Stories from Jammu
I recently had the great pleasure of freezing some moments in time through my camera lens in a world humming with the turmoil of life. As I went outside in Jammu, I saw three young, school-going girls, who were the epitome of joy and innocence. The pure kind of enjoyment that frequently eludes us as we get older was brought to mind by their happy faces as they waved excitedly for my camera. The next picture I took was a sharp contrast, yet it was just as moving. A mature woman stood with a determined expression, covered in the sweat and exertion of her work. Her hands were a monument to the relentless spirit of those that power our civilization, showing the effort she put in day after day. Finally, an elderly woman’s eyes caught mine. Each line of the story of her life was engraved by wrinkles, which attested to the knowledge and experiences she had gathered over the years. Only time could give the depth of wisdom in her eyes. These three images capture life’s various phases, from youth’s innocence to adulthood’s hardships to old age’s wisdom. It serves as a reminder that each stage has its own unique beauty and importance.
"MUBARAK MANDI"
As Rumi said, “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray”
This is how I felt, looking at these swinging girls, that they were being drawn towards their passion. As I captured this enchanting scene through the lens of my camera, I marveled at the way the past and present danced together, harmoniously coexisting. It was as if the spirits of generations long gone had joined this performance, their whispers carried on the evening breeze.
In that fleeting moment, I realized that art has a remarkable way of transcending time, bringing cultures and generations together in a timeless embrace. These dancing souls, with their black dresses and graceful movements, were a living testament to the enduring spirit of Jammu—a place where history and tradition continue to inspire and enchant.
As I look back at that photograph, I’m reminded that beauty, like history, is a tapestry woven from the threads of time, and every moment captured is a piece of art that tells a story of its own. In the dance of those five girls, I found the magic of Jammu—a place where the past and present converge in a harmonious celebration of life, culture, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
“Jhumti vo ladkiyan”
Befikri si imarto par,
Jhumti vo ladkiyan..
Khud mein hi thi malang,
sab kahe pagal si ladkiyan..
Jaakar dekhaa paas toh,
Koi nahi tha vahan..
Samjha sab ne baad mein ,
Upar se barsi, rehmat thi vo ladkiyan ..