From the Editor’s Desk

02 July 2023

Namaskar! 

In the picturesque valley of Kashmir, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks, lies a sacred place where devotion transcends all boundaries. On the auspicious day of Zyeth Asthami, this holy shrine, dedicated to the revered goddess Ragnya Devi, comes alive with fervour, faith, and an overwhelming sense of devotion. The annual celebration weaves a vibrant tapestry of emotions, leaving an indelible impression on the hearts of all who participate.

The ambiance is enchanting as devotees from far and wide embark on a journey to the temple surrounded by blooming flowers and serenity. The atmosphere exudes tranquillity and purity, as if the divine itself has descended upon this sacred abode. The mesmerising chants of hymns resonate through the air, echoing the unwavering faith of the devotees who gather to seek her blessings. Like many others, I cherish fond memories of Zyeth Asthami at Tulmul on a midsummer’s day enjoying looche and halwe.

This month, we had the privilege of witnessing two soul-stirring hawans, evoking memories of the hawan at Tulmul, the early morning trip, dipping into the cool waters of the stream and the divine darshan of the deity seated peacefully in the middle of milky spring. While our memories may fade over time, I deeply appreciate our community’s commitment to staying connected to our roots and recreating the magic of Kheer Bhawani, whether it be in Jammu, Pune, Southall, or the serene Surrey downs. This energy transcends all ages.

These remarkable events are made possible by the unwavering dedication of numerous individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to transform ideas into memorable occasions. While our KPAE executive committee takes the lead in these endeavours, countless volunteers make it seem effortless. It is important to acknowledge that these events also rely on our membership. The more engaged members we have, the greater number of events we can organise. I invite you to turn to Page 21 and read Kapil’s thoughts on how KPAE membership contributes to building a stronger, more engaged community here in the U.K. I hope his words will inspire more community members to register as KPAE members.

In this issue, we also introduce a new health initiative. We aim to feature our in-house health experts discussing topics of interest. We extend our gratitude to Dr. Jyoti Raina, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon, who has graciously initiated this project by writing about glaucoma, the condition, risk factors, and signs to watch out for. If you have specific topics, you would like us to explore, please reach out to us. Furthermore, if you would like to contribute as our in-house expert, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Lastly, in this issue of ISBUND titled “Ryetkole” which translates to “summer” in Kashmiri, we offer a glimpse into the Zyeth Asthami celebrations and continue with our segment of introducing Kashmiri women in the field of technology, with Anchal Dhar sharing her inspiring tech journey with us.

As temperatures continue to rise (mostly) and schools gradually wind down, we hope you have planned a summer filled with travel, cherished family moments and thrilling adventures. We eagerly anticipate hearing about your experiences when we gather next!

With our best wishes

Team ISBUND

Read full issue here.