Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 31: Indira Gandhi National Centre of Art, New Delhi organised the release of the book “Kashmir Divine Connect and Sikh Rule “authored by Commodore D S Sodhi here today.
The book was released by a distinguished panel comprising Lt Gen Ata Hasnain, Chancellor of Central University, Kashmir Vice Admiral Arun Kumar Singh, Lt Gen Pardeep Singh Mehta, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, Dr Ramesh C Gaur, Director & Head, Kala Nidhi, IGNCA Sushil Pandit and Utpal Kaul.
Commodore Sodhi brought out that the book gives a brief insight into some Historical aspects of Kashmir. Kashmir’s Divine connect with various religious faiths followed as well as beliefs like Mysticism, Rishism, Sufism have also been talked about. The book gives a detailed account of the Sikh Rule in Kashmir. The author has also touched upon the aspect of Kashmiriyat and composite culture as well as peace through Divine intervention. The author also raised the issue of sacrifices made by the Sikhs in fighting the Kabalis in 1947 and their sacrifice having been forgotten.
Gen Ata Hasnain, the chief guest in his address stated that this is a most informative book on faiths of Kashmir. He further stated that the book may appear to be devoted to Sikh rule however, it covers the diversity of Kashmir’s faiths.
He strongly recommended that for all Defence and Civilian personnel posted in Kashmir, this book is a must read to understand nuances of Kashmir. Vice Admiral Arun Kumar Singh brought out that the account is a well-researched compact book in which 192 pages covers some little known facts about the evolution of Kashmir from earliest times to present day. Lt Gen PS Mehta the first Sikh Lt General from the valley stated that Kashmir belongs to all the communities that include Muslims, Sikhs, Dogras, Pandits and Ladakhis. He stressed on the need to bring peace in Kashmir on priority.
Sushil Pandit speaking about the spirituality and divine connect of Kashmir brought out the supreme sacrifice of Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib in protecting the Kashmiri Pandits. He also very clearly dwelt upon the sacrifices made by the Sikhs of Kashmir in protecting Kashmir against the invasion by Kabalis. Utpal Kaul bringing out that Kashmir is a place of spirituality stated that the title of the book is very relevant and is the requirement of the day.
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