Releases ‘Waves of Resilience Story of Radio Sharda’
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Apr 28: Admitting that successive generations of Kashmiri Pandits endured profound hardships beyond genocide– a wound which can’t fully heal, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today said that he himself realises their pain and agony.
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The Lt Governor was speaking at the launch of the book ‘The Waves of Resilience, Story of Radio Sharda’, here, this afternoon. The LG, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said “The Kashmiri Pandit community endured genocide and was uprooted from their ancestral soil. They left behind all material possessions, carrying only light of culture, tradition, faith, education, and language”.
Maintaining that during last over five years since he took over as the head of the UT of J&K, Sinha, said that his Government succeeded in restoring some age old spiritual and cultural monuments in Kashmir Valley while it is in the process of restoring the others also.
He said “Radio Sharda and various Government initiatives are pathways for youth from the community. Now it is their responsibility to protect and expand rich cultural heritage, breathe new life into traditions, language, music, and rituals”. The Lieutenant Governor urged the youth to ensure that Kashmiri Pandit’s cultural legacy thrives, evolves, and endures meaningfully for generations to come,.
“Youth must ensure that Kashmiri Pandits cultural legacy thrives, evolves and endures meaningfully for generations to come”.
He said the older generation has kept their cultural ethos alive and now it is the responsibility of the youth to be linked to their roots and keep this centuries old rich legacy intact.
The book was edited by Ramesh Hangloo, the founder of Radio Sharda. It is a collection of articles written by common listeners, litterateurs and renowned personalities from Kashmiri Pandit community and highlights the impact of Radio Sharda on the socio-cultural activities of the community.
The Lieutenant Governor commended Ramesh Hangloo and his team for preserving rich culture and values.
“More than two decades later, in 2011, Ramesh Hangloo transformed it into a beacon of hope and unity through Radio Sharda, connecting Kashmiri Pandits across the world to their roots,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that Radio Sharda has preserved songs, stories, and traditions and gave platforms to poets, scholars, and artists, ensuring their voices inspire new generations.
Speaking on the occasion, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, Dr Arvind Karwani said the exodus of 1990 was the seventh exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and every time the community rose from ashes. He said on the directives of Lt Governor the J&K Government through S.O 392 and S.O 393 of 2024 dated 13.8.2024 has amended the J&K Food Safety Rules 2021 and the targeted Public Distribution (Control) Order , 2023 to integrate migrant ration cards into NFSA data base , there by enabling the migrants to benefits of various social sector schemes.
He said for immovable properties of KPs left over in the Valley, Revenue teams are visiting here to listen the grievances regarding the encroachment of their land. He also highlighted the Yuwa Mission launched by the Government for benefit of the displaced youth.
Karwani said Kashmiri Pandits have always played a role in nation building while terming Radio Sharda community asset.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor also honoured prominent citizens of the community from diverse fields for their contribution to the society. They included former Commissioner Secretary Revenue J&K Government, Vinod Kaul for his unblemished services, president, Hindu Education Society Kashmir (HESK) Prof B L Zuthsi, Avtar Jyotshi, Rohit Bhat, president Vomedh, Jitender Jyotshi, artist, Kiran Pandita, Mandakni Koul, Manoj Jad and P K Raina, Broadcaster.
Speaking on the occasion B L Saraf, retired Principal Session Judge termed Radio Sharda an asset of community after migration and a symbol of culture. He said this Radio has restored connection with roots and no one can snatch Kashmir from KPs.
In his address, Ramesh Hangloo, founder president of Radio Sharda while terming the Kashmir as the epicentre of Sanatan Dharma said no one can erase Sanatan which is our soul. He demanded establishment of Museum of Lal Ded a great Shiv Yogni in Kashmir and installation of Mata Laleshwari statue on National Highway at Jagti. He also demanded that the displaced youth working outside the Valley are unable to visit every month to Jammu for collection of ration under NFSA, hence, they should be paid cash in lieu of ration. The stage was conducted by Manoj Jad while vote of thanks was proposed by Avtar Krishan Mota.
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