Goodbye, Gobur Myon
I have lost the little Kashmiri I understood over the past three years, since I have moved London. "Gobur Myon' is what my Mother and Grandmother whisper to me as the hold my face delicately, as if it is the most precious of all treasures, and kiss my forehead.
All through my 21 years of life and these endless greetings of love, I never knew what this phrase meant, only that it conveyed immeasurable love. Nearly two months ago, a Kashmiri to English translation website let me know that the two little words mean 'my dearest'. I was furious at this simple translation. I was hoping the search would come up with paragraphs and paragraphs of explanations and metaphors for ultimate proclamations of love.
I realised, then, that it was not what the words meant that mattered to me, they were merely sounds, it was what they made me feel. The three syllables made me feel secure, wanted, and loved. They signified a sense of home and belonging to me.
Through this project, I aim to honour this love that has nurtured me and given me the courage to step out and find my own way in the world. Growing up and moving away is a fairly universal experience and I hope this project resonates with a large audience.
