An Ode to Chenab

- Ramanjit Singh

Originating from the Lahaul and Spiti districts of the erstwhile Punjab Hill States, Chenab flows through Ladakh and Kashmir and enters the Punjab plains into the Sialkot district from a south westerly direction.

In this day and age, when we are facing our own challenges in life, it is important to look at those that give us hope, those who have seen it all but still carry on with a clarity of purpose. Punjab's quintessential love story of Sohni Mahiwal gives us that hope. It is a story about finding love, of testing one's faith, of enduring hardships, and yes it is about achieving one's goals.

Sohni's futile attempt to cross Chenab to reach Mahiwal in essence defines the very basic human desire to succeed, to overcome challenges, to hope for a better future. Her drowning and Mahiwal's ultimate sacrifice in trying to save her is a reflection of immortal love and inner humanity.

The rivers in Punjab form an essential part of our folklore. They are so intertwined in our subconscious that they are as human as the rest of us. As if Chenab is telling us not to lose heart, to keep trying. As if we are having a conversation with a friend, sharing our desires as we look at its shimmering water from a distance.

Chenab carries the love of Sohni Mahiwal

Chenab carries the undying human spirit, of hope

Chenab is a reflection of who we are and what we want to become

Chenab is smiling, it knows how to test our faith

Chenab carries the undying human spirit, of better days to come

Chenab carries the spirit of Sohni trying to reach her love

Chenab is smiling, it knows how to test our humanity

Chenab carries the undying human spirit, of sacrifice

Chenab carries the spirit of Mahiwal jumping into its waters to save Sohni

Chenab is our test

Chenab is what we want to overcome

Chenab is not about losing one's heart