Kashmiriyat Characterizes Love, Compassion: Patil
Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 2:05 am Under Kashmir News
Srinagar, May 26, KONS - Describing Kashmiriyat a living legend President Mrs. Pratibha Patil Monday said, “the amalgam of pristine beauty, enchanting landscape, rich culture, seat of learning and a melting pot of ideas, Kashmir has lived as finest centre of learning, tolerance and cultural cohesion”.President Patil was speaking at the inaugural function of the Institute of Kashmir Studies at Kashmir University here. She described the inception of this institute as a beacon and congratulated those involved with its establishment.Speaking about the contributions of various spiritual and philosophical saints and seers to Kashmiriyat, Mrs. Patil said “it reflects the contributions made by thinkers and men of letters like Charaka, Bhartrihari, Bilhana and Kalhana and saints and sages called Rishis and Sufis, in whose name Kashmir is still known as “Reshiwari” or abode of Rishis. Spiritual thinkers such as Lal Ded (also known as Lala Arifa) and Shaykh Noorudin or Nund Rishi spread message of love, tolerance and compassion, which left a deep imprint on the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Their legacy, over a period of time has etched itself so much into the collective consciousness of the region, that it cannot be eroded. Kashmiriyat is a living legacy. It has withstood the test of time and it is now for us to continue to nurture it so that it is preserved for future generations”, she maintained.She expressed the hope that the Institute of Kashmir Studies will contribute to the study and assimilation of knowledge about the history, cultural values and socio-economic structure of society in Jammu and Kashmir. “It will provide a platform for scholars in the field of Kashmir studies regarding ideas on pluralistic cultures and tolerant societies”. She said that the scope for preservation of culture was wide and can cover a broad spectrum of activities such as finding and conserving valuable manuscripts as well as conducting research into language art and literature. “This work, I am sure, will interest not only scholars of this institute but also of other Universities and academic bodies in the state and other parts of the country as well”, she said.”Jammu and Kashmir is nature”s manifestation in its pristine from, its scenic beauty, different seasons and the abundance of water, make it a paradise on earth. Kalhana, the great poet of Kashmir; wrote that saffron, icy waters, grapes, lofty houses and learning are things that are difficult to find even in heaven but are common here” she expressed. She said “during my visit to the State I visited Srinagar, Tangdhar, Baramulla, Gulmarg and had the opportunity to see the beauty and culture of friendly and hospitable people, the ethos and diversity, as well as the progress and development of the State”.She stressed on building a future of hope and optimism for Jammu and Kashmir as a collective endeavour in which every person would be a participant and a contributor. “It requires that government, civil society and all communities and sections of the people of Jammu and Kashmir work together”. She said she was proud of the resilient and strong people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have demonstrated, over the past few years, their determination to move ahead on the constructive path of peace and progress.She said “all of us must work together for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir”. The State Government has taken a number of measures and initiatives to help create necessary conditions for development. The Government of India through centrally sponsored programmes and the Prime Minister”s Reconstruction Plan is committed to strengthen the economic and social infrastructure of the state. She congratulated the State Government, particularly the Chief Minister, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad for taking the state forward on the road to development. She said “we can all work together to create a prosperous and peaceful Kashmir. As the great Kashmiri poet, Mehjoor has written:-”Valo haa baagvaano, navbahaaruk shaan paadaa kar. Phulan gul gath karan, bulbul tithe saamaan paadaa kar”O Gardner Create the glory of spring and make the flowers bloom and the birds sing”.”The reference to spring and flowers in this beautiful composition by Mehjoor, reminds me of the occasions that I had, to meet groups of women and children who came from Jammu and Kashmir to Rashtrapati Bhavan. When I met them in the Mughal Gardens, which have been inspired by the beautiful gardens of Kashmir, I was struck by the thought that just as the many varieties of flowers make a garden beautiful, the diversity of our people has created the vibrant Indian nation. I am confident that our unity in diversity will lead the country to greater glory. I am also confident that the spirit of Kashmiriyat will flourish and the fragrance of mutual love and affection will spread beyond the precincts of Jammu and Kashmir and become a way of life”, she said. Governor, Jammu and Kashmir and Chancellor of the Kashmir University Retd. Lt. Gen. S. K. Sinha and Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad who is the pro-chancellor of the University also spoke on the occasion. The Vice Chancellor of the University Mr. Riyaz Punjabi while presenting his welcome address said that the 55 years old Kashmir University has made an immense contribution in spreading knowledge far and wide. He said that with eleven faculties, 25 departments, 120 affiliated colleges conducting 172 programmes and courses and with vibrant centres of research, the University is growing leaps and bounds. He hoped the Institute on Kashmir Affairs will add to the glamour of the University by arranging various seminars, researches and programmes on Kashmir affairs. Among others the Ex-President of Sri Lanka Chandrika Kumaratunga, Union Minister for Water resources Mr. Saifu-ud-Din Soz, Union Minister for Rural development Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyer, Minister for Women Affairs for Afganisthan, Dr. Husn Ara Gazanffer, ex-Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah besides others were present on the occasion.
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by APakistanNews.Com.)
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