Excelsior Correspondent
CHANDIGARH, Mar 7: All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) held its 42nd Foundation Day at here on Sunday.
The meeting was presided over by AIKS president, Dr. Ramesh Raina and attended by about 60 community members including elected representatives of Kashmir Sahayak Sabha, Chandigarh and representatives from Ambala Sabha, Northern India AIKS affiliates like Ludhiana, Panchkula , Kashmiri Visthapit Hindu Samiti – Jaipur, Kashmir Harmukh Society, Jalandhar, Sharika Peeth Sanstha Jammu and representatives from many other KP organisations from adjoining areas.
AIKS joint secretary, Vinod K Pandita gave a brief introduction about the event and president of the organisation, Dr Ramesh Raina made the welcome address. He gave a detailed account about genies of the dire circumstances and pressing situations which led to the birth of AIKS in 1980 as umbrella organisation for KPs.
Dr Raina said since the political realities in Kashmir have undergone major changes after 2019 with the local polity showing signs of recovery and the political momentum gaining speed and signs of thaw towards minorities palpable, AIKS Vision Document seemed to be a befitting response to the emerging political situation with respect to KPs eventual and sustainable return and rehabilitation. Its endorsement at the Chandigarh meet has been a significant development which he said will be taken to the logical conclusion. He expressed satisfaction at the adoption of AIKS Chandigarh declaration-2022.
On the occasion, Vinod K. Pandit joint secretary AIKS re-launched the AIKS Website. Former president, AIKS Vijay Aima described the event as a very important step towards showing a sense of cohesiveness in raising the voice of KPs when it is needed the most.
The senior vice president M.L. Malla urged all the AIKS affiliates to lend strength to the apex body. The other speakers included SK Bhan, Rohit Dhar.
In his address Rajesh Pandita, general secretary KSS Chandigarh paid fulsome tributes to the long and cordial relationship between KSS Chandigarh and AIKS.
On the occasion AIKS honoured hardcore community activists like Nancy Ganju, former president KSS and K Wattal, president KPS Ambala former presidents of KSS Chandigarh .PN Ambardar, G L Koul and T K Magazine for their valuable services to the community.
The meeting endorsed AIKS Vision Document-2022 and adopted AIKS Chandigarh Declaration 2022, which says that the vision document shall be followed up resolutely with the powers that be. The meeting concluded with Dr. Manorama Bakshi presenting the vote of thanks.