This poetry is a tribute to River Kishanganga / Neelam which is is a symbol of natural unity beyond political borders. Though divided by the Line of Control (LoC), she connects the people, cultures, and landscapes of Jammu & Kashmir (India) and Pakistan in a way that no boundary can erase.
To understand the poem in its full depth, lets first understand the background of this river.
Table of Contents
Brief Background of River Kishanganga / Neelam
The Kishanganga River, known as the Neelam River in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,
Origin: Kishanganga originates in India’s Jammu & Kashmir, near the Kishansar Lake.
Flow in India: She winds through the Tulail and Gurez Valley and make her path through lush meadows and snow-capped peaks.
Crossing the LoC: The river then enters Neelam Valley in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where she is renamed as Neelum.
Merging Point: Eventually, she joins the Jhelum River near Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.
This serene river has historical and cultural importance for both sides, with local folklore and traditions linked to it. Hence she is a symbol of natural unity beyond political borders.
What made me write poem on River Kishanganga / Neelam?
Sindhu, Jhelum, Ravi, Chenab, Beas and Sutlaj are the major rivers which transverse from India to Pakistan. However all these rivers have a common name in both the countries. And this is what which made Kishanganga unique in my eyes. Indo- Pak border changes her name from Kishanganga to Neelam.
It was during the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, that I saw glimpse of Kishanganga for the first time.
For most of the time my eyes were focused on the mighty Kishansar lake. Kishanganga was a tiny blue stream rising out from Kishansar lake. Further, when I travelled to Tulail valley, I saw her in her full glory. Kishanganga absolutely blew my mind as well as my heart with her mesmerizing charm of crystal clear blue waters. Not only this river is rich in beauty, but also in history, geography and culture.
Kishanganga means Blue Ganga.
Neelam means Blue stone or Sapphire.
Two enemy countries! Two names! But One River! One common meaning!
Blue colour is my favourite colour. How can I stop getting fascinated by the river who has blue in her name?
Oh God! I was completely schmitten with the beauty and history of Kishanganga.
Schmitten enough to write a poem for her!
I have never ever written any poem. However I used to enjoy the 32 figures of speech lectures, back in school. Out of these 32 figures of speech, Personification is my most favourite. Hence through this poem, I have done an attempt to personify River Kishanganga/Neelam.
For a more personal feel, I have written this poem in 2nd person narrative.
Poetry on River Kishanganga/Neelam
River Kishanganga / Neelam: You Know No Boundaries
Since you were tiny, you made your father proud,
Daughter of Kishansar, you stand out of crowd.
You inherit your beauty from your dad's grace,
A father so handsome, no doubt you own pretty face!
Mount Harmukh stands silent and cold,
Under his presence, you grew up to be so bold.
As a mighty elder brother, he always guards you,
With such a tall brother, nobody dares to touch you.
You carve your own path, being wild and free,
A deep blue thread from snow to sea.
They call you Kishanganga here,
Neelam there, but you are a deaf to hear.
Himalayas rise, borders stand,
Mortals draw line by blood stained hand.
Yet you flow untamed, unchained,
Through lands once whole, now rearranged.
They draw their lines, they build their walls,
Yet your waters nourish all, ignoring their calls.
Courageous rivers like you do not yield,
No war can control the power that you wield.
You touch two lands, yet belong to none,
As your mighty waters do not fear any gun.
You speak no language, yet all understand,
As your voice has the touch of nature’s hand.
Your waters dance, your currents race,
For no boundary can limit your grace.
You know no master, no chain, no fate,
Through conflict and peace, you hold your state.
Unshaken by the marks of men,
You carve your path and rise again.
Forever strong, forever true,
Kishanganga, I am deeply amazed by you.
They spill their blood upon your bank for honour,
In gallant battles fought with extreme valour.
Yet when you flood, the land is clean,
No sign of what their wars have been.
After wiping the blood on the Lines of Control,
You longed for kin to comfort your soul.
Then you called the Verinag's daughter,
Your sister Jhelum, for some laughter.
Treacherous Jhelum river gave you a greet,
Trusting your elder sister, you went to meet.
Yet she betrayed you and dissolved your name,
Still, you flood her veins, fueling her fame.
Mortals fight tooth and nail for name and fame,
Immortals don't carry shame after losing name.
You lost your name and fame at the confluence,
Still, you never lost your elegant influence.
You got overshadowed by your own sister,
You don't seek revenge or make her shiver.
Any mortal would avenge in such circumstance,
Immortal heir of Kishansar knows no vengeance.
Oh mighty Kishanganga, you are truly immortal,
How can Lord Harmukh's sister be a mere mortal?
By personifying you, my pen committed a grave sin,
Wash my sins with your water and make me clean.
