NUTAN AND “JOGI JAB SE TU AAYA MERAY DWAARE...”

                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                

NUTAN  AND “JOGI JAB SE TU AAYA MERAY DWAARE...”

Apart from training in classes and institutions , prospective  actors /   budding artists   also learn a lot by watching some great artists / actors . They learn how to express the untold without uttering a word. They learn how to smile within and express it without a laughter. 

I believe much can be learnt from Nutan if we watch her movies .  Watch her  singing " Jogi jab se tu aaya meray dwaare"   for Bimal Da 's Bandhini . None except great Nutan could have done justice to the happy and emotive beats of Shailendra's lyrics. Great and  sensitive  masters like Bimal Da  , S D Burman, Nutan and Shilendra are in fact great schools of learning four different aspects of cinematic creativity.

Nutan acted in about 70 Hindi films in a career span of about 40 years . Her father, Kumarsen Samarth, was a reputed film director while her mother , Shobhana, and her sister Tanuja, were actresses. She worked hard to taste success and earn five film fare awards. 

Nutan had written several poems and Bhajans . She used to read lot of books and literature. .Dev Anand had once remarked that she was among a few actresses with whom one could have an intelligent conversation.

A former Miss India (1952), she died in 1991 (age 54 Years ) fighting a prolonged battle against lung cancer.

And she received her early education at La Chanteine, Switzerland..

Here is the complete song and my English Rendering ....

Jogi Jab se tu aaya meray dwaare

Meray rang gaye saanjh sakaare

Tu to akhiyon se jaane jee ki batiyaan

To se milnaa hi julam bhayaa re....

Meethi meethi agan yeh

keh na sakoongi

Me tu chhuyi mooyi abla re

Seh na sakoongi

Meray aur nikat mat aa re

……….Jogi jab se tu aaya meray dwaare

           Meray rang gaye saanjh sakaare

Ja ke panghat pe bethoon me radha deewani,

Bina jal liye chali aaoon radha deewani,

Mohe ajab ye rog lagaa re..

…………Jogi jab se tu aaya meray dwaare

             Meray rang gaye saanjh sakaare

Dekhi saanvli soorat ye naina judaaye

Teri chhub dekhi jab se re naina judaaye

Bhaye bin kajraa ye kajraare

…….Jogi jab se tu aaya meray dwaare

       Meray rang gaye Saanjh sakaare …

( Shailendra )

In English I would say :………………….

O carefree Wanderer !

The day you landed in my life,

My mornings and evenings 

are just bright and colour filled.

Just a glance and You catch up 

with my innermost feelings, 

O Wanderer !

How remarkable has this meeting been ?

 How can i make it known ?

How can i divulge the secret of love’s enchanting blaze ?

A frail and “ touch me not” that I am ,

How can I withstand all this ?

Move not more closer now , love !

…...O carefree Wanderer !

The day you landed in my life,

My mornings and evenings

are just bright and colour filled.

Consumed by Krishna's love,

Like absent minded Radha,

I sit at the river bank.

Having come to fetch water,

Lost in your thoughts,

i return empty handed.

What a strange ordeal you have put me to?

….O carefree wanderer !

The day you landed in my life,

My mornings and evenings

are just bright and colour filled..

The day I saw your  dusky appearance,

I fell for you .

And your looks,

My eyes held them within ;

Black they appear now ,

Even in absence of Kohl ..

….O carefree wanderer !

The day you landed in my life,

My mornings and evenings

are just bright and colour filled.

( Avtar Mota )

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ANCIENT LINK BETWEEN SANSKRIT AND LITHUANIAN LANGUAGE

                                     

                                          

                                                                                  

                                       

BEAUTIFUL LITHUANIA  AND SANSKRIT ..

Lithuania is a country situated on the southeastern shores of the Baltic sea with Sweden and Denmark as its neighbours. Ethnic  Lithuanians form about 84 percent of the country's population . The rest are  Poles,  Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Jews, Germans, Tatars, Latvians, Romani, Estonians, Crimean Karaites and Scandinavians .It is a beautiful country with greenery ,  snow ,spring flowers, mild summers ,sea shores, lakes, forests and happy people . Total population of the country is about 28 Lakhs.This country has a documented history of more than 2000 years. It was a home to  the ancient Baltic tribes.It is a member of European Union.


Lithuanian language has a strong link with Sanskrit. Word Ugnis in Lithuanian language is used for fire.Sanskrit word is Agni..
Lithuanians wish profit and wealth to others and say Labhas.. In Sanskrit we wish Labh.Sapnas in Lithuanian language means dream.And we say swapn in Sanskrit.Dievas in Lithuanian language means God . In Sanskrit we say Dev.Paadus in Lithuanian language means sole . The word is close to sanskrit word Paad .Prasom is a popular Lithuanian phrase spoken as Prah- Shom which means happy to see you or you are welcome . In sanskrit we say Prasan.Medus is honey in Lithuanian  language and we say Madhu in sanskrit .Asru is tears in Lithuaninan language and we say Ashru in Sanskrit .Avis is sheep in Lithuanian language  while it is Avi in sanskrit.And Lithuanian grammar is closest to Sanskrit grammar .

Found so  many  common words..

Prof. Sisirkumar Mitra, renowned Indian scholar has done a profound study of ancient Lithuanian texts  and observed following startling facts with regard to names of Gods , rivers and tribes appearing therein . I quote:

1 
River names in ancient Lithuanian Texts :

Nemuna (Yamuna), Tapti (Tapti), Narbudey (Narmada), Srobati (Saraswati)

2

Tribal or Clan names of the Lithuanians :

Kuru, Puru, Yadav, Sudav

3

Gods or Deities in ancient Lithuanian texts .

Indra, Varuna, Purakanya (Vedic Parjanya)

Well known Scholar and Linguist  Dr S S Toshkhani writes :

"“ Lithuanian, like classical Greek and other European languages, is very close to Sanskrit, not only in the etymologies of its basic vocabulary but also in the principles of its generative grammar as well as ancient phonology. In this context i would like to quote the renowned scholar, Dr. Lokesh Chandra, who writes, "Sanskrit verbal roots, prefixes and suffixes, as well as the generative system, became the building blocks of European languages." Referring specifically to the Lithuanian language, he adds: "To this day Sanskrit is associated with Lithuanian as symbol of national identity. We can go to a classroom at the Vilnius University of Lithuania Republic . The professor writes on the blackboard in Lithuanian and Sanskrit. Lithuanian: kas to esi Sanskrit Meaning: kas tvam asi Who are you? Lithuanian: kas tavo sunus Sanskrit meaning: kas tava sunus Who is your son? / Kas to esi is an eternal question before manin his quest for knowlwdge. The answer is as brief in Lithuanian as  it is in Sanskrit: Tas tu esi = Tat tvam asi." My father ,late Prof. S. K. Toshkhani, had in an article titled "Some Antiquities of Kashmiri"claimed that there are several lexical affinities between Lithuanian language  and Kashmiri. He had, however, not elaborated. He was obviously pointing to the Sanskrit connection.”

Swastika has been a popular symbol in Lithuanian culture. It was later  identified with Nazi Germany and officially banned. However many Lithuanians have approached courts for its use in social and cultural life. Prof Gintautas Velius , eminent scholar and archaeologist writes :-

 "There are adornments which have been found in Kernave and which are from the 13th-14th centuries. The swastika was a very popular symbol in those periods and is presented here. There is an opinion that the swastika was like a symbol of the sun, rotating in a spiral and connected with the highest divinities."

Mr LaimonasTalat Kelpsa,   Lithuanian ambassador to India has  presented a specially published Sanskrit- Lithuanian dictionary to PM. In his interview Mr Kelpsa said this :-

" There is common belief in Lithuania that our national language, Lithuanian, originates from Sanskrit. This connection, first addressed by European scholars in the 19th century, had become a foundation of Lithuanian National Revival Movement in the late 19th century. Ever since we’ve been taught that Lithuanian is the closest surviving sister of Sanskrit in Europe. More than eight generations of Lithuanians have been raised with this idea in their mind. It has become part and parcel of our national mythology, and serves as our connection to India, past and present."

Professor Lokesh Chandra, one of India’s leading experts on Sanskrit and Buddhism writes this:-

  “The same year I was born, 1927, my father went to London to get a degree in Lithuanian language. He spoke the language fluently, but he never visited Lithuania .The very mention of Lithuania opens up an image, a vision that gives a people their identity through language. It shows how the darkness of dreams becomes the new embodied hope. My father was stimulated and strengthened in his work on the development of Hindi by the history of Lithuanian language. It has been the eternal continuity of these people; - it rustles something deep in their being. My father felt that we in India share with our distant Lithuanian brothers the silent geography of lost frontiers. "

 

Dr Kshema Kaul, noted Hindi writer says this :

 " Sanskrit is the language of Brahmanda."

I am tempted to believe this.

I end this  post with a Shloka from Maha Upnishad:-

" Ayaṃ nijaḥ paro veti gaṇanā laghucetasām।

udāracaritānāṃ tu vasudhaiva kuṭumbakam॥ '

(Maha Upanishad 6.71–75)

(This is mine, that is his, say the small minded,

The wise believe that the entire world is a family.)

(Avtar Mota)

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KAILASH MEHRA. SADHU ..A VOICE LOVED BY EVERY KASHMIRI

                                             

KAILASH MEHRA  SADHU  (Born 1956 )

SHE HAS  SINCERE BLESSINGS  OF   POET DINA NATH NAADIM... ..

She came  to know  my friend  Vijay Sadhu   long back when they worked  for a private  school in Srinagar   .  Their   instant liking for each other materialized into a lifelong  happy  companionship  . A marriage that was also attended by Sheikh Mohd Abdullah who came personally to Bless Kailash.

Starting as teacher   from a private school , Kailash ji   moved to teach Music at Government college Anantnag where she joined as lecturer  .  Vijay also joined as officer in J&K Fire services . Both have since retired . They live at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu  city and keep shuttling to Other cities to be with their loving and  obedient children.

 Trained by Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori( father of well known Santoor Maestro  Pandit Bhajan Sopori ) , Kailash ji  continues to  remain   simple , unassuming , down to earth and  dedicated to her music and family .She  proved  a great support  to Vijay in all his ventures ,  social and familial . She lived in the joint family  like an ordinary middle class kashmiri girl and earned the respect and love of almost all the relatives of Vijay :  Not because  she was a  noted  kashmiri singer , Not because  she was  from a Punjabi background  who  could speak fluent kashmiri  ;   But solely  because of her good temper and adjusting nature.

Vijay’s Mother was more than satisfied with her behavior , conduct and dealings both with in the family and with all her relations .

 Only Blessing and good wishes  poured from the lips of  Jaikishori  ( Behan Ji )  or Vijay’s mother as and when some person talked about  Hema ji ( A name by which kailash  was known in her in law’s house  )  to her .

For   Kashmiris from any segment of the society, more specifically women folk , Kailash  is like  a  loveable daughter  next door  who  brings joy and  happiness when she sings  . For  our womenfolk , music is  the lone  pleasurable diversion from the  chores of their   Mundane  existence .    I have often heard them singing or humming  songs sung by  kailash  ji in her Melodious voice .

Who is not moved when she sings:

"Sahibo Sathh Chhum Me Tchaanei Vathh me Assaleitch Haavtum or My Lord! You are my lone hope, show me the righteous path."

                                                                             

                                   ( Mrs kailash Mehra Sadhu performing in America )

This song written by poet Ghulam Ahmed Mehjoor is a common prayer for Kashmiris ; A Naat for Muslims and a Guru Astuti for Pandits. I have heard it in Hindu and Muslim shrines of Kashmir and also at various schools as a Morning Prayer.

Her soulful rendering of " Bedard Daaedi Tchaanei soor ho sapdaan or O Uncaring, in your painful separation, this body is burning to Ash now" moves every kashmiri. I have seen many eyes turning moist as and when this song is sung.

She has sung Love songs of Mehmood Gaami and Rasul Mir .She has also sung songs   of separation and  longing by Habba  Khatoon and ArinMaal . She has also Sung songs composed by major Sufi poets   of Kashmir.

In kashmiri Pandit Households,her popularity is also on account of the fact that  She has  sung the original Sanskrit version of  Ganesh Astuti (Ekadanta Vakratunda) ,Sharika Astuti( Gauri  Amba) , Vishnu Astuti ( Jai  Narayan Jai Purshotam ) and Shiva Stotram   popular in kashmir since so many centuries.She has also sung some popular kashmiri Leelas  of  Bhakti poet Krishen Joo Razdan.

some other popular kashmiri songs sung by Kailash ji  that come to my mind at this moment are :

 .Kar Sa Myon Nyaai Andhey ..

. Ba Ti No Ya  Dooreyur  Tchonuyii  zaraai .

.Arinee Rang   Gom

.Dimyo Dilaas Gandiyo Walaas .

.

.Hataai Weiss Chhaar  Naye Log  Aeshk Naaras

.Kael  ma Madan  ba  Mariyo, Poshan Bu Maal Kariyo

.Kya Rozi, Pardan Tchhaayee Tchhaayee .

.Madano Lolik  Aalav Traavaai

.Maeti  Chhus Ba  Wuchhaan Tchaani Vattan .

.Tchi Yiwaan Roshi Chhukh na ta Hosha  Dalayo

.Tchoor Tcholhum Yaa Wani Tchoor Lo Lo

. Huu  Kuss  ba Kuss Teli Vun Tche Kuss

. Katyo Chhukh Nundha Baane Valo Maashoq Myaane

. Tchol-hamma Roshey  Roshey ..

I shall not write details of  innumerable  popular  songs sung by her . These  are  too many . I may not annex the  endless  list of  her  great admirers   . They are  spread all along the Globe.

And Even today while I write this small post  , she is performing at Dubai .

About her singing, Dr Shashi Shekhar Toshkhani well known Scholar and linguist writes:

"Gifted with a soft, richly melodious and soothing voice, Kailash Mehra Sadhu has been enthralling music-loving Kashmiris for many years now. Her deep dedication to music, in particular, her soul-enchanting rendering of the devotional songs of the great Kashmiri Bhakti poets, have been providing balm to our wounded psyche after we lost our habitat in Kashmir.  For this, we can't but ever feel grateful towards her. "

And now something special   .

For Poet Dina Nath Naadim , Kailash was a loveable daughter . And Naadim Sahib blessed kailash ji and Vijay sadhu on their marriage day when he wrote a small poem for them .

                                             

                       

      ( Vijay Sadhu And Kailash Mehra Sadhu )

 Vijay informs me :

“   Kailash  Knows this poem.It is her prized possession . In fact in 1980,  Naadim sahib  wrote this poem  in his own hand and delivered to Kailash . She has preserved this manuscript carefully . Possibly Naadim sahib was also there  on our marriage reception day . Yes sheikh sahib and Begum sahiba also joined to bless us .”

And here is the poem ..

(‘ Aahi ’)

Sadaashiv  vaar'a  tchein

Kailash Roozien ,

Tchei Dekka Tchand’rum

tamiss Vaeti gaash Roozien.

‘ Vijay ’ Haeth Vaar'a  vattie

Tchaeniss daliss tal

Ropukk Dastaar sonna Saen’z

Chaash Roozien.

Modhur Laai Neel-kantheitch

Roozinuss poor

Tamiss gandharvpuri Haenz

Aash roozien

( *Vatchhi Vaalienji

Dina Nath Naadim

22.10.1980 )

(“ Blessing ’)

O Shiva !

Let your Kailash be always hale and hearty .

With your radiant  light,

 Keep Illuminating  her path .

Keep ‘ Vijay ’ along with her

in your fold

And Bestow a Silvery  headgear to him

With  a sweet golden Hue

O Shiva!

Keep her  throat

always full of Sweet Melodies

And keep her full of hopes

To be in the city ( Gandharv-puri ) of exceptionally

skilled Musicians ..

( Autar Mota 25.03.2017 )

*Vatchhi Vaalinji  in Kashmir  means from the deepest   recesses   of the heart..

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A POEM WRITTEN IN A BOAT WITH PROF. ARVIND GIGOO

                                                                                 

Ready to cross  river Chenab diagonally  at  Akhnoor with Prof Arvind Gigoo.

(  Mobile Photo Autar Mota.  Feb 2017 )

 I am reminded of the opening lines of a poem of master Zinda Koul .."Kaanh Ma as Tarriev Apou'r.." or  "Would any person like to go across? "

For this photo, I wrote...

"Paar madhur aawaazein hain par

Dil mein hain sau Bram

Aur nadi ke beech hai dheemi

Lehron ki Sargam.

Samajh nahin aataa hai saathi

Duvidha mein hain hum

Yaheen rahein ya paar chalein ab

Thirak raha sanyam"

 

( Avtar Mota)

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MY MINI POEM ON CLOUDS

                                                                     

CLOUDS ....

I ADD SOME LINES THAT I WROTE FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPH...

( BAADAL )

Baadal Dhoop Mein Thandi Chhaaya
Barse hariyaali kar Jaaye ……
Nadiyaa, Saagar, Taal Talaiyaa
Sukh ke sapnon se Bhar Jaaye……
Lekin sookhe kheit Pe meray
Aaye ,Chhaye aur Mandraaye…..
 Ikk Aasha si Goongroo Pehnay
Ikk sapna Palkon par Aaye ….
Tabhi Achanak Jaldi Jaldi
Bin Barse Udd jaaye……

( Autar Mota )

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PROF NEERJA MATTOO REMEMBERS THE OLD GRANDEUR AND GLORY OF RESIDENCY ROAD SRINAGAR .

                            
                                                                       

PRESENT VIEW OF THE THEN COFFEE HOUSE BUILDING RESIDENCY ROAD SRINAGAR ( Above Photo)

                                           

PESTONJEE BUILDING AND ICONIC WHITE HORSE ( Above Photo)

Prof Neerja Mattoo writes:

                                        

" The Residency Road was full of shops selling Merchandise of all kinds . A fascinating sight was the magnificent Statue of a white Horse that occupied the compound of the Pestonjee ‘s home. The house had access from the Bund , while the offices of the Insurance firm Mr Pestonjee and his son represented , were on the Residency Road below.

when we walked on the Bund for our Daily walk , we could hear strains of a Piano playing – obviously western Music .Situated as we were in our enclave , such Plurality was natural . Having woken up early with the AZAAN , rubbing one’s eyes to the sounds of the TEMPLE BELLS and Breakfasting against the background of *BAGPIPES from the practicing Band Next door , It was only proper that the evening should end with the music from a Piano. Dance Music could also be heard if one ventured near the club. Residency Road also housed three Book shops, the largest and the most popular being the KASHMIR BOOK SHOP , owned by the sweetest Book loving and Book Knowing sardarji , with his white Beard and equally spotless white Turban .You could get all the Books in the world _ if it was not in the shop , he would order it for you. And there were all the Journals from High Brow ENCOUNTER , THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC , TIME , LIFE, The Humble READER’S DIGEST to WOMAN AND HOME and WOMAN , with their knitting Patterns and other “womanly” pursuits . And then there were all the comics, the graphic Novels of those times . It was an Alladin’s cave for young readers like us. How far we had travelled from the alleys of the inner city , we had no knowledge .

A Quaint little Cubby -hole of a Book shop was run by an elderly sindhi couple. It was called" DURUPADI’S ” , perhaps the sindhi spelling of word Draupadi !

The third Book shop was lowbrow HIND BOOK SHOP , which stocked stationery and Paperback best sellers .

      

Opposite the Hind Book shop and facing the Bund was “ THE INDIA COFFEE HOUSE “ a daylong haunt of the ‘ Thinkers “ of Kashmir : Writers , Journalists , Small time Politicians , Artists and Leftist students .A haze of Cigarette smoke hung over the place along with coffee aroma and the loud argumentative voices of the coffee drinkers .

Walking past , a longing to be a part of that _ To us , Glamorous – world would fill us, But it was out of Bounds for Young women. ”

I conclude this post with a couplet of Urdu poet and film Lyricist Prof. Shaharyar ..

“Waqt teri yeh ada mai aaj tak samjha nahin

Meri duniya kyon badal di, mujh ko kyon badla nahin”

( Shaharyaar )

“Time, I have never ever understood this trait of yours

Why have you changed my world, but not changed me”

( Autar Mota )

PS

1

(Prof Neerja Mattoo is an Eminent Academician and a distinguished scholar from Kashmir. She is a noted writer and has also translated several Poetry and Prose texts from Kashmiri into English. This post has been extracted from her write up in “ Miraas “ Issue July – December 2016 Page 81 ..REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS PAST- MYTH AND REALITY OF BELONGING AND TOGETHERNESS With due thanks and regards to her )

2

Till October 1947,The Present day Kothi Bagh school housed Maharaja’s Military Band . After Maharaja Hari singh moved out from the state , an army unit occupied the place . this unit was engaged in fighting the Tribal raiders .It was later occupied by Recruits of ‘ Peace Brigade “ set up by Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad . Sometime later after this place was occupied by Kothi Bagh school.

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PROF NEERJA MATTOO REMEMBERS DR.SYED NASEER AHMED SHAH'S FAMILY AND MISS MEHMOODA AHMED ALI SHAH ..

                                                                               

DR. SYED NASEER AHMED SHAH..

( RENOWNED PHYSICIAN FROM OUR STATE AND PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE ..1969-1981)

Prof Neerja Mattoo writes ;

" A vivid memory of the close trust between communities in Kashmir those days pertains to the scary times of Partition. In October 1947, when the Tribal Invaders had reached the outskirts of Srinagar city , the women and children of our household were sent off to Drugjan home of Mehmooda Ali Shah , whose brother , The renowned doctor of the valley Dr Syed Naseer Ahmed Shah , was ( And continues to be ) My brother Anupam Dhar’s childhood friend . It did not occur to anyone that it was a Muslim House to which family’s safety was entrusted . The only precaution taken was to send the family cook Sudershan along , as my Grandmother and her daughters In law would not eat the food offered by the Generous shahs ! For us children , the aroma of Garlic and onion _ never used in our kitchen till my grandmother was alive – lent an exotic touch to the food and sent us into Paroxysms of joy . Such was the togetherness in the midst of separation !!

Miss Mehmooda Ali Shah had been educated at Kinnaird College in Lahore and had imbibed Modern Ideas from the Vibrant Intellectual Air of the Lahore of pre-partition India interacting with likes of Faiz Ahmed Faiz . The most Remarkable thing about her , apart from her striking good looks , was her Fearlessness . She is supposed to have earned the sobriquet , HUNTERWALI ( Apropos the film of that name which was starred by Fearless Nadia ! )because according to one of many legends that grew around her , she had once snatched the whip from a Tonga driver who tried to get fresh with her .

Mehmooda Ali Shah was never afraid of offending the powers that be in the interests of the institution .Once she locked up a bureaucrat fo entering the college without permission. As principal , she stressed on the importance of Co Curricular activities to expand horizon. Plays and musicals were got specially written by Literary Luminaries like Dina Nath Nadim and Noor Mohd Roshan and staged to great acclaim.""
                                           

                                                                             

    ( Dr Naseer and Anupam Dhar  2016.. Photo source .. Tina Anjila Shah )

    

               ( Dr Naseer and Anupam Dhar  ( In chairs )  1945.. Photo source .. Tina Anjila Shah)

Dr Naseer is married to Dr Girja Dhar, another medical Luminary of our state. This loving couple has remained stuck to the cherished values of humanity in the most trying circumstances . This couple remains dedicated ,sincere and honest to the core in ameliorating pain and suffering in any manner they feel capable to do without any bias or consideration.
                                                                           

( Dr Naseer and Dr Girja Dhar ... Photo source .. Tina Anjila Shah )

Both husband and wife are connoisseurs of fine Arts.

Good Health to them...

( Autar Mota )

PS

(Prof Neerja Mattoo is an Eminent Academician and a distinguished scholar from Kashmir. She is a noted writer and has also translated several Poetry and Prose texts from Kashmiri into English. This post has been extracted from her write up in “ Miraas “ Issue July – December 2016 Page 81 ..REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS PAST- MYTH AND REALITY OF BELONGING AND TOGETHERNESS With due thanks and regards to her )

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PROF NEERJA MATTOO REMEMBERS THE LEGENDARY PHYSICIAN DR ALI JAN AND HIS FAMILY

                                                                                 

                                                      ( PROF. NEERJA MATTOO )

Dr Ali Jan’s family lived at Exchange Road Srinagar after they shifted from Rajouri Kadal in Downtown Srinagar .

Prof Neerja Mattoo writes :

” The present day Soulless Buildings of BSNL office at Exchange Road Srinagar are built on the Remains of a Heritage House , which was torn down and razed to the ground . it belonged to one Nazir Ahmed , A Punjabi speaking High official , who left for Pakistan in the wake of Partition . His house and its grounds became what is known as Evacuee Property and were rented to legendary Physician Dr Ali Jan . He and his family moved in and integrated so well with the neighbourhood that it seemed they had always lived here and not in Rajouri Kadal area of the old city downtown. The participation in each other’s festivals was taken for granted – The pundits men and children looking forward for Eid Feasts , while the Muslims waited for Shivratri with its fish and fowl with soaked walnuts .When Mrs Ali Jan came visiting , it was only fruit for her and so it was when Mrs Dhar or Mrs kaul went to visit her .But the confidence they shared would not be shared with their own Blood sisters .

People had to wait weeks for getting an opportunity to be examined by Dr Ali jan , But for this neighbourhood , his was an open house . My Father Prof. S L Dhar , who had taught Dr Ali Jan in college , was held in such affection and respect by him that he could walk into his consultation chamber with a sick patient without any prior appointment , No one daring to challenge him for ” Gate Crashing “ .

It was Mrs Ali Jan , Boba to all of us children , who came with a biggest Majma of dry fruits and Shirin to shower us with her Blessings when we passed an Examination . It was she who celebrated our success , while our own parents were subdued ! She genuinely appreciated the value of Education . The whole Mohalla Felt bereft when the Ali jan Family left to move into their own Newly built House at Magarmal Bagh . “

( AUTAR MOTA )

  

 PS

(Prof Neerja Mattoo is an Eminent Academician and a distinguished scholar from Kashmir. She is a noted writer and has also translated several Poetry and Prose texts from Kashmiri into English. This post has been extracted from her write up in “ Miraas “ Issue July – December 2016 Page 81 ..REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS PAST- MYTH AND REALITY OF BELONGING AND TOGETHERNESS With due thanks and regards to her )

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\.

ARTIST GOKUL DEMBI ( Born 1939 ) INTERPRETS SHIV SUTRAS THROUGH HIS PAINTINGS ..

                                                                    

                                                                            

                                                                             

                                           ( Autar Mota with  Shri Gokul Dembi )

 AND THE SHIV- SUTRAS ..
                                                                     

                                             ( BACK SIDE OF THE PAINTING )

ARTIST GOKUL DEMBI ( Born 1939 ) INTERPRETS SHIV SUTRAS THROUGH HIS PAINTINGS ..

Deny it , Disown it And not take the trouble of understanding it ; But the world at large knows that Kashmir’s Shaivism has played a dominant role In shaping Evolution of kashmir’s Heritage , Culture ,` Tradition , Social Behaviour , Customs , Intellectual Pursuits and Spirituality . And Vasugupta’s ( A Ninth Century Shaiva scholar ) 77 seven Shiv Sutras/ Maxims are the basis of what is known as kashmir’s Shaiv Darshana .

Vaugupta is believed to have lived somewhere near Mahadeva Mountain near Harwan in Kashmir. Shiv-Sutras with commentary of Kshemaraja have also been translated to English By Swami Lakshman Joo ( Book Shiv Sutras .The supreme Awakening) noted shaiva Scholar from kashmir ..

For my friends I quote some random Sutras /maxims interpreted by another Noted Scholar Shri Shailendra Sharma …

1

“ Consciousness is soul ” 

And As per the Exposition of Noted scholar Shri Shailendra Sharma it means :

“Consciousness of immense mind, which is manifested by means of body, is the cause of feeling of being. Consciousness of the mind is soul.”

2

“Knowledge is bondage.”

And As per the Exposition of Noted scholar Shri Shailendra Sharma it means: 

“The immense mind, which is manifested by means of the body, adopts physical limitations to know the totality of its own consciousness and also the one who manifests it. Said in other words, it limits itself in a bond with the body for the sake of knowing itself.”

Swami Lakshman Joo in his Book “ Shiv Sutras .The supreme Awakening “ Interprets this sutra as under:

“ Knowing Differentiatedly is Bondage and not Knowing undifferentiatedly is also a Bondage “

3

“Visible is the body.”

And As per the Exposition of Noted scholar Shri Shailendra Sharma it means :

“The entire visible world that lies within the realm of experiences of this body is the body of Him who manifests this all.”

4

“ Most mysterious is the mind.”

And As per the Exposition of Noted scholar Shri Shailendra Sharma it means :

“ It is only mind that unveils the knowledge of hidden mysteries.”

5

“Mind is soul”

And As per the Exposition of Noted scholar Shri Shailendra Sharma it means :

“A mind, which takes on a body, plants a seed of consciousness using the body as a womb, develops the foetus completely and causes the birth of infinitely developed consciousness through the medium of physical death, is the one that alone is the feeling of being.”

6

“Consciousness becomes sublime when imagination is mastered.”

And As per the Exposition of Noted scholar Shri Shailendra Sharma it means :

“Imagination of a great person, who becomes time conscious is completely compliant to him. He has already realized that the most powerful force in this creation is imagination only and controlled force of imagination is called as will power. Practice also begins with imagination and it is only a process of developing confidence in one’s ability of doing something as per one’s imagination. Successful practice that takes place by applying controlled force of imagination is called as power. After becoming powerful, a yogi is established in sublime consciousness, the root of the consciousness that lies beyond sound and sight.”

7

"Effort is Achiever (Sadhak)."

And As per the Exposition of Noted scholar Shri Shailendra Sharma it means :

"Effort of the mind for knowing hidden secrets is itself called as achiever. Mind together with the seed of infinite consciousness solicits a body to know itself, as such the mind is the achiever that makes efforts to cause the birth of its own consciousness."

8

"Body is an offering."

And As per the Exposition of Noted scholar Shri Shailendra Sharma it means :

'Mind availing of a body, developing consciousness using the body as womb and then delivering consciousness through the medium of physical death – in this cycle the body is offered as a sacrifice.'

9

“ Senses become witnesses.”

And As per the Exposition of  Noted scholar Shri Shailendra Sharma  it means :

“The great time — conscious person, on the stage of inner self of whom is this entire act of creation being played, all senses of such a great person become the witnesses of this omnipresent play and such time – conscious great person remains in bliss while witnessing everywhere this play of time.”

And here we have an artist who has interpreted all the 77 Shiv -Sutras through his paintings . Possibly the first Artist to do so. I am not very sure on this issue : But if any reader has some more to add , I shall be too pleased to know.He is Rainawari Born Gokul Dembi ( Born 1939 ). So Many things surfaced up so many doubts were cleared in my meeting with the artist some days back. Along with my friend Sudesh Raina , I dropped in at his residence SMRITI ( 196 Sector 2 Pamposh janipora ) ).  He was waiting .

“ I belong to Rainawari. The canals , Waterways ,Birds , Willows , Boats and the peaceful life that we had in that part of the valley is something that keeps haunting. In fact our house was surrounded by Water and canals on all sides . ”

“ I have been trained at Delhi Polytechnic / college of Art in various disciplines like painting , Sculpture, Graphics , Terracotta , Lithography , Etching , Soap stone etc. I have even worked on lathe machine .We had an all round training during those days . That was quite enriching . Further I spent two precious Years of my Life in Lucknow where I learnt so many things and even Furniture Designing . I did a national Diploma in Fine arts from Delhi Polytechnic / college of Art in 1963.”

“ I am an Associate member of Shilpi Chakra And Gallery -26 and have retired in 1997 as Incharge Fine arts Department Institute of Music and Fine arts J&K . I had joined this Institution in 1969. I am also connected with many Cultural Organization like SAMPRITI apart from being a member of Governing Body of Gandhi Memorial College ”

“ I don’t agree when Some writers or Art historians say that so and so person or artist Brought Modern Art to valley. Was our  valley without any Artistic Movement or Trend ? You see we had a definite school of Art that flourished over there since ancient times . It had a Continuity .See our ancient and medieval stone sculptures .We had a well defined school of stone sculpting . Yes for some reasons the Artists had to move out in different directions after 14th century . But then they did wonders wherever they went . Be it the The Pahari Miniature Art of Himachal  or the Gompa Paintings of Ladakh , contribution of kashmiris is immense , undeniable and visible. Why have we forgotten that Manaku , Nainsukh and the Great Master Shiv Raina ( All of them being prominent Pahaari artists ) are kashmiris ? Just Focus on our Thokur Kuth ( Pooja Room ). Didn’t we have the tradition of preparing paintings known as Gorra Treya? Most of our Pooja rooms had Miniature Paintings depicting Shiv- lagana , Shiva Meditating on kailasa or Shiva with Nandi , Parvati and Ganesha. And then you can also come to Papier Mache Art that came to Kashmir during the rule of Sultan Zain Ul Abdin . You can see colourful Flowers , Figures , Dragons etc done by our artisans . ”

“ I have taught so many students and I can not name any one So Many are well known names in the field of Painting and sculpting . It is a sheer happiness for a teacher to see his students flourishing .”

“ I have participated in many exhibitions In Delhi , Amritsar , Chandigarh apart from attending many LKA’s Biannual Art exhibitions in India and Abroad . So many Art camps held in our state and outside have been attended by me .”

We now relax over a cup of Tea . He takes us to the first floor of his House . Two rooms are packed with paintings . Paintings , Bronze sculptures and some wood work also confronts you as you move through the rooms of his house . And then he opens something serious. 77 Shiv sutras interpreted through paintings . He  has used  Human form in interpreting these Maxims believed to have been conveyed by Shiva Himself to Vasugupta . On the backside of every Shiv Sutra painting ,he has written the Sloka /Sutra with his own hand in Sanskrit .The Visual Impact of each sutra painting done by him is profound and out of the ordinary.

I am Informed that Noted Artists like B C Sanyal and J Apaswamy (who incidentally were his Teachers at Delhi College of art ) were of immense help to him during his early formative years .And then Manjeet Bawa and jagdish Dey were his colleagues at Delhi College of art.

His son is an engineer who works as a car designer with a leading Automobile company at Mumbai. We take permission to leave. Joined by His wife sheela ji , He comes to the gate of his house to see us off .

“ Keep coming . Next time we go to Triloke kaul sahib’s house . He lives in that house . Krishen Ji Langoo Lives over there , and that is where Jalali Sahib ( T K Jalali Musician and Vocalist ) Lives."

( Avtar Mota )

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\.