Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 24: “The Last Queen of Kashmir” written by Rakesh K Kaul was released at Jammu Club here today in presence of galaxy of scholars, intellectuals and prominent citizens by Priya Sethi, Minister of State for Education, Tourism, and Culture who was the chief guest on the occasion. The function was organized by Centre For Kashmiri Language, Literature and Culture an AIKS initiative.
The other dignitaries who shared the dais with her included, Dr. K L Choudhary, eminent Physician, Prof. Ashok Aima Vice Chancellor – CUJ, and Pt. Moti Kaul Vice President BJP, State BJP as guests of honour.
Priya Sethi, while speaking on the occasion lauded the efforts of the author to paint the life of a woman working against all odds to rise up and coming in power. She equated the incidents in 14th century with the present tides coming from the turbulent Valley which is experiencing unrest for about three months now. Appreciating the land of Kashmir which gave birth to great saints and mystics she reflected the poetic beauty of Soundarya Lahiri written by Shankaracharya. Sethi said that Kashmir was much advanced in the past and known for Vijeshwara and Sharda universities.
Moti Kaul, in his welcome address congratulated Pt.Rakesh Kaul on behalf of entire Kashmiri Pandit Community, People of the State and the country at large for bringing out such a well documented & comprehensively researched account of a Kota Rani, a great daughter of Vitasta, Who was the last bastion of resistance to the barbaric invaders who in 14th century and thereafter carried out brutal destruction & mayhem in Kashmir.
Pt. Rakesh Kaul, Author of the Book gave an expose of his ten years extensive research in preparing the final manuscript for this Book. While speaking on the occasion, Kaul explained in great detail, the beautiful, brave and brainy Kota Rani, who played a critical role at a historic inflection point in Kashmir’s history. Described in the book as always captivating but never captive, her life story has captured the imagination of the Indian reading public.
Reading a detailed critical appreciation on the Book Dr. K L Choudhary commented that the author has presented socio-historical backdrop of the rein of Kota Rani and has divulged many fold characters pertaining to different departments of life. “This book is all in one”, he said.
Prof. Ashok Aima, Vice chancellor (Central University of Jammu) said that the aroma of Kashmir is such that it automatically gives inspiration to write the soothing contents. ‘Kota Rani always endeavored to preserve the cultural ethos of Dharma’. he said.
Among the audience Vinod Razdan & Shailendra Aima reviewed the book.
The vote of thanks was given by Dr. Usha Tickoo and the Anchor for the event was Promilla Kaul.
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