Glowing tribute paid to Shiv Naraian Fotedar
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 23: Hindu Educational Society Kashmir (HESK) organised Pt Shiv Naraian Fotedar Memorial lecture at Gandhi Memorial College here, today.
Prof Amitabh Matto a renowned scholar and former Vice Chancellor University of Jammu was the chief guest and main speaker on the occasion who while paying glowing tribute to Shiv Naraian Fotedar termed him an icon of the community and a very bold leader who had always shown guts to keep the cause of nation and community above all.
Terming Fotedar a great educationist and thinker ahead of his time, Prof Mattoo said he was brought up under the supervision of a bold and progressive mother who was the founder of Vasanta School in Srinagar. He said such was the influence of his family background to late leader that he started doing philanthropic activities from his childhood.
Prof Mattoo said he was the most outstanding leader of Sanatan Pandit Dharam Sabha but these were his qualities and respect for human values that he has even a good following among the Kashmiri Muslims.
A great debater Fotedar was part of many committees in Lok Sabha said, Prof Mattoo adding “HESK has done a great work as it tried to revive the memory of Fotedar and I feel really honoured by the step taken by HESK led by Prof B L Zuthsi”.
Glowing tribute were paid to Fotedar by Prof B L Zutshi president of HESK who he said was a towering personality and was known as Krishna Menon of Kashmir. He was the first person to oppose incorporation of controversial Article 370 in Indian Constitution during a debate in Parliament despite representing National Conference in the House. Even Nehru was very much inspired by his skills of oratory.
Prof Ashok Aima former VC Central University said the programme held in the college today should not be one time event but to be continued in future. Maintaining that language is cultural morality of a society he regretted that it has been lost for KPs. He said Prof Mattoo kept a big idea before the community and it is now time to think over it.
Vijay Bakaya former Chief Secretary who presided over the function regretted that the Government has ignored this community. He said an impression is being created that the community is well settled and they need nothing now. Even the ration has been stopped to the people dependent on cash relief. He stressed on unity among the community at this hour of crisis.
The stage was managed by Virender Raina while a web radio was also launched on the occasion. Vote of thanks was read by Prof Rawal general secretary of HESK while renowned singer, Kailash Mehra Sadhoo recited verses of Lal Ded. On the occasion, parks on the name of Shiv Narain Fotedar, Justice Jia Llal Kilm and Prof D N Madan were inaugurated. Former DGP Kuldeep Khuda and advocate U K Jalali were also on dais. The function was attended by prominent people of the community.
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