Press Release

“Displacement of Hindus from Kashmir, not autonomy is the real issue:” Mohan Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), chief, Rev. Dr Mohan Rao Bhagwat assured the displaced Hindu community of Kashmir that entire India is with them and their problems are the problems of entire Bharat. Speaking as the Chief Guest in Samoohik Shivratri Mahotsava 2011, a function organized by Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch he stressed on the need to mobilize public opinion on grass root level throughout the country for resolution of all such issues in J&K. Sh. Bhagwat termed it unfortunate that the politicians are making autonomy and self-rule as issues and ignoring the problems faced by displaced community.

 Complimenting the displaced community for demonstrating courage and audacity in adverse conditions, he asked them to make sure that they maintain their rich cultural and civilisational identity and also pass on it to their next generations. He stressed the importance of the role of the community in mobilization of public opinion in the country. Expressing his concern over the power politics and deliberate attempt to take refugee under legal mechanism on the part of Government he said “Kashmir without Pandits can’t be even imagined”. They ( displaced community) as Kashmiris have unequivocal  natural right to live a protected and dignified life there. Mohan Rao Bhagwat was optimistic about the future in spite of all the negative signals emanating right now. He urged for the need of such a return policy that will ensure no further displacement in future.

Samoohik Shivratri Mahotsava 2011 was celebrated with usual enthusiasm and fervor in prestigious FICCI auditorium of New Delhi. Samoohik Mahashivratri Mahotsava is held every year in connection with Shivratri by Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch. It is one of the eagerly sought after events of the community in NCR and has helped in reinforcing cultural importance and bonding in the society. The programme is a bouquet of cultural items, performance by children, religious & social discourse.

Speaking on the occasion Smt. Smriti Irani, president Mahila morcha BJP termed the displaced Community as soldiers fighting the cause of country and humanity. She praised the courage and commitment of the community and assured all the possible help in mitigating the problems and raising the issue at appropriate forums.

Sh. TN Razdan, President, national JKVM welcomed the guests and asked the community to rededicate themselves to the promotion, propagation and preservation of Kashmir’s ancient culture based on the universal philosophy of Trika Shaivism. He cautioned countrymen against the mechanisations of anti-India forces in Kashmir working for disintegration of the country.  

A rich, humorous and entertaining cultural event was also held on the occasion. Pt Vijay Mall the renowned singer of the state enthralled audience by his melodious Bhajans. A skit was presented by sushma bhat, Lovely Wanchoo, Pammi Pandita and Ravinde Zaroo tiled “Karamlekha”. It was on the problems related to intercaste marriage

Lalita Kaul Sahib Memorial contest for best speaker/ conversationalist

Lalita Kaul Sahib Memorial contest for best speaker/ conversationalist was also held. It is held every year to encourage

Vansh Pandita  was adjudged the best speaker while Sagar Kaul was second and Shriya Bhat won the third prize.

In Painting competition SUKRITI SATHOO was adjudged first and TUSHIKA KAUL was second and KALHAN KAUL third.Awards to community members who had made exemplary contribution in different spheres were conferred with honors:

Sh. Ravinder Ravi, Sh. Jatinder Kaw and Ms Annu Matoo raina were the honourable judges on the occasion.This year we had to miss the presence of Rev. AN kaul sahib becuse of his hospitalisation . he was in spite of his bad health in constant touch from his hospital bed, an inspiring involvement indeed.

Pt. Tika Lal Taploo Award

The award has been instituted this year by the family and extended family of the great Martyr Pt. Tika Lal Taploo particularly his wife Smt. Sarla Taploo, sons Ashutosh and Avinash. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 11000/_ besides a citation and a memento and will be given to any person who has done commendable work in Kashmir valley for the cause of the community.  Chander Mohan Bhat was presented the award.

Chander M. Bhat Born on 20th March, 1960 in Murran a village in North Kashmir, Chander M. Bhat is presently working as an Assistant Supdt. Posts, in Department of Posts, Govt. of India. His articles regarding Posts and of non-political nature stand widely published in various papers and magazines of the country. A booklet “How to Collect Stamps” published by the Deptt. of Posts, has earned him genuine accolades. He worked on the project of tracing the roots of his co-villagers and of the village Murran, resulting into the culmination of a widely acclaimed book “Murran …My Village”. Man with depth, Chander M. Bhat has also another book, “Ocean by Drops” (collection of poems) in his vase having colourful poems. His book “Ancient History of Jammu and Kashmir”, confirms his researching capability. Various research papers like “The Splendor that is Amarnath” and “Vitasta…The Sacred River of Kashmir” are valuable additions to his works that has proved very fruitful and guiding force in the exile period of Kashmiri Pandits community of which the author is also a member.

Lalitaditya Shorya Puruskar

Sh. Pran Nath Tiku was an officer of J&K Police. He sacrificed his life while fighting the terrorist onslaught in Kashmir in 1990.

Pt. Krishnajoo Razdan Saraswati Puruskar

Dr. Subash Aima popularly known as Premi Romani

He is a noted Urdu poet and critic and has authored many books on different aspects of Urdu and Kashmiri languages and literature. He is a regular contributor of leading journals of the subcontinent besides writing for TV and Radio.

Shryabhat Kirti Puruskar

Pt Jeevan Zutshi( Kashmir –Interchange) Pt. Jeevan Zutshi, a well known in the local Indian commu­nity in the San Fran­cisco Bay Area. Pt. Zutshi the founder and chairma of the Indo-American Community Federation. Pt. Jeevan Zutshi  has dedicated past 30 years to our community in different ways, whether it was founding  Kashmiri Overseas chapter in California in 1986, or being a founding member and executive Director of Indo-American Kashmir Forum in 1990, taking 2 delegations from the U.S to Jammu camps in 1994 and 1996, holding 5 major international symposia in Washington and California on plight of KPs, or holding briefings at U.S State Department constantly since 2003. Of course, Kashmir-Interchange  the largest global family of KPs binding worldwide KPs very gracefully is yet another feather in the cap of achievements of Pt Zutshi.

Sanatan Dharam Sabha Handwara

For their commendable work in Handwara area restoration of Yatra of pilgrims, reconstruction of Mata Baderkali Asthapan with the help of Army and renovation of Mata Kheer Bhawani Asthapan Tikker Kupwara through Army under Satbhawana.  Restarted annual (warshik) hawan at Sadhu Ganga Asthapan  Kandi in 2010 and Mutation of about 54 kanals of shamlat land in the name of Sanatan Dharamsabha Handwara under settlement Act in 2010-11.

Yashaskar Samman

Sh Arjan Nath Bhat  a self disciplined social activist who has taken a particular interest in development o religious property at different places.

Kashmiri Migrant Welfare Association NOIDA for its endeavor to preserve culture and social values of community in exile, construction work of Socio Cultural Centre “Kashyap Rishi Bhawan” at plot A-98, Sector-34, Noida

Awards are also conferred on Children who won various competitions including Kashmiri speaking skills. Progamme was conducted by Ajay Bharti president JKVM NCR