Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 26: Noted academic and former Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University Prof Amitabh Mattoo on Saturday delivered a talk at the University of Kashmir.
The lecture titled “My Kashmir” was organized by the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of Kashmir Studies (UMIKS).
On the occasion, Prof Mattoo interacted with students, scholars and faculty members of the Institute.
In his hour-long talk, he dwelt at length over various issues and concepts like ‘Grand Reconciliation’, ‘Democracy’ and ‘Peace’.
He said: “democracy in other parts of India found deep roots and got strengthened because factors like dialogue, dissent, diversity, and development of human capital were encouraged and institutionalized at every stage. And if these factors are not propagated at grassroots, we may not achieve democracy in its real essence in our State of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Prof Mattoo said “earlier we would celebrate diversity and there was a sense of togetherness in our Valley but that sense of togetherness has been lost over a period of time. If we don`t reconcile and start cherishing those lost ideals again, we shall continue to face problems of one or the other nature.”
Prof Mattoo, who has been the Chief Executive Officer and inaugural Director of the Australia India Institute, also took questions from the students.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir Prof Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi acknowledged Prof Mattoo`s contribution to higher education in J&K. “Prof Mattoo has worked for promotion of higher education in our State in general and Kashmir University in particular and I hope more academics and scholars guide our students in their academic and research pursuits.”
Earlier, Director of UMIKS, Prof Gul Mohammad Wani welcomed Prof Mattoo. He said the Institute is committed to attracting best students from across South Asia to study at the institute.
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