Jammu, March 20 (Scoop News) – Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir has called for reiterating the resolve to preserve the century’s old culture and tradition of love between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslim community of the State.
The Minister was addressing an impressive function organized here this evening in connection with release of a book titled, “A new Lexicon of the Kashmiris” authored by former Principal and Session Judge B. L. Saraf.
Reminding the days before turmoil, when both the communities, would live in a very cordial atmosphere in Valley, the Minister said that joys and sorrows were shared equally by both the communities and everywhere peace and tranquility was prevailing in the nook and corner of the State.
Lauding the role of Suroop Nath Saraf, the father of the author, who played a significant role in mitigating sufferings of Muslim community during eighties.
Speaking about the sound relations between the two communities despite the unfortunate mass migration of Kashmiri Pandits and also a section of Muslim community from the Valley, the Minister said that today, again the academicians, doctors, philosophers, intellectuals and legal experts of both the communities share their common feelings without any grudge or mistrust. He said that the love and affection among both the communities have not faded out inspite of several attempts of provocation by vested interests.
It is pertinent to mention here, the book, “A New Lexicon of the Kashmiris” expresses author’s observations and comments on the happenings in Kashmir and Jammu that have taken place since 1990. The views have been expressed in satirical form. The definitions of the words reflect a sad commentary on the political and the historical events in Kashmir and the conditions of the Pandit living in exile in Jammu and other parts of India. The book also dwells on the compulsions of the younger generation living in exile and causes of their indifference towards their aged parents. The book also reveals living of the Kashmiri Pandits and its adverse effect on the exclusive culture of KPs in a telling manner. There are also observations over the Muslim leadership and militancy. The author has not spared the militants, politicians and other sections of the society.
Earlier, . K. Joseph Dhar a noted journalist and educationist read a critical note on the book.
The other speakers who threw light on the contents of the book include MLC, M.Y. Taing, MLC, Vijay Bakaya, veteran journalist, Ved Bhasin, Dr. K. L. Chowdhary and former Director General of Police, M. M. Khajuria. . P. L. Trisal offered vote of thanks.