The roots are intact, the distance and years notwithstanding. Hope floats, in spite of all odds. A fire burns within and the eyes look for light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. Young and raring, a cause binds them and the Valley always beckons. For these student members of the Chandigarh Chapter of Roots In Kashmir (RIK), most of them Kashmiri Pandits themselves, telling the story of the pain of their people is not just a 'motive', but a responsibility. They strive to touch each other and tell the world what's not seen and heard. Roots In Kashmir is an initiative launched by the Kashmiri Pandit Youth, to retain the roots that identify them and which remain anchored in Kashmir and while the base is in Delhi, RIK has chapters in various cities of India. "Our cause is to highlight the atrocities and hardships faced by Kashmiri Pandits, for the common man does not know about the sad state of these people who have been hounded out of their homes and are refugees in their own country, living in miserable camps and conditions,'' Bhawick Jalali speaks for his friends, all students Panjab University. The students had recently staged a play on Kashmir, Trishna, one they had scripted themselves in just 15 days and which was directed by Ajit, who's pursuing PhD in theatre. At least, once a year they attempt to organize an event which would get the Kashmiri Pandits settled here together and in constant touch. " Now scattered in different parts of the country, we don't want to lose our culture, traditions, for we are still a community and theatre can go a long way in keeping it and the roots intact,'' Sahil Moza adds how it's their parents' only dream to be given recognition and a feeling of security back home. The play, through the story of four Kashmiri Pandit friends, three killed by militants depicted the face of the Valley before and after terrorism and ended on a positive note, that of return to peace. "The idea was not to create controversy, so we showed the affected and not those responsible for the tragedy,'' Shishank Wali, Shrawan, Shashank Koul, Sugandhi pitch in. RIK is not just a passing phase for these students, but a "responsibility to help people. We don't want sympathy, but empathy,'' they tell you with passion. To faith and fire…
