NC pays tribute to Begum Abdullah
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 11: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference today organized a solemn programme at party office Jammu, to commemorate the 25th death anniversary of Madr-e-Meharban Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah, the towering personality who stood tall as a motherly figure and a guiding light for the people of Jammu and Kashmir during some of the most challenging times in its history.
The event, organized under the leadership of Bimla Luthra, State vice president of the JKNC Women Wing and former MLA, witnessed participation from a large number of party leaders, women activists, and workers who paid glowing tribute to the beloved Madr-e-Meharban. The programme commenced with Quran Khawani in the morning, followed by floral tribute and a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to her everlasting memory.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary described Begum Akbar Jehan as a towering icon of compassion, strength, and commitment towards the upliftment of the poor, marginalized, and especially womenfolk of Jammu and Kashmir. “Madr-e-Meharban was not just the wife of Late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, she was a leader in her own right. Her deep concern for the downtrodden, her tireless work for women’s education, health and dignity, and her unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy, social justice and secularism remain unmatched,” he said.
Choudhary also took the opportunity to expose the hollow claims of BJP regarding women empowerment, stating that the saffron party indulged only in slogans and optics. “In over 11 years of BJP’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir, no meaningful steps were taken for the upliftment of women. In contrast, during just eight months of Omar Abdullah’s Chief Ministership, National Conference fulfilled several poll manifesto promises like free travel for women in Government buses, increased marriage assistance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, provision of 200 free electricity units to AAY consumers, doubling of ration for AAY families and many more,” he asserted.
He said BJP allowed non-locals to take away opportunities meant for J&K youth, including key academic and administrative posts in local universities.
Senior NC leader and former Minister Ajay Sadhotra remembered Begum Abdullah as a symbol of resilience, humility, and social reform. “Her commitment towards the socio-economic transformation of Jammu and Kashmir was visible in every initiative she undertook-be it in the field of healthcare, women literacy, or rehabilitation of the needy,” he said.
Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial president called Begum Akbar Jehan the conscience-keeper of the party. “When Sheikh Sahib and other senior leaders were arrested and the erstwhile state was in political turmoil, she held the reins of the party with dignity and courage. She played a central role in keeping the party united and focused on its mission,” he said.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Bimla Luthra, Pardeep Bali, Vijay Lochan, Abdul Gani Teli, Satwant Kour Dogra, Tejinder Singh, Rakesh Singh Raka, Vijay Laxami Datta, Jugal Mahajan, Chander Mohan Sharma, Naresh Bittu, Pinky Khalsa, Dilshad Malik, Rita Gupta, Ashok Kumar Attri and others.
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