Roots and Reflections - Exploring Ideas, Experiences and Wisdom

A 20th century Sufi known as Sheikh Muhammad Sultan used to live in a small village in Anantnag, the Kashmir valley called Hakura Badasgam. He has achieved miraculous status throughout the Kashmir area as well as outside of it as one of its prophets. Baba Sultan is classified as a Qalandar (one of 4 categories of Sufis). The Qalandars lived their lives wholly devoted to God by following Him alone and not following social customs (that is, the accepted rules of society) as a matter of course, except where doing so might violate the Shari'ah (that is, the universal law of God). (The differences in behaviour, dress, and objects carried by Qalandars has been used as an excuse to consider Qalandars to be separate from others.) There exists a considerable amount of literature concerning Qalandars in languages other than English such as Urdu (the principal native language of Pakistan), Persian (the principal native language of Iran), and Arabic (the principal native language of Saudi Arab...

Scholars from all parts of the world have taken note, while myriad individuals have also become admirers of Lalleshuri (Lal Ded) of Kashmir for her poetic works referred to as Vaakhs. These works are spontaneity expressed by an awakened Yogi, who produced exceptional works of poetry with a considerable philosophical depth, while at the same time sharing her insights into her own spiritual path with the reader. Many of her poems express her direct spiritual experiences through simple and easy-to-understand formats, as well as giving concise examples of Yoga principles that can be related to in day-to-day life. Lalleshuri provided access to her timeless spiritual wisdom in the language of everyday people through oral speaking; the impact of her oral expression carried on through the ages and was transmitted orally to future generations with virtually no change in the language or meaning of her works. Lalleshuri's Vaakhs are a comprehensive representation of the literary talent of a h...

Kimb: A Traditional Citrus Treasure of Jammu Kimb is basically a citrus fruit, it is also a medicinal treasure and an important food. For many generations, Kimb has been integral to the daily lifestyles of many of Jammu's citizens. The wide range of health benefits associated with Kimb, combined with its unique taste and fragrance, give this fruit local and global significance. Citrus medica (citron) is one of the oldest citrus trees that originated in the world; it is known as Kimb in Jammu and is considered to be one of the most ancient and traditional valued oranges in the world. Kimb is known for its distinctive scent, thick rind and different historical medicinal uses. Kimb (Citrus medica) is part of the Rutaceae Family and is considered by many to be one of the root species that gave rise to other modern day varieties of citrus fruit. The tree originally grew naturally at the base of the Himalayan Mountains, where it continues to play an important role in food, cooking, relig...

                       (Photo Source: Internet) Manasbal Lake is a picturesque freshwater body located to North of the beautiful Sind Valley of Kashmir and is surrounded by majestic hills and scenic beauty. It is the deepest of all freshwater lakes located in Safapora village in the Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir. Often referred to as the "Supreme gem of all the lakes of Kashmir", this Lake is an oasis of tranquillity for those who appreciate bird watching and have a great love for nature while visiting Manasbal Lake during the summertime when the lotuses bloom. The best time to visit Manasbal Lake is between May-October because the weather during this period is most favourable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Manasbal Lake can be reached easily by vehicle and is approximately 30 km from Srinagar city. The road leading to Manasbal Lake - the largest freshwater lake in Kashmir - passes directly through Wular Lake...

A Life of Compassion, Grace, and Enduring Legacy: The legacy of Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi is one of beauty, compassion, and integrity. Her personality was full of charm, a deep compassion for all people, and a desire to help those less fortunate through social service. The kindness she showed to the poor, widows, orphans, and those who were differently abled was genuine; it was not simply a charitable act, but rather a lifelong commitment on her part to assist those in need. Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi left us on 24 May 2009; this date will always be one of the saddest in the minds of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Nepal. The passing of Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi, who is the wife of Dr. Karan Singh, whom we honour with the title Padma Vibhushan, and a former Sadr-e Riyasat of Jammu & Kashmir, marked the end of the physical life of a person who brought great joy to many. As we remember her life and legacy today on the anniversary of her passing, we celebrate the ...

The Three Chillas: Degrees of Cold and Human Endurance:  The terms "Chilla Bacha" and "Chilla Khurd" refer to very cold weather conditions, however these time periods are more likely to represent mud, dirt, intensily cold mud than Siberian climates. In addition, "Chilla Kalan" is cold and vicious, it will freeze you out of your bones and make you shiver both in day time and in night. It is a beautiful sight to look up at a night in "Chilla Kalan", a shiny, moonlit night that is "glaciating" but is a contrast of the stars too, an oxymoron in itself. The mad trees of Poplar, Chinar and Willow are full of icicles around, casting huge shadows on the ground. Witching hours are blanketed with frost so that the tail (and nuts of a brass monkey) freeze and make animal life invisible. No creature will rest anywhere on the stripped icy branches of the trees during the witching hour. Once in a poppy's lifetime (or a coon) will the insanity and...

Commemorating Maharaja Hari Singh and Revisiting Dogra Origins: Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, the last Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, celebrated and commemorated his 130th birthday anniversary in a grand fashion across the Jammu region on 23rd September, rising chants of Dogras' pride and heritage. During this celebratory atmosphere, we are led back to Raja Heera Singh; the young wazir who with his intense ambition formed the very foundation of the Dogra Empire. Heera Singh, the elder son of Dhian Singh was born in 1816 in the town of Ramgarh, in the Samba District, during the reign of Maharaja Ranijt Singh Ji, and was very closely associated with him as a result of his father being a former Prime Minister of Punjab, and working alongside Gulab Singh Ji and Suchet Singh Ji to secure and maintain the supremacy of the Punjab Durbar throughout Jammu, Kashmir and the remote regions of the Himalayan areas. Realising Heera Singh's close association with his father, and hence his connect...

Early Life and Academic Beginnings: Professor Nilambar Dev Sharma was born on 6th October 1931, into a top-ranking upper middle-class Dogra Brahmin family. He was the son of Pt. Madan Mohan Sharma; he was a well-known Sanskrit scholar and Jyotshi from Malhotra Street in Jammu, and his reputation reached far into Northern India. Professor Sharma completed his undergraduate degree at Jammu & Kashmir Universitye in 1949-50. During his time at university, he was involved with many activities related to students and was a member of the Student Union. This made him one of the most popular students on campus. Ved Bhasin, Balraj Puri and Ved Pal Deep were Professor Sharma’s closest friends while studying at university and were all considered highly regarded student leaders of that era. Student Leadership and Lifelong Friendships: The lifetime friendship formed between four young men has endured forever. The four of them ultimately became the intellectual front-runners of Jammu. In terms of...

                        (Photo Source: Internet) Early Life and childhood days: The ‘He Man of Cinema’, commonly referred to Dharmendra who passed away after a brief illness at the age of 89 years leaving behind a big legacy for Indian cinema and the nation. The, legendry actor Dharmendra who is called the "He -Man of cinema’’ or ‘’Bollywood’s He-Man’’ for his action-hero image and his career in Indian cinema. The Indian actor, producer, and politician was known for his versatility, starring in over 300 films across a six -decade career. He was celebrated for combining a strong on-screen persona with a romantic and comedic flair. Born Dharmendra Krishen Deol in India’s northern state of Punjab in 1935, he grew up in a farming family and moved to Mumbai in the late 1950’s, making his Bollywood debut  in 1960. Over a career spanning six decades ,he acted in more than 300 films. In 2012, Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Bhush...

Professor Hamidi Kashmiri is recognized as one of the leading scholars, poets, and critics of Urdu literature and Kashmiri literature. He hailed from Bohri Kadal in Srinagar, where he was born in the year 1932 and his story from an eager student to a towering figure in literature is one of sincerity, intelligence and commitment to literature. After getting his initial education in S.P. College, Srinagar, he passionately pursued higher education. He completed his M.A. in Urdu in 1958 from Punjab University and went on to complete a Ph.D. in Urdu with a remarkable dissertation titled "Jadeed Urdu Nazm aur Europee Asraat," which was about modern Urdu poetry and European influences. This monumental research became published later on and was celebrated for its originality and depth. A Distinguished Academic and Cultural Visionary Professor Hamidi's illustrious career commenced with S.P. College, followed by his appointment as Assistant Secretary at the Jammu & Kashmir Acad...

Early Life and Childhood days:- Zinda Kaul, a prominent literary figure in Kashmiri literature, is lovingly referred to as "Masterji" by both students and friends. He was born in August 1884 in Habbakadal, a neighborhood in Srinagar, with a Kashmiri Pandit background and a difficult childhood. His father, Lakshman Pandit, seemed indifferent to Kaul's schooling, so he self-educated out of sheer will. The struggles he faced as a young man deepened Kaul's commitment to self-education and expressing his thoughts through language and poetry. Kaul's first profession was a school teacher, where he earned the respect and admiration of his students, who fondly referred to him as "Masterji," a name that stayed with him throughout his life. Kaul's years of teaching were formative in developing his character and literary sensibility. He was remarkably connected to his students, and he had a rare insight into human nature and its sentiments through his relationsh...

                      (Photo courtesy: Internet) Kundan Lal Saigal - affectionately recognized for generations as K. L. Saigal - is, without question, an everlasting name in India’s film and music history. Acknowledged as the first superstar of the Hindi film industry, K. L. Saigal, by way of life, was nothing but a combination of devotion, toil, and timeless artistry. The Jammuities felt proud that this great personality belonged to the temple city of Jammu, steeped in spirituality and tradition. While destiny later transported him to Calcutta, now Kolkata for the Indian film industry, his roots remained indelibly planted in Jammu and Kashmir's cultural soil. Born on April 11, 1904, into a Punjabi household, Kundan Lal Saigal received a unique combination of discipline and dedication from his family. His father, Amar Chand Saigal, was a Tehsildar in the court of Maharaja Pratap Singh of Jammu and Kashmir, a position of considerable...

In the history of Jammu and Kashmir’s intellectual and scientific progress, few names command the same respect and admiration as Professor Yog Raj Malhotra. A true son of the soil, he was born in Baramulla to Janaki and Rugh Nath Malhotra, the latter serving as a distinguished officer in the Provincial Forest Services during the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh and continuing his service after independence. From these humble yet intellectually rich beginnings, Professor Malhotra’s life became a story of brilliance, leadership, and unwavering dedication to education and research that transformed the academic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. His early education was spread across some of the finest institutions of the region. He began his schooling at Presentation Convent and Haddow Memorial School (now Tyndale Biscoe) in Srinagar, later studying at Government High School Muzaffarabad and CMS Anantnag. After matriculation, his academic journey led him to the Prince of Wales College, now known ...