Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 24: One hundred fourth Jayanti of Pt Prem Nath Shastri the doyen of Kashmiri culture was celebrated with fervour and gaiety here today.
In this regard a grand function organised at Jyotshi Karyalya Gole Gujral by Pt Prem Nath Shastri Sanskritik Shodh Sansthan led by Pt Omkar Nath Shastri its chairman in which floral tribute were paid to Late Shastri by the people.
A Pushp Archana was also held and the speakers highlighted the life and services of Shastri who said Shastri was an institution in himself. They said he besides a great religious scholar was a thinker ahead of his time and a reformer who believed in scientific way of interpreting religion and Shastras.
The speakers also highlighted his contribution and reformative steps after the mass exodus of the community who took various steps in linking the younger generation of the community to its rich cultural heritage. They said Shastri Ji was a highly respected person in the community and the Vijyeshwar Panchang which is being published by Jyotshi Karyalya presently at Gole Gujral became a religious guide for the community.
Those who paid tribute to Shastri included BJP candidate for Jammu West constituency, Arvind Gupta, K P Sabha president, K K Khosa, former Dy Mayor, Dharamvir Singh Jamwal, ex Vigilance Commissioner, Kuldeep Khuda, ex MLC, B L Bhat, President Hindu Education Society, Prof B L Zutshi, socio-religious activist , Dr Sushil Wattal, Kuldeep Raina president, Smajik Vikas Sanstha, Hira Lal Bhat, senior BJP leader, Bihari Kak, well known artist and social activist, Comrade Mohan Lal of Thinkers Forum, Sundri Lal Koul general secretary, Prem Nath Bhat, Pardeep Koul, well known scholar, Dr M K Bharat, president Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra, Inder Ji Koul social activist, Bushan Lal Koul president Shiv Mandir Ajit Colony and many others.
Bushan Lal Shastri member of Shodh Sansthan read the welcome address while Jyotshi Avtar Krishan Shastri proposed the vote of thanks.
The gathering was served Prashad after culmination of function.