Srinagar, March 25. It was the best of times and probably the rarerest of times. Nostalgic feelings about the past had never been so strong as they were on March 25, 2008 when J&K Bank dedicated the revived and redesigned pride past of Kashmir, Badam Vaer to the people of Kashmir. Developed around the famous Waris Khan Chah , Badam Vaer is a solid reminder of the past and a walk around it refreshes and resurrects the sense of history.

Revived, recreated and renovated by the Bank under its Heritage Preservation Project, Badam Vaer was inaugurated by the State Chief Minister, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad at a grand function. Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Beigh and Mrs. Shameema Azad were also present on the occasion.

Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad in his speech congratulated Dr. Haseeb Drabu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the J&K Bank for accomplishing this task of reviving dying heritage of Kashmir. “I congratulate the Bank for reviving Badam Va'er , a part of our heritage, which was not even talked about for more than two decades. It is the responsibility of the people now to maintain this invaluable asset, because the most crucial part of such heritage preservation projects is the maintenance part,” said Mr. Azad.

Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Beigh while appreciating the role of the Bank said, “I am extremely happy to see this forsaken heritage revived. History will remember Dr. Drabu for this great initiative.” He called it as a precious gift towards heritage, culture and history of the J&K State.

Dr. Haseeb Drabu, Chairman of the Bank in his welcome address gave extensive details about the Bank's corporate social responsibility aspect and the J&K Bank Heritage Preservation Trust, under the aegis of which the lost glory of the Badam Va'er has been restored. He said, “J&K Bank, as the largest corporate of the state, is very conscious about its corporate social responsibility and we have earmarked 1 per cent of our gross profits annually towards this trust for restoration of the heritage of the Jammu and Kashmir. This year the Bank would be making a gross profit of about Rs.650 crores and that would give the trust a seed of about Rs.6.50 crores. At different point of time we have used our resources to recreate, restore various public places and also made interventions in music.”

The project of Badam Vaer has been completed in 14 months at the cost of Rs.3.50 crores. “The idea is that we would not only restore Badam Vaer, but we want to preserve to propagate. Apart from restoring the original BadamVaer, the Bank has added features like a joggers track, an amphitheatre etc. to the garden. We are also looking to establish an art gallery within the garden,” said Dr. Drabu.

He added that somehow we have lost our keenness to preserve our heritage. Our sense of history is not so strong as it should have been. The civil society has to intervene and take certain responsibility for certain things and create what belongs to us in terms of our cultural heritage.

Within the BadamVaer, 8-9 sub gardens like tulip garden etc have been created so that within next four to five months people visit this place even after almond blossom is over. Original Burzapash (roofing) has been restored. Similarly lattice work, Khatamband too have been restored which is visible in the small but beautiful structures (huts) created within the garden. One of the attractions of the garden is the modernistic fountain made of Kashmiri Devri stone with ALLAH inscribed on it. The bank is also planning to set-up a cross-cultural centre in the garden. The garden is also having expansion plans like introducing water sports for children.

Another highlight of the day was Dr Drabu's announcement regarding the Institution of Budshah Award for excellent contribution to the revival of the culture and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir's ace artist Mr. Masood Hussain bagged the maiden Budshah Award, instituted under the aegis of J K Bank Heritage Preservation Trust, for designing the almond shaped Sculptor Fountain with the word “ALLAH” inscribed on it. Ms Shamima Azad, the wife of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad handed over a cheque of Rs. One Lac to Mr Masood for putting his artistic caliber to practice to further add to the beauty of the BadamVaer. Ali Muhammad, the crafty mason, who translated Masood's idea into an existing reality was also felicitated on the occasion.

A rib-ticking skit from the noted humorists of the valley Talha Jehangir and Ghulam Ali Majboor enthralled a huge gathering who had come to witness the ceremony at the Greek stylish Amphitheatre. The humorists in their typical style of presenting satire, amused the guests by deliberating on several social issues confronting a common Kashmiri. Breath-taking musical performances by Muhammad Yaqub Shakhsaz, Jameela Khan and Gulzar Ahmad Ganai added the colour to function besides enriching the already enchanting ambience. Famous Kashmiri poet, Zareef Ahmad Zareef recited a mesmerizing Kashmiri poem on the occasion highlighting the Badam Va'er – past and present.