Warmth in the Freezing Desert

IAM Meditation classes conducted at Leh (Ladakh) for ITBP

9 Nov 2007

As we crossed Zozila Pass, we were struck by the sudden and sharp contrast in landscape – from the dazzlingly colorful Kashmir Valley, to the dry, barren and cold Ladakh (the second coldest inhabited place in the world). As a hub along the ancient Silk Route and at the crossroads of Central Asia – Ladakh has managed to maintain its distinct Buddhist culture mainly due to its inaccessibility. This is the ‘cold desert’ – as Ladakh is called – and makes up for the world’s most difficult terrain for any army to operate in. We passed Kargil and Drass – now integral parts of the Indian military folklore. The locals recounted numerous inspiring stories of battles fought – and won – by them under most adverse conditions.

The journey from Jammu to Leh took three days, with overnight halts at the heavily fortified towns of Srinagar and Kargil. At last we reached Leh – a small, pretty and colorful town on the banks of the mighty Indus River.

IAM Meditation classes were conducted for three frontline Battalions of the ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police) – an elite force specializing in high altitude warfare. Just to reach many of the border posts, one has to walk 15 to 18 days through mountainous terrain in freezing conditions. They stay there for up to 8 months at a stretch, while maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and preparedness. With temperatures touching minus 40°C during winters, these personnel continually set new standards of physical and mental endurance levels.

After finishing the classes, we managed to take the last bus out of Ladakh before the roads were to be closed for the next five months. As we were leaving, we looked back on this enduring population with wonder, as they braced themselves up for the long, cold and dark winter ahead. We could not help but salute the sacrifice that these jawans (soldiers) are making to ensure that our borders are safe and secure. We were touched by the parting remark of one of the soldiers – “Please tell Amma that the warmth of Her Love is desperately required here in this otherwise freezing desert.”

-Mukesh & Mohan