Dr Dhar conferred Excellence Award
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 10: Glowing tribute were paid to Pt Prem Nath Shastri a doyen of Kashmiri culture and a great scholar of Shastras at his 26th Nirwan Diwas here, today.
In this regard a grand function was organised at Jyotshi Karyalya Gole Gujral jointly by Jyotish Karyalya and Pir Panchal a socio-cultural organisation. BJP JK UT president, Sat Sharma was chief guest on the occasion while former MLC and senior BJP leader, Surinder Ambardar and Pir Panchal president, Ramesh Hangloo were guests of honour. BJP leader Keshav Chopra was special guest.
On the occasion, Dr R L Dhar former Director Forensics and a well known social activist was presented Pt Prem Nath Shastri Excellence Award 2025. The award was presented to him by Sat Sharma, Ramesh Hangloo and Jyotshi Avtar Krishan Shastri for his unblemished services to the department and society.
Speaking on the occasion, Sat Sharma recalled services of Pt Prem Nath Shastri in preserving the rich values of Sanatan Dharma. He said Shastri Ji’s contributions are immense in service of society. “Kashmir was a spiritual seat of learning before Rishi Kashyap and this land has given many great scholars and saints to the world,’’ he added.
Terming Panchang a great science, Sat saluted those who are compiling this Shastra for benefit of humanity and keeping the ancient traditions alive. The Panchang published by Jyotish Karyalya is more a dharmic Granth than an almanac. He said Shastri Ji will be remembered for centuries together for his contributions to Sanatan Dharma. Sat Sharma urged the gathering to keep his legacy intact so that the new generation gets inspired.
Terming mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989-90 a big tragedy, Sat Sharma regretted that previous Governments failed to take concrete steps for the rehabilitation of displaced Pandits in their mother land. He however said Modi Government is taking initiative in this regard but the community has also to cooperate with such initiatives.
He said PM is taking such steps which are in the interests of every section of society. Criticising the US decision to raise tariff on Indian imports, he said they don’t want that India should progress.
Surinder Ambardar stressed on revival of Vijeshwar where an ancient university exited as seat of learning again. He sought cooperation of BJP president in this regard and appealed him that steps should be taken for revival of Vijeshwar Peeth either in Srinagar or Bijbehara. He said the Pandits exodus from Kashmir is outcome of a civilisational war. He regretted that no solution has been found to end KPs exile as community is not a vote bank.
Ramesh Hangloo in his address stressed unity in the community by isolating those forces who sow seeds of disunity and create confusion among the members of community.
He also stressed on revival of Sanskrit which is a link to our roots. He highlighted the contribution of Kiran Pandita for empowering the community women and urged others to come forward in taking such initiatives.
Jyotshi Avtar Krishan Shastri said that those trying to divide the community are its worst enemies. He said Vijeshwar Panchang and Vijeshwar Jantri editors have decided to work together so that no confusion is created in future about the celebration of religious festivals. He said the 26th Nirwan Diwas of Shastri Ji was dedicated to revival of Sharda script the ancient script used for writing Kashmiri.
Vote of thanks was proposed by K K Koul, while Vikram Koul of KP volunteers was also honoured. The stage was managed by Bindiya Tickoo.
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