From BSF Baramulla, it took us about 2 hours to reach Kupwara on 22nd June, 2007. The IAM sessions were scheduled from 23rd June 2007 to 25th June 2007. It was quite scenic on the way – large green paddy fields surrounded by mountains, streams of small river, flowing parallel to the road, horse-carts carrying passengers etc. But all this seemed so peaceful only because our Army and Paramilitary forces are maintaining a vigil round the clock to maintain order in this disturbed state of India.

As we began to reach the SHQ at Kupwara, the road started getting steep, winding and rough. The terrain was quite hilly, with little water supply and tough weather conditions due to high altittude. Pine tree forests could be seend all around. The Jawans were alert on their posts. We were told later that one could even find leopards in those forests. When we went for lunch that day, we met some officers on the lunch table – Mr. Tirki, Mr. Nautiyal and Mr. Rawat. They were very welcoming and inquisitive about what IAM is all about.

Officer Mr. Nautiyal was a young officer told us that when he was part of NSG commando force, at that time he had also seen Amma, during the time Advani had come to meet Amma.

In the evening, when we saw that it was an outdoor location, initially we felt a bit skeptical about how effective it would be. We were told that the big recreation hall was being used as a store for some time, since many units were moving in and out of that SHQ simultaneously and lot of luggage, items etc. were all piled up in the recreation hall.

We took it as Amma’s wish. And next day when we came, the whole area was fenced properly and a nice stage was erected with a cover on top. With Amma’s grace, the outdoor setting worked wonders. We had more than 130-150 Jawans, Officers as well as their families – wives and children. It was by far the best. We started at 7 in the morning and by 10 we finsihed and started for the Holy Temple of Mata Kheer Bhawani, which was about 20 minutes drive from the SHQ. The whole temple is managed by BSF Jawans right now. Hundreds of Kashmiri Pundits were there on this particular day of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

While we were sitting in the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple, some army officials who had come there came and started talking to us. We told them about Amma and IAM Technique. They were very glad to hear this and said that they too wanted a IAM session.

As we came out, we were taken to a tent where BSF officials, including the Kupwara SHQ officers were also sitting. We were all served Mata Kheer Bhavani’s prasad, which had come from langar(kitchen). After partaking the holy prasad, we started back for BSF SHQ at Kupwara. During lunch, we were told that some Army Officers had also expressed their interest in coming for the IAM session at BSF SHQ Kupwara on the following day.

The next session was conducted in the evening at 5:30 pm. The BSF Officers from nearby camps as well as the wife of Army GOC, with other members of family. Second day morning also we had a huge number. This time the respected GOC of Army also was present along with His family. The session went well. In the evening of second day, we had a round for Trainers. At the end, we showed Amma’s CD on the projector as well as laptop, to everyone present there.

On the last day, we had a good laughing session in the morning as well as the dancing session. Everyone was alive and vibrant. The whole atmosphere seemed charged with Amma’s Love and Compassion.

We saw the tents which can accommodate 2 Jawans on the snow clad mountains, the kitchen where food was being prepared, the hospital, the tailoring section, the ironing department, the barber and finally the hospital etc. Jawans in these departments were very happy to see us. They felt obliged after knowing Amma’s concern for them. It was a nice and memorable visit. They were openly telling us about their daily trials and struggles in life. And even then, amidst all this, the Jawans were still cutting jokes and living happily with each other, in peace and harmony.

Overall, the everyone was in high spirits in this SHQ. Not just the Officers, but their families as well attended all IAM sessions without fail. More than IAM. everyone felt thankful to Amma for having reached out to them. Like in Baramula, many of them wanted to come to Ashram for longer periods, where they could get to meet Amma, as well as practice IAM. Eventhough we pacified them by saying that they would get equal benifits, no matter where they practiced IAM, but still these Jawans showed lot of enthusiasm is meeting Amma. These Jawans were full of devotion and simplicity.

Next day morning we met the Deputy Commandant, Mr. Bhibhuti and expressed our sincere thanks for his utmost support and care during our stay in Kupwara. Then we proceeded on our way to BSF 45 batallion in Baramula for a short stay of about 45 minutes. As soon as the CISF vehicle from Uri came, we started our journey to CISF at Uri Hydro Electric Project. It took us about 2½ hours to reach Uri. The scenic beauty on the way was quite enchanting.

With Amma’s grace, even though we were little skeptical initially, IAM sessions at Kupwara were by far, the best.

– Amit
27 june 07, Kupwara, Kashmir