SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government announced on Saturday the formation of an apex committee to oversee the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, addressing the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave in Srinagar, called upon members of the community to establish industries, academic institutions, and cultural centers in the region, describing such initiatives as an enduring legacy of their heritage.
Sinha's Address at the Conclave
Speaking at the event titled "Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave: From Exile to Excellence," held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Sinha termed the gathering a "moment of transformation." He noted that the presence of business leaders, corporate heads, technology entrepreneurs, and cultural icons sends a powerful message of confidence in the peace and administrative stability of Jammu and Kashmir under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The conclave brought together members of the Kashmiri Pandit community and dignitaries to discuss heritage, identity, and the community's contributions across various fields.
Call for Investment and Contribution
Sinha urged the Kashmiri Pandit community to set up industries, academic institutions, and cultural establishments in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that these would become an immortal story of their heritage and provide opportunities for generations to come. He stressed the need for their contribution across industry, education, arts, and spirituality.
"I believe the true measure of life lies in what we give back, in the hope we inspire, and in the change we leave behind for our society and nation. That is the essence of a meaningful life and that is the real service. And it is this legacy that will continue to guide and inspire generations to come," Sinha said.
Reflections on the Past
Sinha recalled the 1990s, when the Kashmiri Pandit community was forced to leave everything behind and live in exile in their own country. He noted that their lives marked by pain and struggle presented only two choices: despair or rebuilding. "They chose creation, rebuilding and selfless service and in doing so, the community made history. Carrying the weight of massacre, they never turned away from their purpose."
"Today, I am proud that the Kashmiri Pandit community is celebrated for reaching new heights of success. The world honors their talent, leadership, and contributions to humanity," Sinha added. "You turned struggle into strength, and that struggle forged community leaders who achieved excellence in technology, finance, medicine, the arts, and civil services. In that struggle your commitment produced entrepreneurs who built companies shaping global markets, and I believe it also produced scholars who enriched the academic world and influenced policy."
A New Jammu and Kashmir
Sinha asserted that the return of the Kashmiri Pandit community reflects the birth of a new Jammu and Kashmir after 2019. "The strength of this new Jammu Kashmir reflects your resolve. Its hope reflects your vision. Jammu Kashmir, which witnessed the massacres, pain, and displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community has been transformed into a centre of reconstruction by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.
Government's Commitment
Nasir Aslam Wani, an adviser to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also addressed the event. He acknowledged that a "tempest swept through Kashmir in the 1990s and it affected everyone. It was equally devastating for Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims." Wani noted that in 2009, the government of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir under Omar Abdullah had constituted an apex committee to oversee and facilitate the return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. He announced that the committee would be revived soon, and the government would work in that direction.
