Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 6: Glowing tributes were paid to Pt Prem Nath Shastri a doyen of Kashmiri culture and a great scholar of Shastras on his 103rd birth anniversary here, today.
In this connection a function was organized by Jyotshi Karyalya, Gole Gujral in which the former Minister and BJP National Executive Member, Priya Sethi was the chief guest while Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, K K Sidha presided over the function.
A galaxy of scholars and prominent members of Kashsmiri Pandit community were present on the occasion who also paid floral tribute to Shastri Ji. A Pushparchana was also performed which was followed by serving of Prashad.
Speaking on the occasion, Priya Sethi said that Late Shastri Ji had done a tremendous service in preserving the culture and binding the younger generations to their roots. She said even after the mass exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, Shastri Ji did not lose heart but worked tirelessly to keep the old legacy intact by publishing the Vijeshwar -Panchang from Jammu.
Priya Sethi, while recalling the role of Shastri Ji demanded that a memorial in his name be built at his home town Bijbehara in Kashmir Valley which has been a center of learning and represents a great civilization of ancient Kashmir.
She also highlighted the steps taken by present Modi Government in preservation of culture of the J&K especially after abrogation of Art 370 in 2019.
In his address Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, K K Sidha said that Kashmiri Pandits should not remain confined to relief but take advantage of the employment generation schemes launched by Government like self -employment, skill development and startups.
He said the UT administration led by LG Manoj Sinha has decided to bring displaced people from Valley under the ambit of welfare schemes so they should come forward and take advantage of these schemes. He also urged the community youth to take part in various competitive examinations instead of banking on relief.
Sidha said that Government has taken various steps to preserve the culture and in this regard two chairs one on the name of great poetess and Shivyogni of Kashmir Lalded and another on the name of Pt. Prem Nath Shastri will be established in two universities of UT. Besides, a museum on martyrs will be constructed at Muthi, he added.
Later both Priya Sethi and K K Sidha along with Pt. O N Shastri released the portrait of Pt Prem Nath Shastri made by the young and budding artist, Shivani Koul.
Jyotshi Omkar Nath Shastri, Jyotshi Bushan Lal Shastri and Avtar Krishan Shastri besides, K K Khosa president KP Sabha, Prof B L Zutshi, B L Bhat, Ramesh Hangloo, Director Radio Sharda, Kuldeep Raina general secretary Panun Kashmir, Satish Sher senior PK leader, Kuldeep Raina, president Samajik Vikas Sanstha, Dr Sushil Wattal, Prof Kailash Mehra Sadhu, M K Jalali, Rakesh Pardesi general secretary PDP Migrant Cell, Kamal Fotedar, Sanjay Tickoo , and Rajesh Khar and Jitendra Jotshi were present on the occasion. The stage was conducted by Shivani.
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