Day -130

Srinagar visit- an unforgettable experience

During my working days, I had innumerable opportunities to visit various parts of the country and thus had covered almost all state capitals.

 But I could not go to Srinagar for long due to the situation there. Then the local bank, J&K Bank Ltd. had arranged a Bank Economists’ conference in association with IBA and I was also nominated to attend. But at the last moment, the even was cancelled, rightly so.

Then an opportunity came to deliver a talk to the local bankers. Our team of two visited there via New Delhi. 

• As I did not carry woollen clothes, I felt quite miserable on landing as the temperature was around 11 degree Celsius.
• The road from airport to the Hotel was totally deserted with army men all over the place . 
• My talk was at 3 PM at a place near the AIR station. But I was told by 2 PM that the area was under curfew due to some bomb blast near the AIR building. Thus, that talk was cancelled. I could visit J&K Bank’s HO and interact with some officials.
• That day evening, I went to the Shiva temple on a small hillock, believed to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya. I was the lone visitor at that time, except some army men on the way/nearby.
• Next day we went for a round of the famous gardens there and also the Dal Lake. The roads were totally deserted. The whole place was as still as Antarctica - as seen in films.

But we went around merrily, as that bank’s cars are allowed to ply freely.

• Both the gardens we two visited had only some army men as security- guarding the area. 
• My friend told me that when he went there last during his honey moon, there was hardly any inch of  space to move freely  around, as it over crowded. Hence, he lamented the  deserted sight on that day.

My hotel, mostly of a wooden structure, was adjacent to the Jhelum River. I could see the river and also the sound of the flowing water. That was indeed a beautiful and memorable sight.

Further, if there is a paradise on earth, I can vouch that Srinagar must be one of them. The natural beauty of the place is mesmerizing, that we have seen in many movies over the years.

Next day we returned. The return trip to the Airport  also showed eerie silence all around. I was happy to be out of that place, so isolated, fearful and ghostlike – during that visit. 

My heart went out  for our beloved Jawans who are standing in those ice cold conditions to protect the mother land-24x7x365.

Yet, I feel happy that I could visit that place  also- once- in my lifetime.

God can only give; it is for us to make use of it. India is fortunate to have many riches. But then, people are not able to enjoy it --- for reasons well known to all.

May God give SAD BUDHI TO ONE AND ALL- ALWAYS – is my ardent prayer -then and now also.

Be happy. Be safe.

        ॐ 

      9 AM