Remembering the extraordinary shepherd boy
By: Mohammad Hussain Khan
Death is final with no point of return and extremely painful for the ones left behind to grieve. This was especially true for me when I heard the news of death of Rashid Kaak (A shepherd by occupation) of D.K. Marg Kulgam.
Looking back on the situation, I do recall my childhood. I have been extremely blessed to have introduced myself with Abdul Rashid (Reshi Kaak). Reshi Kaak was the essence of grace, dignity and lived in faith daily.
He was always welcomed in our village when he was rearing sheep of the farmers. A man always with a smile when he walked through the doors of farmers whose sheep he was rearing.
Qite times I and my childhood friends will reminisce about the times he shared with us. Reshi Kaak was always watched and listened to, particularly when he took sheep out to the pastures for few hours in summer afternoons.
In young age playing of flute (Bansori by Reshi Kaak was noteworthy. His melodious voice, attractive tune quality, intonation and rhythm have gathered thousands around him. On his bansori (flute) were always the songs of classic stories of Kral Koor, Sheeran-Farhad, Laila Majnoon, Pahal Koor etc.
The way Reshi Kaak was playing the songs of classic stories on his flute was really an astral. The gentle music of his Bansuri had always helped the listeners in removal of emotional blockage. The sound emerged from his Bansuri by co-ordination of hands, ears and eyes together was always soothing and relaxing to the senses. Blowing into the Bansuri’s mouth piece while fingering the notes sometimes seemed challenging for Reshi Kaak.
Besides, Reshi Kaak was a master story teller and often loved by children. And listening to his stories was one of the prime attraction of the long winter vacations. Above all Reshi Kaak acted as a News reader/ commentator in young age. Now, in old age Reshi Kaak’s reverberating sound of Azzan (adhan) floating over and around the mountains of D.K.Marag has reflected more deeply on its significances, beauty and true spiritual meaning.
Come to prayer, come to prayer
Come to success, come to success
When we are relearning the world in the aftermath of a loss we feel things we had almost forgotten beneath the seat of reason. Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow. RESHI KAK…May Allah grant eternal peace to your soul, forgive You and make your reception honourable. Aameen
