CHENANI NASHRI TUNNEL PROJECT IN J&K STATE .

                                                                                    

CHENANI  NASHRI  TUNNEL PROJECT

LEIGHTON WELSPUN or LW called by many over here has  started excavation work  for  the Tunnel at Chenani  about 90 kms from Jammu on Jammu Srinagar National Highway.. Excavation work from the  other side  has also started at Nashri bridge. LEIGHTON  is   Australia's largest project development and contracting group   while WELSPUN is their Indian collaborator . This 13.3 metre wide tunnel shall create space for movement of 2 way traffic. There shall be a 5 metre  wide rescue track for any eventuality. Once through, vehicular traffic to srinagar shall miss and bypass places like Kud,Patni Top and Batote.  

We visited the project site on 29.09.2011.We also  met official of LW at their beautiful office in Chenani forest. Indian, Australian and European  Technocrats work with a missionary zeal for this project. Sprawling office, Broadband  connectivity, Neat chambers, efficient gensets , state of art communication  network, well paid employees, well maintained  staff  quarters, search lights,Neat and clean staff Canteens, No smoking, Punctuality and above all work orientation impressed Autar Mota.

 We were   informed that Chiv Keng  wife and Charis Loiuse Waugh  daughter of Russell Waugh, Managing director of Leighton Welspun Contractors Pvt. Ltd. were personally present at Chenani on 2^nd September 2011 at the time of  start of the first section of  this  Tunnel project.. About 150 metres of this tunnel have been dug till date .The initial estimate of this project is about 3700 crores .  This tunnel is being built  using  NATM technique . This technology  has also been used by IRCON in  Banihaal Tunnel .A team of over 800 staff and 200 strong work force, armed with sophisticated drilling machines, are daily  boring  around 5 metres of the main tunnel and 8 metres of the escape route.The Tunnel shall shorten Jammu- Srinagar distance by  30 kms  thereby  saving one hour of Journey time. . The  expected time of completion of this 9 kms long  Tunnel is  about 5 years.

( Autar Mota )
30.09.2011

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LINES FROM POEM "KOBB KULL' OR HUNCHED TREE BY KASHMIRI POET FAROOQ NAZKI

                 
  Photo Autar Mota 2011

  Bahraar Ghaat of Badaam Vaari Garden srinagar

Outaamuthh Chhu pazareiy .

Halliss Chhaa nazar Kaanh Kadaan Vurr,

Taa daaluss alif Qadh Sajaavaan

Magar Aanganuss munz Ye Nadaan Kobb Kull,

Vanaan Subh Vaavuss ,

Vanaan pahardaarunn,

Vanaan Saharkhaanunn,

Haaejurr Qismatuss Chhum

Baaejurr Haavi naa Kaanh

Haaejurr Kaasie Na Kaanh

Magar Vaav Subhuk

Magar raah Mussafir

Pakaan Broanh,

Magar Kuthh naa Boazaan ,

Khabar Chhum Ye duniyaa Chhu Aabaad Lookun

Thhavaan Chasheim Vithharithh

( Farooq Nazki )

At least this much is true that

No one wastes time to straighten this arched fate ,

No one wastes time to change bowed existence ,

Look! This poor hunched tree in my courtyard ,

Requesting the morning breeze ,

Beseeching the sentinel around ,

Requesting the Morning guards

“ Pity My stooped fate !

Can any one be generous and

set right my deformity ?”

But then the morning breeze passes by silently ,

So do the travelers pass mutely .

Yes , Pass by it and move forward in their own journey .

None listens and comes for help .

I know this world .

I know it welcomes only the settled people .

I know it lays welcome carpets for them alone .


                    AND 

Khabar Chhum Yi Duniyaa chhu aabaad Lookun

Thhavaan Cheshima Vothhrithh.

Me Deutt Shaaf Taaereunn

Me Raechh Khwaab Raateik

Me Vuchh Khwaab Subuhik

Me vuchh Zaal Gaadunn Karaan Raah- Numaayee

Me vuchh Zaal Haanzunn karaan jaal-saazi

Me vuchh Aab Peith Aab Teil Kyaa chhu Sapdaan

( Farooq Nazki )

I know this world .

I know it welcomes only the settled people .

I know it lays welcome carpets for them alone .

Me ! Yes the same who cursed his own eyelids .

The same who busied himself in dreams of yesterdays ..

Yes the same who saw dreams of tomorrow’s dawn as well.

Ask not what I saw in this journey,

The fishing nets leading the fish to freedom Path ,

The same fishing nets cheating the Fishermen ,

Ask not what I saw happening below the water surface or above it .

( Translated From kashmiri by Autar Mota .  Select Lines from kashmiri Poem Kobb Kull or Hunched Tree)                                                                


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DUNIYA DO DHARI TALWAAR !!!!! THIS WORLD IS A DOUBLE EDGED SWORD !!! A GEET OR SONG

A Timber  store in shadipora kashmir .

                                                   A View Near Bongaam Mattan kashmir

                                                   A Waterfall on jammu srinagar Highway       

                                                 A view Outside  Martand Tirtha of kashmir 

                                                       A sadhu beginning his day.    

(DUNIYA  DO DHARI TALWAAR )

Bhookh Ka saara gorakh Dhandhaa

Aankhon waala bhi hai andhaa

Bakaree Gaiyaa Kheit Chhoad kar

Thekedaar Ke Khat Ko paa kar

Rotee Muniyaa amma Jhar Jhar

Baba Gatharee baandh Chaley sar

Dhoney Bajri Reit aur kankar

Mehnat Mazdoori Ke path par

Chhat aakaash hai Dharti Bistar

Chhod Chaley Ghar baar

Duniya Do Dhaari Talwaar

Raaj Singhaasan Jisse thhamaaye

Uss-sey Duniyaa ko Nachavaaye

Chhupaney Ki har raah banaaye

Ghar Mein Sukh Ki Seij Sajaaye

Pankh Pakheroo Bin Udvaaye

Dharti Kyaa aakaash Dikhaaye

Aan Bajaa Jab Ek Nagaada

Chheen Jhapat Kaa Banaa Akhaada

Mahal haveli sab Chheeney Yeh

Patakey Beech Bazaar .

Duniyaa Do Dhaari Talwaar.

Sach Bolo Aur dukh Ghar Laao

Sukh Chaaho To Jhoot Chalaao

Sona Chaandi Dhan Ke Bohrey

Matakaa uppley Ghaas katorey

Ek Nagri par Saagar barsey

Dooji To Katrey Ko Tarsey

Jo Naa Samajhaa Woh khush Pyaare

Sonch samajh Waale bechaare

Kaun kahaan Bairaagi Ho kar

Thukraa De Sansaar

Duniyaa Do Dhaari Talwaar.

Ghar Se kal sandesh hai Aayaa

Baniye ne khaata dikhlaaya

Munne kaa baazoo Toota hai

Aam ke peid se Fisal gayaa hai

Gaaon Mein phir sookhaa Chhaaya hai

Bachadaa Bookh se bilakh rahaa hai

Aglaey Baras Muniyaa kaa Gaunaa

Naa kapadaa Naa khaat Bichhonaa.

Baba Kaa Munn Aaj hai Bhaari

Rishtaa hai Beopaar

Duniyaa do Dhaari Talawaar

Yeh chehrey hain nikhari dhoop,

Phool ki daali in kaa roop,

In logon kaa iss duniyaa kaa,

Shayad hai koyee aur khudaa kyaa,

Lekin sach poochho to inkaa,

Dard chhuppa hai dukh hai liptaa,

Dukh kaa rehtaa aanaa jaana,

Aaj nahin to kal hai paana,

Har thaali mein iss kaa daana,

Rang birangi kaaya bheetar

Dukh kaa hai darbaar.

Duniyaa do dhaari Talwaar.

(  A Geet By Autar Mota )

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A NIGHT VIEW ON JAMMU SRINAGAR HIGHWAY

                                            
PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 2011


Chaand toota pighal gaye taare

Qataraa qataraa tapak rahee hai raat,

Palkein Aankhon pe jhukati aatee hain,

Aankhadiyon mein khatak rahee hai raat,

Aaj chhedo na koyee afsaana,

Gul karo shama rakh do paimaana,

Keh do hai aaj bandh maikhaana,

Aaj ki raat hum ko soney do.........

(Kaifi Azmi)                                               

Broken is  the moon and the stars too  have  melted down.

The night trickles  on earth drop after drop,

 Tired eye lids drop down effortlessly  ,

 Restless lies the night  within my eyes ,

Love! Do not talk about

That  tale of despair today !

Extinguish  the candle ,

Drop down this wine cup,

Tell every one “  The Tavern is closed today ”

And Let me sleep tonight .

 ( Translated from original urdu by Autar Mota )


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COPPER MINES IN KASHMIR

                                                                               
A view of Baramulla srinagar Road  
Photo Autar Mota 

COPPER MINES IN KASHMIR

Looks strange but kalhana confirms that copper was mined in Kramarajya or present day Baramulla and sopore area or areas to the north of srinagar . i Quote

" Having drawn copper from the hill which was situated in Kramarajya , struck a hundred crores dinaras less one stamped with his own designation . "

Canto 617 Taranga IV Rajataringini of  kalhana .

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KASHMIR AND KASHMIRIS IN " TAWAREEKH UL HIND" BY AL BIRUNI

                                 A view of koker-naag Garden of kashmir    .                             

KASHMIR AND KASHMIRIS  IN " TAWAREEKH  UL HIND" BY AL BIRUNI

Al-Biruni (973_1049 AD )  celebrated  Mathematician and astronomer came to India   along with the Invading forces of sultan  Mahmud of Ghazni  In 11^th Century AD.  He was an erudite scholar with interest in Religion , Culture and  Astrology  . His enquiry into  India Popularly known Tawareekh  Ul Hind   in Arabic is erudite and a classic of its kind  or a historic chronicle.

Al Biruni   was a Shiite  of Iranian origin and  a master of many languages including sanskrit, Turkish and Hebrew. Before his country Khwarizm was invaded by sultan Mahmud of Ghazni , Al-Biruni was close to many kings and kingdoms including Sahi Hindu kings of Gandhara. Tawareekh  ul Hind was written around 1030 AD during the reign of sultan Mahmud of Ghazni  and  has exhaustive notes on Mimasa ,Vedas, Upnishads,Puranas, Manusmriti, Tantras,Samhita, Astrology Astronomy and Indian Mathematics. Al-Biruni gives details of almost all the rivers OF INDIA including Chenab and Jhelum. He is very clear not only about the existence of river Sarswati but also about its path which he describes clearly.

One is amazed by the range of Al-Biruni's interests. He not only writes about religious and cultural aspects of India, he also writes about food ,dresses, games,law suits, weights and measures, pastimes, climates, superstitions  etc.Yes he is silent about politics. Perhaps that was not his interest in India. Some historians have called Al-Biruni as a person of Agnostic beliefs while the majority calls him a muslim by conviction with a deep rooted quest for universal knowledge. The literal translation of his name Al-Biruni is THE OUTSIDER.

Al-Biruni makes mention of writing a Sanskrit book for his  friend and scholar Sayavabala (A brahmin from kashmir page 268 ). From study of his book  ,Al Biruni seems to be fascinated by Kashmir and the scholarship of its residents . He goes on to write :-

“ Long before our time Vasukra the famous kashmiri Scholar took upon himself the task of explaining and committing to writing the VEDAS "

" varanasi and kashmir are the high schools of Hindu Science. Sidhamatrika originated from kashmir and the people of  kashmir use it. The most generally known alphabet of Hindus is called Siddhamatrika.Like greeks hindus write from left to right."

" In inner Kashmir , about three days journey from the capital towards the mountain of Bolor ,the idol of Sharda is much venerated and frequented by Pilgrims."

"In the mountain of Harmakata ( Harmukh ) the snow never melts nor disappears . Behind these mountains is the country of Machacin or China ”

“The inhabitants of Kashmir are pedestrians . They have no riding animals . The noble among them ride palankis called HATT which is carried on the shoulders of men. They are particular about natural strength of their country and therefore always keep a strong hold on the entrances and roads leading into it. They do not allow any Hindu whom they do not know personally to enter their country , much less other people " 

‎

" There is a book by Utpala a kashmiri scholar called Rahunarkarna  and another book called karanapata dealing with Astronomy " 

"The city of kashmir covers a space of four FARSAKH being built along both banks of river Jailam which are connected with each other by Bridges and ferry boats .”

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SOME VIEWS AROUND DURGANAAG AREA IN SRINAGAR ( KASHMIR ) .

THE ENTRANCE TO DURGA NAAG TEMPLE  COMPLEX.                                       

 THE HOLY SPRING INSIDE THE TEMPLE COMPLEX.

ZIYARAT  OF SAAED SAHIB NEAR UNO OFFICE SRINAGAR.

UNO OFFICE SRINAGAR IS ALSO IN THIS AREA.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

BURN HAAL SCHOOL BUILDING . THE SCHOOL IS ALSO LOCATED IN THIS AREA .

  A VIEW OF SHOPS ON DURGA NAAG  ROAD  SRINAGAR .  

                                   
WHERE HAVE THE INSIDERS  GONE ?   A HOUSE ON DURGA NAAG ROAD SRINAGAR .

   M/S AISHI RAM BATRA   FILLING STATION ON THE ROAD .

 A VIEW OF DURGA NAAG ROAD SRINAGAR .

  ANOTHER VIEW OF THE ROAD NEAR DURGA NAAG COMPLEX  SRINAGAR  .

THE  NEW SHOPPING COMPLEX ON DURGA NAAG ROAD .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                    
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MY FAVOURITE LINES FROM ALLAMA IQBAL'S POEMS SHIKWA AND JAWAAB E SHIKWA

                                                                      

               Allama Iqbal  in England  ( second from right ).1932   .

Allama Iqbal was profoundly influenced by Western philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Henri Bergson and Goethe . Even his book Javid Nama ( Book of Eternity ) considered to be one of the masterpieces of Iqbal is inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy and just as Dante's guide was Virgil, Iqbal is guided by Rumi. I hereunder  post some lines of my choice from allama’s poems Shikwa and Jawaab e shikwa .

1 Bu e Gul Le gayee Beroon e Chaman raaz e chaman .

Kyaa qayaamat Hai  ke Khudd Phool Hain Ghamaaz i Chaman

 Ahd e Gul Khatam Huva toot Gayaa Saaz e Chaman

Udd gaye Daaliyon se Zamzamaa Pardaaz e Chaman

Ek Bul Bul Hai ke Hai Mehaw e  Taranumm Ab Tak

Uss Ke seene Mein Hai Nagmon kaa Talaatum Ab Tak

( Allama Iqbal  from Shikwa )

The scent of the blossoms stole

The secrets of the garden away

What Calamity !the traitor’s role

The gardens buds aught play!

The garden’s lyric is done ;

The season of flowers is gone ;

And from its perch upon the twig ,

Each hiss songster has flown .

A lonely nightingale sings on

In garden all day long;

Its throat with the jingle still

And pours out its soul in the song.   

2 Qumriyaan Shakh e snober se Gurezaan Bhi Huyeen

Pattiyaan Phool Ki Jhar Jhar ke pareshaan Bhi Huyeen

Woh Puraani Ravishein Bagh ki Veeraan Bhi Huyeen

Daaliyaan Pairahan e barg se Uriyaan Bhi Huyeen

Qaed i Mawsim se Tabiyat Rahee Azaad uss ski

Kaash Gulshan mein samajhataa Koyee Fariyaad uss ski

( Allama Iqbal from Shikwa )

The ring doves averse from the cypress ;

Have from the garden flown ;

The petals dismayed left the flower ,

Letting boughs naked, have random strewn.

Those ancient garden walks

Lie desolate and are shorn,

Ravished of their leafy robes ,

Are stripped of , they had worn;

Unmoved by passing season’s turn,

The songster sings alone:

Alas! If in this garden some

Could feel the clog of its moan!

3  BaadaKush Gair hain Gulshan mein lab e Joo Baithey

Suntein hain jaam bakaf nagamaa e  koo Koo Baithey

Door Hangaam e Gulzaar Se Yukk Soo Baithey

Tere Deewane Bhi Hain Muntizar e Hoo Baithey

Apney parwaanon Ko Phir Dhawq e Afrozi Dhe

Barq e Daireena ko Farmaan e Jigar Sozee Dhe.

( Allama Iqbal from Shikwa )

Drunken aliens in the garden ,

By the fountain are sitting .

Sparkling glasses in their hands

They listen the cuckoo singing!

Away from the disorder in the garden

Quiet in the corner seated too,

Love aching loonies await

The furor igniting spice of “HOO” !

Ignite in thy moths the urge

To burn themselves in the flare .

Kindle again the ancient lightning ,

Mark our souls with thy name !

4 Dil Se Jo Baat Nikalti hai assar rakhti hai

Par Nahin Taaqat e Parwaaz magar Rakhti Hai

Qudsi ul Asl hai Rifat Pe nazar Rakhti Hai

Khaaq Se Uthatee hai Garduun pe Guzar rakhti hai

Ishq Thhaa Fitanaa gar o sarkash o Chaalak meraa

Aasmaan Cheer gayaa naala i Bebaak Meraa

( From Jawaab E shikwa Allama Iqbal )

Passion, streaming from heart

Never fails to have effect.

But No ! Blessed is its origin ,

On heights its locus is set ;

Though they Have no wings ,

Yet have power to fly ,

And though from dust it rises ,

Yet pierces through the sky.

So reckless and erratic was my passion ,

Such clamor raised its sighs,

So intense was my plaint

It tore through the skies .   

5 Peer o Garduun Ne kahaa Sun Ki kahin hai Koyee

Bole Sayaare sare Arshe Bareen hai Koyee

Chaand Kehtaa thaa nahin Ahl e Zameen Hai Koyee

Kehkashaan kehtee thhee Posheeda Yaheen hai Koyee

Kuchch Jo Samjhaa Mere shikwe Ko to Rizwaan Samjhaa

Mujhe Jannat Se Nikaala Huvaa insaan Samjhaa

( From Jawaab e Shikwa By Allama Iqbal )

The aged sphere heard in amazement ,

Some one is some where , said he .

The planets paused and chimed in ,

On paradise some one must be.

Bright moon said “ You are Wrong ,

Some mortal from earth below ”

The milky way too joined parleys ,

Some one is hiding here we do not know.

Guardian of heavens “ Rizwaan ”alone

Could understand and recognize ,

He made out for a human who

Had lost his paradise.  
( Translation  from urdu is  by Sultan Zahur Akhtar     )             




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CHERRIES AND KING LALITADITYA OF KASHMIR

                                                                        
CHERRIES ON A TREE PHOTO AUTAR MOTA SRINAGAR MAY 2010.

CHERRIES AND KING LALITADITYA

Many friends had commented in my Blog that Cherries actually do not belong to kashmir. Some said that the saplings were brought to Kashmir by travelers from Central Asia . One friend commented that Afghans brought it from Kandhar .Some said that the Europeans brought cherries to Kashmir . Not clear on this aspect I tried to find some reference in Kalhana’s RAJTARANGINI . Lo and behold! Our Karkota  King Lalitaditya Muktapida turned out to be fond of Cherries . He is reported to have asked for cherries during one of his expeditions in Gauda Desha ( Bengal ) .Cherries existed and were marketed for public consumption in Kashmir during 8th centaury . I quote specific Cantos of Rajataringini:-

“ Thus on the shore of the eastern ocean he was camping with the army he , on one occasion , ordered cherries to be brought . ”

CANTO 219 Taranga IV

““ While those in front of him blindly stood ------------------------------ brought cherries as a present before him ”

CANTO 220 Taranga IV

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" MY RELIGION " AN IMPRESSIVE BOOK BY MAHATMA GANDHI

                                                                                   
MAHATMA  GANDHI PLAYING WITH A CHILD .


Some days back , i read a beautiful and impressive Book " MY RELIGION  " by Mahatma Gandhi .  I liked  every line from the book . some lines that impressed me the most are hereunder for all to share and enjoy:

 1 "My austerities, fasting and prayers are, i know, of no value, if i rely upon them for reforming me. But they have an inestimable value, if they represent , as i hope they do, the yearnings of a soul striving to lay his weary head in the lap of his master"

“Under the new outlook , we shall cease to think of getting what we can, but we shall decline to receive what all cannot get.”

2 “Strength does not come from physical capacity . It comes from an indomitable will. A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of History ”

3 “How beautiful it would be , if all of us , young and old , men and women , devoted ourselves wholly to truth in all that we might do in our waking hours , whether working , eating , drinking or playing till dissolution of the body makes us one with the truth? God as truth has been for me a treasure beyond price ; may he be so to every one of us ” “As soon as we lose Moral basis , we cease to be religious . There is no such thing as religion overriding Morality . Man , for instance , can not be untruthful , cruel and incontinent and claim to have god on his side . ”


4 "Love never claims , it ever gives . Love ever suffers ,never revenges itself ."


5 “My non cooperation , though it is part of my creed , is a prelude to cooperation. My non cooperation is with the methods and systems , never with men .” 


                                                        AND 
6 "THE  HARDEST  HEART  AND  THE  GROSSEST  IGNORANCE  MUST  DISAPPEAR BEFORE  THE  RISING  SUN  OF  SUFFERING  WITHOUT  ANGER  AND  WITHOUT MALICE ."

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