Friday, November 29, 2013

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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Thursday, November 28, 2013

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 including the prestigious Padma Bhushan. 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 has also been associated with Stockhom University . 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.

“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......

( Avtar Mota  )

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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

UMESH KAUL : VERSATILE SHORT STORY WRITER FROM KASHMIR


                                                                           

UMESH KAUL ..A FORGOTTEN SHORT STORY WRITER FROM KASHMIR.

He belonged to a family that had creativity in its DNA. His one brother, Bushen. Kaul is a well-known artist. Hriday Kaul Bharti, the pioneer of modern Kashmiri short stories, was his other brother.

Umesh Kaul ( born 1934) is a forgotten short story writer from Kashmir. Born in Sopore, Kashmir, Umesh used to write in Hindi and Urdu before he switched over to Kashmiri. His first Kashmiri story 'Ad Kathh' (Half Story) was published in the Kashmiri magazine KONG POSH in 1955. His stories like 'Duwoat' and' Dil 'are 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 Akhtar Mohiuddin, Hriday Kaul Bharti, Ali Mohammad Lone, Bansi Nirdosh, Amin Kamil, Deepak Kaul, Avtar Krishen Rahbar, Taj Begum Renzoo, Rattan Lal Shant, Hari Krishen Kaul and many more. Later, many writers including Faruq Masudi also joined this group. Some writers from this group 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 flowerbeds 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. He must have written more than two dozen short stories. His one short story,' Bhagya-Harta ' is included in the compilation of contemporary short stories published by Bhartiya Gyanpeeth. Umesh Kaul also wrote scripts for  Kashmiri language documentaries for the I&B Ministry.

A postgraduate in Hindi, he produced a popular science fiction programme for Radio Kashmir, Srinagar. He was a good painter who got his initial training from Som Nath Butt. He also wrote the script for the popular radio programme VAADI KI AWAAZ. He had joined AIR as a scriptwriter. For some time during the early sixties of the last century, he also worked as sub-editor of the newspaper' Kashmir Post' published from Srinagar. He had another skill that many people don't know. He had a technical precision that could set right anything and everything even expensive electronic gadgets. He had the patience to repair any camera. Padama-shri Pran Kishore Kaul revealed to me how he had set right a very complicated and expensive camera with which his team had been shooting a documentary. About Umesh Kaul, Padma-shri Pran Kishore Kaul says this:-

 “What shall I say about Umesh Ji? To sum up he was a genius. He was a dear friend much more than a colleague. In fact, the entire family was talented. I was lucky to work with his other two brothers too. Bharti Ji was my regular playwright on the Radio. Bhushan Ji, a well-known painter designed costumes and props for my stage production of operas, Himala Ke Chashme, Piya Baaj Pyala and Tipu Sultan beautifully after researching the history of the connected periods. And the photographs of the operas are testimony to his innovations. I would like to mention here another personal experience of Umesh Ji's technical acumen. Singer Sewing Company had introduced a domestic knitting machine. My wife Shanta Ji was very fond of this knitting machine. She purchased one from the very first lot. After a few months, it went out of order.  While rehearsing for Vadi Ki Awaz, Shanta Ji told Umesh Ji about it. He in his typical humorous style told her, ‘rogan josha thaviv tayar ba dimas nazar’ or ‘ Keep Rogan Josh cooked, I shall come and see it’.To cut the story short, he came to our house and had a look at the machine. He asked for a screwdriver and a plate.  Taking the screwdriver, he started opening the machine. Imagine he had never seen this knitting machine earlier. He kept the sketchy manual aside and almost dismantled the machine keeping the nuts and bolts in the plate. He cleaned them and refixed them. Lo and behold, the machine started working fine. We were amazed. Yes, we had a hearty meal after that. This technical acumen, he had in his genes. Their father Pandit Sarwanand Kaul was the best watch maker in the entire state.”

 Umesh Kaul was a frail-looking man who had enormous talent and skill in many fields of life. He was a photographer, scriptwriter, short story writer, painter, guide, teacher, lively host and above all a great human being.  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 the 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.”

Bansi Raina, a close friend of Umesh Kaul says this:-

 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 Bhushen Kaul and Hriday Kaul Bharti. A gem, a great man, a friend and a 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, a well-known Hindi poet from Kashmir adds:-



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


Shri Rajesh Kaul (a retired senior officer from Doordarshan) adds this.


"Umesh Kaul had done post-graduation in Hindi but would write a science talk for Radio Kashmir. He was blessed with many capabilities apart from being a good writer. He was a very good cinematographer, an animator, a film processor and an editor. He shot an introductory montage for a science fiction, Dr. Zero for DD Srinagar in the late 70's, processed it at his house and edited the same under a magnifying glass using a magnifying glass, a scissor and a cello tape. The film being mute the music was added later on at the TV Centre Srinagar. The series was produced by C.L.Hakhoo and had the late Som Nath Sadhu and Pushkar Bhan in the lead roles.
 Everyone used to call him Umesh Ji out of love and respect. The only sister among five brothers Deep Prabhakar was the first lady from the state to attain a master’s degree in Dramatics from M S University Baroda (Vadodara). Umesh Ji was a refined and superfine human being who was respected by all and had a varied class of friends. His famous short story.” Baazar Hoon Te Insaan “perhaps remained unpublished. He was a chain smoker and would often forget his lit cigarette in his two fingers while writing a script or rectifying a gadget. He would visit the coffee house once a day to meet his intellectual friends. He was popular among ladies because of his varied knowledge. He could talk on any subject. He had a keen eye for cinema. He was the cinematographer of a documentary titled, ‘In the Backwaters of Dal’ where he used his key-driven Bolex camera. The documentary was made for Mohammad Shafi Khan, a famous Kashmiri filmmaker settled in Mumbai. There’s so much to say about him. His subtle sense of humour was terrific. "

  About Umesh Kaul, Shahnawaz Taing has this to say:-

“Umesh Ji headed the ‘Current Feature’ unit of Radio Kashmir, Srinagar.His other companions were, .P.L. Kher and Ghulam Nabi Ratanpuri. I too was on the penal of writers. Wadi Ki Aawaz, Tabsarah and Aaj Ki Baat was the responsibility of this section. He guided me well. He knew the art of editing the scripts making them crisp and to the point. He would always guide and encourage me. May his soul rest in peace?”

Fayaz Shaharyar, former DG of AIR says this:-

 “We have been colleagues for years, the bond stayed even after his retirement and my posting to Jammu where he used to come regularly, chat and write for radio mainly on current affairs. A visibly iconoclast intellectual, amazingly creative and even ingenious. A moribund watch, a broken transistor would get their lives back with just one touch by him. A meaningful commentator on the sub-continental imbroglio, a linguist, a writer, a loner (in some good sense), and a conversationalist who was heard with rapt attention had a mind that scintillated with brilliance till the last day. Blessed be his soul.”

 

I conclude this mini-post with a Doha of poet Firaq Gorakhpuri.

 

 "Nirdhan kavi ke paas kya

kuchh peeda kuchh preet,

Kuchh andekhay sapne hain

dard bharay kuchh geet"

 

 ( Avtar Mota  )

  




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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

A KASHMIRI PANDIT BRIDEGROOM....VEEGIS MAAEJ NATCHIYO MAHARAAZO ,YENDERAAZO SHARIKA ANNIZIENN ( Your mother shall dance merrily on the Rangoli , Looking like lord Indra ! Bring a girl Like Sharika to this house )

                                                                                     
                 
A  KASHMIRI  PANDIT  BRIDEGROOM

Photo Autar Mota (25.11.2013.)

The bridegroom is about to leave with the Barat to the Bride’s house for the auspicious LAGAN . He was made to stand over the colourfully drawn VYOOG ( Rangloi ) and garlanded by his relatives. Every lady tried to kiss his forehead and bless him. A relative blew the Conch Shell. His cousin held a decorated umbrella over him. A child dressed as *(1)Poat Maharaaza held his hand while his grandmother put a small piece of Barfi in his mouth .

And as the BARAT left for the Bride’s house , men rushed towards the waiting Cars to occupy seats while women walked behind the bridegroom clapping , dancing and singing….

(1)        Chhakki Sheerin Daanaai Daanai .( Shower him with   sugar candies piece after piece) .
(2)        Ye Chhu Mossuum Mossum Krishna Bhagwaan ( He is as innocent as Lord Krishna Himself )
(3)        Naabad Aaprovnuss Sharikaaye.. Shiv ji hai Ghar Draav Umaaye .
.( Goddess Sharika has come to put sweet candies in his mouth , Behold ! Lord shiva leaving for  Uma’s / Parvati ‘s  abode  .)
(4)        Veegis Maaej Natchiyo Mahaaraazo… Yenderaazo sharika Anizein...( Your mother shall dance merrily on the Rangoli ,   Looking like lord Indra ! Bring a girl Like Sharika to this house )

And when the Car carrying the bridegroom started to leave , His mother rushed close and threw handfuls of rupee coins over the vehicle . The ladies kept dancing around the VYOOG and wishing the boy and his bride happiness and prosperity even after the bridegroom and the BARAT had left.
AND these simple and unknown kashmiri women (with their VANVUN, TEIKTAAL, TARANGA ,MAAENZI DULL, VYOOG, ATTAHUUR , DEIJHUUR , NARIBANDH, KROOL and HIKAT ) kept RIVER  VITASTA ( Jhelum ) flowing in my mind .


(Autar  Mota 26.11.2013 )

PS

The Poat Maharaza practice was started by Kashmiri Pandits during the dark Days of Afghan rule in Kashmir.It was introduced under great anxiety as bridegrooms with Dastaars on their heads were seized by Pathans and tortured. So another young boy dressed like a Bridegroom and called as Pot Maharaza would also join the Barat . And should any untoward happen to the real bridegroom , the POT MAHARAZA was a natural substitute .

                                                                  

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MY POEM "LAMENT OF LOSS' ( RAAVAN TYOL IN KASHMIRI ) WITH A VIEW OF LONELY ACHHABAL GARDEN OF KASHMIR


                                                                           

LONELY ACHHABAL GARDEN (KASHMIR )

TO THIS PHOTO I AM ADDING MY KASHMIRI POEM Raavan Tyol ( lament of loss ). The poem has also been rendered to simple English for those readers  who do not understand kashmiri...



( Ravan Tyol )

Kaaem Taam Vuchh Aekki Dohh Suyee  Bulbul
Baagus Peith Beiyee Vuff  laayaan
Kattie taam Aav Ta Guvv Bonein kunn
Baalun Kunn Tchol  Khoat Aakaashus
Doorein Munz Gayee Sheitchh Ammi Kathhie Hinz
Jaafur Voathh Heirrun Nanavoar
Hee Thharie Dietch Kraaekh  “ Hey Ghar Anietoan ”
Gule-Akhtaab Draas   Neithhanon Tchhaandieni   
Kaawuv kaer Fraestun pyath Chik-chikh
Baaga Tchariev dyuot  Voann Aakaashus
Patta Kattie sa Kattie Neab lobukh tuss
Tchhandaan Roodhiess Lanjjie Hiendh Posh
Kaanh Mossum Chhallihay Yimm Daag
Deivaa Poshun Mashihay “ Kyah Goam? ”
Vaav Karaan Gatta Geur Lanjjien Az
Vaai  Pattarun Mosha -Mut  Tcharri-Popp.
Baagus Burr Gayee Yella Akki Doah Itta
Tche ta Vuchh Baaguk Raavun Tyol…

( Autar Mota 26.11.2013 )

( Lament of loss )

And then one day ,
Some one saw that Bulbul again,
Coming from some end,
It flew  over  the garden towards the Chinar Trees ,
Hurried   towards the mountains
And soared up   the sky .
This news reached   the flower beds ,
The Marigold   rushed down barefoot   ,
The Jasmine  laden branch cried
“ Bring him to his Dwelling ”
The sunflower ran without clothes  to look for  him,
The crows  on the Poplar tree cried in agony ,
The garden sparrows  flew  high to look for  him in the sky ,
 And Never did the Garden know his whereabouts later,
The flower laden branches kept waiting for him,
Look! No season could wash these bruises
And make flowers forget what befell them .
What if the wind   kisses and embraces branches  today,
 The  leaves  do not remember   their cheerful clapping anymore .
 The garden doors are open once more  ,
Drop in someday ,

Let you also see the lament of loss in the Garden.

( Autar Mota 26.11.2013 )

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Thursday, November 21, 2013

AND WE FORGOT MOHAN NIRASH ALSO


                                                                               





                                                                     
                                                          Mohan Nirash (1934-2000 ) 

MOHAN NIRASH   (1934-2000)


“Roos ktchie lokchaar van  kun trovum yaavun rovum shaharitch braaentch
Pholnaai pamposh Kami  putchnovum kya gudrovum taqdeeran …….
Ronnie daamanas shroni  shroni rovum kya gudrovum taqdeeran
Vuzmali seenas  daz daz thovum Kya gudrovum taqdeeran” …….( Mohan Nirash )

 

(Like a gazelle, I left my childhood in the forest ,
And lost my youth in this city’s temptations.
Who threw this lotus to dust before its bloom? 
And see what regret my fate brought to me?
I lost the “Chhum” “Chhum” of my dancing apparel,
What regret my fate brought to me?
The lightning kept kindling many a fires within my chest
What regret my fate brought to me?)

Mohan Nirash (1934-2000) was a poet, playwright, translator and above all a gentle human being. He resided at  Drabyaar, Habba Kadal and later  moved to Delhi where his family is settled at the moment . Nirash was employed in AIR (Radio Kashmir, Srinagar) and was essentially a Hindi poet who started writing in his mother tongue (Kashmiri) possibly around 1967.

As a programme officer, he has been the founder and producer of Hindi programmes and Kashmiri programmes on All India Radio, Srinagar. During his Akashvani service, Mohan Nirash has translated Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography, Nilamata Purana, Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, radio adaptation of Ramcharitmanas, and about three hundred all-India plays into Kashmiri language. He has worked in various positions in All India Radio Srinagar, Directorate General, National Broadcasting Service, All India Radio,New Delhi , Hindi Service of External Broadcasting Division and All India Radio Shimla for about 36 years. Pragaash was the most popular and informative programme of Radio Kashmir, Srinagar that was aired for about 26 Years. It was produced by Nirash and scripted by him.Syed Zeeshan Fazil informs me this about Pragaash :-

  “Pragaash is one of his remarkable productions of Radio Kashmir. He was a well-read person always dedicated to his work and never believed in any groupism at his work place or outside.”

 He was a master translator and did some excellent translations from Kashmiri to Hindi as also from  English ,Hindi and Sanskrit to Kashmiri . He wrote Kashmiri dramas ( Rata Daen Posh or Bleeding Flowers ) as well. Nirash  also translated Arthur Miller's,”Death Of A Salesman” into Kashmiri  apart from translating  Galsworthy's Justice. In my private collection, I have a copy of Noornama published in Kashmiri by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages dedicated to Aladaar e Kashmir  ( Nund Ryosh ).. This special number has also published some Shrukhs of Nirash . I quote.

 

“Ruum gayee sheeshus taapus gayee gatta
Akaalie samayas voth andhakaar
Paanzsav praanav kraekh laaiy yikavata
Baar khodayaa paap nivaar …….( Mohan Nirash )

 


(The sun splintered and the day light turned to shadows
Untimely darkness engulfed everything.
All the **(2) five elements cried in one voice
“O Lord! unburden us of these sins.)


  :"Antaa-karnan andherie peyi tratta
 Deh zan valini me aav samsaar .
***(3)Maya zaalas andh katiness ratta
Baar khodaaya  paap nivaar "……..( Mohan Nirash )
 
 (As if struck by lightning, the inner self lies battered.
And this world appears to influence this external self.
Where shall  I draw a line to this *Maya –Mesh”   ?
O Lord !unburden us of our sins ._)


 
Nirash’s poetry is known for its lyrical quality and emotional depth, often resonating with readers on a personal level. His ability to capture the essence of Kashmir and its people has made him a beloved figure in Kashmiri literature.. He influenced a generation of Hindi writers from Kashmir that includes Agni Shekhar , Maharaj Shah , Maharaj Santoshi , Kshama Kaul and many more . Some important books published by Mohan Nirash can be listed as under:-

1- “Krishna Mera Paryay” (Hindi poetry collection 1971)

2- “Ek Aprichit Akash” (co-editor of contemporary Hindi poetry anthology of Kashmir)

3- “Kavita Khanabadosh” (Hindi poetry Collection 1985)

4- “Dastakhat Silvatoon ke Beech” (Hindi poetry collection: 1990)

5- “Shoonya-Kaal” (Hindi poetry Collection: 1991)

6- “Ibarat Se Alag” (Hindi poetry collection 2001)

7“Richaayen Neelkanthi” (A collection of representative poems of Mohan Nirash Edited by Dr. Upendra Nath Raina).

 

Other Literary Contribution 

1-Co-editor of Urdu-Kashmiri dictionary (three volumes) published by Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages

2-Kashmir Men of Letters (Hindi and English volumes compiled and edited)

3-Writer of  Param Yogini Lalleshwari (Hindi dance drama staged in 1999 )

 

Awards

1- Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Academy Award for the poetry Collection 'Krishna Mera Paryay’

2- Honoured by Akhil Bhartiya Hindi-Urdu Sangam (for the Promotion of Hindi in non-Hindi region of Kashmir)

3- Honoured by Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sahitya Sammelan for the promotion of Hindi in the region of Kashmir)

4- Awarded by Central Hindi Directorate, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India for his poetry collection– “Dastakhat Silvatoon ke Beech”

5- Appreciation letter under Akashvani Award Scheme

6- Awarded by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for 'Shunyakal' (poetry collection).

7- "Shrestha Samman 2021" (posthumously) for significant contribution in the field of Kashmiri language and literature by HARMONY CULTURAL FOUNDATION.

8- “Richaayen Neelkanthi” (Collection of representative poems of Mohan Nirash) Editor: Dr. Upendra Nath Raina Awarded as Shreshtha Kriti 

Dalip Langoo , music composer has this to say  :-

 “Since he was a Hindi poet I am not aware about his Koshur Qalaam but we were in Delhi working on a project, he penned down some beautiful poems for a television serial .I have recorded one of his Kashmiri poems and put that on my sound cloud. I do not think any of his poems in Kashmiri are at all aired on Radio Kashmir. His children: 1. Upinder  Ji recently retired from Akashwani as Deputy Station Director,New Delhi, 2.  Pardyot Raina is no more as he  met with a serious road accident a few years ago, 3. Neeraj Ji is teacher (art teacher) in a reputed  school of Delhi's and dear Ashutosh Raina is in a private job. ”

Here is a portion from this lovely Kashmiri song with excellent music composed by Dalip Langoo. This song was actually written for the television serial Afsana e Kashmir produced by Rajesh Amrohi . This song can be heard at…….https://soundcloud.com/daliplangoo/roni-damanas/s-i4kSO

Poet Shantiveer Kaul (son of stalwart Kashmiri poet Dina Nath Nadim ) has this to say :-

 “No gentler soul than Nirash Ji, no unassuming one either - and as, if not more, erudite, well informed and analytically keen as any. I have memories of this soul that will last me this lifetime as” a reference point of what is good and gentle.

Hindi poet Agni Shekhar adds this :-.

  “The greatest of great Kashmiri translator, who translated nearly 400 radio plays , Gandhi Katha,Ramayana ,Vaital Pachisi and other important  literary works into Kashmiri . Besides, Mohan Nirash was a prominent Hindi poet and broadcaster, efficient interviewer. He wrote Gazals in Kashmiri. His innovative programme like 'PRAGAASH' was immensely popular across the length and breadth of Kashmir Valley. Mohan Nirash was a household name in Kashmir. And died in exile”

Bansi Raina adds this:-

 “ A noble unassuming soul ..He was a very diligent worker. Mohan Nirash who had at ready translated Galsworthy’s JUSTICE   for the  Radio ..Rewrote it as a stage version at my request...He was fond of palmistry and we use to exchange ideas and view point on the subject. A man who deserved more than what he got. A great friend.”

                       

                                               
                                                                 

Nirash always believed in the present while ensuring preservation of our language and past cultural heritage . I quote him

“While it is good to take steps for preservation of past heritage, we should not let the present slip out of our hands as our today's achievements are going to be tomorrow's heritage.”

 And one day in October 2000, while going to meet Santoor Maestro Pandit Bhajan Sopory at his Lodhi Road residence, Mohan Nirash ji met with a fatal accident. The voice turned silent but the poems that he composed created   an indelible imprint on Kashmiri literature.

 

So long so much……………

 ( Avtar Mota 21.11.2013 )

 

 PS

*(1) SENDHEY is Sindh or the Sangam or Prayag Teertha of Kashmir . It is the confluence of Vitasta and Sindh stream at Shadipora Kashmir. This place is also mentioned as Teertha in Neelamat Purana . I quote..

 "The wise say that by bathing in the confluence of Sindhu and vitasta especially on the full moon day of the month of Prausthapada , one obtains the merit of the performance of Ashavmedha ."

(Neelamat Purana Canto 1384 Volume II) 

* *(2) Five elements are Prithvi (earth), Akaash (space or sky ). ,Vaayu ( air ), Jal ( water ) and Agni ( fire ). These five elements, water, Air, fire, space and earth are together known as “Panchtatva”..

*** (3) Maya Zaal (Maya Jaal ) is  philosophical concept  related  to Maya or illusion. Many Mystic poets of Kashmir have used the word Maya Zaal for this world and its material temptations.. In Buddhism, Maya plays a prominent philosophical role. In Buddhism, what appears to the naked eye in this world   is Maya  or  a Magician’s Illusion which  is far  away from the reality . According to Shaivite Philosophy of Adi Sankara, Māyā is invisible or beyond sense-perception. But this universe which is its effect, is visible or perceived by the senses.

            
                                                  


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