Chander M. Bhat
In the serene village of Murran, nestled in the picturesque valleys of Kashmir’s Pulwama district, a tale of brilliance and artistry unfolds—woven with threads of creativity, tradition, and an unshakable connection to heritage. This is the story of Sanjay Pandita, fondly known as Niklal, whose name resonates with literary excellence, soulful music, and an enduring commitment to cultural preservation.
Born into the nurturing embrace of the Pandita family, Sanjay’s life was shaped by a world rich in tradition and spirituality. His parents, Pandit Prem Nath Pandita (Shangroo) and Smt. Prabha Wati Pandita, were deeply rooted in the values of their homeland. His mother, hailing from the neighboring village of Balhama, played a pivotal role in shaping his sensitivity to life and its intricacies. As the youngest among seven siblings, Sanjay grew up in a household that thrived on storytelling, rituals, and a profound spiritual ethos. The echoes of ancient hymns and the wisdom of elders became the foundation upon which his creative world would later be built.
His earliest years were spent in the embrace of a childhood unlike many others. He began his education at Baleh Bhatun School, a primary school for girls, where he was the only boy among his peers. This unusual setting offered him a unique perspective on life, encouraging his keen observation of human nature. He later continued his schooling at Boys High School, Murran, and subsequently at Higher Secondary School, Pulwama, where his love for literature first began to take root.
Sanjay’s intellectual curiosity led him to Amar Singh College, Srinagar, a place where his passion for the written word flourished. As a student, he excelled academically and soon became a key member of the editorial board of the college magazine. His poetry, essays, and literary critiques found a space where they could breathe, and his voice—thoughtful, evocative, and deeply introspective—began to emerge. With each poem he penned and each article he crafted, his literary identity took shape, enriched by the complex tapestry of Kashmiri heritage and the spiritual wisdom ingrained in him from childhood. His academic journey culminated in a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Kashmir, a milestone that heralded his emergence as a literary force.
Sanjay Pandita’s writings span an impressive array of genres, including poetry, essays, columns, and short stories. His literary works are marked by their intellectual depth and poetic resonance, reflecting the universal themes of human emotion, socio-political struggles, and spiritual exploration. His poetry, inspired by the mystic traditions of the valley, carries echoes of the great Sufi and Bhakti poets, capturing devotion, longing, and transcendence in its verses. His columns, regularly published in esteemed outlets such as Rising Kashmir, Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Pen, Mountain Kashmir, Naad, Koshur Samachar, and Yugvani, offer profound insights into contemporary issues, particularly those concerning displacement, cultural erosion, and the struggle to preserve identity amidst modernity. His book reviews and literary analyses are celebrated for their depth and originality, making him a respected voice in intellectual circles. His two books, currently under publication, are anticipated to add yet another layer of brilliance to his already remarkable literary contributions.
Beyond the written word, Sanjay Pandita has played an active role in literary discourse. Over the years, he has participated in numerous debates and literary programs on television and radio in Dehradun. His eloquence, coupled with his deep understanding of literature and socio-cultural issues, has made him a prominent voice in intellectual forums. Whether speaking on the nuances of Kashmiri mysticism, the challenges of exile, or the role of poetry in preserving heritage, his words carry the weight of experience and an unyielding commitment to truth.
While literature provided him with a voice, music became the language of his soul. Sanjay developed a deep love for Hindustani classical music, and with a dedication that mirrored his literary pursuits, he taught himself to play the flute and harmonium with remarkable skill. His mastery of ragas and rhythms earned him recognition as a gifted instrumentalist. Music, to him, was more than an art form—it was a spiritual practice, a means of expressing the ineffable and connecting with the divine.
During his college years, his musical talent became widely recognized. He represented Kashmir University at the inter-collegiate cultural music competition held in Chandigarh, where his solo singing performance received widespread acclaim. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his journey as a musician and reinforced his commitment to preserving and promoting the musical heritage of Kashmir. His collaborations with eminent singers and musicians in Dehradun further enriched his artistic repertoire, and his performances on All India Radio and Doordarshan cemented his status as a revered figure in classical music.
At the heart of Sanjay Pandita’s life and work lies an unwavering faith in the divine. His mornings in Murran were often spent in the temple, reciting the Shiva Mahima Stotra and Panchastavi alongside the elders of his village. These sacred rituals strengthened his spiritual foundation and found profound expression in both his literary and musical creations. His deep devotion to Mother Brari Maej and Kshir Bhavani continues to be a guiding force, offering him solace, inspiration, and an unbreakable connection to his homeland.
The year 1990 marked a turning point in his life. The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from their homeland was not just a displacement of people but a fracture in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Kashmir itself. The Pandita family, uprooted from their ancestral home, faced the pain of exile and the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. After spending six months in Jammu, Sanjay was transferred to Dehradun, where he sought to find meaning and purpose amidst the turmoil. The pain of separation, the longing for a lost homeland, and the resilience of the displaced community found their way into his writings, giving them an authenticity and emotional depth that resonated deeply with readers.
Despite the hardships, Sanjay refused to let adversity define him. His resilience and unwavering faith enabled him to transform pain into purpose, ensuring that his creative pursuits remained undeterred. Professionally, he embarked on a journey that showcased his dedication and excellence. Beginning his career as a teacher in Kashmir, he later joined the Life Insurance Corporation of India in 1989. Over the years, his diligence and integrity saw him rise through the ranks to become an Assistant Divisional Manager. Even with the demands of a thriving career, he remained deeply committed to literature and music, seamlessly excelling in both realms.
Today, Sanjay Pandita is settled in Dehradun, where his home has become a sanctuary of creativity. The soft strains of his flute often fill the air, blending with the rhythmic tapping of his typewriter as he crafts verses that bridge the past with the present. His journey is not just the story of one man’s artistic pursuits but of a custodian of heritage, a bridge between generations, and a voice that refuses to be silenced.
In Sanjay Pandita, Murran has given the world a gem—a literary luminary, a soulful musician, and a voice of conscience. His life, steeped in Kashmir’s rich traditions and resilience, is an enduring source of inspiration. Through his words and melodies, he ensures that the whispers of Murran’s valleys, the hymns of its temples, and the dreams of its exiled souls will never be forgotten. His art is not merely an ode to what was but a call to what can be—a life of meaning, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of truth.
More than an artist, he is a testament to the undying spirit of Kashmir—a spirit that continues to inspire, heal, and awaken. In the twilight of time, when the echoes of a civilization are sought, the legacy of individuals like Sanjay Pandita will illuminate the way forward. For in his verses, his melodies, and his unwavering spirit lies the essence of a people who may have lost their land but not their identity, who may have been uprooted but not silenced. He is not just a son of Murran but a living testament to the indomitable soul of Kashmir.
Author can be reached at chander.1831@gmail.com
