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Even though I never got to meet my great-grandfather, Hakim Shyam Lal Bhat - my mother’s grandfather - his presence has always been felt in our family through stories, memories, and the respect with which his name is spoken. Over the years, as I learned more about his life and read accounts written by others, I’ve come to understand the depth of the legacy he left behind — not just as a healer, but as a scholar, thinker, and a rare voice of harmony in Kashmir.
Hakim Shyam Lal Bhat was born in 1903 in Srinagar, Kashmir, into a family deeply rooted in Unani medicine and learning. He was the eldest son of Hakim Sahaj Bhat, himself a highly respected physician and intellectual. From a very young age, my great-grandfather was exposed to a wide world of knowledge — medicine, philosophy, religion, poetry, and languages. His education was both traditional and formal, and he went on to graduate from Punjab University in 1924. What stands out to me is how uncommon his academic range was for that era - he studied Arabic and Persian alongside philosophy and psychology, was well-versed in Sanskrit, and had a deep understanding of multiple religious texts.
Instead of taking up prestigious executive roles in the state administration, opportunities that were available to him, he consciously chose to follow the path of healing. He trained in the Unani system of medicine, earning the qualification of Tabib-i-Hazik from Lahore, and returned to Kashmir to practice. His reputation as a physician grew steadily, and he eventually served as the personal doctor to Maharaja Hari Singh and Prime Minister Col. Haksar - a testament to the trust placed in his knowledge and ethics.
Yet, what defines his legacy most strongly is not status, but compassion. He practiced medicine from his clinic in Shalayar, Habba Kadal, Srinagar, where people from all walks of life came seeking treatment. A large majority of his patients received medicines free of cost, and in many cases, he even supported them financially if they could not afford the required herbs. He believed that illness was often tied to poverty and distress, and that healing had to go beyond prescriptions.
My great-grandfather was a deeply spiritual man who believed strongly in religious harmony. A devoted Hindu who wore a saffron tilak, he also had profound knowledge of the Quran, earning recognition as a Hafiz-i-Quran and Qaari. He frequently engaged in religious and philosophical discussions with Muslim scholars and friends, advocating mutual respect and understanding. One incident often remembered is when he requested a pilgrim to perform sajda on his behalf during Hajj, with the simple condition that his tilak remain intact - a quiet but powerful symbol of faith coexisting with respect for another religion.
He was married at a young age to Tarawati Devi, lovingly remembered in the family as Oma Dedi, daughter of businessman Shree Mann Joo Khuda. Together, they had seven children. While my great-grandfather devoted much of his time to medicine, study, and discourse, my great-grandmother managed the household and raised the family. He openly acknowledged her role and contribution throughout his life. After her passing at the age of 66, he continued his medical practice with the same dedication.
Even in his later years, Hakim Shyam Lal Bhat remained an active and sought-after healer. His evenings were often spent in the company of learned friends, discussing religion, literature, poetry, and philosophy. He was known to quote Persian poets and admired literary figures such as Ehsan-bin-Danish and Ravish Siddiqi. Many believed that he was blessed by the mystic saint Khwaja Lassa Sahib, and there was a saying often associated with him - “barkat-i-gaeb ti dast-i-shafa” - referring to his almost divine healing touch.
He practiced Unani medicine for over fifty years, treating countless people with patience and humility, until his passing on 25 December 1983. His work and values did not end with him; his legacy continued through his children, especially Shri Tribhwan Nath Bhat, who carried forward the tradition of Unani healing.
I remember my mother used to say that he used to ask grandchildren to do some chores like shaving or helping here and there, and used to give money and treats in return. He also used to teach them and share knowledge, which always motivated them to work hard and ask more questions.
Writing about my great-grandfather today feels less like documenting history and more like reconnecting with a part of my own roots. His life stands as a reminder that knowledge, compassion, and harmony can coexist - and that true legacy lies in how deeply one touches the lives of others.
by Author: Yekjah • 5
by Author: Suniel Kumar Dhar • 5
by Author: Mithlesh Dhar • 5
The recent heritage tours to Kashmir, organised with the noble intention of reconnecting displaced Kashmiri Pandits with their ancestral roots, have generated thoughtful discussions within our community. For many participants, these visits offered an emotional opportunity to revisit temples, shrines, neighbourhoods, and memories that have remained frozen in time since our exile.
Every Kashmiri Pandit carries within them an unbreakable bond with their homeland. No force of history, no displacement, and no passage of time can sever that connection.
Yet, alongside the emotions of return, an important question demands our attention: who truly speaks for the Kashmiri Pandit community?
This question is far more significant than any single tour, organisation, or public statement.
For over three decades, our community has remained scattered across India and across the world, carrying the burden of displacement, loss, and uncertainty. During this period, countless organisations, forums, trusts, associations, sabhas, and advocacy groups have emerged, each claiming to represent the interests of Kashmiri Hindus.
While many individuals within these organisations have worked sincerely and selflessly, the unfortunate reality is that our collective efforts have often been undermined by fragmentation, personal rivalries, competing ambitions, and ideological divisions.
Instead of presenting a united front, we have too often found ourselves speaking in multiple voices.
Our leaders frequently work at cross purposes. Organisations duplicate efforts, compete for visibility, criticise one another publicly, and prioritise individual prominence over collective purpose.
The result is painfully evident: despite decades of exile, the Kashmiri Pandit community still lacks a single, democratically accountable platform capable of articulating our concerns and aspirations with one voice.
History offers us an important lesson.
In the aftermath of our exodus, Panun Kashmir emerged as a significant movement that sought to articulate a coherent political vision for the community. The Margdarshan Resolution of 1991 became an important milestone, presenting demands centred on security, justice, rehabilitation, and a distinct political framework for ensuring the survival and dignity of Kashmiri Hindus in their homeland.
Whatever one's views on specific proposals, the fundamental strength of that movement lay in its clarity of purpose and its ability to unite a traumatised community around shared concerns.
Sadly, internal divisions and leadership disputes gradually weakened that unity. Over time, fragmentation replaced solidarity, and multiple factions emerged.
Our tragedy is not merely that we were forced to leave our homeland. Our tragedy is also that we have been unable to build and sustain institutions capable of representing us collectively.
No community can achieve justice, recognition, or meaningful rehabilitation if its voice remains divided.
Governments change. Policies change. Public attention shifts. But communities that survive adversity do so because they create strong, democratic, and enduring institutions.
The time has come for honest introspection.
Do we need another organisation, another platform, another conference, or another delegation?
Or do we need something far more fundamental—a common forum that transcends personalities, egos, and factional interests?
For years, many have suggested that our existing Kashmiri Pandit Sabhas, spread across major cities in India and abroad, could form the foundation of such a representative structure.
These sabhas already possess local credibility, organisational networks, and grassroots connections. Through a transparent and democratic process, they could elect delegates to a central coordinating body empowered to articulate community concerns, formulate policy positions, and engage with governments and institutions.
Such a body must not belong to any individual, faction, or organisation.
It must belong to the community.
Its leadership must be elected, its functioning transparent, and its mandate periodically renewed.
Equally important, institutions that claim to represent the community must themselves uphold democratic values. Internal elections, accountability, term limits, and transparency are not optional—they are essential.
We cannot demand accountability from others while ignoring it within our own organisations.
The younger generation is watching us.
They have inherited our memories but not our divisions.
They deserve more than competing narratives and endless organisational rivalries. They deserve a unified vision rooted in dignity, justice, cultural preservation, and the eventual restoration of our rightful place in Kashmir.
Heritage tours may reconnect us with our past.
But unity alone can secure our future.
Let us not allow personal ambitions to overshadow collective aspirations.
Let us stop measuring success by media coverage, official invitations, or organisational prominence.
Let us instead ask a simple question:
What have we built together that will endure beyond us?
Our elders spent their final years waiting to return to their roots. Many left this world carrying that unfulfilled longing in their hearts.
We owe it to their memory—and to future generations—to rise above our differences and create a unified, representative, and accountable leadership.
If we fail to unite now, history will remember not only our suffering but also our inability to transform that suffering into collective strength.
The time for parallel voices has passed.
The time for one community, one platform, and one shared vision has arrived.
As our revered mystic poetess Lal Ded reminds us:
सअरीय समहान
अक्सयि रज़िअ लमहंन्
अध् क्याज़ि राव्हे
काहन् गाव
Transliteration:
Sariy samhaan,
Aksayi razi'a lamhan,
Adh kyazi raawe,
Kahan gaav.
These timeless words remind us that wisdom emerges through collective understanding, not division; through introspection, not ego; and through shared purpose, not competing ambitions.
Let us honour our ancestors not merely by revisiting our sacred places, but by rebuilding the unity that will secure our community's future.
by Author: Yekjah • 5
by Author: Suniel Kumar Dhar • 5
by Author: Mithlesh Dhar • 5
It's been several years since Kashmiri Hindus left Kashmir. Although many people claim that Kashmir is safe for Kashmiri Pandits, there is always a fear of getting killed within a few years of relocating.
Many Kashmiri Pandit Youth who went back to Kashmir using the reservations under government plans have continued working from different parts of Kashmir. There have been a few incidents in recent years where terrorists killed Kashmiri Pandit officials.
Pahalgam Attack was one of the recent ones where people were asked about their religion and killed by terrorists. This has actually created a fear inside people's hearts that Kashmir can never be as safe as it used to be before the 1990s.
The short answer is that Kashmiri Pandits can go back, but the journey will have to change from government jobs to businesses and retirement planning.
Although government jobs will play a crucial role in settling and encouraging Kashmiri Pandit youths to go back, the youth who are working in the private sector will have to deliberate on their finances in Kashmir to purchase land and start businesses.
For me, I have always wanted to be connected with Kashmir, so I am planning to buy land there. Maybe right now for creating a small farmhouse and for planting trees, but this will ensure I am connected to my motherland.
For people like me who work in the private sector around India, we can buy land in Kashmir at selected safe places, and can create small one-room sets there, and plant trees. We can open a green credit company that private firms can buy in the future. This will generate a passive income stream for us, and we will have to go to Kashmir to keep an eye on our businesses, and also we can use that time to enjoy our stay.
This is crucial because a KP Youth cannot just go back to Kashmir if there is no interest for him or her. They will have to buy land and create small vacation homes that they can use to enjoy their vacations. This will also help in being connected to their motherland.
I have already started saving for this cause; you should also do it, and you will surely thank yourself in the future for this investment.
This can also be used as a Air BnB or guest house in the future if you would like to convert it to a business later in your life. But it is important to invest in land and not in flats to really reap the benefits in the future.
by Author: Yekjah • 5
by Author: Suniel Kumar Dhar • 5
by Author: Mithlesh Dhar • 5
In today’s fast-moving world, information is created and lost just as quickly. One of the most overlooked yet deeply meaningful records is the obituary. Traditionally published in newspapers, obituaries were meant to inform communities about a person’s passing and to honor their life. However, with time, many of these printed pages are discarded, misplaced, or simply forgotten. What remains is often a gap in personal and historical records.
This is where writing and preserving obituaries - especially online - becomes important.
Obituaries as a Foundation for Genealogical Research
For anyone interested in genealogy, obituaries are invaluable. They often contain key details such as full names, family relationships, dates of birth and death, places lived, and life achievements. These details help connect generations and build accurate family trees.
Unlike scattered records, a well-written obituary brings together multiple pieces of a person’s life in one place. Researchers, future generations, and even distant relatives can trace connections that might otherwise be lost. Over time, these records become part of a larger historical archive, helping families understand where they come from.
The Problem with Traditional Records
Newspapers have long served as the primary medium for obituaries. But in reality, newspapers are temporary. They are often thrown away, damaged, or never archived properly. Even when available online, many news websites present obituaries in cluttered layouts, surrounded by advertisements, or hidden behind paywalls.
This makes it difficult to access or preserve these important life records with the respect they deserve.
A Space for Respectful Tribute
An obituary is not just a record - it is a tribute. It is a way to honor someone’s journey, values, relationships, and impact on others. Writing an obituary allows families and friends to express condolences, share memories, and celebrate a life lived.
In a dedicated space, free from distractions, these tributes can be presented with dignity. People can revisit them years later, not just to remember the loss, but to reconnect with the stories and moments that defined a loved one.
Helping People Find Their Loved Ones Online
As more people turn to the internet to search for information, having obituaries available online makes a significant difference. Friends, classmates, colleagues, or distant relatives may search for someone they once knew, only to find no record of their passing.
A thoughtfully written obituary ensures that such searches lead to meaningful information. It provides closure, reconnects people with shared memories, and sometimes even brings together individuals who had lost touch over time.
Keeping a Legacy Alive
Every person has a story. Without documentation, many of these stories fade away within a generation or two. Obituaries act as a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that a person’s legacy continues to exist beyond their lifetime.
By including life events, achievements, values, and personal anecdotes, an obituary transforms into more than a notice - it becomes a lasting narrative. Future generations can read it and understand not just who someone was, but what they meant to others.
The Importance of Creating Lasting Digital Records
In contrast to temporary print formats, digital platforms offer permanence and accessibility. A centralized place where obituaries can be written, stored, and revisited ensures that these records are not lost over time.
If you wish to create such a record, you can use this dedicated page:
https://yekjah.org/obituary.php
This is not just about posting information - it is about contributing to a growing archive of human stories, where each entry adds value for families, researchers, and communities.
A Thoughtful Step Toward Remembrance
Writing an obituary may seem like a small act, but its impact is long-lasting. It preserves identity, supports research, and most importantly, offers a respectful way to remember and honor those who are no longer with us.
In a time where so much is temporary, creating a permanent, meaningful record of a person’s life is one of the most valuable contributions we can make - for ourselves, for others, and for the generations yet to come.
by Author: Yekjah • 5
by Author: Suniel Kumar Dhar • 5
by Author: Mithlesh Dhar • 5
Jammu and Kashmir, the northernmost union territory of India, is a land of magnificent landscapes, rich history, cultural diversity, and unparalleled adventure. From snow-capped Himalayan peaks and lush green valleys to ancient forts and sacred shrines, this region presents one of the most captivating travel experiences in the Indian subcontinent.
Jammu and Kashmir straddles some of the most striking geographical features on earth. The Kashmir Valley, cradled by the Great Himalayan and Pir Panjal ranges, is renowned for tranquil lakes, flowering meadows, and towering mountains. The southern Jammu division features rolling hills, rivers, and forests, while the Ladakh region in the east (now a separate UT) is known for its stark high-altitude desert terrain.
The region's natural beauty has endeared it to travellers for centuries, with Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Alpine Lakes like Tarsar and Marsar, and Lush Valleys forming a timeless canvas of serenity and grandeur.
The heritage of Jammu and Kashmir stretches back to ancient times. Traditional legends credit Raja Jambulochan with founding Jammu around 2900 BC, while archeological evidence from sites like Akhnoor reveals connections to the ancient Harappan civilization. Over the centuries, the region saw the rise and fall of Hindu dynasties, Muslim rulers, Mughals, Sikhs, and the Dogra Kings - each leaving distinctive cultural imprints across its monuments and traditions.
What sets Jammu and Kashmir apart is its diverse cultural tapestry. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Buddhists coexist, contributing to a rich mosaic of festivals, arts, music, and cuisine.
In the Jammu region, the Dogra heritage thrives in traditional music and folk dances. Songs like Karkan and Baran celebrate valour and devotion, while dance forms such as Dheku, Phummani and Raas punctuate festive occasions with elegance and rhythm.
The gastronomy of the region reflects its varied cultural roots. In Jammu, Rajma Chawal — spicy kidney beans with rice — enjoys statewide popularity, while Kalaadi cheese from Ramnagar is a unique local specialty. Dishes like Khatta Meat, Maa da Madra, Kashmiri Pulao and pickles from local fruits enrich the culinary landscape.
In the Kashmir Valley, the famed Wazwan — a multi-course feast dominated by succulent meat preparations such as Rogan Josh, Yakhni and Gushtaba — remains a signature cultural experience.
Tourism is one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most vital economic pillars, contributing substantially to employment and the UT’s economy. Major attractions draw millions of visitors annually and shape travel experiences defined by natural beauty, adventure, spiritual quests and heritage.
Gulmarg, aptly known as the Meadow of Flowers, is one of India’s premier hill stations. Nestled in the Pir Panjal range, it transforms into a winter sports hub in snow season and a lush summer retreat with wildflowers and pine forests. Its gondola cable car — one of the highest in the world — takes visitors high into the snowy heights for skiing, snowboarding, and breathtaking views.
In winter, frozen waterfalls and heli-skiing spots like Drung further enhance Gulmarg’s appeal as an adventurous destination.
Srinagar, the summer capital, is famed for its Dal Lake houseboats, shikara rides, Mughal gardens, and heritage sites. Gardens such as Shalimar Bagh and Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden showcase the region’s floriculture genius — the latter being Asia’s largest tulip garden with millions of flowers in bloom during spring.
The ancient Shankaracharya Temple, Jamia Masjid, and Chinar heritage sites reflect centuries of cultural richness.
Pahalgam, known for its lush valleys, rivers and trekking trails, is also the base for the annual Amarnath Yatra, one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimages. This serene town offers picturesque locales like Betaab and Aru Valleys.
Sonamarg, “the Meadow of Gold,” with the Thajiwas Glacier and alpine landscapes, invites nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Jammu, often called the “City of Temples,” lies along the Tawi River and blends natural beauty with deep spirituality. Bahu Fort — an ancient fortress overlooking the river — and the celebrated Vaishno Devi Temple in the Trikuta Mountains are major pilgrim destinations drawing millions every year.
The Mubarak Mandi Palace and the Dogra Art Museum in Jammu showcase a remarkable collection of Pahari paintings and royal artefacts, highlighting the artistic heritage of the region.
The diverse terrain hosts a variety of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary near Jammu shelters deer, wild boar, monkeys and rare bird species, while the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park is home to musk deer and Himalayan bears. Nandni Wildlife Sanctuary also offers sightings of leopards, pheasants and langurs.
Adventure enthusiasts can trek, camp, paraglide (especially in Sanasar and Doda), and explore offbeat trails, making the region a paradise for outdoor exploration.
Besides tourism, Jammu and Kashmir’s economy benefits from horticulture and floriculture, particularly apple, walnut and saffron cultivation. These sectors provide livelihoods for large segments of the local population.
Significant improvements in connectivity — including historic projects like the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link with structures like the Chenab Bridge (the world’s tallest railway arch) — aim to further integrate the region and boost its tourism and trade prospects.
While the region’s natural and cultural allure continues to attract travellers, periods of instability have occasionally impacted tourism, such as disruptions from militant attacks in areas like Pahalgam in 2025. Authorities have since initiated phased reopening of destinations to restore confidence among visitors.
Seasonal weather variations — including heavy snowfall during Chillai Kalan in winter — create both scenic beauty and logistical challenges for travel planning.
Jammu and Kashmir remains a captivating destination where every visitor finds something extraordinary — whether it’s the tranquil waters of Dal Lake, snow-covered vistas of Gulmarg, ancient shrines atop rugged hills, or the rhythmic beats of Dogra folk music. It is a land of contrasts — serene yet powerful, spiritual yet adventurous, historic yet evolving.
For travellers seeking nature, culture, adventure, spirituality, and unforgettable memories, Jammu and Kashmir offers an experience unlike any other — truly reflecting the heart of India’s northern frontier.
by Author: Yekjah • 5
by Author: Suniel Kumar Dhar • 5
by Author: Mithlesh Dhar • 5
Among the Kashmiri Hindu community, Krishna Janam Ashtami is more than a festival—it is a sacred day filled with fasting, devotion, and joyful anticipation. In the Kashmir Valley, it is celebrated a day earlier, on Saptami, and is lovingly called “Jarme Satam” (ज़रमअ सतम) in Kashmiri. This tradition is unique to the Kashmiri Pandit heritage, setting it apart from most celebrations across India.
Historical Note: Why Saptami, Not Ashtami?
The reason for this shift lies in ancient Kashmiri temple customs and lunar calculations. In Kashmir’s Shaivite and Vaishnavite tradition, the tithi (lunar day) for fasting and main worship is often observed according to the Udaya Tithi—the lunar date prevailing at sunrise—rather than the one that starts later in the day. In many years, the Ashtami tithi begins only after sunset of Saptami; therefore, the fast and main rituals are kept on Saptami so that the entire day is dedicated to the Lord. This system also aligns with older Rajatarangini-era temple practices, where important jayantis (birth celebrations) were commenced on the preceding tithi if the actual tithi began late in the evening.
Over centuries, this became a fixed community tradition—so even today, Jarme Satam continues as the chosen day of celebration for Kashmiri Pandits, regardless of how the rest of India observes Janam Ashtami.
A Day of Fasting and Anticipation
From the first light of dawn, the household atmosphere turns devotional. Everyone—men, women, and children—keeps a strict fast. No grains or regular meals are eaten; only fruits, nuts, and juices sustain the devotees through the day. The mind stays focused on prayers and the joyous moment to come—the birth of Lord Krishna at moonrise.
The Sacred Pakoras of the Day
One of the most cherished aspects of Jarme Satam is the preparation of special pakoras during the day. Women would gather in the kitchen to prepare fritters from potatoes, sour apples, brinjals and green chilies, using water chestnut flour (singare ka atta) for the batter.
These pakoras, golden and fragrant, were served in the daytime as the last savory dish before nightfall, offering warmth and taste to the fasting devotees without breaking the vrat. Children eagerly awaited them, knowing they were a rare and festive delight.
An equally beloved part of the day was creating the jula—a tiny swing for the infant Krishna. Draped in colorful fabrics, decorated with flowers and ornaments, the swing would hold a small idol of Gopala. In the evening, family members would gently sway the jula while singing devotional bhajans.
The Moonlit Birth of Krishna
The true culmination came at night, when the moon rose over the Valley. In Kashmiri tradition, this moonrise marked the exact moment of Krishna’s birth. Families gathered before the deity, performing puja and offering fruits, sweets, and prayers. Only then was the fast broken, with devotion in the heart and blessings on the lips.
The Jankis of Old Srinagar
In the lanes of Srinagar’s old city, Radha-Krishna jankis (tableaux) added grandeur to the festival. Decorated carts and small stages carried scenes from Krishna’s life, moving slowly through the streets, accompanied by singing, drums, and dancing. Children and elders alike would follow these processions, their voices joining in the chorus of bhajans.
A Heritage of Faith and Joy
For Kashmiri Pandits, Jarme Satam remains a celebration of faith, creativity, and community spirit. It is a festival where fasting leads to feasting, where devotion inspires art, and where the moonlit night becomes a reminder of divine love. Even for those far from their ancestral homes, Jarme Satam carries the fragrance of the Valley and the warmth of family traditions.
by Author: Yekjah • 5
by Author: Suniel Kumar Dhar • 5
by Author: Mithlesh Dhar • 5
Kashmir is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, featuring majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and vibrant gardens, alongside its rich cultural heritage. It is also famous for its pashmina shawls, intricately woven carpets, and high-quality saffron. Kashmir is a famous place for tourists and people who like adventure sports, like skiing, trekking, and camping, amidst its diverse landscapes.
The primary language spoken in Kashmir is Kashmiri, also known as Koshur. Other common languages include Urdu, Hindi, and English, especially in business and for guides. Kashmiri, Hindi, Urdu, and English are all official languages of the Jammu and Kashmir union territory, alongside Dogri.
The best time to visit Kashmir depends on your preference.
Kashmiri food is famous for aromatic, rich dishes like;
by Author: Yekjah • 5
by Author: Suniel Kumar Dhar • 5
by Author: Mithlesh Dhar • 5
Dear friends, as an initiative to help the Kashmiri Pandit Community, we are collating a list of KP Doctors in Hyderabad and their contact details.
We kindly request that you share details in the comments section below, which will be used to create an archive to assist fellow community members.
Several people who travel to Hyderabad do so for work or education, and their families also accompany them in this big city, which includes their parents or grandparents as well.
When they fell sick, they may want to consult someone they can trust for an opinion in a new city. For this, we wanted to create contact details for Doctors who can be contacted in such situations.
Request you all to come forward and share contact details or at least hospital details where KP doctors are working, which might help someone someday down the line.
List of KP Doctors
by Author: Yekjah • 5
by Author: Suniel Kumar Dhar • 5
by Author: Mithlesh Dhar • 5
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