That Feels Like Freedom

I first saw this picture in a Mumbaiyya tabloid, and fell for it instantly. The caption said, "Participants run in the first Greater Kashmir marathon [...]" ...

I think this is, simply, a superb click - hats off to the sniper who shot this one. Whenever I hear or talk about Kashmir, there's an element in me that whispers words like, "Repression", "Rules", "Laws", "Curfew" ... and I end up shaking my head a couple of times just pitying the sorry state of the 'free citizens' in that geography.

Some time back, I read about the concept of 'Snow Rugby' in Kashmir ... and to my surprise, it was the female population that had developed an instant liking to it. I loved that piece ... and now, after seeing this picture, I am almost ecstatic ...

The picture showing girls and women running their hearts out ... with a multitude of expressions on their faces ... it fills me with absolute delight. I feel it's not a run ... they look like they are flying ... ! It speaks of rebellion, and of independence.

On another level, the sport-marketer in me is pleased to see women participating in the activity ... since it's the women who have it in them to validate and promote a culture in the community. That's evolution ... that's the way we have always been. The entire concept of American soccer is a by-product of the "Soceer Moms" revolution, for instance. Hence, it's great to see Kashmiri women/girls taking a liking to sports and physical fitness! Kudos!