Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 16: A Souvenir on noted Shaiva scholar Vish Nath Bhat (Jotshi) was released in an impressive function held to observe the first death anniversary of the eminent scholar and teacher at Shardha Kendra, Anand Nagar, Bohri today.
Pre-eminent social scientist, poet and physician, Dr KL Chaudhary was the chief guest on the occasion, while famous critic and short story writer Prof RL Shant presided over the function. Noted critic and linguist, Prof PN Trisal and expert of Karamkanda and Kashmir’s cultural history, SN Pandit were the guests of honour.
The function started with the lighting of the traditional lamp by the dignitaries present on the occasion, which was followed by the release of Souvenir on late Jotshi Ji titled ‘Shades of a Shaivite’.
While speaking on the strenuous efforts of V N Bhat in popularizing the great Shaiva philosophy of Kashmir, Dr Chaudhary delineated his linkages with the hoary tradition of this timeless philosophy.
Stressing on the efforts to be made to pass on the deep esoteric meaning of Shaiva Darshana of Kashmir, Dr Chaudhary exhorted upon the community to rise and inculcate rational spirit of inquiry and learning for which Kashmir and Pandits were great representatives.
Sanskrit scholar and authority on Karmkanda, SN Pandit, while remembering Jotshi Ji reflected upon his head and heart and said that despite facing great difficulties, he never deviated from his aim to propagate Shaiva Darshana to the next generation.
Pyarey Hatash, noted poet and writer presented a paper on Trika Philosophy, while Dr Jai Krishen Sharma, Sanskrit scholar presented excerpts from the paper which Jotshi Ji had written some days before his sudden demise. Famous Music Director, Krishan Langoo presented a Shiv Bhajan.
Earlier, Dr RL Bhat, in his welcome address recollected the unique teaching style of Jotshi Ji while unraveling the difficult treaties like Shiv Sutras etc and other texts of Kashmir Shaiva Darshana.
A film on the life of Jotshi Ji made by his grandson Shishank was also screened on the occasion.
SN Raina, Secretary Swami Vidyadhar Swami Mahadev Ashram Paloura presented vote of thanks.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Pradeep Kaul.
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