Advisor to the Governor, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, today described Kashmiri Pandits as an integral part of Kashmiriyat and said that their return will restore the composite culture of our society.
He said he yearned for those days when Kashmiri Pandits usedto live alongside their Muslim brethren showering love and affection upon eachother.
Ganai, who is Advisor in-charge Culture Department, madethese remarks here where Ashok Dhar’s book – Kashmir as I see it: from withinand afar– was released.
Born and brought up in Kashmir, Ashok Dhar is an ex-alumniof NIT Srinagar and founding director of Kolkata Chapter of ORF (ObserverResearch Foundation). He has over 35 years of experience in the energy sector
Ganai congratulated the author for producing a volume whichgives insights into the age-old syncretic culture, traditions and valuesprevalent in Kashmir society. “Such works are fruit of painstaking labour,in-depth knowledge and exhaustive analysis,” he said while terming the book asa valuable addition to the already existing literature on Kashmir.
Those who attended the function included former DG Tourism,M. Ashraf, Director NIT Srinagar, Rakesh Sehgal, noted writer and formerSecretary Cultural Academy, Muhammad Yusuf Taing, former DivisionalCommissioner Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Naik,noted journalist, Muhammad Sayeed Malik, S. Kachroo from the Firms Associates Mumbai and senior members of theInstitution of Engineers, Kashmir Chapter. Senior columnist and journalist Mr.Manoj Joshi anchored the event.