GAESH (गअश): The Revered Mother

Located approximately 21 kilometers from Srinagar along the Srinagar-Gulmarg Road, Magam town emerges as a bustling business center in District Badgam. Renowned for its strategic marketing links with neighboring districts such as Baramulla, and Srinagar, Magam serves as a vital commercial hub. Moreover, it holds the esteemed title of being the gateway to Gulmarg, a renowned tourist haven merely 25 kilometers away. Among its notable attractions is the traditional Tanga, a horse drawn cart that historically ferried tourists between Magam and Gulmarg.

In 1990, Magam Town bore witness to the displacement of eleven Kashmiri Pandit families. Following the harrowing forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the valley during that tumultuous period, these families, like countless others, were compelled to leave their homes and seek refuge in various parts of India.

Smt. Somawati Raina (1928-2004), the wife of Pandit Radha Krishen Raina, descendant of Pandit Vas Dev Razdan, epitomized piety, devotion, and community service in Magam. Revered as “GAESH” by locals, she earned renown for her unwavering dedication to serving pilgrims flocking to the revered Pushkar Shrine. Operating single handedly, she cooked and personally served meals to the pilgrims, embodying selflessness and compassion. Residing with her husband and four children in the heart of Magam’s main market, opposite the Police Station, her home became a beacon of warmth and hospitality. Notably, it became customary for Kashmiri Pandit employees from distant locales, stationed in Magam, to partake in the auspicious “Ashtami Food” ritual at her residence. With boundless love and affection, this remarkable mother extended her hospitality, nurturing a sense of belonging and unity among all who crossed her threshold on each Ashtami occasion.

Sati, formerly known as Gaesh, was born to devout parents, Smt. Haar Mal and Pandit Keshav Nath Bakshi, in the serene village of Peth Kanihama. Raised amidst spiritual richness and surrounded by six brothers, she stood out as the sole daughter in the family. Following her marriage, she embraced the name Somawati, bestowed upon her by her new family. Despite being illiterate, her intellectual prowess was unparalleled; she effortlessly recited every verse of Lal Ded’s teachings, showcasing a deep spiritual connection. Endowed with a sharp intellect, she possessed the remarkable ability to spontaneously craft verses, known as Vanvun Vaachun, tailored to any occasion, be it weddings or yagnopavait, enriching the ambiance with her lyrical spontaneity and wisdom.

Gaesh’s expertise transcended mere societal boundaries, as she served as a revered midwife in Magam and its surrounding villages. Regardless of caste and creed, she offered compassionate aid to women throughout their pregnancies, labor, and childbirth. With an uncanny intuition, she could foresee the gender of unborn children, adding an aura of mystique to her already impressive skills. Despite her proficiency in the birthing chamber, Gaesh harbored a fondness for ornaments, a testament to her multifaceted persona. Her unwavering dedication and compassionate service earned her respect and admiration, cementing her status as a cherished figure in the hearts of all who knew her in Magam and beyond.

A big salute to ‘GAESH’… THE REVERED MOTHER.