Along with the Beautiful Valleys of Kashmir, It's Important to Know About Saint Lalleshwari

Kashmir is renowned across the world for its breathtaking beauty, snow-covered valleys, towering pine and cedar trees, rich cuisine, and unique culture. The beauty of Kashmir can be best understood by the words of Mughal Emperor Jahangir: “Gar firdaus bar ruye zameen ast, hami asto hami asto hami ast,” meaning “If there is paradise on Earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.”

Many people dream of visiting Kashmir at least once in their lifetime to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. But did you know that there is something else that makes Kashmir even more special? It’s the voice of Lal Vakh, the sacred verses of a saint whose teachings resonate in the hearts of every Kashmiri. While you may have heard stories about many saints and poets, Lalleshwari, a Kashmiri saint, whose poetry is sung in every home, is an integral part of Kashmiri literature and history.

In the famous film The Kashmir Files, a dialogue says, “I know of a Kashmir where Lalleshwari’s Vakh still echo today.” Although the film doesn’t provide much detail on this, Ashwatha Tree Publications has brought the story of Lalleshwari to children through their book “Lal Ded” to make sure the younger generation understands her greatness and teachings.

The Life of Saint Lalleshwari: A Beacon of Inspiration for Children

The book “Lal Ded” introduces children to the life of Lalleshwari and tells them that during her time, child marriage was a common practice in Kashmir. At the age of just twelve, her parents married her off to the son of a Kashmiri Pandit. She faced immense suffering in her in-laws’ house. However, Lalleshwari’s story is not just one of hardship; it’s also a story of resilience. She broke through the patriarchal norms of her time, questioned religious dogma, and advocated for a life rooted in devotion, love, and spirituality.

Her Vakh (verses) were revolutionary, challenging caste, religious divisions, and promoting a life of devotion that connected deeply with the essence of living. She spoke out against religious rituals and emphasized love as the greatest virtue. Much like Kabir’s couplets, Meera’s bhajans, or Tulsidas’ verses, Lalleshwari’s Vakh still resonate in the hearts of Kashmiri people, continuing to inspire generations.

In today’s society, where division and discrimination are on the rise, understanding the teachings of Lalleshwari and sharing them with children has become more crucial than ever. True change can only happen when we teach children wisdom and values that will not only benefit them but also society as a whole.

The Importance of Teaching Children Through Books

Tulika Singh, the author and director of Ashwatha Tree Publications, believes that her books are dedicated to children because, in today’s world, while parents have given their children gadgets, they’ve unintentionally distanced them from books. As a result, children are losing touch with their roots and culture. Through her books, Tulika Singh wants to introduce children to the stories of real heroes, people who exemplify values like sacrifice, love, and harmony. For a child to grow, they must be connected with these stories that inspire progress and humanity.

Children are the future, and the only way to bring about change in society is through education. The best way to instill values in children is by guiding them with books that foster positive thinking and connect them to their roots.