Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: On the commencement of Kashmiri Pandit Nirvasan Samvat-24, Panun Kashmir (PK) held a function at Press Club here today. The programme was attended by a large number of activists from across various sections of the society.
Shamsher Singh Manhas, former president, State BJP and National Executive member was the special guest on the occasion while PK president Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo presided over it. The other dignitaries who attended the function included, Omkar Nath Shastri, Dr. Manmohan Jyotshi, Jagdhish Lal Dogra, President, Sanatan Dharma Sabha, Sat Sharma CA and Prof. M.L.Raina.
Upinder Kaul, general secretary-PK presented the welcome address. The vote of thanks was presented by Virender Raina, national spokesperson PK. On the occasion, Omkar Nath Shastri and Dr. Manmohan Jyotshi were felicitated for incorporating Nirvasan Samvat in the Panchang consistently and for contributing towards the geo-cultural struggle in exile. Panun Kashmir Newsletter was also released on the occasion. P K declared the institution of an Award dedicated to the memory of the great leader, late A.N.Vaishnavi as “Shri Amarnath Vaishnavi Karyakarta Award”. This year, the Award was conferred upon Narinder Mohan Gadroo, a senior activist of PK.
Shamsher Singh Manhas, in his speech said that the Kashmiri Pandit community has been in the forefront of the nationalist struggle in the State. He said BJP is committed to the welfare of the KPs and has always supported the aspirations of the Pandits, he added.
Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, President, PK in his address said that it was in the year 2000 that P K adopted a resolution on “Kashmiri Pandit Nirvasan Samvat” which later on found a great support at all levels. The resolution emphasizes that due to the mishandling of the Kashmir tangle by the powers that be, the current exile of the Pandits may not terminate in the very near future. It is accordingly apprehended that this exile of the community may, as the past ones, also, remain confined within the covers of the history books. Thus, it would be appropriate that the ethnic cleansing and exile of the Pandits from the Valley be recorded in such a manner that it serves as a living reminder to the community.
Follow our WhatsApp channel