Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: Union Minister in PMO with independent charge of North Eastern States, Dr Jitendra Singh, today appealed the Kashmiri Pandits to frame a roadmap for the younger generation so that they can keep their traditions, culture and legacy of great men of the community intact which otherwise will vanish.
Addressing a function organized in connection with 26th martyrdom day of a great poet, writer and freedom fighter, Sarwanand Kaul Premi at K L Saigal Hall here today, Dr Singh said that every civilization and culture survives as it moves from generation to generation but in case of exiled Pandits their children have moved outside the State in search of jobs while the older generation left this world and people who were in their prime youth during the time of exodus are becoming older. Under these circumstances it is a challenge to keep the rich traditions and civilization, of which the community feels proud of, intact.
While paying glowing tributes to Mr Premi who along with his son Ravi Ji Kaul was martyred by terrorists on this fateful day in 1990 for his pro-nationalistic stance and approach, the Union Minister said that community should work on such social figures like Premi and for this one needs passion.
Dr Singh, while recalling his long association with Kashmiri Pandits, said due to mass exodus the community has to make a compromise with other civilizations and assimilate in other cultures as well with the result it got de -linked from its own culture and roots to some extent. It is the duty of the community intellectuals and writers to take onus and link the community to its roots, he added.
Recalling the role of the community intelligentsia, Dr Singh said that during the Simla accord in 1972 between India and Pakistan the only non Kashmiri present there was the then Pak Premier, Z A Bhutoo while others including the then Indian PM, Indira Gandhi, former Diplomats D P Dhar, T N Kaul and others were KPs, he added.
He stressed on establishment of a private channel by the Pandits saying that many prominent people of the community are on top posts in some private channels so why can’t they come together and establish a channel for the community to highlight its plight and enrich its culture.
The Union Minister said the community has to target the audience of next generation through its means and it has not only to reach out to the KP youth but the youth of entire nation and channalise their talent by patronizing them otherwise the race of academicians will be turned into generation managers, he added.
The function started with Bhakti Sangeet by renowned singer Ravi Bhan and his party who enthralled the gathering.
In his address, BJP MLC Surinder Ambardar termed Mr Premi a great socialist and secular minded person who was very close to a progressive poet of Kashmir Ghulam Mohammed Mehjoor and was influenced by his philosophy and thought. He said presently we are facing a big challenge and Premi’s writings can guide us to overcome them.
Pran Nath Pandita president Prem Sangeet Niketan read a paper on Premi’s pioneering role in freedom struggle. He said author of about three dozen books Mr Premi translated Tagore’s world famous Gitanjali and Ramayana into Kashmiri and Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta into Urdu. Brij Nath Betab a well known broadcaster in his paper highlighted the social, cultural and literary works of Premi while Prof P N Trisal gave a over view of Premi’s two highly acclaimed works i.e Urdu version of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta and Koshur Ramayan.
Dr Rattan Lal Shant, a well known scholar who presided over the function threw light on life and teachings of Premi who had a great contribution in the Kashmiri ethos and history.
Arvinder Singh Amn, Additional Secretary Cultural Academy read the welcome address and Rajinder Premi elder son of late Premi gave account of Premi’s life and contribution to society. Vijay Wali conducted the proceedings and also extended the vote of thanks.
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