Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 19: Well known writer and art critic, Dr Lalit Gupta and prolific writer and former editor Kashur Samachar are the recipients of Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Amateur Journalist Award 2017 which was given away today at an impressive function organised by Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PNBMT) here at K P Sabha Ambphalla.
A large section of people drawn from literary, social, legal and cultural fields participated in the function. The function was presided over by B. S. Salathia, senior advocate and president Bar Association, Jammu. MLC G. L. Raina was the chief guest and Dr. (Padamshree) K. N. Pandita, the guest of honour.
The function started with the welcome address by the general secretary of the Trust Sundri Lal Koul.
The Trust had selected two journalists for this year namely Lalit Gupta and C. L. Gadoo. The citation of honor for both the awardees were read out by C. L. Pandita and Dr. B. L. Handoo respectively. The awards consist of a momentum, a shawl and a citation frame. M K. Jalali received the award on behalf of C. L. Gadoo who due to unavoidable reasons could not personally make it to the venue and U. K. Jalali, former Advocate General received the award on behalf of Lalit Gupta who was not in the town due to some other assignment.
Speaking on the occasion Sundri Lal Koul said Amateur Journalist Award is bestowed upon two journalists every year for their outstanding contribution in the field of journalism and in the service of the community since 1990 in memory of Pt. Prem Nath Bhat who was martyred by terrorists in 1989 and who besides being a leading Advocate, was a prolific writer and a fearless journalist.
B. L. Saraf (retd.) Principal District and Sessions Judge read out a paper on the nitty-gritty of ongoing struggle launched by the Trust for statutory protection of the Hindu Shrines and Temples in the Valley and hence the dire need of enactment of legislation in this respect in the State Legislature. The exiled community has mandated the Trust as the nodal organization for carrying out the struggle for the enactment of a suitable legislation in this regard.
Speaking on the occasion, MLC Ajay Bharti stressed upon the need to be positive about the settlement of various issues faced by the community in exile. He recalled the services and the superb qualities as a person of Late Shri Prem Nath Bhat. He assured the gathering that the truth will triumph.
Padamshree K N Pandita while congratulating the awardees, lauded the activities of the Trust. He said that gross injustice has been meted out to KP community who despite making supreme sacrifices in upholding the nationalist cause have been made to suffer. There is no minority status for us, there is no Temple and Shrines Protection Bill passed for us.
Advocate B. S. Salathia in his address endorsed the views of B. L. Saraf regarding temples and shrines issue and extended his full support over this issue. He recalled the resolution passed unanimously by the Parliament about retrieving PoK from the occupation of Pakistan and stated that it alone is the Kashmir problem. Those who are giving statements against this were committing acts of treason. Regarding July 13, 1931 he made it clear that there was no logic in declaring a holiday on that day.
Chairman of the Trust Dr. A. N. Pandita proposed vote of thanks.
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