Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 23: Glowing tribute were paid to legendary socio political leader and RSS ideologue Pt Amarnath Vaishnavi on his 99th birth anniversary at a function organised by Amarnath Vaishnavi Foundation here, today.
Born on August 24, 1925, Pandit Vaishnavi, was declared as the father of the Kashmiri Pandit community who dedicated his entire life in service of nation and Kashmiri Pandit community.
Beginning his career in 1945 as an RSS Swayamsevak and later as the president of the All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference, (ASKPC) his exemplary efforts in the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits following their forced displacement in the early 1990s were widely recognized. A stalwart in the Prajaparishad Movement and the historic Kashmiri Pandit agitation of 1967, his slogan “Jaikara Har Har Mahadev” became a beacon of hope for the beleaguered Kashmiri Pandits even after their exodus from Kashmir in 1990.
The programme was chaired by Arvind Karwani, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, Dr. Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor of Sri Vishwakarma Skill University was the guest of honour with Dr. P.N. Trisal, a renowned scholar as the special guest. Col. (retd) Tej Tikoo, a well known author, presented a paper during the prestigious Amarnath Vaishnavi Memorial Lecture.
The event began with a welcome speech by media icon Brij Nath Betab. Balkrishan Sanyasi, a distinguished poet and the author of “The Chronicles of Kashmir,” a biography of Pandit Vaishnavi , said that the book offers a historical perspective on the Kashmir issue, drawn from Vaishnavi’s real-life experiences.
During the event, the Amarnath Vaishnavi Foundation awarded scholarships to 18 Kashmiri migrants.
Awards were given to the winners of Amarnath Vaishnavi Interschool Art Competition and a declamation contests which were earlier organized at Sai Shyam Higher Secondary School and Heema Public School Jagti. The cash prizes were sponsored by the Sai Shyam Educational Society. The students who received awards were Bhavika Pandita, Garima Verma, Divanshi Chib, Antara Dhar, Abiruchi Dhar, Neha Dhar, Reva Dhar, Simriti Bhat, Khushboo Razdan, Danish Singh, Abdaal Hussain and Rahila Akhtar.
Roshan Lal Bhat, the founder of Heema Public School, recalled the pivotal role of Vaishnavi Ji.
Rohini Vaishnavi, president of the Amarnath Vaishnavi Foundation, expressed gratitude to the individuals who sponsored the scholarships, as well as to the private enterprises, K P Pro, an IT company based in Australia, and Kindergarten School Cradle to Crayons, based in Jammu, for their support.
Several individuals were honoured for their remarkable achievements, including Prof. Asha Kichloo, Veerji Sumbly, Dr. Ramesh Nirash, Shivani Koul Bhat, and KP Volunteers president Vikram Koul.
Among those who were present were R K Raina, ex-president of ASKPC, Motilal Malla, senior KP leader, M K Raina, Scholar, Dr Usha Tickoo, Managing Director, Sai Shyam Educational society Dr. R L Shant, well known scholar, M K Bangroo, senior journalist, Shiban Khybri, columnist, Ashok Kangan, senior KP leader, H L Bhat BJP leader and Dr Mahesh Koul, scholar.
The event featured soulful musical performances by Rajesh Khar, Pallavi Koul and Nirmala Koul. The programme was anchored by the media stalwart Ramesh Marhatta. The right News, TRN was the media partner.
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