Note From President Shernaz Vakil

KASHMIR FILES

Here I am, writing to you from paradise on earth!

Having driven straight from the Srinagar airport to Pahalgam, we were transported from the heat and dust of our city to the cool, clean climes of another world.

Over silken roads, some of which were built as emergency runways, we almost flew to the pines and peaks of our mountain resort.

On the way, fields of saffron, mustard and forests of Kashmir Velu (from which the best cricket bats are made) lay before us. Whilst the River Lidder with its pale blue waters bubbling along its stony bed followed us all the way to our destination.

Amidst pine filled forests and snow-capped mountains we had indeed arrived at a paradise of sorts.

The next day was spent in awe as we exulted at each conifer filled valley and gazed at each magnificent mountain in pure reverence. We then ended the morning at the most serene and expansive golf course ringed by glorious peaks.

A picnic by the Lidder and a campfire fellowship that evening had us Rotarians singing and dancing… inspite of a broken nose, a torn muscle, and stomach flu!

The younger and more intrepid amongst us began their mornings with treks around the hills, having the lazier of us a bit ashamed as we indulged in Himalayan trout and roganjosh.

Coming back to Srinagar we were doing what we love most – savouring the food of the land and a Wazwan (an authentic Kashmiri feast of Tabak Maas and Gushtaba).

Onwards to the Shalimar Gardens built by Emperor Jehangir for his beloved Queen, a tribute to true love with the most magnificent Chinar trees, exquisite flowers, and regal fountains!

Skirting the Dal lake in its mirrored magnificence, we arrive at the Hari Singh Palace, our residence for the next two days.

As the evening draws to a close and we sit under a giant Chinar on the grounds of the Lalit, I think if there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here!

…to be continued next week.

— President Shernaz Vakil