Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 11: Two books namely Kashmiri Hindu Heritage- a study by S N Pandit and the second and revised edition of a Medieval History of Kashmir Baharistan –i- Shahi were released by Maj Gen (retd) B N Dhar and Prof M L Kaul at an impressive function here at Jammu Press Club which was organised by Bhagwan Shri Ramkrishna Mahasammelan Ashram Trust today.
A galaxy of scholars, artists and prominent citizens attended the function.
Prof M L Koul read a detailed paper on S N Pandit’s book Kashmiri Hindu Heritage and termed it a stupendous task by the author. He said Kashmir had treasures in the form of ancient books and the community has lost a great treasure which was in the form of Puranas also.
Shakti Munshi a well known social activist also spoke on the occasion and stressed on launching a mass movement in the community to highlight its problems. She said every individual in the country is sympathetic to displaced Pandits cause.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr K N Pandita said up to the advent of Islam in 1339 in Kashmir it had a long tradition of writing the history and he highlighted the world famous Kashmiri Hindu historians like Kalhan Pandit, Juwan Raja, Bilhan and others. The history during this period was written in Sanskrit but after the advent of Islam the trend of writing history form Sanskrit shifted to Persian, he added.
He however said that the medieval period historians did not follow the tradition of Kalhan Pandit and his predecessors. “I will not call them historians but satraps i.e those who wrote in praise of Kings etc’’, he added.
S N Pandit also spoke on the occasion and gave the cultural background of Kashmir.
Prof A K Ogra Managing Trustee of the Trust in his address threw light about the broader objectives of the Trust.
He said releasing of books like Hindu Heritage and medieval history of Kashmir was one of the objectives of the Trust to familiarize the coming generations about the culture and history of Kashmir.
He said the Trust in coordination with Kailash Dham Ashram Trust Chinore is going to set up social institutions at Kailash Dham Ashram Chinore for deprived people of the Society.
Prof Ogra announced that free accommodations, boarding and lodging for education of needy children besides facilities for marriage and other religious ceremonies will be provided at the Ashram.
Earlier in his welcome address Col (retd) Bal Krishan Kandhari said that a Wanprast Ashram will be established at Kailash Dham by the Trust. The vote of thanks was proposed by Virender Bhat advocate while P N Pandit retired SSP was the anchor.
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