Winter Woes: The Struggles of the Underprivileged
Flowers are undoubtedly beautiful, whether in their appearance, fragrance, or touch. However, the thorns that accompany them—how sharp and piercing they are—can only truly be understood by the gardener who lives among them, protects them, and spends their life in their company.
Kashmir, known worldwide for its beauty and often referred to as the Switzerland of the East, is famous for its lush green meadows, verdant forests, snow-covered mountains, and flowing rivers. While the region is known for its pleasant climate, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
The beauty of Kashmir draws people towards it, and why wouldn’t it? There is no part of the world as beautiful as this. The pleasant weather here provides a perfect escape from the scorching heat of summers. People visiting from other parts of India or abroad often feel as though they’ve stepped into paradise the moment they enter this valley.
I’ve experienced this feeling myself. During my studies in various states of India, I was utterly exhausted by the intense heat. All I could think about was completing those three years of education and returning to settle in Kashmir. The true value of Kashmir’s climate can only be understood by someone who has experienced and compared it to the extremes of other places.
Well, let’s get to the main topic. The people of this region are both fortunate and somewhat unfortunate at the same time. This duality exists because, on one hand, we spend a major part of the year enjoying a delightful climate. On the other hand, we face harsh challenges during the intense cold of winter. The lack of sufficient resources adds to this difficulty.
Most necessities required to get through the winters have to be sourced from outside the region, making it essential to stock up during the rest of the year. When snowfall occurs in winter, the region often gets cut off from the rest of the world for several days, leading to shortages of essential items.
People living in rural areas also face the problem of power cuts during this time. Being a resident of a rural area myself, I can deeply relate to these hardships, as I experience them more than anyone else.
When winter reaches its peak here, particularly during the mid-winter period known locally as Chillai Kalan, we face numerous challenges. Firstly, our economy slows down significantly during this time because people are unable to engage in business or work. Consequently, we have to rely on whatever savings or provisions we’ve managed to accumulate throughout the year to get by.
In addition to this, transportation becomes a major issue as the roads become extremely slippery. The freezing of water, vehicles failing to start, and other such problems add to the difficulties of daily life. These challenges make surviving this period even more arduous.
A significant portion of the population here belongs to the poor class, which remains underprivileged throughout the year. For them, it becomes an additional burden altogether. That’s why winter never brings any joy or prosperity for the poor.
Electricity becomes a crucial resource during the winter season. Unfortunately, for those of us living in rural areas, frequent power cuts are a common issue. Since almost all modern devices rely on electricity, these devices become useless in the absence of power.
I am never upset with winter itself, but I am disappointed by the lack of measures taken to support the poor during this season. The government should implement initiatives to make life more comfortable for underprivileged people and minimize their hardships.
Some individuals living near tourist spots may indeed find some employment opportunities during winter, but considering the present situation, I doubt that the income they earn is sufficient to sustain them through the season. While they manage to earn something, a significant portion of the population is unable to make any earnings during winter.
Thank you for going through my post. Have a great time ahead.