http://www.kpyouth.com/Retreat/main.htm
Ground Zero, Kashmir
"Namaskar!" "Namaskar" they yelled back in unison. Microphone in hand, I was suddenly at a loss for words. Sitting before me were two hundred of my brethren. We had dreamt of this moment for several months prior, but when it was finally a reality, I was somewhat in disbelief that it had actually happened.
There we all sat in 100 degree-plus heat. In a hall in Gandhi Community College, on the outskirts of Jammu. It was July 24, 2004. My audience were refugee camp residents from Mishriwalla, Muthi and Nagrota, including over 170 students, along with some of their teachers. We were there for a three day "retreat" to give the kids an opportunity to interact with each other, provide a change of environment, hold discussions, promote artistic abilities and performances, and above all else have fun, instill hope and stress unity. With me from the US were Priya Sultan (NJ) and Nihar Ganju (FL). We were representing the KP youth of the world, many of whom donated money to finance the retreat as well as others “gifts” to the camps.
"Namaskar" I repeated, "Me chu naav Dhiraj. Be chus Amreeka is manz rozan...do you all understand English?" Many responded "yes sir!" and so began our three days.
Each morning three buses, provided by the Vishwa Bharti School (Jammu), would travel to each of the camps to pick up the attendees. Our mornings began with breakfast - not an easy task when you are feeding two hundred people! Following breakfast we were led by several students in their regular morning prayers.
With a microphone on offer, one by one, the more adventurous kids began volunteering to sing on stage. Some sang Kashmiri songs. Others sang Bollywood hits, and before we knew it we had a game of Antakshiri on our hands, with the girls’ team outdoing the boys. Perhaps the most touching moment was when we all stood for the singing of Jana Gana Mana, the Indian National Anthem. These children were forced from their homes because they are proud Indians. Even today they could return to their homes if only they renounce their love for India. Instead they suffer and continue singing their anthem. They had a real fondness for songs. Whenever we had to wait for electricity to return or for a speaker to arrive, many hands would shoot up offering to sing a song. When renowned singer Kailash Mehra came, many jumped at the chance to perform with her.
On the first day we decided to work towards a performance for Day 3, a Talent Show so to speak. The children had to choose an activity – art, dancing, drama or singing. Those who felt compelled to none were shown documentaries and held informal discussions. Gokul Dembi, a local artist, worked patiently with the children, allowing them to express themselves in many ways. Some drew pieces, while others created a ‘tree of peace’. Krishan Langoo multi-tasked superbly, leading different groups in different rooms - singing, drama and dance - as he would tirelessly rush between each, infectiously smiling all the time.
The three drama skits developed by the kids were witty and at times poked fun at parents and teachers. One dealt with terrorism, with a whole family murdered by masked gunmen. All these activities gave the students an opportunity for self-introspection, and it reminded us all how important art and music are to an individual’s growth.
We were fortunate to have many speakers, each of whom spoke briefly on various topics. The dynamic Dr Agnishekhar’s chants of “I am a proud Kashmiri Pandit!” were echoed by the children through the hall many times. He gave the children a handful of reasons why they should be proud to be Pandits, and they responded enthusiastically. Dr KL Choudhary and Shri Moti Kaul spoke on our community’s history. Dr Dulari Kaul (Principal, Vishwa Bharti School) stressed the importance of education.
At the cinema hall while watching "Lakshya" they screamed their hearts out, particularly when Hrithik Roshan was on screen. At the amusement park at Bahu Fort, some of the kids were a little scared of the rides. As expected the older boys were most keen on the largest, fastest and presumably scariest ride to showcase their bravery. When a few girls wanted to also join them they tried to scare them with tales of its danger, but the girls did not relent and proved themselves equal to the task.
It was when conversing with them that Priya, Nihar and I were able to learn the most about them. We asked each to stand and introduce themselves and state their goals. Some of the many career ambitions were, of course, cricketers, soccer players, engineers and doctors, but there were also pilots, scientists, actors, writers, veterinarians and lawyers. They are a promising bunch with real dreams. They were also naturally inquisitive of America. They wanted to know what it was like. They also wanted to look at American Dollars, and one boldly asked for a one dollar bill as a souvenir.
A student studying Medicine under a "Migrants" quota system in a University in nearby Jammu city, said they are allocated seats, but that classes begin at 2pm, when the general student body are already home after a full day of classes, escaping the scorching Jammu heat. Instead these “migrant” students have their own special class, and many times the teacher does not show up. The reality is the presence of KPs, even in the outskirts of Jammu, is still resented by much of the local population. Even those educated and trained have difficulty finding jobs.
We asked the children what was the one thing they needed help with most. They asked for more books. They wanted more to read - to further their own education. They complained about gambling by their parents and other elders. There are now social ills common in the camps. The lack of quality of life is eating away at their strength of character and their morals. Some are losing hope. Many are cynical. But it is with the children that our community's future lies.
This is ground zero of the KP Community. If these children grow up isolated from the rest of us, perhaps even resenting being a part of the community, for they have been punished for being born a Kashmiri Pandit, it will have dire consequences on the entire community.
At the end some were teary-eyed. As we said our goodbyes, I told the children that they are our heroes. I explained that throughout history, every few generations of our community have suffered and had to sacrifice for the rest of the community. This time it is their turn. As much as we want to help them, ultimately it is only they who can succeed. So I asked them if they can bear this pain for the sake of the community, and overcome all obstacles. And they responded "yes sir". Their conviction suggested that they understood the ways of the world and how circumstances had dictated it was they, and not I for example, who had to bear this burden. I could just as easily have been born a few miles down the road to a different KP family, and ended up in the camps. Indeed, when explaining why they do little for the camp residents, the J&K State Government unfairly point to the rich of our community, insinuating no one in our community needs financial help.
We are limited in how we can help them financially, but we can provide them the one thing that will help them overcome all – spirit. While some have their own inner strength, others are waning. Some students drop out of school while others turn to vices. But many are focused and strong. I elicited pledges from them to help each other. I began pointing at different children. If I help you, will you help her? “Yes sir” And if you help her, will she help him? “Yes sir” And if she helps him, will he help him? “Yes sir” If they are going to lift our community, they will only do so united.
After the kids left in their respective buses, the volunteers retreated for some cold drinks at a nearby store. We were exhausted but exhilarated. It had been three beautiful days with such warmth and love. The retreat would not have been possible without the many selfless volunteers in Jammu. Priya, Nihar and I were ably assisted by Kuldeep Kaw, Ravinder Koul and Roshan Dhar of Jammu. In the end, it was the hard work of Vivek Raina, KOA Liaison Jammu, who made it happen. He is well respected by the refugees, and the kids adore him. And he was always able to get a cheer going, his “Hip Hip” was always followed by a thunderous “Hooray!”
We thank all the speakers and performers, and particularly Shri AK Deewani (Hindu Educational Society), Shri Kulbushan Kachroo and Shri Sapru (Principal, Gandhi Community College) who provided the venue for no cost, and Dr OP Razdan and the Vishwa Bharti School that provided the transport at no cost. We also thank those at the KOA National Camp who donated money towards the event, as well as KOA which allowed us to accept one hundred last minute attendees by paying for their daily meals.
Attendees of the KOA National Camp in July wrote short messages on four poster boards. Even young children wrote messages wishing their counterparts in the Jammu camps good luck. We had these posters framed and they now hang on the walls of the schools the children attend. The message was clear: We KPs overseas not only think of you often, but offer our support and prayers and hope you not only remain strong and focused on your education, but become upstanding members of the community,
We here in the US should send words of hope and encouragement. We should be proud of all those who donate money to the refugees, and those in the camps are so very grateful for it. But those of you who cannot donate, I implore you to write them letters so at least they know you care. They are so isolated from the rest of the world - indeed it is a whole other world there. It is easy for them to presume we have forgotten them. So please at the very least help strengthen their resilience. Motivation and support goes a long way. Words of encouragement will energize them. And it is their spirits that need nurturing the most.
There is hope. One refugee run organization at Nagrota Camp, Vitasta Samaj Seva, completed a volleyball tournament while I was there and are teaching themselves yoga and other activities. Then there is MK Bhat, head of the new Lalleshwari Study Centre at Nagrota Camp. In his early 20s, he and his colleagues teach the children in different subjects in the evenings in cramped rooms. They have now begun a library for their students. While he is angry at what has befallen him, his family and his community, he is a beacon of hope and fighting spirit at Nagrota. By helping those that help themselves, we are lifting the community.
To continue their work in the camps, there are several youth now working on new exciting projects. For those of you willing and able to contribute to these new initiatives, please do contact me dhirajbakaya@yahoo.com or call 215-694-7239. ‘The hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray’. There is much to be done, and the more hands that serve, the more we shall achieve.
