Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 31: Convener, Panun Kashmir (PK) Dr Agnishekhar, today said that Kashmiri Pandits have made tremendous contribution to aesthetics, poetics and civilization of India from times immemorial.
Addressing a function organized by Minerva School of Learning here, he said the role of Pandits can’t be forgotten in enriching the Indian civilization. He recalled the services of Kashmiri Buddhist monks in spreading Buddhism to Central Asian countries like China and Japan.
He said Kashmir was a seat of learning from times immemorial and abode of Mata Sharda, the goddess of learning and knowledge.
He said Kashmir has produced great scholars and Shivacharyas like Acharya Utpal Dev, Abhinav Gupt, Kshmendara etc. Acharya Abhinav Gupt has been declared the man of the millennium, he added.
Dr Agnishekhar said knowledge and education removes all barriers and creates ways and opportunities for progress and prosperity. Education dispels ignorance and illuminates the life of a human being. This was the reason that Kashmiri Pandits after their mass exodus from Valley in 1989-90 did not protest for food and shelter but demanded education for their children. The first demonstration led by KPs after their mass exodus was for education of their wards, he added.
Dr Agnishekhar while complimenting Jammuites said that they played a remarkable role in giving shelter and all logistic support to displaced Pandits at the time of crisis and entire community is indebted to them for their such a nationalistic gesture.
MLA, Bijbehara Abdul Rehman Veeri was the chief guest on the occasion and he distributed prizes among the students of the School who presented a colorful cultural programme on the occasion.
The welcome address was read by Sanjay Tickoo while Mrs Anjini Bhat read the annual report while Sushma Bakaya proposed vote of thanks.
Mr Rajesh chairman of the School and Shashi Bushan member management Committee were also present on the occasion.
Besides, award of honour was given to some organizations including Satisar Foundation and journalists.
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