Birth; then after a few moments a close shave in the claws of death and yet again a Rebirth....
-And, Today I complete 19 years in exile from my homeland. I was born on the 13th day of April, back in 1989 in Rainawari in Srinagar [also known as the Venice of Kashmir]. A few months old in this world, I was forced to leave my land,at the gunpoint and fear of death. First Jammu and later New Delhi became the places I grew in,and received my primary education. My father, a political activist and a known bookseller in the valley, had to struggle to make ends meet. The scorching heat of Delhi was not the only adversity to be swallowed. Infact, it was the uncertainty of our future . His ill health during the time of these hardships only made matters worse, Yet, I managed to witness within him, a strong resolve to fight back.
-
Bullets continued to shudder in the valley and so did its innocent victims. As concrete lifeless structures came crashing down; the places of worship were not spared either. Devastation and destruction had reached its peak.
-
Jammu, to be precise, became a new ground zero with thousands of Pandits migrating and the Indian Government settling them in temporary camps. These camps still exist; only the asbestos sheets are a new addition making life worse then death. The poor inmates in these camps are moving on with life as it is; and the wrath of time continues to increase their suffering.
-
After these innumerable years, I still find it tough to think what lies ahead. I long for my homeland; I know. But, what lies ahead is a complicated mystery. It was just a passing thought, that resulted in this nostalgic post.
-
The pain and sickness of homelessness continues to throttle my mind. The life of a displaced continues into years unending; but my resolve to return to my lost childhood is alive.
-
I'm afraid if my valley would be the same ever again…
-
Would someone please get me my homeland, on my birthday .....?
9 comments:
Oopsie.... The last line is quite tricky.... And pray what will you do with it, assuming someone manages to gift it to you :)
The last two lines, together, are an oxymoron.
Earlier I used to think the same, but as I kept moving away from Kashmir geographically, the feeling obliterated.
And rhythma's question cant be answered without alluding to a utopian society.
For sure, there never existed a utopian society. But then, somewhere existed a happy home.
And the hope and actions ought to remain alive. Otherwise, few years down the line we might have to hear.. "KPs.who? There never existed such a communtity in Kashmir"
Life's like that...
kudos, aditya.i like the import of the line.May siva smile upon you..who knows? :)
btw...there's a another rebirth too, awakening to your larger self..its not only a great mystic purpose wired in your DNA..but also a great legacy which will help you get that gift together, for so many other's birthdays to light up ..one day..
i think so, where's the harm in daring to dream?
love, shailendra.
This looks like a great thing unfolding ....
frankly.life in the valley will never be the same again. its going to get worse...cause the political turmoil and the damage caused by the indifference of the entire country is irreparable,,,sorry for this pessimism but that is what i have percieved in all these years..idealism..utopia.....do not exist!!!
dnt knw wt will b the future of Kashmir, present its scary..But, difference can b made.. may b kashmir has a better future than present.. dont loose hope.. coz its we who can bring a change..
hopefully if not on ur 19th bday.. but yes in times ahead may b ur 50th bday,, ull get ur gift :)..
n aadi its very well written piece.. very touching
next birthday pe pakka hai....meanwhile, i will make plans to annex kashmir....:P
i know wat u feel as in some ways i too feel the same...tho i lived a bit longer in our hometown...
I pray ur wish is realised...
God Bless!
Post a Comment