Heaven on Earth

PS: This is not a note to promote tourism or any other cause. It’s an ode to what one would have missed so far.

If Kashmir’s known as heaven on earth, it’s for a good reason. And for that, one has to be there, as I am right now. I am personally not a big admirer of natural beauty but now believe it. Especially, when one is away from the din and monotony of business.

First is hygiene, it has hardly any litter. It’s striking that even with an abundance of us being there as tourists, we just don’t litter.

Second is just the craftsmanship, be it on wood, paper, metal or cloth. I dream about a day that a man would beat machine, and these would be great examples.

Third is just the people, their warmth and welcoming, even when most of them have been under duress for the longest times. You can see that it’s a culture cultivated through centuries.

Fourth is just the scenic beauty. Valleys, lakes, landscapes, nothing to match an idling mind that would love to wander or relax.

Fifth is just the food, and being an eternal foodie, it’s among the best that I have experienced. Variety that is a fusion of Indian and middle eastern cultures.

It’s sad in this context that the locals, who are responsible for more than above, have gone through what they have for the last 7-8 decades. For likely no fault of theirs, they have fallen prey to bigger powers that control their destiny but not their prosperity. In small ways, we can all contribute to their upliftment, least of all is in being there with them and sharing what the good world is all about and how much our country has strove ahead in the last 2 decades.

PS: There’s poetry and literature too, which I am scanning and would have a view shortly 

#lifeatofbusiness
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