Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 24: “Kashmir A Quarantine State,” a ground-breaking book by young author Khushboo Abrol (Sheen), was launched here, today. The event was organized by Vomedh and TRN at Writers Club.
Rohit Bhat, president of Vomedh, delivered the welcome address, expressing immense pride in organizing the event for such a talented “daughter of the soil”.
The book was unveiled by a panel of dignitaries, including Dr. Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner who was the chief guest, Dr. Minakshi Kilam from the University of Jammu; Prof. B.L. Zutshi, a veteran academician and author; and Dr. Kuldeep Swadeshi were guests of honour. They were joined by senior journalist and Playwright King C. Bharati, Rohit Bhat, and the author Khushboo Abrol. Versatile artist and anchor Kusum Tickoo hosted the programme.
King C. Bharati, in his paper on the book, spoke with evident pride, highlighting the author’s bold attempt to tackle the often-controversial subject of Kashmir.
Khushboo Abrol, herself delved deeply into the contents of her book, sharing her inspiration and the intense curiosity that drove her pursuit of truth. She recounted how confrontations with “hordes of pseudo secularists” at her college and elsewhere fuelled her desire to uncover the realities of Kashmir. Paying heartfelt tributes to her maternal grandfather, the late Bansi Lal Koul (Ganjoo), she credited him with inspiring her to delve into the genuine history of Kashmir.
In his presidential address, Dr. Arvind Karwani lauded the younger generation’s burgeoning interest in seeking factual truth. He emphasized that “such young authors are the need of the hour who are well qualified, well equipped, and can use latest technology to investigate and research extensively to counter the false narrative in the public discourse.”
Dr. Minakshi Kilam expressed immense pride in Ms. Abrol’s work, observing that young girls from the community are not only preserving their shared cultural heritage but also excelling in academic pursuits.
Prof. B.L. Zutshi conveyed his extreme happiness that such a young author had chosen this vital topic and engaged in genuine research, rather than merely expressing personal thoughts.
Dr. Kuldeep Swadeshi showered praise on the young author, calling Gen Z “the future” and expressing pride that such academic activities by them bring “smiles and a sense of pride among the older generation.”
The vote of thanks was presented by Bharati Kaul, vice president of Vomedh.
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