Had a chance to travel to a place where I read that if there is a heaven on earth, it is Kashmir. The invitation was to watch over ten thousand Kashmiri girls perform Rouf dance, a unique form of Kashmiri dance, under the leadership of the Indian Army. My wife Sheena and I flew from Kochi to Srinagar on 7th August. At 5.45 p.m Havildar Devram was there to receive us at Srinagar.
The first glimpses of the heavenly land of Kashmir were not pretty at all. The 52 km journey from Srinagar to Baramulla was tough. The entire road was dusty as NH 44 was under construction.
*Apple orchard*
Throughout the journey to Kashmir, we can see orchards of different varieties of fruits like apples, pears, walnuts, etc. on both sides of the road.
*At the brigade headquarters*
Army's guest house was also ready for us.
The sun did not set until half past seven and we slept well during the first day. Next day we visit to Uri town and Buniyar temple which is an ancient Shiva temple.
On the Uri-Baramulla National Highway 44, lies Buniyar Temple, a magnificent relic of Kashmiri heritage. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries by King Avanti Varman of the Utpala dynasty, the temple was underground for centuries. It was discovered in 1835 by the historian Carl Alexander Hugel. At the end of the 19th century, the Dogra ruler Maharaja Ranbir Singh recovered it through nine years of painstaking excavation.Built in the Gandharva style, the temple stands as an architectural wonder, with 53 cells surrounding the main Sri Kovil. It is made of granite. The granite was fixed using a special technique, mainly relying on the sophisticated lock-key technique, and the dimensions of the temple echo its magnificence.
The temple is situated on a spacious plot measuring 145 x 119.5 feet. Each cell is 7 x 4 feet with a garbhagriha standing on a 14 x 14 feet square pedestal. In 1947, during a surprise attack by Kabali raiders, the temple sheltered Indian soldiers led by Brigadier Rajinder Singh. Now this temple is under military control. A soldier of the rank of Subedar Major narrated the history. Then visited Army Museum of Dagger Division.A wide collection of various types of firearms, communication equipment, clothing used by the Pakistani and militants, etc., are on display. Another hall showcases Kashmir's unique style and tradition of clothing, jewellery, household items and photographs depicting the history of the Dogara Regiment.
*To Prof.Showkat Ali Indoor Stadium*
On the ninth of August at nine am we visited to Shaukatali Indoor Stadium where the rehearsal is taking place. Along with URF Vice President Guinness Suvodeep Chatterjee, the trip was unforgettable. A pilot vehicle with five soldiers armed with a machine gun, followed by official vehicle for the three of us, followed by five armed men in a gypsy straight to the stadium.A large line of officers were present to receive. The rehearsal was successfully completed in one hour.
The beauty of real Kashmir is visible on the way to visit Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The river Jhelum flows turbulently, paddy fields, orchards, pine trees, hills and English-style wooden houses in the valley are beautiful views. Meanwhile the vehicle Entered Gunarea, which was not accessible to ordinary people.
(Pakistani militants are regularly shelling from Loc). In the afternoon, the Malayali soldier explained the weapons we use and their functions. We have weapons that can destroy the enemy . The enemy is regularly shelling our country from the top of the mountains. All the soldiers, including the commander, are staying inside the bunker here. A big salute to the brave soldiers who protect the country at the risk of their lives.
Then visited Kaman Point Pakistan-occupied Kashmir can be seen across the Jhelum River. Armored vehicles and armed soldiers of forces like BSF, CRPF, BRO and GREF can be seen on both sides of the road in addition to the Army.
Malayalees do not know how hard their service is. Salute once again to those who stand guard in extreme heat and snow with more than 30 kg of weapons.
The army and common people stay here expecting for a terrorist attack at any moment. Fear and worry on people's faces. It is a great thing that the common people, who only a few years ago saw the army as enemies, now see them as saviors. Under the name of Yuva Cultural Centre, Army is providing various livelihood opportunities for the youth of Kashmir.
The training is in the fields of arts and vocational skills. Earlier there were Pakistani flags in Kashmir, now all of them have been removed. Girls are getting more education
11543 girls participated from 158 satellite locations in Kashmir's unique Rouf Dance for the first time in the history of Kashmir. Stepping in traditional attire to the same beat made everyone happy.
One thousand one hundred and thirteen girls from 25 schools lined up on the main stage and it can be seen as the beginning of a big change.And shared their joy without any hesitation in coming before the media. Girls who were once oppressed in the society coming forward bravely is the beginning of change.
The program organized jointly by the army and the district administration is to say that Kashmir is an auspicious part of India.
The idea of performing the traditional dance form was the Commander Brigadier Rajat Mohan Bhatt Sab in last January. The initial goal was for Guinness record But it was decided that there was no need for the heavy expenditure of sixteen lakh rupees and appointed a committee consisting of colonels , lieutenant colonels and majors.After considering various record organizations, URF was reached unanimously.
The first priority was to rally 5000 girls and perform the Rouf dance. But after the district administration, police and education department took the initiative, ten thousand applications were received. So it was decided to reach the target of record by uniting 1000 children in one venue and rest in 158 live locations.
July 1st has been fixed as the last date for receipt of applications. Out of 11560 applications received, 11543 participated in the program. For all the children and 145 schools who participated in the main event Awarded Medal and Certificate.
As part of celebrating the huge success of the program, we will Lieut. General - Rajivghai Saab, Major General Rajiv Sethi Saab and Brigadier Rajat Mohan Bhatt Saab also received awards.
Brigadier Saab hosted a banquet in the Officers' Mess in the evening for those behind the event. Again we were honored with the award on that stage.
Thanks to the Indian Army for giving us the opportunity to see Kashmir and participate in a world class event.
Thanks to Baramulla Administration and Kashmir Education Department.
Brigadier - Rajat Mohan Bhatt, Colonel Dinesh Phogat, Colonel Rana, Col. Sharma, Col. Akash Menon, Major Aryan, Major Satya, Major Harshan and Havildar Devram, Guest House Charges Amrit, Srikanth and Devdath who were with us for 5 days .
(Many details, name, location and views are not included for security reasons.)
0 Comments