Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 10: Minister of State for Education, Culture and Tourism Priya Sethi today said that the return of Kashmiri Pandits with honour and dignity was the ultimate test for the revival of plurality and Kashmiriyat in Valley.
Addressing a function organized by Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust here today Priya further said that BJP was trying to develop a conducive atmosphere towards this sacred goal. While reiterating her Party’s stand on the Passage of Temple and Shrines Bill she said that PDP-BJP Government will facilitate the passage of the Bill in right earnest. She cautioned that a consensus was also needed towards achieving this end. Priya Sethi was the chief guest on the occasion.
During the function noted political scientist and authority on Central Asia Prof Kashi Nath Pandita who has been awarded Padamashri by the Government of India was also given award of honour by the Trust. The Award was conferred to him by the Minister and Justice Sunil Hali who presided over the function and Justice Bansi Lal Bhat who was the guest of honour on the occasion. While speaking on the contributions of Dr K N Pandita Priya Sethi said that it was a real fortune for any body to listen to him and draw inspiration from the deep insight that Dr Pandita has over Iran and Central Asia.
Justice Sunil Hali lauded the efforts of Dr K N Pandita and said that such scholars are indeed a God given gift to any community. He further added that the Passage of the Shrines Bill was in consonance with the spirit of the State and Constitution of India. He delineated the role of Judiciary in safeguarding the places of worship of any religious group in the country. He added that the spirit of law demands the passage of such bill without any delay.
Earlier Dr R.L Bhat gave a detailed presentation on the Temple and Shrines Bill. Former District and Sessions Judge B L Saraf read the citation on Prof K N Pandita. Prof Pandita in his remarks traced tale the struggle of Kashmiri Pandits on Geneva and United Nations without any support from the then Government. He added that finally due to the untiring efforts of his team the status of Kashmiri Pandits as internally displaced people and reverse minority was recognized by the United Nations. The function was compered by Pradeep Kaul and Roshan Lal Pandita presented vote of thanks.
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