Sonam Lotus: The Man Who Understood The Language Of The Clouds
Umran Hussain
Sonam Lotus wasn’t just Kashmir’s weatherman; he was the valley’s soul whisperer. For over a decade, his voice, seasoned with the crisp mountain air, filled homes every morning and evening, painting a tapestry of the skies’ mood with uncanny accuracy. His name wasn’t just a credit on the screen; it was a talisman, a promise of safety whispered in the face of nature’s whims.
Born in the quaint village of Shara, nestled 60km from Leh, Sonam, like the snow-capped peaks, held a quiet wisdom. He understood the language of the clouds, the sigh of the wind, the secrets murmured by the glaciers. His forecasts, honed by years of study and an innate connection with the land, were more than mere statistics; they were lifelines, guiding farmers, safeguarding pilgrims, and ensuring the valley’s fragile beauty weathered every storm.
His dedication earned him not just the official title of Director of the Meteorological Department, Jammu & Kashmir, but also a constellation of monikers bestowed by a grateful populace. “Saint Lotus,” “Weatherman,” “Peer Lotus” – each whispered his legend, etched in the lines of faces saved from avalanches, crops protected from hailstorms, and lives sheltered from sudden blizzards.
SONAM LOTUS
But in 2023, the wind of change swept through the valley. Sonam Lotus , his duty done, was transferred to head Meteorological centre in Leh. The homes felt a little colder, the sun a little dimmer, the whispers of the mountains a little more ominous without his calming presence.
Yet, Sonam’s legacy isn’t confined to weather stations and forecast charts. It lives on in the hearts of the people, in the whispered prayers for his return, in the renewed appreciation for the delicate balance of nature he so meticulously guarded.
Perhaps, one day, the wind will shift again, carrying Sonam back to his beloved valley. Until then, Kashmir waits, the clouds mirroring its tears, yearning for the day their own “Saint Lotus” will grace their skies once more.
