Sorrow of the Snows by Upendra Nath Ashk, translated from Hindi by Jai Ratan is a moving account of life amidst the poverty and destitution that overran Kashmir after India’s Independence.
Life can be extremely unpredictable if someone suddenly turns against you and accuses you of something you haven’t done. It can be worse when the bad lie is believed.
Hasandin is a peasant who works in summers as a horsewallah to supplement his meager income. He and his son and nephew run three horses which they take to the Tangmarg bus stand, and get good customers for treks to nearby mountain resorts of Gulmarg, Khilanmarg, Afrabat and far across to the frozen lake of Alpatthar. He has hopes change in fortunes, and being able to offer a wedding feast for his son at a local shrine.
But Khanna, a stingy and cranky Delhi shopkeeper, who they take as customer, turns around and accuses Hasandin of stealing his camera.
Sorrow of the Snows by Upendra Nath Ashk
translated by Jai Ratan
HarperCollins Publishers
Rs.250