Kashmiri Pandits , being one of the most literate community, have Capacity to give fillip in cementing the bonds of love and removing the cobwebs of
hatred, they said at a function organized by Gandhi Memorial College of Education(GMCEJ) to felicitate Professor. Punjabi on being conferred with Padam Shree .
The Minister for higher education while congratulating Professor. Punjabi for being honored with Padam Shree also assured The Hindu Education Society Kashmir(HESK)-which runs GMCE at Jammu and GMC at Srinagar-the governmental support in all matters in further spreading the Educational activities in the state .
The advisor to the Chief Minister said that migration had created a great void and it is our responsibility to bring back that mosaic of composite culture in the state .”Time has come to put our heads together to bring that culture back”, he said.
Eulogizing the role and contribution of Kashmiri pandits, in various fields especially in the field of education, Rana expressed hope that the members of this literate Community would contribute their mite in further strengthening the secular ethos and peace in the state .Praising the community for withstanding trials and tribulations ,especially in last two decades, he said that this community has produced great teachers who have not only made their mark in the state but elsewhere in the country and abroad .
Professor Punjabi referred to the plight of Kashmiri Pandits and said that their exodus from the valley has also created a generational gap,which if not taken Care of ,could have wider ramifications on the future of society living in different regions of the state and the country.” We cannot afford to have another partition “’he said in an emotional outburst while making reference to several instances of kashmir’s pluralism .
Appealing Kasmiri Pandits to take initiatives of re-linking themselves with their land of birth, the distinguished scholar and an academician(Prof. Punjabi) emphasized that this could be achieved through the activities of culture and education .”Without you ,picture is incomplete .
We want you back and request you to bridge the differences to re-connect with us, especially through the medium of education”, he said .
The President of HESK Anil Dhar dwelt on various aspects about the aims and objectives and also the role of the society in furtherance of education in the state since its inception in 1943.He referred the roles played by great stalwarts and educationists who worked with the society for nearly seven decades . Dhar also referred to the problems that the society had to face from various quarters in running the the activities of both the colleges which have been setup in two capital cities of J&K. while pleading with the authorities for resolving the problems of HESK at governmental level , Dhar said that the society is also endeavoring to undertake such activities which will have greater bearings on socio-economic-educational as also political atmosphere in the state
The principal GMCEJ Prof. Kusum Tiku presented a vote of thanks ,while Sanjay Dhar (member E.B) read the welcome address at the function, which was attended by academician, Doctors and prominent personalities of Kashmiri Pandit community.