Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 28: The English translation of Tohfatul Ahbab, a Persian historical biography of Mir Shamus-ud-Din Araki by Dr K N Pandita a well known scholar and another book titled as Kashmiri Pandit Bujhte Charag of Pyarelal Kaul Budgami was released at an impressive function organised by Bhagwan Sri Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram Trust, Nagdandi Anantnag in collaboration with Asian –Eurasian Human Rights Forum at Press Club here, today.
The books were released by a renowned scholar and author Dr M K Teng. A galaxy of scholars and social activists from the KP community attended the function.
An Iranian Missionary of Nurbakhshiya order of Sufis, Mir Shamus -ud-Din Araki visited Kashmir twice during his life time and this biography was written by him in late 16th Century, said Col (retd) Yoginder Kandhari in his welcome address.
Speaking about the work Dr K N Pandita said that Persian manuscript copies of the medieval period history, though of much importance from its historical content, are generally defective in the sense that in the manuscripts preserved either in the State Research Library or other libraries in the country including those existing in private collections have been found with the first and the last chapters completely missing. Why has been it so remains a mystery, he added.
He said that he succeeded in obtaining a complete and authentic copy of the manuscript from the private library of a teacher in Skardu in PoK. After comparing and collating it with other manuscripts, he was able to establish the master copy.
Mr Budgami’s book is first publication in Urdu language highlighting the pangs of forced migration and apathy of the rulers that be towards the Kashmiri Pandits a miniscule minority in the Valley. He has presented a graphic picture of the rise of terrorism and fundamentalism in Kashmir in 1989 – 90 and atrocities perpetuated on religious minority of Kashmir.
Dr R L Bhat a well known writer who read the paper on the occasion lauded the role of Mr Pandita in bringing the facts to light about the atrocities perpetuated on miniscule minorities in Kashmir by the tyrant Muslim rulers and invaders.
Managing Trustee A K Ogra also spoke at length about culture and academic activities of the Trust in the service of nation.
P K Raina conducted the proceedings of the function.
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