The Rare Gem Among Stones: A Reflection on Professor Hashmat Ali Kamal Elhami’s Verse
پہاڑی سلسلے چاروں طرف ہیں، بیچ میں ہم ہیں،
مثالِ گوہرِ نایاب، ہم پتھروں میں رہتے ہیں۔
— پروفیسر حشمت علی کمال الہامی
This two-line verse by Professor Hashmat Ali Kamal Elhami, one of the most distinguished poets from Gilgit-Baltistan, distills within its simplicity the soul of an entire region — its breathtaking geography, its steadfast people, and its indomitable spirit. Beneath these compact lines lies a profound meditation on identity, endurance, and the quiet nobility of existence amidst adversity.
"Mountain ranges surround us on all sides; we dwell in the midst,
Like a rare gem, we live among stones."
A Landscape of Majesty and Meaning
The opening line — “Mountain ranges surround us on all sides; we dwell in the midst” — captures with remarkable precision the geographical essence of Gilgit-Baltistan, a land nestled within the embrace of the world’s three greatest mountain systems — the Karakoram, the Himalaya, and the Hindu Kush. Yet, this is far more than a mere description of place. It is a spiritual geography — one that reflects the life, fortitude, and isolation of the people who call these mountains home.
The phrase “beech mein hum hain” carries an echo of both solitude and significance. It does not lament separation from the world but rather affirms a proud centrality — a feeling of being cradled by nature’s grandeur. It evokes the image of a people who have learned not just to survive but to flourish within the very bosom of the earth’s most formidable landscapes.
The Gem and the Stones
The second line — “Like a rare gem, we live among stones” — transforms the verse into an exquisite metaphor. Here, Elhami elevates his people from mere dwellers of rugged terrain to embodiments of purity and brilliance. The “stones” may signify the hardships, remoteness, and simplicity of mountain life, yet within them gleams the “goher-e-nayab” — the rare jewel of human spirit, moral beauty, and cultural richness.
This metaphor mirrors a timeless truth: that true worth often lies concealed within unassuming surroundings. Just as a gem draws its splendor from contrast with the rough stone around it, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan derive their strength and luminosity from the challenges of their environment. Their character — forged in the cold purity of mountain air — reflects resilience, warmth, and inner refinement.
The Spirit of Gilgit-Baltistan
Through this delicate couplet, Professor Elhami offers not just poetry, but philosophy. He defines the essence of Gilgit-Baltistan — a land where nature and humanity coexist in profound harmony. The mountains that might seem to outsiders as barriers are, in truth, protectors; the valleys that appear isolated are repositories of culture, courage, and grace.
The poet’s imagery is both humble and universal. It speaks to the dignity of living simply, the strength of enduring silently, and the beauty of remaining uncorrupted by materialism. In a world increasingly driven by noise and haste, Elhami’s voice reminds us that silence too has eloquence — and that even in the heart of stone, beauty breathes.
Conclusion
In these two luminous lines, Professor Hashmat Ali Kamal Elhami immortalizes his homeland and its people. His verse becomes a mirror reflecting not just the rugged grandeur of Gilgit-Baltistan but also the inner light of its inhabitants.
Indeed, this couplet stands as a timeless testament —
to endure with grace,
to shine amidst roughness,
and to live like a rare gem among stones.
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