RAJ BEGUM (MELODIOUS KASHMIRI SINGER KNOWN AS RESHMA OF KASHMIR ), IS CONFERRED PRESTIGIOUS SANGEET NATAK ACADEMY PURUSKAAR 2013.

                                                                

 RAJ BEGUM  MELODIOUS  KASHMIRI SINGER IS CONFERRED  PRESTIGIOUS  SANGEET NATAK ACADEMY PURUSKAAR 2013....

I am happy to hear that  Raj Begum ( Born 1927 ) has been conferred the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy Puruskar 2013. It is the highest recognition given to practicing  Artists in the fields of  Drama ,Music and Dance .

 With her captivating voice , this 86 years old  living legend has enthralled kashmiris  within and outside the state  . She has sung almost all prominent  poets of kashmir .Her solo songs  , Duets , Group songs  are a heritage  treasure .  From a Wedding singer, she rose to become an Icon of Culture and Music in Kashmir. Not songs , She sang the culture of Kashmir  and   regaled generations of kashmiris  .

I have known her since 1979. She would come for Banking related work to our Bank only.  She gave enormous respect my immediate Boss and saintly person  late Shamboo Nath Kaul ( From Bandipore kashmir ) with whom she confided almost every financial secret of her family. And this pious man never shared anything with any person . And one day he told me

“ If I am not in the Bank  and Raj Begum comes for any work, Treat her like my sister and  Help her .Sarswati flows through her mouth . ”

I did follow late Shamboo Nath Ji’s words .

 Lately During  my  Posting as Chief , Retail Banking  Hub Kashmir Valley  ,  I was happy to see  that Raj Begum had her pension account with our Bank only. I met her three four  times later as and when she would come to draw her pension.

As and when she came to the bank  , she would sit for some time . She  also appeared to be a little withdrawn . About the new generation of singers she said

“I am     happy  to  see  them around as some of them are  quite talented and  sing well.  I am  equally   pained  to find that  this young generation has no knowledge of good  kashmiri poetry and traditional kashmiri Instruments  .”

 About  this award  to Raj Begum Prof Jaya Parimu adds

“ She deserved this award. She is the RESHMA of kashmiri light Music ”

Waheed Jeelani ,Noted singer from Kashmir adds

 “She is an institution and inspiration too. She is melody queen of Kashmir...she should have been honored by this award long before.... congratulations to her from the core of my heart...”

 And once I asked her about Kashmiri Musician  Late Mohan Lal Aima . Pat came the reply

“ Tamiss Aissin Swarguss Munz Jaai. Gaash Ta Bahaar Aissinuss Taati . Tyoothh Zaanavoal Kattie Anoann.  Khudaa Zaanie  Kattie Anoakh Tim Swargvaasi ?  ”

“ Let his abode be in the Swarga ( Heaven ) !Let there be light and spring season in that Swarga( Heaven ) !Where can we get learned men like him ? God knows where from we shall get men like him now .”

Saying so she wiped tears from her  eyes and asked for a glass of water. She was not well. I also noticed that she was on some medicines . May she live long  and be healthy .She is one amongst some surviving stars on the cultural  horizon of Kashmir . A star that shines for all. A star that twinkles hope in our minds .

 I end this brief post with lines from a kshmiri Gazal  of poet  Rasa Javidaani  sung soulfully by Raj Begum…

Masharaavthuss janaana Tche Kurr yaad Peymoy Baa,

Chhukh Az wafaa begaan Tche Kurr Yaad Peymoy Baa.

Raadhaaiy Jigruss Kaan Taarith Baal maarith Guvv,

Goopaal Krishen Kaanhaa Tse Kurr Yaad Peymoy Baa.

( Rasa Javidaani )

Love ! wilfully you have kept me away !

when Shall you  remember me !

You who plays stranger to Love ,

when Shall you  remember me !

Piercing arrow in Radha’s tender heart,

you move playfully away.

O Gopaala ! O Krishna !O Kaanhaa !

when Shall you   remember me !.  

( Autar Mota 05.12.2013 )

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DO NOT BE AFRAID , DO NOT TOLERATE AND NEVER IGNORE ….

                                                                       

*Photo source .( see Foot Note )

DO NOT BE AFRAID , DO NOT TOLERATE  AND NEVER  IGNORE ….

Long Back a Drunken employee, physically assaulted a very senior , Honest and courageous officer of his Bank at a function organized in a Hotel. Such physical Assaults outside the work premises were not uncommon in industrial undertakings . Most of them went unreported .  But In the aforesaid  case , the bank decided to create a history .A sheer misbehavior and physical assault under the influence of liquor was dealt under the provisions of Bipartite Settlement applicable in Banks and the employee was dismissed after the conclusion of a proper Departmental Inquiry .Aggrieved with this punishment , the employee approached a Court wherefrom he got the relief of getting his dismissal quashed on the ground that the misbehavior had taken place in a Hotel and not inside the Bank premises or at the working place . The court rightly held that the provisions of the Bipartite Settlement were applicable to misbehaving employees provided it had taken place inside the Bank premises . Aggrieved with the Judgment of the court, the bank approached High Court  where  from a clear direction emerged . It took the bank about 3 years to prove that the Venue ( Hotel ) engaged for the Bank function was an extension of Bank premises in absence of any defined provision in the Bipartite settlement .I quote the operative PARA

“ After careful scrutiny of records and the provisions of the Bipartite Settlements of the Bank, this court  has come to the conclusion that the Hotel in the instant case is an extension of Premises . Since the Bank has paid rent for the official function and only Bank Employees and the customers have come for Business Development Function , Every statute , ruling ,Paras of Bipartite Settlement governing Misbehavior inside the Bank premises applies to the Hotel premises taken on rent for a Business development function by the Bank . Hence the action of the bank in dismissing the employee after proper inquiry is lawful and Justified .”

The order of the lower court was accordingly set aside and the punishment granted by the Bank was restored. The message was clear and loud . Misbehavior in the shape of physical assault outside the premises was also punishable .I hardly heard any such instance of physical assault or gross misbehavior by employees outside premises at least in Banking Industry .

I have Quoted this Judgment to bring home a point which our sisters , Daughters and women folk need to know in respect of Sexual Harassment at Work place. The recent  incident involving Tarun Tejpal   and many more such incidents  establish that sexual Harassment of women at work place is a serious problem in the country . Had not the work place been broadly defined by the new provisions , the victim of the  Tarun Tejpal incident needed to fight a long legal battle to establish that the Goa Hotel or its lift was also an extension of work place .

The Sexual harassment Act of 2013 ( Which also incorporates 1997 Vishaka case Guidelines of supreme court on this aspect ) goes heavily in favour of working women as working place now means actual work place or Inside the bus taken to go to work place or for returning from the work place and any extension of work place ( As in the Bank case cited above ).

As per The Sexual Harassment Act of 2013 ,Sexual harassment also includes

(a)        Explicit or Implied promise of preferential Treatment in employment on account of a sexual favour .

(b)        Explicit or Implied threat of detrimental Treatment in employment on account of a denial of sexual favour.

(c)        Humiliating treatment that affect her work.

(d)        Intimidation at work.

(e)        Physical contact and advances .

(f)        Sexually coloured remarks .

(g)        Showing pornographic material/ Literature .

(h)        Any Verbal conduct of sexual nature.

SO .

(1 )KNOW WHAT CONSTITUTES SEXUAL HAREASSMENT AT WORK PLACE UNDER THE NEW LAW.

(2) NEVER BE AFRAID OF REPORTING ANY IMPROPER BEHAVIOUR . DO NOT FEAR, BEAR OR IGNORE .MANY A COLOSSAL STRUCTURES HAVE CRUMBLED TO DUST UNDER A SMALL BUT TRUTHFUL COMPLAINT FROM AN AGGRIEVED  WOMAN .

(3) DEMAND COMPLAINT REDRESSAL MACHINERY IN YOUR ORGANIZATION . IT IS MANADATORY AS PER SUPREME COURT GUIDELINES .SEEK DETAILS OF THE MEMBERS . AS PER GUIDELINES THE COMMITTEE MUST BE CHAIRED BY A WOMAN AND MUST HAVE A CIVIL SOCIETY REPRESENTATIVE. AT LEAST HALF OF THE MEMBERS OF THIS COMMITTEE SHOULD BE WOMEN . THIS IS APPLICABLE TO ALL ORGANIZATIONS , REGISTERED UNDERTAKINGS ,POLITICAL PARTIES , NGOs AND TRUSTS .

(4) KNOW THAT THE EMPLOYER WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH NEW PROVISIONS FACES A PENALITY OF RS 50,000/= ON ACCOUNT OF FIRST OFFENCE AND DOUBLE THE AMOUNT ON SECOND OFFENCE OR THEREAFTER. .THE LICENSE TO OPERATE CAN ALSO BE WITHDRAWN FOR REPEATED VIOLATIONS OF THE REVISED GUIDELINES .

(5 ) DISCLOSURE OF THE NAME OF THE COMPLAINANT BY ANY PERSON OR ORGANIZATION OR COMMITTEE OR A MEMBER SHALL ATTRACT ACTION UNDER THE NEW GUIDELINES . YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO PRIVACY AS WELL.

DO THESE LATEST GUIDELINES NEED ANY FURTHER AMMENDMENT ?

Yes I do believe that some amendments need to be made to the provisions . My suggestions are as under :-

(1 )I think the room for conciliation needs to be scrapped in the New Provisions . This appears to be a little detrimental to the interests of the Women .  Recently we came across an incident wherein a Member of parliament  from Kerala  went Scot free for his  alleged Misbehavior with an  Actress  in a function . The actress was made to withdraw her complaint after what was called a public apology from the MP. She had to approach a police station as the Political Party to which the MP belonged had not constituted any committee as per Supreme Court guidelines for redressal of complaints with regard to Sexual Harassment at Work. I doubt whether political parties across the country comply with the new provisions of supreme Court Guidelines .

(2 ) I believe guidelines with regard to the display of statutory notice boards ( as to what constitutes Sexual harassment and the punishments thereof as also the names of Grievance Redressal committee members and their addresses ) are still not complied with in most of the organizations . A statute needs to be created for punishments and fines for Non display . The display of these boards at work places shall not only help in warding off culprits but also in informing and educating women employees as also in enthusing confidence amongst them for reporting acts of Sexual Harassment .

(3 ) Where the employee is forced to go to a police station ( for lodging her complaint) on account of Non existence of the Grievance Redressal Machinery in her organization for acts of sexual misbehavior with her , the fine of rupees fifty thousands should go to the aggrieved employee only .

(4 ) Government must also create a  robust Monitoring apparatus at National / Apex level as also at state level to monitor the disposal of complaints by women employees to their employers . This apparatus should have powers to deal with recalcitrant organizations . The law provides punishments like withholding promotion ,transfer and termination to be awarded to culprits by the Grievance Redressal committee. Are these awarded ?

And Surprisingly, It is Manu only who is vociferous on punishing Culprits who are unjust to women. I quote Manusmriti ..

“ The gods, the Danavas, the Gandharvas, the Rakshasas, the bird and snake deities even give the enjoyments due from them only, if they are tormented by the fear of punishment.”

( Chapter VII canto 23 )

“ The whole world is kept in order by punishment, for a guiltless man is hard to find; through fear of punishment the whole world yields the enjoyments which it owes.”

( Chapter VII canto 22 )

“ They declare that king to be a just inflicter of punishment, who is truthful, who acts after due consideration, who is wise, and who knows (the respective value of) virtue, pleasure and wealth.. . A king who properly inflicts (punishment), prospers with respect to (those) three (means of happiness); but he who is voluptuous, partial, and deceitful will be destroyed, even through the (unjust) punishment (which he inflicts ).”

( Chapter VII canto 26 and 27 )

“Offering presents to a woman, romping with her, touching her ornaments and dress, sitting with her on a bed, all (these acts) are considered adulterous acts (samgrahana).”

( Chapter VIII canto 357 )

“. Those who rape or molest women or incite them into adultery should be given harshest punishment that creates fear among others to even think of such a crime.”

(Chapter VIII canto 352)

“ Be it the father, mother, teacher, friend, wife, son or priest, one who conducts a crime is punishable by the ruler.”

(Chapter VIII canto 335)

I end this post with lines from a poem of urdu poet Sahir Ludhianavi appearing in his Book Talkhiyaan..

Madad chaahati hai ye hava ki Beti

Yashodaa ki ham_jins Radha ki Beti

Payambar ki ummat zulekhaa ki Beti

Sanakhwaan e Taqdees e Mashriq Kahaan hain?

Jinhe Naaz hai hind par Woh kahan hain ?…………………………

( Sahir Ludhianavi )

I have also rendered the above lines to simple English as under ..

“ Help ! ” cries this daughter of EVE ,

The like of Yashoda ! A Daughter of Radha !

From Prophet’s progeny ! A daughter of Zuleikha !

Where are you ? O you who cry loud about the purity of east ?

Where are you ? You who feel proud of the ways of the orient ?

( Autar Mota 04.12.2013 )

PS

( This is not my Photograph  . I need to thank the person who has clicked it and uploaded it on internet. I do not know the source or his name  so that i could  thank him personally . I assure the uploader that the photograph shall not be used for any commercial purposes .I am using it for a very very noble cause. )

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" ALWAYS SAY WORD PEACE THREE TIMES" . WHY?

                                                                                 

A   “ HOMA   KUND ” FOR  A  HAWAN OR  HOMA OR YAJNA OR AGNIHOTRA   BEING PERFORMED BY A KASHMIRI PANDIT FAMILY . THIS IS PURELY A VEDIC PRACTICE.

( Photo Autar Mota )

 A consecrated fire is the central element of every Homa. At the end of every Homa , Kashmiri Pandits also  recite the word SHANTI  three times. Why ?

Those who have studied in DAV institutions shall never forget this Vedic Mantra

“ Om Dyauh Shaantir-Antarikssam Shaantih

Prthivii Shaantir-Aapah Shaantir-Ossadhayah Shaantih |

Vanaspatayah Shaantir-Vishve-Devaah Shaantir-Brahma Shaantih

Sarvam Shaantih Shaantireva Shaantih Saa Maa Shaantir-Edhi |

Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih || ”

Meaning:

1: Om, May there be Peace in Heaven, May there be Peace in the Sky,

2: May there be Peace on the Earth, May there be Peace in the Water, May there be Peace in the Plants,

3: May there be Peace in the Trees, May there be Peace in the Gods in the various Worlds, May there be Peace in the universe ,

4: May there be Peace in All, May there be Peace Indeed within Peace, Giving Me the Peace which Grows within Me,

5: Om, Peace, Peace, Peace.

We were made to recite it every day in our school. . I could partly understand its meaning but as I  grew  , I sought complete meaning of this Amazing Vedic  Mantra from various sources .

Peace is the basic cry of human  beings . Peace is the faith of a civilized society . Peace helps children smile, flowers open their petals  , Birds  sit on branches  and life move forward in cheerfulness . It does not create scars or wounds .  It is like the Dawn that  softly opens the world of grace and beauty before us. To invoke peace we keep  chanting  special  prayers or Mantras .

Peace is  also the innermost  philosophy of Bible and Quran. The great French writer  Albert Camus once said ..

“Peace is the only battle worth waging.”

 We always say   Shanti ( Peace ) Shanti ( Peace ) Shanti ( Peace ) Three times .  Why ?

 See  what Pandit Rugh Nath Kukiloo ( 1911-1997 ) ,popularly known as Baigaash , A Shaiva Scholar , Saint and  Astrologer  from Kashmir has to say on this issue.

“ During Vedic Civilization , man treated  plants , animals and human beings  as  three components  of a family of living creatures . Those who have studied VEDAS  know how much care and good wishes some Mantras contain for these  three kingdoms of life . So when we say Shanti  thrice, we wish peace to all the three kingdoms . At the end of every Homa or religious ceremony or Puja  , We must invoke peace for mankind , Plants and Animal kingdom and conclude it with reciting  Shanti, Shanti and Shanti …

There is another reason for reciting Shanti three times . Look !Our problems in this world originate from three sources ,

1 The Unseen Divine sources ..Like Tremors  , Floods and so many other   natural disasters  upon which we do not have any  control.

2 The Known sources .. . Like Crime, Contamination and Accidents etc.

3 Our own self..   These spring from our own self or  from our minds . Like Anger, Greed and Jealousy etc.

And when we say Shanti ,Shanti and Shanti, we actually wish peace and wish that   no  problems should arise for us  from these three sources  . Say Shanti   Louder in the first instance . This is for the unseen forces . Next time say it in a soft tone . This is for our known sources . And at last Shanti  should be said  in a feeble voice . This is for our own self. You hardly need to cry to communicate with your own self. ”

( Autar Mota 04.12.2013 )

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KASHMIRI HUMOUR POET :MAKHAN LAL KOUL 'MAHAV'

                                                                                       

KASHMIRI HUMOUR POET LATE MAKHAN LAL MAHAV...

Sometime around 1978 or 1979 ( I am not sure ) i accompanied some officials from the Bank who wanted to meet Shri Nand Lal Wattal the then Editor Daily Khidmat ( Urdu Newspaper published from Srinagar ). Khidmat had its office in a building that was very close to Hotel PAMPOSH near Jhelum Bund . It could be approached properly from Regal cinema lane or from a small Gate which opened on Jhelum Bund Walkway. We went by Jhelum Bund gate . Sometimes you prefer to enter some building or house from emergency exit or backdoors. And that gives you a choice of avoiding queries from familiar faces and onlookers at the main entrance .

After leaving Wattal sahib’s room , we came across kashmiri Humour poet Late Makhan Lal Mahav. He was walking with a bundle of English Newspapers in his hand . He too worked for Khidmat Newspaper and would translate News / Features from National papers for publication in Khidmat. He was sharp and knew many languages that included Sanskrit , Persian , Urdu , Hindi and English . He would tell anecdotes of his association with Arya samaj which had influenced him in his youth .His satire was incisive .

He was known to all of us as he used to come to the bank and entertain some select employees with his poetry . He took  us inside his room and said ..

“ Valaa sa Autar ji Beh dama Ta gutch Faizyaab Myaani qalaam saaet .Myaani checki Maa Aayi Pounsa .Chaay Tcheyivaa. Kyaa Booziv . Teiz kina Naram”

“ Come Autar Ji Sit for a moment and be benefited from my poetic largesse . Has the bank received the payment for my Cheque under collection? What shall you listen ? Light or spicy ?”

I wanted to rush back to office as some serious official work was pending for my attention. He insisted that we should sit for five minutes and so we did.

He informed that he had written a long poem in the shape of a dialogue between two lovers . The male is bald and the female calls him “Khareyaa ” Upon this the male clarifies his status that he is a bald not a khoarr . And he said something like this

“ *Khaaer Gayee Alagh ta Alagh ha Guvv **Traam Nigaaro

Kharrie Rathha kashuun Ta Traam chhuyee Aaraam Nigaaro

Traamus Anaan chamak me vuchhuaai teelvaarie Teel

Kharrie Kyaa karrieuss ha Rogan e Badaam Nigaaro ...”

( Makhan Lal Mahav )

“ *Khaaer is one thing and Baldness is another thing my Love!

Khaaer is bleeding and itching and Baldness is a comfort love !

The bald shines even with oil taken from the kitchen oil pot.

What can expensive Almond oil do to a person suffering from “khaaer” ?

Another couplet that I heard from him reflects the sad state of poverty in kashmiri households.  As far as I remember ,the couplet goes as under

Ganaiyuss Voazum Hyaathh aayee ***Lakshmishori sienn Paaav

Chhakkie Russ Addein ta Roazi Addien sienn Falietch Graav

( Makhan lal Mahav )

Look ! Lakshmishori has brought 250gms of mutton from the butcher on credit ,

To some family member she shall now feed the gravy

 While others shall complain that they were not given a piece of mutton….

His popular kashmiri poem  " The poet and his wife" goes as under …

POOR POET'S WIFE SAYS TO HER HUSBAND

"DOOB DAAS GOYEE ATHH  SHAAYIRI ,

KATH  CHHUKH  KALAM  KAAKUD  RATITH .

VAI  GOAM  MOQLITHH  KYAAH  DIMAAI,

TSE  TE  BEYII  SHUREIN  PAANTCHAN  RANITHH .

CHHUKH   HAARISAATUN  PANINEIN

SAETEIN  KUTHISS  ANDHER BIHITHH

GHAR  BAAR  CHHUYEE   GOMUTHH   MASHITHH

ZUNN  CHHEIYI  SHARAM  KHEIMUTCH  KANEITHH

WOTHH   NEIR   BAAZUR  JAL   PAHHUN

DIM  TOMULAA   TRUKH  DAAH  BAAH ANITHH "

POET RETORTS BACK

"KYAAH  GOYEE  DEMAAGAI   DOAL- THHUUM ,

PUR  PUR  KARITHH  PUR  PUR  KARITHH .

TSUNTHUM ME AKH ZAAVUEL TE BEI

AAVUEL   KHAYALAA   RAAVARITHH .

GHAM  CHHUM  SEUTHAA   KITHH   KANEI   HEIKEM

BEYII  YUTHH   KHAYALAA  VANEI   VUZITHH .

VINEI   KATHH   LAJIY T OMLUCH   FIKIR ,

VIN  AAOY  ZUNN  SORUY  VOTHITHH .

VOTHH  GUTCHH   DAFAA   KUTH   AAYHUM

HALKAAREI   HUNEYAA    HISH   BANITHH .

( Makhan Lal Mahav )

The poor poet's wife says to her husband

"Hell with your poetry ,

You simply waste ink and paper .

There are no food grains in the kitchen,

what shall i cook for you and your five children?

Ever Busy in your own world ,

come out of the room now .

Oblivious of your family responsibilities ,

what has this poetry given you ?

Feel ashamed of your deeds now .

Get up and go to the market

buy me immediately 10 or 12 kgs of rice ."

The poet retorts back

"What has happened to you ,

You have disturbed the peace of my mind.

You foolish women !

you made me to lose an excellent idea for the poem.

Worried am i now ,

How shall i recollect the same ?

what the hell you remember rice at this moment?

Why you vomit when good ideas come to my mind .

Get lost . Don't ever come again

near me you Rabid bitch."

Anybody who was somebody in Bureaucracy,  Media, Politics  and other professions  knew him and  listened to his Poetry . Some took  him to Ahdoo’s Hotel and relished his poetry with Kebabs  and Tea.  Sometimes he would be seen in coffee house and    Kailsh Cafeteria Amirakadal .His friends and   admirers  who enjoyed his  Humour poems   failed to  see the shadows of want and need looming  large in his personal life.  None came to his rescue on this front.

Some well wishers also  advised him  to stop writing  poetry altogether and focus on serious work especially journalism .He was quite capable for that but circumstances forced him to remain complacent with his insufficient earnings from  Khidmat Newspaper  .

 Poetry apart, He was sincere and honest to the core.    

( Autar Mota.... 3.12.2013 )

PS

1 *Khaaer is a disease of hair scalp which manifests itself with red crusted swelling accompanied by itching and occasional bleeding .Khareyaa or Khoarr is used for the person who has this scalp disease ..Kharu is a common caste  amongst Hindu  and Muslims  of  kashmir.

2 ** Traam literally means copper . In kashmiri language it is satirically used for Baldness .

 3 ***Lakshmishori used to be a popular   name amongst  Kashmiri Pandit women .

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NAARIBANDH ( MAULI ) CONTINUES TO REMAIN WITH KASHMIRI PANDITS

                                                                                   

NAARIBANDH CONTINUES TO REMAIN WITH KASHMIRI PANDITS .

Photo Autar Mota November 2013.

It is a practice that has come to stay with Kashmiri Pandits since many centuries and its roots can be traced to VEDIC civilization..

A red thread known as Naaribandh in kashmiri is tied to the wrist in   a religious ceremony . The thread is tied on the right hand by males and unmarried females while married females tie it on their left hand .

Beyond this I need to quote Saint and Shaiva Scholar Pandit Rugh Nath Kukoloo ( 1911 -1997 ) affectionately known as Baigaash . Always sending positive vibrations , his smiling demeanor would attract one and all irrespective of caste ,creed , colour or religion. Baaigash was a scholar and accomplished astrologer . See What has to say about Naaribandh..

  

“ Naaribandh or Mauli is tied to invoke the blessings . Since Mantra recitation has a direct effect on this thread , it is also useful to ward off evil from a person who wears it. It also protects the person who wears it from ailment ,opponents and threats . The Naribandh has some knots ( Generally 3 or 5 or 7  )on its length that hold the spiritual powers. Never come out from a Puja , a Homa or a Religious ceremony without a Naaribandh . You carry no positive vibrations for your mind . And above all it should be tied by the priest who is attending the Puja or Homa .Never yourself and never by a person who did not sit in the puja or Homa .

A Naaribandh also carries the blessings of Trideva and Tridevis ( Brahma , Vishnu , Mahesha , Lakshmi , Sarswati and Durga ). Brahma creates new positive thoughts in our mind , Vishnu protects these thoughts for us and Shiva destroys all bad and negative thoughts . Sarsawati gives us knowledge , lakshmi brings wealth while Durga gives us Power and energy . So Keep a Naaribandh tied to your hand till you tie a new one in some other Religious Ceremony. It should not be thrown in Dustbins or on Roads . Best way to dispose off a used Naaribandh is to consign it to Vedic elements like fire or water . I would suggest fire only.” 

(Autar Mota 29.11.2013 )

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DR.VED KUMARI GHAI :SCHOLAR EXTRAORDINARY FROM JAMMU AND KASHMIR STATE

                                                                                

Jammu 28.11.2013.

( L to R Nida Nawaz Hindi poet from Kashmir, Dr Ved Kumari Ghai and Autar Mota )

Dr Ved Kumari Ghai ( Born 1932 )

( MA Sanskrit , MA Ancient Indian History And Literature , Doctorate in Sanskrit , Diploma in German and Danish languages )

SCHOLAR EXTRAORDINARY .

Kashmiris in Particular remain indebted to her for her scholarly Translation of Neelmat Purana ( 2 Volumes ) to English and kashmiri Poet Rajanka Ratankantha’s SURYASHATKAM ( 100 shlokas in praise of Sun God ) to English from a Sharda Manuscript .

Dr Ghai has also authored Books like Kashmir Darpan, Narendra-Darpan and Kashmir ka Sanskrit Sahitya ko Yogdaan ( Kashmir’s contribution to Sanskrit literature) . Together With her scholarly husband Prof . Ram Pratap , she has co authored books like Urmika ( a collection of Sanskrit poems ) , Mere Geet Tumhaaray hain ( Hindi ), Rajendra-karnpur,Bhallat-shatak and Sanskrit Sahitya Aur Nibhandh . Her scholarly book “Studies in Phonetics and phonology “ has been widely appreciated and well received. .

                                                                          

Dr Ghai has also Authored innumerable scholarly papers on Ancient Indian History and Culture and helped at least two  generations of writers with her knowledge and erudition. Dr.Ghai has been abroad several times in connection with academic assignments.

She is former Head, PG Sanskrit Department, University of Jammu and has bag full of awards and honours. She is presently chairperson of Gandhi Sewa Sadan, Vasudev Katumbkam Welfare Society, Member of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and associated with a number of literary and social organizations.

And In addition to teaching and research work at Jammu University, till her retirement in December, 1991, Dr Ghai has also taught Panini’s grammar and Sanskrit literature at the Institute of Indian Studies, Copenhagen University, Denmark (1966-67 and 1978-80).She lives at Trikuta Nagar in Jammu city .

It was a pleasure to listen to her today in a seminar and interact with her in presence of young poets / writers which included Prof. Aruna sharma , Shri Agnishekhar, Sheikh Mohd Kalyan , Nida Nawaz ,Maharaj Krishen Santoshi and Punjabi writer Dr Baljit Raina . I salute  her clarity of thought and erudite conceptual frame work . A very polite lady who is firm and clear in her elocution. A Padamshri is long overdue to her . So do i believe. 

“Yes I have been able to locate some more manuscripts out of which two have been written by of Rajanka Ratankantha the kashmiri Sanskrit Poet . I look forward to translate them. With these translations , another aspect of Kashmir’s contribution to Indian thought and the richness of its past culture shall emerge to readers . ”

                                                                        

A moment of great privilege for me  to interact with this living legend..May she  live long and continue  doing her great work......

( Autar Mota 28.11.2013 )

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UMESH KAUL : VERSATILE SHORT STORY WRITER FROM KASHMIR

                                                                           

Umesh Kaul ( Born 1934 ) is a forgotten short story writer from Kashmir .  Born in Sopore  Kashmir , Umesh kaul used to write in Hindi and Urdu  before he switched over to Kashmiri . His first kashmiri  story Ad Kathh ( Half story  ) was published in kashmiri Magzine KONG POSH in 1955.  His    stories like Duwoat and Dil are a proof of his dexterity in understanding Human relations. He belonged to  a select   group of Modern writers  who were influenced by  European short story writers . This group comprised of   Akhtar Mohi Ud din , Hriday Kaul Bharti, Ali Mohd Lone , Bansi Nirdosh , Amin Kamil , Deepak Kaul , Avtar Krishen Rehbar , Taj Begum Renzoo , Rattan lal Shant , Hari krishen kaul and many more . Later many writers  including   Faruq Masudi also joined this group of Modern  kashmiri short story writers . Some amongst them also  wrote plays on contemporary and socially relevant themes.

Sometimes you find him present in his stories  and quite often his language turns romantic . To some readers   his stories appear like  flower beds  of emotions.  However  his two stories namely Ada Kathh ( Half story ) and Akh Devta Ta Akh Raakheuss ( One god and one Devil ) bring forth all the essential characteristics of   his style and language  . In a way both are his representative Stories .

Umesh ji also wrote script for some Kashmiri Language  documentaries  for Information And Broadcasting  Ministry 

Adds  Prof. Nighat Hafiz from kashmir 

“Physically a tiny structure mentally as alert as ever, a gem of a person as I knew him. Docile, soft spoken and decent to talk to, he would make a difference while walking through corridors of Radio Kashmir's Srinagar station...People would start calling him from every corner and ask for help. My salutes for all the respect he showered on me while working with him.”

Prof. Shiben Raina   Adds

“ Umesh ji  must have written more than two dozen stories in kashmiri .From 1962 to 1964 , he was subeditor of a news paper KASHMIR POST  published from Srinagar and later joined AIR Srinagar as senior script writer .I have included one of his short stories Bhagya-harta in a compilation of contemporary short stories  that I did for Bhartiya Gyanpeeth in 1973.. ”

Adds his friend  Shri Bansi Raina

“He was a photographer and had some  expensive cameras and Gadgets . He would also paint in his spare time . Umesh was no ordinary Human being. He along with Bansi Nirdosh would churn out one script of VADI  KI   AWAAZ  every alternate day. He could be friends with any generation. He was the elder brother of painter Bhushan and  Hriday Kaul Bharti. A gem and a great man and friend and guide. He was frail but mentally very strong.He would sometimes take me to his  home and  say to  Bhabi..(his mother..).Pochh chhu mai onmut ( I have brought a Guest with me ) and would ensure I was properly fed. Array yeh to Yaadon ki Baraat hai  .”

Nida Nawaz well known Hindi poet from kashmir adds..

"He was also a leading broadcaster and as a script writer of "Science Magazine" I worked under His guidance for thirteen years.He was indeed a great guide and the best writer."

Shri Rajesh Kaul ( Ex. Senior officer from Door Darshan ) informs ..

"Umesh Kaul ji had masters degree in Hindi but would write a science talk for Radio Kashmir. He was blessed with so many capabilities apart from being a good writer. He was a very good cinematographer , an animator, a film processor and an editor. He shot Introductory montage for a science fic. Dr. Zero for DD Srinagar in late 70's, processed at his house and edited the same under magnifying glass using a magnifying glass a scissor and a cello tape. The film being mute the music was added later on the ceteanbeck table at TV Centre Srinagar. The series was produced by Sh. C.L.Hakhoo and had Late Sh. Som Nath Sadhu & Pushkar Bhan sahib in the lead roles."

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I conclude this post on Umesh kaul with some lines from a poem of Kashmiri poet Farooq Nazki

Me Taapa Kraayun Andher su Tschondumm

Me sheena Tschaatie munz deutumm nabuss vonn.

Vathhie Garuss bar Taa Daarie Traavith

Su Aav Kar Tayee Su Draav Koat Kunn.

( Farooq Nazki )

I searched him under the blazing sun ,

In icy winds  I rummaged the skies to look for him..

Keeping doors and windows of his house open  ,

Tell me when did he come and which destination he left for ?

( Autar Mota 27.11.2013 )

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.