#KashmirFloods Part 4)

As my last phonecall was disconnected while talking with Physics Sir so I was worried in speculating some ill fate regarding my colleagues. Earlier I was thinking to call my colleagues who were residing inside Badami Bagh Cantt to help in rescuing us, but now I was suspicious as one of my big hope Physics Sir was trapped outside the Cantt. I tried to speak to some of my known ones telephonically, but all went in vain. Now, I realised that my trousers were drenched and wet as I and Amit Ji were just back from the 1st floor(which was completely drowned under water till now). As we human beings are known to work collectively as and when some disaster come there, irrespective of our likening or disliking (proving absolutely that man is a social animal),  so forthcoming events were going to happen as per this fact now onwards! As I have been residing on 1st floor I have found something annoying happening on 2nd floor (an apartment just above my room), the voice of a young lady who used to speak loudly in the evening and wee hours and that too partially through vocal cords and partially through nasal passage ( worse than Himesh Reshmia,  I bet). Later I came to know that the lady is a Kashmiri Pandit working in some educational institute. Now, that lady was offering tea in a steel glass to me (a fellow who was half wet and half dry in Hindi "Sard -garam hone ki sthiti"). I accepted the hot tea and started to take it sip by sip, meanwhile Wani uncle, our Landlord appeared in the scene from a side window(he already had migrated to his newly built building just adjacent to our building in last night only). He was calling me from other building's window holding a long stick, I guess approx.15-16 feet long stick. He threw a bunch of key towards me through the windows and said that try to open the corner room so that we could settle down there, which was lying vacant for last one year and was being used by him as a store. I nodded and handed over this bunch to Amit Ji now, whose little baby girl named Anshu and his wife were still standing outside the rooms on 2nd floor (which was topmost floor of our building too). Amit Ji and his wife started to open the store room now using the keys of the bunch and I started to notice Wani uncle as he was holding a long stick. I noticed that uncle was trying to fend off some mice which were riding on a half wet dirty pillow which was now floating on flood water in our vicinity. I said, "uncle -uncle please don't do this". But he didn't pay any attention and just uttered that these mice would spread disease now, so it is wise to keep them away from us. However, I have always disliked mice and rats but don't know why during this flood time I wanted to save every life present there. I saw two lives (in the form of those mice) drowning in front of me ,  it was saddening for me and some other fellows who were seeing this all. Soon, Amit Ji was successful in opening the store room but it was full of dirt and goods from Archeological Survey of India (obviously, all the goods of iron and steel which were non-functional or vestigial now were stored by Wani uncle instead of selling them to some "Kabadiwallahs"). Now, I entered this store room along with Amit Ji. We planned immediately to move this "Kabaad" into a corner. We started to collect this all metallic stuff and within a few minutes half space of this store room was ready to be used by we people. I found an ancient table (Lol) there which I planned to use as a kitchen slab. I speak this to Amit Ji's wife about it. She gave here gas stove, regulator and gas pipe to me and I installed them with my gas cylinder. Till now I was not able to finish the tea offered by the gentle lady and I was still wet upto my waist (it means all my hygienic practices were failed on that day...and right now I can't even think about it). So...after completing this installation of gas chulha..I moved towards the loo where I changed my clothes and came back to the store room which was our new room now. When I was checking my mirror there came another "Kaur" i.e. elder sister of Simran Kaur named Harpreet Kaur aka Priya (she had been a mystery for me, as I thought her a 'slowbloomer' and it was proved in our first interaction that I was right). Priya was insisting me to have tea again and I was still trying to find out the leftover in that steel glass. Somehow, I managed to make her to understand that I'm taking tea prepared by that young lady. I finished the tea without leaving a single drop in the glass. As we should not waste a single drop of any eatable, beverages or water in such situations so I was doing my duty in finishing this leftover tea . I saw the men,women, children and youths slowly getting worried as the time was passing on this 7th September. I discovered that day only that this Sikh family had a likening towards me and both of the Kaur sisters showed their affection for me (God knows better that what was so special in a common man like me to be affectionating). Simran asked me in Kashmiri mixed Hindi, "Ravinder Sir, aapko darr mat lag rha hai? " as Kashmiri people use 'mat' instead of 'nhi' when they try to speak in Hindi. I said "Nhi toh, darr kyon lgega, haan thoda bura jaroor lag rha hai ki kaafi saaman doob gya hai ". And I started to crack some jokes which were well received by Amit Ji, his family and both of the Kaur sisters. Meanwhile, Amit Ji planned for our rescuing process. He told me and his wife about his plan to swim to top of a half built building and construct a boat for we people. I agreed and his wife too.

#KashmirFloods Part 3)

Suddenly, some more panicked voices of elderly men, women and children disrupted my sleep. I searched my phone ( so called smartphone which remains dudphone if you don't charge its battery in every 24 hours) as there was no light in my room. It was 4:36 AM in my phone. I opened my room's door without making a noise and went outside till stairs. I saw my neighbours collecting and taking their goods to the 2nd floor of our building. Soon a young girl(Simran Kaur, I came to know about her name on that day only) appeared and caught my arm, took me to that place from where flood water was entering. Earlier she could never had gathered courage to utter a single word to me (it doesn't mean that I look so fearsome or ferocious). But that day she was unstoppable it seemed. She continued to speak in Hindi "Aap abhi uthe hain, wo dekho paani pehli paudi ke uper chadh aaya hai,  jao jao fir jaakar so jao," and turned towards her mum and again said, "Mummy yeh dekho Ravinder Sir ab uthe hain ". I didn't answer instead smiled and came back to my room. Outside my room I felt that people were crying like anything. Everywhere it was so hue and cry I felt. Till this time I was cool and calm. But I thought that let's check again where that water level has risen up in the stairs. I went outside immediately and checked again, I was stunned to find that the water level was on the fourth step. Now, I was sweating profusely Hindi mein bole toh "apni toh sitti pitti gum ho gyi ". And the biggest reasons of this nervousness were my Civil Services Exam notes and my wardrobe with clothes which were unmanageable to take to the 2nd floor in such a short span of time. But somehow I collected myself and took out all my books and notes in some carry bags, bedsheets and chaddars. Some people who had finished to take their goods upto 2nd floor were really co-operative. They came to my room and extended helping hand. Otherwise it would have been impossible to get my all books and notes to the 2nd floor. I shall always be thankful to those fellows. As and when I will get a chance I will reciprocate. Meanwhile the water level was upto the topmost step of stairs and it was about to enter in my room. Some more people entered into my room. This time Kamal Raina Sir came there who is an entrepreneur cum a government servant. He said hurry up and took all my clothes and my suits from my wardrobe in a single shot. I am really thankful to him for this great help otherwise all my clothes would have been in flood water for atleast 15 days. And these must have lost their shine I swear. Now, Simran Kaur's papa took my gas cylinder and Rice bag and Wheat flour bags. Till this time water entered into my room....that muddy, foul smelled water entered into my room. Oh my God.. For the first time I was hating something in my life. Kamal Raina Sir was calling me up "Aa jao yaar aa jao.. Ab chhodo jo reh gya usse rehne do paani bahut tezi se uper aa rha hai " I was so impressed by his balanced personality and calmness in his voice that I left all of my goods (including my wallet and documents) and came to the 2nd floor. Now, some more introductions were still left. I found one decent person speaking Haryanavi on the 2nd floor (it may appear awkward but it was indeed). I asked him where do you belong to.... For my surprise he was from my district and his wife was from my neighbouring district Bhiwani. The couple appeared very amicable to me and it was a pleasant surprise for them that a person who never appeared to be Haryanavi is actually Haryanavi by birth. However I believe in universal brotherhood and my behaviour doesn't change with somebody's region,religion, caste, creed, nationality or ethnicity. I remain the same person with all. Now it was time to ask him about his job. He told me that he is a CRPF Jawan Amit . I replied that's great , and also told him that I've left my Assistant Commandant job in BSF for the sake of preparation of CSE. He was stunned to know this. I asked him that Amit Ji I have forgotten my wallet and documents inside so I am going inside my room so will talk to you later. Amit was so co-operative that he went inside the room with me in the 4 feet cold flood water in my room. I accept the fact that without Amit it would have been very tough for me to bring my wallet, my documents and the other books and notes which were placed at height in my almirah. He suggested me to take out almost everything in front of him and proved to be good "goods gatherer" in my room. I am so thankful to you Amit Ji. Now we entered into Simran Kaur's apartment as auntie was insisting to check again there. But we came back as didn't find anything collectable there. After reaching at 2nd floor we found that 1st floor was almost drowned. At this time I was anxious about Ahamed Lone sahb as he was living next to the River Jhelum. I made many calls at his no. but he didn't pick up the phone. It made me again worried. Simultaneously, I got a call from Physics Sir. On the other side he was speaking panickly. He said that he is coming from Batwara and this side was completely drowned in flood water. He was waiting on the Badami Bagh Cantt gate and was asking for a boat from me, who had always been boatless throughout his life ( it was like someone is asking for a pair of jeans from Hanuman Ji, a Hindu god) . I was in a dilemma that how can I be a help when I myself have been trapped in the 2nd floor.. He was giving me an emergency no. for help but the phonecall disconnected.

#KashmirFloods Part 2).

On the next day i.e. on 5th September, it was "teacher's day ". In the morning it was raining heavily. We were not in a condition to go to the Vidyalaya but as it was ours' day so we were eager to go to the Vidyalaya premises to celebrate the day. Soon the phonecalls after phonecalls started to pour in and it was confirmed that the chairman had declared it a holiday. We were somewhat disappointed but simultaneously relieved too that we will not have to show our weird "Launda Cut " hairdos. Around 10 AM it was decided telephonically with Siddhartha Sir and Shukla Sir that I and Shukla Sir would go to the market and would buy all the necessary food items to store as stock as it was very tough to go outside in such inundated condition on daily basis. So I drove the bike to Shukla Sir's room and took some sacs and polybags. Now Shukla Ji drove the bike to the Dal gate, the Dal lake which is known for its beauty and serenity was looking like an angry ocean on that day and houseboats were rising up it seemed. Now as Shukla Sir got completely wet so it was again my turn to drive the bike till Sonwar. We bought all necessary food items and vegetables there and came back to home. Shukla Ji said to me, "Sir don't take the items separately as we are neighbours so will cook and eat at one place". I acceded. Siddhartha Srinet Sir cooked aloo parathas and we all ate simultaneously. I took the bike and drove back to my room which was hardly 100 m away. In the evening I was unable to go to Siddhartha Sir's room for dinner. On next day we all took the breakfast and lunch with each other. But I was again not able to have my dinner with the duo. I cooked rice-dal(still left in my utensils in the kitchen I hope). It was around 9:30 PM when I got a call from Ahamed Lone​ sahb. He told me that he was speaking from Rajbagh Area,  the Jhelum bund(an embankment) was broken and water was entering in the Srinagar city swiftly. He told me in Hindi,"Ravinder Sir,paani Basit(one of our student) ke ghar ke uper se nikal gya hai.. " I was amazed to know that. But as I was residing on the first floor so I assured myself that flood water level would not rise till first floor. Around 10:30 PM I received a call from Siddhartha Sir. He and Shukla Sir were speaking from other side. They told me that flood water is coming towards Indranagar fastly so I should save my books and notes timely. I mocked them but now I realise that how fool was I at that time.  But at around 1 AM(7th September) I heard some panic voices from my Apartment owner and family that water was coming rapidly towards Indranagar. But I thought that he was panic as he was residing in the ground floor. So I didn't give much attention and went to bed and slept peacefully.

#KashmirFloods Part 1)

It was 4th September of this year,  we came to know while seating in my lab that River Jhelum is flowing above danger mark and Pantha Chowk side is inundated . We four, I,  Siddhartha Srinet Sir,  Shukla Sir, and. Ahamed Lone​ Sir came out of the vidyalaya premises and planned to see the recently flooded area towards Pantha Chowk, Srinagar on our bikes . As it was raining incessantly and heavily for last four days so we people were somewhat acclimatised to drove in such weather joyfully. So we started towards Pantha Chowk with yelling and driving in Bollywood style movies. It was so joyous for we people in that cool weather. But soon we reached to a place where road turned out to be a stream full of water. It was in vicinity of Badami Bagh Cantt. The Army men were deployed there and they stopped us politely suggesting us not to go beyond that point as the road was not motorable. We all conceded but didn't predict the devastating flood. Then, we planned to take hot tea at 'Sharma Sweets'. I ordered four cup of tea and hot gulab jamuns. I took two gulab jamuns but all others said that they will take one each. But they couldn't stop to order more because of their taste. Soon, Shukla Ji noticed my new hairstyle and he insisted me to go to "Roxan's" a unisex hairsaloon at Shivpora. We all left to Roxan's but Faruq Sir left towards his home as he never skip his meal. Shukla Ji got the hair cut but he didn't notice the hairdresser meanwhile that what the hell was being done by him as Shukla Ji focused on TV during the crime time(Lol). And there was a new haircut in front of us.....hahaha. I termed it 'Launda cut' and everyone among us were laughing except Shukla Ji and the hairdresser. Both were embarrassed. But the disaster was yet to come. Siddhartha Sir assured Shukla Ji that both of us will also get the same hair cut to make Shukla Ji come to the Vidyalaya on the occasion of "teacher's day". Now I was in a dilemma but I also nodded that okay I will also get that weird "Launda Cut ". And it was executed properly.

Climate and Culture

Before my transfer to my present station i.e. Srinagar in Kashmir I never ever had thought about this very side of life...(Yeah, obviously life which has not been defined by me till now!). When I came here for the first time I was pleasantly surprised by the Lifestyles of Kashmiri people. The fraternity and concept of unity among the people of Kashmir valley touched deep into my heart and soul. And ultimately I reached to a conclusion that our climate plays a major role in development of our culture. In Kashmir, the most of the houses(I should term them homes now onwards as they are so homely that you will love them) are well decorated interiorly and the people used to sit on beautiful mattresses. They also sleep on placing beddings on these mattresses during night time. In some of the homes, all of the members of the family sleep in one room. Now, here climate plays a major role.. if you go to other parts of India you will not find such a low temperature there. In biological world even animals get congregated when temperature gets lowered below a certain limit. The climate of Kashmir is so serene that you will discover innocence in the "basic nature" of a Kashmiri fellow.
 

Life : The most difficult thing to be defined

Whenever I breathe one word always remains in my mind... Life. This word has always fascinated me throughout my life. And now as I am a Biology( Life Science) teacher so it becomes again a daunting task for me to define "Life"