Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 31: Navreh (first Navratra) was celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits with religious fervour and gaiety today.
The social and religious functions were organized at different places by the members of the KP community on the occasion. The main function was organized at KP Sabha Ambphalla, Jammu where Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC), Kuldeep Khuda was the chief guest while Chairperson Social Welfare Board Khem Lata Wakhloo was the guest of honour. The function was presided over by K K Khosa president of the Sabha.
Among the other dignitaries, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, Kiran Wattal was also present on the occasion.
The members of KP community drawn from different parts of Jammu including a sizable number of women attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Khuda expressed the hope that the New Year will bring prosperity to all. Highlighting the role of the Sabha, he said it always provided platform to social get-togethers where relevant issues concerning the community are highlighted.
He said two important issues were also raised by Mr Khosa today and community has no dearth of intellectuals to find a solution to these issues.
Terming dispersal of community from here also a cause of concern, he said our children are settling in different places and this too will dilute the common issues.
He stressed on unanimity among the community on issues being faced by it.
In his address K K Khosa said community has many challenges ahead and it has to gear up fully to face them. He expressed concern over second exodus of the community taking place from here in search of jobs and settle outside.
He warned that if it continues the day will not be far away when entire community would migrate from Jammu also. He said Sabha wants to create such conditions and facilities so that the youth turn to other vocations and seek a job in their home State.
Prof Hari Narayan Tiwari of Sanskrit University Kot Balwal, Jammu and a Vedic scholar who was the guest scholar on the occasion gave a prolific discourse on the importance of Navratra in Hindu ethos and culture.
Sabha general secretary, K K Bhagati read the annual report while Rajesh Khar, Usha Handoo and their team recited the bhajans on the occasion.
The programme was compered by Mr Kampasi while vote of thanks was proposed by Ashok Braroo, senior vice president of the Sabha. On the occasion 39 meritorious students were also felicitated.
Another function was organized by ASKPC at Roop Nagar in which Prof A N Sadhoo was the chief guest while Swami Kumar Ji was the guest of honour.
Swami Ji threw light on the religious significance of Navratra and Navreh.
Prof Sadhoo while expressing the hope that the festival and new year will bring a new message for the community stressed on unity among the KPs under banner of ASKPC.
Shiban Khaibri who was the community speaker highlighted the problems of the KPs in exile. On the occasion Mata Sharika Puraskar were conferred to ASKPC senior vice president, R K Raina, Makhan Lal Saraf a renowned theatre personality and Bharat Bushan Bhat a social activist. Besides, Prathvi Nath Pandit a social activist was also conferred this award posthumously.
The presidential address was given by ASKPC chief H L Chatta.
Another function was organised by Kashmir Sahik Samiti, Trikuta Nagar at Sharika Bhawan in which Swami Kumar Ji was the chief guest. Samiti president Lokesh Ganjoo expressed the hope that the Hindu New Year will bring prosperity to the community.
The Navreh function was also organized by Sharika Peeth Sansthan under the chairmanship of its president, M K Jalali at Bhawan premises today.
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