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| A Kashmiri girl’s journey to the heart of our country | | 
By Shazia Akhtar
I am Shazia belonging to a modest family in Srinagar and studying in one of the best schools in Kashmir Valley, Army Goodwill School, Hanzik. Our school announced about the tour which was planned during the winter holidays. I did’nt want to miss out on the opportunity to go out of the valley and explore the vastness of our country.
Initially I was uncertain about my parents allowing me to go on such a long tour to the heart of country and to places where none of my family members had ever been. By the grace of Allah, my beloved Ammijan agreed to the tour and thus began a journey and an experience that will remain close to my heart forever. I had never gone south of Pampore and thus had no idea about the culture and traditions that I was about the discover across the mighty Peer Panjals.
The tour was flagged off on 22 January,2016 and excitement got the better of me with loud chirping and chitchat in the bus. We got a glimpse of the rich culture of Jammu when I visited the Bahu Fort and beautiful gardens adjoining it. We travelled by train to Delhi which was my first experience of a train journey.
I consider myself very fortunate that this tour reached Delhi in January and I was able to witness the Republic Day parade live from the scenic lawns of Rajpath. The synchronized marching of contingents and roar of tanks and aircrafts on the parade inspired great confidence in the strength and might of our country. I felt proud to be part of nation which has reached such glorious heights within 70 years of its independence. The colorful “Jhankis” of various states including that of our own state of Jammu and Kashmir were very appealing. The musical notes of National Anthem sounded more inspiring. I was particularly impressed with the smart girls marching as part of NCC contingent and I will strive hard to be part of it sometime.
The interactive exchange program at Mayo Girls Collage, Ajmer has left an everlasting impression in my heart. We all were received and treated with such warmth and affection that I hardly missed my parents. It was a home away from home and time just flew while we were amongst the company of some very inquisitive and open minds. I remember the late nights spent amongst the company of Mayo Girls where we spent hours sharing the lifestyles and understanding each other’s culture. I could see the sparkle in the eyes of my newly made friend Rakshita Sharma at Mayo when I told her about the grand Dal Lake and evergreen meadows of valley. I could make so many friends who instilled a new sense of confidence in me. We exchanged our mobile numbers and email addresses and I shall remain in touch with them for life. I left Ajmer with a heavy heart and a strong resolve from my friends that we shall meet again. I am very excited about hosting them sometime in June/July when they visit the Kashmir Valley. My friends have promised me that they will stay at my place.
This tour has left an everlasting mark on my heart as I relished every moment of it. I shall cherish and fondly remember the wonderful memories of this tour throughout my life.
(Shazia Akhtar is student of Army Goodwill School, Hanzik)
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