Jnana Prabodhini Kashmir Group

Before few months, if somebody had asked me to predict the nature of a Kashmiri man, my answer would have been,? A Kashmiri man must be under continuous tension, living with immense stress upon him. That?s why he would not trust any outsider, would always stay in the house under the fear and not a single man would be seen on the road once the darkness of the evening takes over the town.? Thank god no one ever asked me this question and saved me from building a totally opposite impression of a Kashmiri man. Now, I would welcome such questions from the people around me as I have gained numerous experiences from my tour to Jammu and Kashmir, and I am sure this time my answer would be far more correct.

We were fortunate to get the opportunity to stay with our Kashmiri friends and to have ample time to interact with many people. Kashmiri people just love to socialize. While having a walk through the town Bijbihara with Noor, he used stop every now and then to greet his friends and relatives. They would even talk to me and immediately invite me over a tea at their place. The hospitality I experienced in the state was first of its kind experienced by me. It was simply great. They love to serve their guests, they equally love to talk to them and most importantly they love to feed them. At Javed's place, we were served cold-drink and tea almost consecutively only because we did not know when we will be able to visit his place again. I enjoyed these informal interactions to the fullest. Those people have got great skill to befriend someone effortlessly.

Experiences at Jammu were equally memorable. Especially visit to Mishriwala migrant camp was unforgettable. The condition of the houses at the camp was not very good. But it had to do nothing with their love to serve their guests. People from all the age groups interacted with us so nicely as if we knew each other for many a days. Meal at the Vijender?s place used be the pleasure for us as we were served delicious recepies ( including Potato chips especially for us on the last day ) and had the lighthearted conversations with Deedar Singhji and their other relatives. Vijender accompanied us in the Jammu and prepared the Jnana Prabodhini office in a nice way to make our stay comfortable.

This tour taught me a lot and enriched me with number of amazing experiences. This was the first time when I just loved to observe and study people closely. I feel that the nature of Kashmiri people is equally significant as the Nature of Kashmir in making the JK a heaven on the earth.

-Prayag