A Kashmiri version of the popular 'bhajan; "Vaishnav Jan To" is being released on the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Friday to spread the message of peace that has eluded the region for the past 30 years. The bhajan, a 600 year old devotional poem by Gujarati poet-saint Narsinh Mehta in the 15th century, speaks about humanity, empathy and truthfulness, qualities that Gandhiji stood for throughout his life. This is why activist Kusum Koul Vyas, who collaborated with popular Kashmiri singer Gulzar Ahmad Ganei and writer Shabaaz Hakbaari, wants to release it on the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

"It is originally a Gujarati song and so not many people are able to understand what it really means. I thought if I can get this song translated in Kashmiri language, then maybe the message of peace and harmony will reach the people. Maybe some of them will start thinking about this song and why Gandhiji liked it so much," she told PTI. The bhajan is said to be a favourite of Gandhiji and was often played at his prayer gatherings to spread the message of peace and harmony.