either.

Upon sight of a few people chilling out there, I did enquire about paragliding, but even they didn’t have much idea. Sahil, Saliq, Hanan, Kamil and Faraz were the college boys enjoying some free time up there. Climbing downhill would have been a stupid idea, especially with no way to contact the car. So, I asked them for help. They offered to give me a lift down the mountain on the bikes they had.

Twist in the plot comes with the fact that the road they took wasn’t the same that my car had come from. Interception, thus became redundant. But then again, I got some network coverage within a while and contacted the driver who was seemingly on the other road. He would have taken time to reach us and thus the boys decided to drop me off in front of Dachigam (National Park). It was only later that I was able to understand why- The national park is a public place, has security, and is easy to find for any person. My safety was thus ensured even without me being aware of it.

As soon as we reached there, I thanked them for their kindness and urged that they continue their journey as I didn’t want to keep them from their plans. Honestly, not a single one of them moved until my car had arrived. Even during all the waiting, they didn’t make it feel like a burden. In addition to all their generosity, no one asked for my number (it is common to ask for a girl’s number even without mal-intentions, but, they didn’t). All this left me with utmost respect for them, for had I been elsewhere, of course I could have come across good people, but the course of actions and the sense of responsibility would have been on a lot different level.

Another example comes from a café near Badam Wari named PNG P8 café. I didn’t quite catch the name of its owner but he is mention-worthy. Life in Kashmir is difficult for the vegetarians and nothing out of the available things suited my appetite. I asked him if at least a Maggie can be arranged and he agreed without a blink. A quaint place it was, and I sat with my Maggie and chocolate shake, observing people. Meanwhile, a guy from Holland entered the café and the owner seemed to have made friends with him already. The guy now asked if he could borrow the owner’s bicycle. Tough choice to trust someone, yes, but he still lent it to him.

Such are the people of Kashmir, every single one, beautiful and unique in their own way. Friendly is not the correct word, for they are more than welcoming.

If planning a visit to Kashmir, don’t shy out due to all the news that you have been listening to. Go with an open heart and you will not be disappointed. No wonder Amir Khusrau has immortalized the land and its people by saying…

‘Gar firdaus bar–rue zamin ast, hami asto, hamin asto, hamin ast’

19-05-2022

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