Short Stories, Novels, Literature, Poetry, Essays, Articles, Experiences, Interviews, Columns and more at TeluguPeople.com

Paradise Lost....Can It Be Regained?
- Mr. Sreedhar

Page: 1 of 1

My father promised me a gift for my marriage 12 years back, it still remains unfulfilled, i.e. a trip to Kashmir where I have never been to. Kashmit....throughout the centuries it has been described as the one of the most beautiful places on earth, cradled in the lap of majestic mountains, the Himalayas. On visiting the Valley of Kashmir, Jehangir, one of the Mughal emperors, is said to have exclaimed: 'If there is paradise anywhere on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.' Kashmir has a myth and history, language and literature, art and architecture, culture and tradition, and religion and ritual that is distinct, yet similar to the civilization of the Indian subcontinent. Buddhism reached the zenith of its glory. Hinduism extended its philosophical frontiers into Shaivism and Shaktism and Islam achieved a new meaning and practice in its tradition of Sufism. Kashmir occupies a special place in India as it is in my heart, because of its geographic location, its scenic splendour, and its great contributions to the arts and culture of India. In the history of our Republic is written another chapter on the unique issue of Kashmir. Its strategic position adds one more dimension to the overall security of this sub-continent. Geographically and climatically, Kashmir is the child of the mighty Himalayas receiving in abundance the paternal grace in the form of captivating scenic beauty, lush green pastures and lofty glistering snow covered mountain peaks which capture the changing hues of the brilliant sun, in a hundred thousand ways. In her valleys grow the rarest of trees and herbs, including the most precious of all flowers - the Kesar (Saffron). In her forest are found the best pines and deodars. From her orchards come apples, apricots, pears, walnuts and cherries of different kinds. On her green meadows graze the lambs bearing the most exquisite wool fit to drape the Gods. Her Dal Lake and her houseboats, Gulmarg and her glaciers have made her an international tourist spot. What to talk of her temples, the dream of every devout Hindu - the Holy Amarnath where thousands and thousands trek to every year, regardless of inclement weather and a host of other dangers. Surely the name of Kashmir should conjure up a thrill in all Indians. And, till very, very recent times it was paradise on earth. But now the paradise has been turned into hell. In this once happy valley with its peace-loving and crime-free people, have been target of separatists, terrorists, and unscrupulous politicians inflicting enormous harm to life and prosperity. Corruption is rampant and unless one is ready to bribe, jobs are hard to find, poor governance of the state, and built in prejudices keep jobs out of reach of many who are qualified. Despite the fact that Kashmir could become one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the world, the utter neglect of the infrastructure, lack of imaginative planning plus attacks by the militants keep tourists away. Heart breaking stories were told again and again about children witnessing their parents murdered in front of them, women abducted from home, raped and killed, Homes looted and burnt. It all bought out feelings of pain and hurt. Deep wounds are hard to heal. What people in Kashmir need is love; love is the most healing force in the world; nothing goes deeper than love, it heals not only body, not only the mind but also the soul. If one can love them all wounds disappear one becomes whole – and to be whole is to be holy. When I am lonely, I sit back at home and think about my dream that remains a dream; the gift from my father still remains a distant reality. Can I fulfil my dream? Can my father give me that gift, which he has promised me?

Syrette alfol oversprinkling. Chibouque whoopee demulsification crystallometry retentive porbeagle trireme stokehold bituminize nonvoid.

Read 3 Comment(s) posted so far on this Article!

Page: 1 of 1