Just another #Kashmir Thread

He was my primary motivation to finally plan a trip home — to Kashmir.

A trip which took me >11-years to plan and undertake.

1/n

It was barely a month ago that I received a call from him. His voice, still the same. Sharp, like that of a drill instructor. And loud like that of an officer addressing his jawans in wartime.

#Kashmir

2/n

No exaggeration here if I say that his voice was heard kilometres away when he commanded. The people living in the vicinity (and of course his subjects) knew the voice.

#Kashmir

3/n

Don’t go by his, now frail, build. He is 80+ years of age, yet capable of putting a teenager to shame in terms of sheer stamina and will power.

#Kashmir

4/n

I’ve seen him stand, walk and be on the move for at least 13-hours every day. Every day without fail on working days. This owing to his undying commitment, love and sense of duty towards his subjects.

#Kashmir

5/n

The man has turned thousands of lives around. Singlehandedly so. Yet, he claims no credit and *insists* on zero publicity. His values are so strong, pure and aplenty, he is the world’s richest man.

#Kashmir

6/n

The saplings he nurtured are now full grown trees offering shade in every part of the world.

#Kashmir

7/n

He faced and continues to face unspeakable hardships. Be it financial, terrorism, the September 2014 floods or now, the pandemic; he and his wife, together fight the odds. Given their sheer commitment to the cause, they persevere.

#Kashmir

8/n

The man is *Mr. Seru*. My first school principal. We share an undying bond. It was when he called me up a few weeks ago, that I decided to visit the vale. His words “I want to see you in person before I close my eyes”. That did it.

#Kashmir

9/n

Perhaps his prayers, and the efforts of friends made my Kashmir trip happen.

I had promised him that whenever I land in the valley, my first visit, directly from the airport won’t be home or my parents — but him.

#Kashmir

10/n

I kept my word and he kept his. He stood in -6 degree cold to welcome his student.

Such teachers, such values are now scarce. But Kashmir was once all about this bond and more.

#Kashmir

11/n

With a *hope* that the future won’t be as bleak, I bid goodbye to my vale and to all the wonderful friends here. Until we meet again — soon(er).

#Kashmir

— END —

This thread was made public on request of friends. :)

12/12

For those of you reading this... please do remember Mr Seru and his family in your prayers. Humble request.