Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 4: Reiterating that the NDA Government led by Narendra Modi is particular for dignified rehabilitation of displaced Pandits in Valley, Union Minister of State in PMO with Independent charge of North Eastern States, Dr Jitendra Singh however made it clear that no decision in this regard will be taken without taking the displaced Pandits into confidence.
Addressing a function organized by Pt Prem Nath Shastri Sanaskritik Shodh Sansthan at Ajit Colony, Gole Gujral near here today in connection with observance of 95th birth anniversary of Pt Prem Nath Shastri, Dr Singh said that Kashmiri Pandits are representing the national thought and if “we fail to preserve this identity we fail to preserve the identity representing the national thought’’.
He as well as other speakers also paid glowing tributes to Pt Prem Nath Shastri the doyen of Kashmiri culture. Dr Singh also released translation version of Pt Omkar Nath Shastri’s 24 Sanskars of KPs on the occasion.
Pooh-poohing the forces spreading canards that Pandits don’t want to return to Kashmir Dr Singh said this is not a valid argument in this evidence based age. He asked has any body made any research on this?
He urged the community to counter these allegations with valid arguments. These were the elements who held responsible former Governor of the State Mr Jagmohan for the mass exodus of Pandits, he said, adding “for how many years we will continue to play fraud with history or ourselves by such illogical statements’’.
Dr Singh said is there any proof that Pandits don’t want to return. He said there is vested interest in making such remarks about the community as some people have a vested interest in militancy.
He also asked has any attempt been made by the people in Valley for their return and why the conditions are not being created for the same in Kashmir so that the displaced Pandits will return on their own.
Maintaining that we are at the cross roads of history, Dr Singh said that the struggle between the nationalists and antinationalist forces culminated in present situation.
He said the migration of Pandits from Valley has been a loss to majority community there also. Though they will not realize it at present but the coming generations in Kashmir would feel it. At present there is no realization among the majority about it and this ignorance can be damaging, he added.
He said exodus is a challenge for Kashmiri civilization as well as India and the day we realize it no one would say that the Kashmiri Pandits left the Valley on their own and they don’t want to return.
He said the KP students have proved their mettle outside and some of them are working on prize posts in various private sector organizations. “The community children proved that we deserve more than this’’. He urged the community to streamline these children as the benefit of their talent can be taken by entire nation, he added.
“When our children are being used by multinationals can’t the community by streamlining their talent use them for its own benefit and advantage’’ he asked? “If we unite we can lead rest of Indian society also;; he added.
The Union Minister said India is growing as youngest country of the world and tomorrow it will be youth power to dominate the world. He urged the KPs to make their own research channels as community is innovative and has creativity as well as potential.
The Union Minister also assured the residents of Ajit Colony Gole Gujral that the power transformer will be installed in the area soon and he will take up the issue with local MLA asking him to provide funds from his CDF. The residents of the area complained that the area was facing acute power crisis as the authorities have failed to install the transformer in the area despite repeated pleas.
Earlier welcome address was made by chairman of the Shodh Sansthan, Pt Omkar Nath Shastri who reminded the long association of the Sansthan with Dr Singh. He also demanded restoration community hall to the Shodh Sansthan for research on the Kashmiri culture and literature and appealed the Minister to use his good offices for the same. He said the Hall was allotted by Relief organization some years back but some vested elements created impediments in it.
Ashwani Chrungoo president PK also urged Dr Singh to take the lead in restoring the community hall to Sansthan at Muthi.
On the occasion Dr Singh was also felicitated by the Sansthan. Swami Kumar Ji of Geeta Satsangh Ashram while speaking paid rich tributes to Pt Prem Nath Shastri. The stage was conducted by P K Raina.
On the occasion A Maha Yagya was also solemnized by the Sansthan and a Bhajan Sandyia was also conducted by Rajesh Khar,
The function was attended by ASKPC president Ravinder Raina, Dr A N Sadhoo a well known scholar, Jyotshi Bushan Lal Shastri, Jyotshi Avtar Krishan Shastri, Ashok Kangan, M K Jalalai of Sharika Peeth, Comrade Mohan Lal, Virender Raina, Sheela Handoo Kuldeep Pandita, K K Raina, Nana Ji and prominent people of the community as well as the area.
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