In the enchanting village of Duslipora, a medieval Kashmiri village nestled on the edge of Sonawari area of Tehsil Singhpora, life followed a rhythmic pattern that seemed untouched by the passing centuries. The relentless wave of development seemed to have bypassed its dusty streets. The village retained its medieval charm, with the streets bearing the imprints of ancient human history. The villagers would rise with the sun, their voices blending harmoniously with the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant melodies of chirping birds. But beneath the picturesque facade lay a bitter reality. Duslipora, known for its idyllic charm, suffered from a cruel irony. While the young lads of the village basked in the warm sunshine, the women of every household embarked on a daily pilgrimage. With pitchers perfectly balanced on their heads, they trekked nearly five kilometers, their weary steps echoing the desperate search for the elixir of life – drinking water. This routine, so unforgiving in its repetition, became a symbol of both strength and sorrow for the villagers. While their determination and resilience shone through, the burden they bore weighed heavily on their hearts. The surrounding areas, with their ample water supplies, looked down upon Duslipora as the “forgotten village,” the one place where the life-sustaining resource seemed an unattainable dream. Every day, this poignant scene unfolded, with women in their forties relentlessly pursuing a water bowser from ten in the morning until three in the scorching afternoon heat. Despite their valiant efforts, they often returned empty-handed, their journey mirroring that of a warrior who has faced countless battles, only to meet defeat at every turn. This village has been through numerous battles in order to restore the abandoned water pipes that once delivered drinking water three decades ago. Over time, the pipes fell into disrepair and the villagers grew tired of the fruitless visits to government offices, while the women of the village had to endure a grueling daily pilgrimage of five to ten kilometers just to obtain water, three friends who recently retired from their government positions decided to take up the fight. They took it upon themselves to navigate the complex labyrinth of government offices and bureaucrats, seeking the funds necessary to bring the gift of water to Duslipora. While the village has long served as a prominent center of the political process for the surrounding area, it is disheartening to observe that the very politicians whose elevated status owes a debt to this village, as well as numerous others like it, have seemingly forgotten about the welfare of its inhabitants. Despite securing the winning votes multiple times in elections, these politicians have failed to address the pressing issues faced by the villagers. So, Instead of pursuing the political route, they chose to navigate the bureaucratic path. Yet, despite their best efforts, the wheels of progress turned agonizingly slow. They faced a constant uphill battle, as if the very system they sought to change conspired against them.
We, the inhabitants of Village Duslipora, extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Ali Mohamad Dar, Mr. Mohamad Abdulla, and Mr. Mohamad Ramzan from Village Duslipora. Your unwavering commitment and resolute efforts to bring about positive change in our stagnant society have left an indelible mark. This village will forever be indebted to you for the remarkable dedication and determination you have exhibited.
Day after day, they found themselves navigating the bustling streets of nearby towns, only to be met with indifference and skepticism from the government officials they encountered. The mention of Duslipora often evoked puzzled looks and dismissive shrugs, further fuelling the fire within their souls. They tirelessly knocked on doors, followed up on promises, and dedicated themselves to the cause for years. Despite the lack of progress, their unwavering determination eventually yielded a glimmer of hope. Beneath the surface, a transformation was slowly taking place. The perseverance and unwavering commitment of this trio had planted seeds of hope and ignited a spark within the hearts of the villagers. The plight of Duslipora and its surrounding villages resonated within the hearts of a select few officials who recognized the urgent need for action. The winds of compassion began to blow, pushing aside the bureaucratic hurdles that had once seemed insurmountable. The government approved the project, bringing the once-distant dream of clean drinking water closer to reality not only for their own village but for a dozen other surrounding villages as well. The village of Duslipora, once plagued by the weight of empty pitchers and the tears of despair, was all set to witness a remarkable transformation. But the battle was not yet over, being well aware of the workings and pace of government offices, they remained at the forefront, urging every department to expedite the necessary paperwork. And then, one day, the Engineer in charge of the project mentioned in a tweet the dedication and determination demonstrated by this trio in reviving not only their own village’s water supply but also benefiting the surrounding communities. The project is now underway and will be completed as soon as possible. It was a moment of triumph, a testament to the resilience of their friendship and the power of relentless perseverance. The amount of energy and commitment displayed by these three gentlemen serves as an inspiring example for future generations. The battle that lasted for three decades is finally reaching its fruitful conclusion. They have shown the younger generation of the village that no matter how challenging a task may seem, pursuing it with honesty and dedication will always lead to the desired and deserved outcome. They remained the guardians of hope, the beacons of resilience, and the epitome of friendship in a world that often seemed indifferent. Their story, passed down through generations, would forever serve as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds; a few determined souls can rewrite the destiny of an entire community. We, the inhabitants of Village Duslipora, extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Ali Mohamad Dar, Mr. Mohamad Abdulla, and Mr. Mohamad Ramzan from Village Duslipora. Your unwavering commitment and resolute efforts to bring about positive change in our stagnant society have left an indelible mark. This village will forever be indebted to you for the remarkable dedication and determination you have exhibited.
(The author is a freelancer. The views, opinions, facts, assumptions, presumptions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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