Kashmiri People

An old man is rowing an even older boat on the lake. He’s moving slowly, gradually, in perfect harmony with the calm water. He’s visiting a relative that lives on a house boat on the lake. No urgent matter brings him here, just the urgency of life, of sharing a moment with someone dear, connected to the rhythm of the lake.  On the shore, youngsters are in a hurry to fulfill their passions. They are greedy for more life, whereas the old man knows that every breath is a step closer to death, so he rows slowly, as if trying to fool the death that is following him close behind.

There are lush green mountains wherever you look in this paradise. Here and there you can see shepherds with their flocks of sheep gently greeting and welcoming everyone on their lands. But as open hearted these people are, you can see them frowning when someone is trying to take their freedom and rights away. They are aware, informed and courageous to fight for their values.

A pair of green eyes is poking from behind a veil and you feel the depth of the observation of someone who’s seen nature and human nature manifesting itself in all forms. You can’t fool these people and you can’t buy them, cause they have all sorts of richness and the business spirit. You can’t oppress them either and all is left is to love them with their misfortunes that they carry deep inside as a community.

text: Simina Cernat