Syed Nissar H Gilani
50 years ago, in March 1975, a young Circle Officer arrived in Doru Shahabad, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of South Kashmir. What greeted him was more than just stunning scenery; it was a vibrant canvas painted with rich history, cultural brilliance, and the warmth of a close-knit community. This is a journey back to a place that held both professional challenges and cherished personal moments.
Where Poets and Leaders Left Their Mark
Doru Shahabad boasts an impressive legacy, deeply intertwined with the cultural and political fabric of Kashmir. It’s the birthplace of two celebrated poets, the romantic Rasool Mir and the eloquent Mehmood Gammi, whose verses continue to resonate. Beyond literature, the town proudly claims Syed Mir Qasim, a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and a member of Mrs. Gandhi’s cabinet. His vision transformed Doru, leaving an enduring legacy of development that included a sub-district hospital, a beautiful Dak Bungalow, a sub-judge court, a college, a police station, and numerous schools – infrastructure that uplifted the lives of its residents.
The town’s historical roots run even deeper. Mulla Mohammed, a courtier of King Zainul Abadeen, hailed from Doru, famously translating the historical Raj Tarangini from Sanskrit to Persian. Intriguingly, the legendary writer Saadat Hasan Manto also had ancestral ties here, with his family migrating from Noorpora village before settling in Amritsar.
Doru Shahabad is also a spiritual hub, home to revered shrines, including one built by Mir Syed Mohammad Hamdani, son of the venerated saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, and another by Azam Shah Sahab. Ancient Hindu temples at Gouseen Gund and Luk Bhawan further underscore the region’s rich tapestry of faiths and enduring cultural diversity. Just a stone’s throw away lies the magnificent Verinag Garden, laid out by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. This stunning garden, nestled at the foothills of a monolithic forest mountain, remains a quintessential Kashmiri experience.
A Dedicated Team and Unforgettable Challenges
My time in Doru Shahabad was defined by a sense of camaraderie with a dedicated team of officers. The sub-district hospital was particularly exceptional, a hub of medical expertise. Specialists like Dr. Khant, Dr. and Mrs. Kaul, Dr. Peeshin, and Dr. Khursheed Malik were pillars of the community, respected for their skill and unwavering dedication. The young and promising medico couple, Dr. and Mrs. Kaul, were especially beloved by their patients, making their tragic loss in a scooter accident years later all the more poignant.
Among them, Dr. Khursheed Malik became a close confidant, often sharing stories of his student days in Jaipur with Dr. Farooq Abdullah. His commitment to his patients was legendary; his residential quarters would throng with people seeking his care every evening.
One vivid memory stands out: being stranded in Srinagar during unprecedented floods. The Srinagar-Anantnag highway was submerged, and the Jhelum River raged. My family, including my young son, was in Doru, and when my son fell ill, the helplessness of being unable to reach them was agonizing. Yet, Dr. Khant and Dr. Khursheed Malik stepped in, providing exceptional care and keeping me constantly updated – a testament to their compassionate professionalism. I also recall an arduous 18-hour journey on foot with Dr. Mohammad Shaffi Deewani through hazardous roads and relentless rain, battling the floodwaters to finally reach Doru Shahabad.
A Test of Mettle: The “Dr. Bharat” Incident
My mettle as an officer was truly tested during Mr. D.N. Bakaya’s leave, when I was entrusted with managing the tehsil. One early morning, a commotion outside my Meer Maidan residence shattered the calm. Relatives had brought the body of a young lady, demanding justice against the doctor who had operated on her the previous day.
A furious crowd, demanding the doctor’s immediate arrest, swelled outside. With only a few orderlies and my loyal peon, Nazir Ahmed Bhawani, I knew I needed seasoned help. I quickly summoned Sub-Inspector Abdul Ahad Jan, a police veteran with 28 years of experience. Together, we faced the agitated mob, assuring them that action would be taken against the “erring doctor,” affectionately known as “Dr. Bharat” or “Dr. Blade” for his exceptional surgical skills and preference for Bharat Blades.
Hours of painstaking persuasion followed, the crowd’s anger palpable. Eventually, with the help of respected community members, they agreed to bury the lady later that evening. We deployed security to the hospital and its staff, while Dr. Bharat had already fled. He was subsequently suspended following an inquiry.
It’s an ironic twist of fate that “Dr. Blade” was later reinstated at a small hospital in Srinagar, only to repeat a similar mistake, leading to his escape to a foreign country. Today, he is considered one of the best surgeons globally. Jai Bharat / Jai Blade, indeed.
The writer is former Assistant Commissioner of Revenue Department. and can be reached at nisargilani57748@gmail.com
