Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Dec 26: Tikalal Taploo Foundation was launched today in a function held at Shree Satya Sai Auditorium, Lodhi Road, here by Ashutosh Taploo, Chairman of the Foundation and son of late BJP leader.
Highlighting the aims and objectives of the Foundation, Ashutosh Taploo thanked the entire Kashmiri Pandit community for keeping alive the memory of all those people who were martyred in the aftermath of the eruption of militancy in Kashmir. It was a matter of great honour and the reflection of the affection that this great leader enjoyed from the people that his martyrdom day is being observed by the entire community as the Martyrs Day, he added.
Mr Taploo recounted the massive and overwhelming cooperation the family received when they mooted the idea of a foundation in the memory Lt. Tikalal Taploo.
He further informed the gathering that the principal objectives of Tikalal Taploo Foundation were drawn from the essential challenges confronting the Kashmiri Pandit community in the post displacement era. It will also aspire to fulfill certain basic needs of the deprived sections of the Kashmiri Pandit community. It will have a special focus on the needs of the families of all other Kashmiri Pandit Martyrs, he added.
He said the foundation will also create awareness about the historical perspective on displacement of the community.
Earlier Sarla Taploo, wife of the late leader, read the welcome address. Those who were on the dais included C L Gadoo, Ramesh Raina, Ashok Braroo , Motilal Malla. A specially prepared documentary on the life and martyrdom of Tikalal Taploo was screened to the highly emotional and tearful response of the audience.
Later, a host of speakers including some close associates of the late leader paid glowing tributes to him.
A cultural programme laced with diverse items regaled the audience in the second session of the event. A song specially written in memory of Lt. Tikalalji by Shaad Saab, Music composed by Bhajan Soporee was sung by Ms Darshana Mehra. The eminent artistes including a Brijkishoriji, Sushma Bhat, Rajinder Jad, Ravi Zadoo, Kanwal Peshin and many others presented a bouquet of Kashmiri songs, skits and monologues. Atul Taploo proposed the vote of thanks.