Kashmir @ 35,000 feet!!!
Rakesh Khar
It was another routine flight back home, my first from Nagpur to Delhi. As the flight took off, I ruminated on the proceedings at Indian Institute of Management, Nagpur Media Conclave, where I spoke on the theme “Media as a Catalyst for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Viksit Bharat Mission, apolitical at its core, aims to build a developed ‘Bharat (for the predominantly young India). Media traditionally has transformed itself into a force only when it has aligned itself to a cause. The father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi lit the lamp using media as a tool to give an impetus to the freedom movement.
Viksit Bharat is a noble vision! Even if seen from the political prism, it draws a consensus. Each and every politician irrespective of his or her political colour aims for India to grow to its full potential. Therefore, it is imperative for the media to mount Viksit Bharat as an intrinsic part of its national discourse.
On the flight, as the seat belt sign went off, I pondered whether we would be able to fulfil this dream as a nation? The raging debate between demographic dividend and demographic liability. The cabin crew, meanwhile, started the pre-booked food service, as minor turbulence briefly shook the flight.
The attending air-hostess badge read “Azra’. The name sounded familiar and I took the liberty to ask her whether she hailed from Kashmir. There was, though, a tell-tale sign: the typical long sharp ‘Kashmiri’ nose. She affirmed in the positive and then the next obvious question?
Does she speak Kashmiri? The response being a firm yes in the language that defined the immediate bond. And when she said she originally hailed from the downtown in Srinagar, there was another reason to celebrate since my ancestral home was in Fateh Kadal, a downtown locality as well.
The mutual excitement was palpable and I went to cross check whether I heard the name of the co-pilot right. Tanvi Raina, yes, I had heard it right
Another Kashmiri on the flight? Double delight? Three Kashmiris on one flight? Azra, however, wasn’t sure about the identity of the co-pilot. The two perhaps had never met as Kashmiris. For me, the thought-two Kashmiri women in the driver’s seat was the big plus.
And I got curious and could not wait for the flight to land. When the touch down (a pretty smooth one) finally happened, it was my unexpected rendezvous with Kashmir, my homeland (or not?).
A request by Azra for an introduction and the co-pilot hesitantly stepped out. It was a moment to cherish forever. Trying to catch one-another’s eye in the melee of passengers restless to exit was a bit of a challenge. But the resolve was overwhelming!
As we got a little corner and I broke into Kashmiri, both Tanvi and Azra joined in exchanging warm greetings (of course in Kashmiri). It was as if we had known one another for ages. The language served as the password instantly activating a deep sense of belonging, creating a unique bridge.
By that time, the aerobridge was connected and I had to clear the way for passengers to move out. I myself exited the plane, of course not without a picture, with a great sense of optimism. I wish I could hold the clock and speak to both these young Kashmiris at length but Tanvi had another flight back to Nagpur. And Azra had her own schedule.
I too was to be home at the end of a long day. But the short meeting was as positive as it can get.
My two cents: Despite decades of strife, violence, and death, dreams take flight and the aspirations of young Kashmiris continue to sour to new heights. And, what is without doubt is that their growth is in giving wings to their dreams.
Even the sky isn’t the limit!!!
More power to the Viksit Bharat dream of 1.4 billion people of India. And if the 2047 target has to be achieved, women GDP will be the key catalyst for women led development is the mantra. Way to go and grow Tanvi and Azra…..
And I am telling this story since it is an imperative for the media to mount Viksit Bharat as an intrinsic part of its national discourse.
Thank you Indigo for giving this beautiful Kashmir short story. Memories at 35,000 feet shall remain etched for ever. More power to those willing to dream and give wings to their imagination.
(The author is a senior journalist currently working as Editor, English Chister, TV9 Network )
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