Vishal Kudchadkar
Volunteer, Asha Los Angeles
Duration: Monday, July 30, 2007
As the pilot announced the flight's descent into Srinagar, the lush forests surrounding the
green rice fields dotted by rustic dwellings reminded me of my hometown - Goa. But as
we drew nearer to the airport the serene green gave way to the olive green. With tall
fences, outposts, towers and barracks the airport was more like a fort. A rude reminder
that this was Srinagar and not Goa.
The Los Angeles chapter of Asha For Education has been supported Borderless World Foundation's child home in Kupwara for the last two years and as a steward I decided I needed to visit it to learn things first hand. So with Adik Kadam, the co-founder of BWF, by my side I set on what my friends called "Mission Kashmir".
"It is rightly stated that sometimes, one decision of your life can alter the entire topography of your life. Interning with BWF was one such decision I made. It exposed me not only to the unique culture of the valley but also to the hardships faced daily by individuals residing in a conflict zone. Provided with a myriad range of relevant issues to work on, under able guidance and supervision, the experience augmented my learning curve professionally and personally .The most memorable part of my voyage was my interaction with the girls at Kupwara. Enthused with a zest to live, they not only touch but successfully build a permanent niche for themselves in your heart. If you are breeding a desire to engage in work which would facilitate the society and help you meaningfully explore yourself further, BWF is waiting for you!"
At the outset I must say that I am stating my thoughts and feelings – very personal ones after having visited Basera- E- Tabassum (Abode of Smiles) situated in Kupwara district Kashmir.
'The love affair started tenderly: a warm hug, a lightless night, a dim lantern, the resonating trickle of streams and whispers of footfalls. I had reached Peth-Bugh (Anantnag) tired, after two long and extremely hot journeys. The cool still air was a respite. As I stepped out of the car, a strange good feeling set in. Someone hugged me. My bags were taken. Four or five hands gently caught my wrist- some strongly holding me, responsibly; others, shyly, just touching. Some more hands slowly joined in. Someone ahead held the lantern, so I could see my feet and some more feet. There wasn't any electricity and so there weren't any faces. Soon I started getting comfortable in this strange lightless, faceless walk of sounds and touches. I too caught their hands, letting down my guard- trusting them to guide me through the damp mud and unsteady planks that served as footbridges over the trickling water'
After the completion of her first semester at Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication, Pune, as a first year trainee Sadaf went home to Kashmir to undertake a six-week long social communication internship at Basera-e-Tabassum. She spent two weeks with our children. During this time she was to understand bwf and its functioning well and provide her inputs.
I miss the kids a lot. Please find reasons to send me there every month