Sunday 6 April 2014

'Merchvanguen Thelea’

April 5, 2014 at 9:15pm


1948, one of the Administrative Emergency Officers from Sopore because of his short temper was called and known as 'Merchvanguen Thelea (sack full of chilies). In view of few cars available with the Emergency Government, all private cars in the valley not more than a score were taken over by the Emergency Government. These cars in view of their size were called 'Gunduk Dubie (Match box). One of the few cars was allotted to the short tempered Merchvanguen Thelea. Petrol tank was filled to its capacity and the driver was asked to move for the destination. The driver said: "Level of the oil is very low. It needs to be filled with oil up to the specific mark.
"Surprised! The Merchvanguen Thelea said: "The tank is filled to its capacity, so which oil is now needed."
The Driver: "Jinab it needs the engine oil as well."
Merchvanguen Thelea:" That autocracy time of Mahraja Hari Singh is over. It is now Awami Raj our own Government. No mischief anymore. You shall have to manage with one oil only. Drive or otherwise, I shall change the driver."
The driver switched on the switch, changed the gear and moved on. Hardly one mile ahead, the engine ceased and stopped to work. 
Merchvanguen Thelea: "What happened?"
The Driver: "It demands the second oil".
Merchvanguen Thelea: "Old habits die hard. It will take you time to change. Go and get the second oil."
The Driver: “It is too late. It will no more accept the second oil now. It needs replacement of the engine now."
It was after the event that Sheikh Sahib educated his brigade of Emergency administrative officers of cabinet rank that besides gasoline the engine needs Mobil oil as well. 
The Merchvanguen Thelea was honest and dedicated to his cause. Most of the time prior to 1947 and post 1953, he was in jail. He was staunch follower of the Plebiscite Front and did not compromise until his end. At the fag end of his life in late seventies in remorse he was living a secluded life at the Government Rest House at the Watlab foothill. He was replaced by the one who when asked by the Khansman at the Government Rest House, whether he would like to go for toilet or for breakfast, he said one plate from each. 
“What my Shankra does not know is not worth knowing" is written in the preface of the book 'Kashmir in Sunshine & Shade." written by Rev. Biscoe. Shanker Pundit was Headmaster of Mission High School Fatehkadal during the early years of Rev. Biscoe. Post 1975, Mission School Fateh Kadal, a heritage treasure and Nallie Maer became victim to the ignorance of post 1975 regime of Sheri Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. Regrettable!
Bríjû dàss te Girdass chhú vanàn låsív tû båsív.
B K Dass 
A wanderer in exile at 75
Deprived of his Cremation Ground
by the Farooq Abdullah Government with acquiescence by the Rajiv Government at the Centre.
“Mezareabal tanie chi hazar tufaan
Vujarea gachi gachi kabaer ti ravem”(Dolwal)
From Dubai contact No: Landline 0097144515306; Mobile No:00971563244965
bkdass69@gmail.com;

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