Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 24: Veteran leader, former Union Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar today inaugurated the ‘Vijay Dhar Amphitheatre’, established in the premises of Sarhad Global School and Junior College at Gujarwadi, Pune. The facility has been dedicated to the memory and work of Kashmir’s eminent educationist, social activist, and thinker Vijay Durga Prasad Dhar.
Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Pawar said that Kashmiris have always stood firmly with India despite attempts by neighbouring countries to create unrest and violence. He added that the people of Kashmir have consistently proved themselves an integral part of the nation, with immense contribution in the service of the country. Pawar credited organizations like Sarhad for playing a vital role in strengthening this bond.
The event was attended by former Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Vijay Dhar, Kiran Dhar, Kanika Dhar, Sarhad founder Sanjay Nahar, Principal Sushma Nahar, Sant Singh Mokha, trustee Shailesh Wadekar, Dr Shailesh Pagaria, architect Imran Shaikh, Vasant More and several dignitaries.
Highlighting Pune’s role in national unity, Pawar said the city has historically shown India a new path in education, industry, IT, and culture. He recalled how Lokmanya Tilak initiated movements to bring people together from Pune. He stressed that despite turmoil disrupting education in Kashmir, individuals like Vijay Dhar and institutions like Sarhad took responsibility with dedication.
Sushil Kumar Shinde recalled his association with Vijay Dhar since 1974, introduced through Pawar. He noted Dhar’s significant role in education and his family’s legacy of advising national leaders. He said schools established by Dhar in Kashmir are considered among the finest and described the amphitheatre as recognition of his visionary work.
Vijay Dhar underlined his long association with Pawar and spoke about efforts in building educational institutions in Kashmir with support from Sarhad and Sanjay Nahar. Sanjay Nahar described Dhar’s contributions across education, culture, and social development.
The program began with the Navkar Mantra by Kashmiri student Ruqayya Maqbool. Leshpal Jawalge proposed the concluding remarks and Neerja Apte conducted the proceedings.
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