Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 27: War veteran and prolific writer and columnist, Col (retd) Tej Tickoo and renowned author/ columnist and former Assistant Director Postal Service of India, Chander Mohan Bhat were conferred this year’s Pt Prem Nath Bhat Amateur Journalist Award at an impressive function held at Writers Club here.
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The award was presented to the duo in recognition of their outstanding contribution to journalism, society, and the Kashmiri cause. Both awardees were honoured with citations, shawls, and mementos amidst applause from the audience. The citation of Chander Mohan Bhat was read by Kuldeep Raina, senior member of Trust while the citation of Col. Tej Tikoo was presented by Sundri Lal Koul, secretary of the Trust.
The function was chaired by noted educationist Prof. P.N. Trisal, B.L. Saraf, former Sessions Judge and Chairman of PNBMT, also shared the dais, lending dignity to the occasion.
The cultural note of the evening was set by Ms. Astha Zar, who rendered a soulful Saraswati Vandana, creating a devotional ambience in the hall.
Pyare Lal, a contemporary of late Pt. Prem Nath Bhat, reminisced about his long association with him in Anantnag, recalling his towering influence on socio-political events in Kashmir and his inspiring role in shaping nationalist thought.
Prof Trisal in his address highlighted the contribution of Pt Prem Nath Bhat whom he termed a great nationalist who served the community till his last breath. B L Saraf in his address highlighted the role of the Trust and stressed on passage of Shrines and Temples Bill. He regretted that whom the community trusted most sabotaged the Bill in Assembly which is unfortunate. He appealed the Government to ensure the formation of Shrines and Temples Board for protection of Hindu Shrines in Kashmir.
Col Tej Tickoo also spoke on the occasion and stressed on taking the struggle launched by the community for passage of shrines and Temples Bill to logical conclusion.
On the occasion, Virender Raina, president of Panun Kashmir, delivered a spirited address, highlighting the importance of the Temples Bill in the struggle for justice and heritage preservation. He also proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, participants, and supporters of the Trust.
The programme was anchored by Ramesh Marhata and it concluded on a patriotic note with the collective singing of the National Anthem.
The event once again underlined the vision and mission of PNBMT in carrying forward the rich legacy of late Pt. Prem Nath Bhat, who continues to inspire generations with his courage, intellect, and commitment to the Kashmiri cause.
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