In a world often defined by cultural divisions, language barriers, and religious differences, Ballowal Saunkhri (Punjab) shines as a beacon of love, acceptance, and unity. Located in the Kandi region of Punjab (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar), this unassuming village has emerged as a place of tranquillity for us. For the last 8.5 years, my husband (Dr.AbrarYousuf) has worked at Punjab Agricultural University-Regional Research Station Ballowal Saunkhri as a Scientist (Soil and Water Engineering). With additional charges as anAcademic Coordinator, Hostel Warden cum Mess incharge, Incharge Chief Scientist of AICRPDA, PI and Co-PI of many research projects, thus had made significant contributions to the field of agricultureand allied infrastructure building in the recently established College of Agriculture in Kandi area at Ballowal Saunkhri.
When I joined the Research Station, I moved from the heart of city (Srinagar, J & K) to aremote rural community of Punjab. But, from the beginning, Ballowal Saunkhri’s stunning biodiversity and tranquil atmosphere captured my heart when people were curious if I too may find this place difficult to live with very far located market and no medical facility up to 12 Km of radius. Surrounded by lush green fields, sprawling farmlands, the majestic Shivalik hills, and an endless horizon, the village served as the perfect backdrop for quiet moments of reflection and growth.
Living in Ballowal Saunkhri felt like a life without distractions. It is a place where nature’s presence is felt deeply—every gentle breeze, every leaf that rustles, every mesmerizing sunset and peaceful sunrise. The area’s biodiversity, with its vibrant flora and playful fauna, has created an almost magical aura around the village—a sanctuary for the soul. The villagers, rooted in their traditions and culture, have extended a warm welcome to us, enveloping us in a sense of belonging. Their kindness, acceptance, and generosity have created a profound connection that transcends cultural, religious, and linguistic boundaries. The deep connections we have formed in Ballowal—whether with the magnanimous Dean cum Director sir, faculty members, office staff, lab staff, young professionals, field staff, or with the daily wage labourers (DPLs)—have made us feel deeply cherished. The aroma ofthis care and love will always refresh our soul. This period will remain among the best chapters of our journey.
In this remote village, my husband and I have experienced some of the most satisfyingas well challenging moments of our lives. With him, I have discovered not just the power of science but also the beauty of companionship, understanding, and patience. Our bond has only deepened with time, and the slower pace of life has allowed us to fully appreciate life’s simple pleasures—long drives for purchase of groceries, quiet evenings, community gatherings, and long talks under the stars.
Indeed, love begets love! When we were preparing to shift to the main campus, an emotional sense of departure filledour hearts.The weather too was signifying the heaviness of hearts on our transfer. Before few days, we attended tea parties in nearby Takarla and Bullewal villages. And a day before, a group of lady DPLs arrived at our quarter at lunch time. They were narrating about the bond I had built with them within shortest period of time. Before leaving they offered me with Shagun and my favourite wild vegetables which they had collected under the rumbling downpour. They cried bitterly on embracing me at the time of their departure which left me in tears. Such sort of love is rare to be found elsewhere in today’s materialistic world.
Finally, day of departure arrived! The moment, when the truck arrived for loading of our household commodities, a fleet of DPLs reached and volunteered to load the truck and even four DPLs accompanied us to our new destination. Even my laboratory incharge (Mr. Mohinderpal Sir) came to see off us, even he too was helping in assembling the leftovers of objects which filled us with gratitude. Leaving behind Ballowal Saunkhri and its people was quite difficult.
The moment when we finally moved out of our quarter, our eyes welled up with tears. It was a home away from home for us; it was a gradual transformative effort which made it a home out of a house.Soon after marriage, I came to this house with my better half. Biding good bye to my neighbours was equally very hard and the moment it was time to depart from a sister like colleague (Ms.Sunita Kasana Ma’am), both of us had total emotional breakdown, none of us could console each other. I couldn’t stop my tears for two days which made my spouse more anxious. Later, my better half together along with my mother, counselled me and I felt better.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the people of Ballowal Saunkhri for making our experience unforgettable. The love and integrity they have shown us will stay with us for a lifetime.Through this experience, I have come to understand that while cultures may differ in language, customs, and traditions, the core values of hospitality, kindness, and human connection are universal. The villagers there did not view us as a stranger from afar, but rather as someone who shared their humanity. In return, they opened their hearts, making us feel like an integral part of their community. The love, respect, and reverence shared between us have been some of the most beautiful aspects of my time there. On the other hand, the people of Ballowal Saunkhri appreciate the warmth, careand love we (Kashmiris) offer as generous hosts, and it is this mutual understanding of unconditional love that has fostered a profound bond between us.
As I reflect on more than ayearspent in Punjab, I am filled with gratitude. Living in Ballowal Saunkhri has not only allowed me to share my Kashmiri heritage but also allowed me to witness the deep warmth and kindness of a community that values people for who they are, not for their status.It has been a humbling experience that reinforces the understanding that love, respect, and hospitality are universal values that bring people together.
I will always treasure the moments spent there—whether it was quiet conversations over chai(Chaa in Punjabi) with Deepu Ji, occasional Kong Kehwa party in soil science laboratory but the consistent tea served in soil science laboratory at the tea times, the offerings of punjabi feasts like relishing Gajrela, Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti, peaceful walks through the fields, embracing the colleagues and lady DPLs with open arms, attending get-togethers in scientist colony, attending Punjabi weddings, or the simple acts of kindness from those who became a part of our lives. The Pheran, which I wore during the winter season, Kashmiri kehwa and Phirini became more than just a symbol of my Kashmiri culture or feasts; it became a symbol of unity, of blending traditions, and of sharing warmth from one heart to another, no matter the distance or difference.
Ballowal Saunkhri has shown us how deep the roots of love and belonging can grow. It has validated that love is not restricted by cultural barriers, religious differences and language variances. In Ballowal Saunkhri, we were embraced by people whose love is unconditional—who express it through actions rather than words, and whose honesty shines in everything they do. The beauty of the landscape, the simplicity of life, and the acceptance we found there made Ballowal Saunkhri a perfect mesocosm of what a truly inclusive world could look like.
As we bid goodbye to this village, our hearts are full of gratitude.To the people of Ballowal Saunkhri, we thank you for embracing us, our heritage, and the warmth we brought from the Paradise on Earthto this place. Your love and reverence will always hold a special place in our hearts. It is through such exchanges that we realize that despite our differences, the essence of human connection remains the same—one of love, respect, and warmth.
(The Author is Ph.D.; PDF, a distinguished researcher, as well as, a renowned compere/broadcaster at All India Radio, Srinagar. For feedback, she can be reached at [email protected])
