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| Bimla Raina with her daughter June, 1964 Qarfalli Mohalla, Srinagar. Came across it in an old family album at my Matamal My Nani’s elder brother, D.N. Raina was Bimla Raina’s father-in-law. Mother tells me she married when she was in 9th standard and then soon discontinued education. Moved to Jammu much before 1990. Known to be a fun loving and cheerful person. And a great singer. |
I fondled the child Divine
in my lap
and was lit up within
by slow degrees;
the little juggler I caressed
gave me the slip,
but I crossed the bar
through the shortest route
~ Bimla Raina, vakh from ‘Veth Maa Chhe Shongith‘ (Is Vitasta Asleep, 2003). Translation by A.N. Dhar (Country of the Soul, 2009).
Last of the tribe continuing to write in the format of Kashmiri poetry made famous by Lal Ded in 14th century.
