tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83659407417114567022024-03-13T05:56:10.950-07:00Kashmiri Pandits Cultural SocietyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-7336087494420389692020-08-11T01:59:00.001-07:002020-08-11T01:59:28.382-07:00Zarmasatam Poshte<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TI0IADFRxf8/XzJd4tEp42I/AAAAAAAAEHE/1kbUDoVuz5EGm4EzwNW5Zp3Fr2zFsSnwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1008/2290800F-890E-4294-93DB-E908BE6FA792.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TI0IADFRxf8/XzJd4tEp42I/AAAAAAAAEHE/1kbUDoVuz5EGm4EzwNW5Zp3Fr2zFsSnwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2290800F-890E-4294-93DB-E908BE6FA792.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-12232822158036865342020-08-03T05:50:00.000-07:002020-08-04T05:56:16.224-07:00Shravan Purnima <div dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0FNJamPhd4/XylaYYdhSpI/AAAAAAAAEGo/Za-ITqJMSlQD3uYbhQ1wI43AYfy-1rpygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/Screenshot_20200803-125831_Samsung%2BInternet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1000" height="127" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0FNJamPhd4/XylaYYdhSpI/AAAAAAAAEGo/Za-ITqJMSlQD3uYbhQ1wI43AYfy-1rpygCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h127/Screenshot_20200803-125831_Samsung%2BInternet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>On 3rd August 2020, was the <i>Shrāvan</i><i> Purnima</i>, a particularly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. It marks the end of <i>Shrāvan</i> or <i>Savan</i> and ushers in <i>Chaturmas</i>, four months full of important festivals. <br /><i><br />Shrāvan</i> is celebrated differently in different parts of India but in Kashmir it holds a special significance. Kashmir is Lord Shiva and Mā Parvati's abode. It is said the Lord Shiva recited the story of immortality (<i>Amar Kathā</i>) to Devi Parvati after she questioned him on why He wore a Māla of skulls (Mündmala) around his neck. He told her that every time She is born, He adds a head to his Māla. As there are only three beings in the universe who know the story of immortality; the Trimurti; Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, no one else, even Gods were not allowed to hear Amar Katha as every one is required to take rebirth and regain their position which requires good Karma (virtues).<br /><br />But Devi Parvati insisted on hearing Amar Katha, so Lord Shiva decided to go somewhere remote where no living being could overhear Him, the holy cave at Amarnāth.<br /><br />*On way to Amarnath Cave, Lord Shiva left Nandi, The Bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he released the Moon from his hair (Jataon). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released his snakes. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he left their son, Lord Ganesha. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva left behind the five elements- Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Lord Shiva performed the Tāndava dance. Finally, Lord Shiva entered Holy Amarnath Cave with Parvati and took Samādhi on a Deer Skin and started to tell her the story.<br /><br />Mā Parvati was tired and fell asleep while Shiva was reciting the story but two pigeons in the cave overheard Him. To this day two white pigeons are sighted near the cave which is considered to be highly auspcious.<br /><br />Amarnath yatra is completed today with '<i>Chadi Mubarak</i>' when two maces representing Shiv and Shakti are carried ceremonially to the Amaranth cave where Vedic hymns are chanted and pooja performed by devotees.<br /><br />Kashmiri Pandits perform <i>Partheshwar</i> Pooja (<i>Rudrabhishek</i>) today. Traditionally, a visit to the Shakracharya hill was customary where soil was collected. It was mixed with mercury to form Shivling, Bhagwati and Ganpati for pooja.<br /><br />**(Lord's formation created from Prithvi so Paartheeshwar पृथ्वी + ईश्वर. We used to add mercury to the holy soil/clay and create Shiv Ling, Bhgawati and गणपति with this.)<br /><br />It is said that Shiva is easily pleased so all I have done today is pour some Gangajal (water from the river Ganga). I am attaching a link on how to do a proper Rudrabhishek here.<br /><br /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://youtu.be/mDIMoNANeo4&source=gmail&ust=1596620985491000&usg=AFQjCNFH05Z0TpatT_k5uo1p1T1srpyqDQ" href="https://youtu.be/mDIMoNANeo4" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/mDIMoNANeo4</a><br /><br />On this Day, according to Hindu Dharma these things are considered auspicious and bring good Karma:<br /><br />●Feeding a cow, after taking a ritual snan (dip) in a river.<br /><br />●Feeding an ant or fish, reminding us that the smallest of lives whether on earth or water have significance.<br /><br />●Dān, especially donating a cow is considered auspicious.<br /><br />●Dān to a Brahmin and feeding a Brahmin.(Brahmins were the repository of knowledge and left their worldly goods to pursue knowledge).<br /><br />●It is tradition to change sacred thread, Janeau on Shravan purnima.<br /><br />(Courtesy *Amarnath blogspot and<br />**Sh. Dalip Langoo)<br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Sonal Sher </div><div class="yj6qo"></div><div class="adL" dir="auto"><br /><div dir="auto"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-57255780403614268992020-08-03T04:07:00.001-07:002020-08-03T04:07:38.939-07:00Article 370 Neutered: One Year ON<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y9zISEhWim4" width="480"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-84271470200174589462019-10-17T03:02:00.001-07:002019-10-17T03:05:38.956-07:00Resilience: 30 Years in Exile of Kashmiri Pandits - EASY TO DOWNLOAD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society (KPCS) team is pleased to share with you a pdf/soft copy version of the book, <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1J646poIXK40ftsdujNJtdbW89K1OfnX8" target="_blank">"Resilience: 30 Years in Exile of Kashmiri Pandits" </a>that documents first person accounts of KP Exodus victims currently living in the UK - their story told in their own words that we have now made available for wide, free circulation.</div>
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These are real stories that have never been told before or shared in private with few. Noting how extensively our voices have been suffocated it is time that we speak up and tell these stories. </div>
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May I request you to circulate this publication widely to those on your mailing list so they may use the content to lobby their political representatives. The only request we have is to duly acknowledge Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society (KPCS) should content be used from the publication.</div>
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Please do share the publication that tells our common stories so that more and more people may be able to circulate it in their local networks. </div>
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<b><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1J646poIXK40ftsdujNJtdbW89K1OfnX8" target="_blank"><br /></a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1J646poIXK40ftsdujNJtdbW89K1OfnX8" target="_blank">Download the publication, "Resilience: 30 Years in Exile of Kashmiri Pandits" here.</a></b></div>
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Please follow us on Twitter: @KPCSUK</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-49502358736435273012019-09-15T03:31:00.003-07:002019-09-15T03:31:29.138-07:00BOOK LAUNCH: "Resilience" first person accounts of exodus launched by KPs in London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It's been a long and difficult journey- these past 30 years in exile.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">But we lived it with dignity and we showed Resilience in face of adversity.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Resilience:30 years in Exile is the anthology of real accounts of people who lived and suffered during the Kashmiri Hindu exodus in 1990s. Heart breaking stories of grit, determination and faith. Of striving for excellence, prosperity and nation build</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ing- not revenge.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>For queries regarding the publication, please email: kpcsevents@gmail.com</b></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-79066293081294298682019-09-15T03:24:00.003-07:002019-09-15T03:27:43.640-07:00We Remember: The Journey of Kashmiri Pandits, a play by volunteers of KPCS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iz3mc4sUv44/XX4R66g4FXI/AAAAAAAAEBE/oEY8ddrqjjoqL032fX3OG0oBMaPbTm_SACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/70438077_10158711485958776_3541122135218978816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iz3mc4sUv44/XX4R66g4FXI/AAAAAAAAEBE/oEY8ddrqjjoqL032fX3OG0oBMaPbTm_SACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/70438077_10158711485958776_3541122135218978816_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>This year in 2019, the Kashmiri Pandits are in 30th Year of exile, with justice far from being delivered. An entire generation has lived far away from where ‘Home’ could be and disconnected from their roots. The agony of their parents remains aloof as such a painful episode has been chosen by families to be best forgotten. Nobody talks about it! The world as it is has forgotten the pain, the trauma, the suffering that the Kashmiri Pandits have undergone. The episode of 1990 is still fresh in the memory of every single person who lived the horrors as a child, as a teenager or as an adult.<br />
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</i> The programme <b>We Remember</b> is essentially a journey, a project that KPCS has undertaken to connect children and young people to their roots. In doing so, document the stories of each family whether by first person accounts or by visual documentation of timeline of ad-dresses lived at by children for their families.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The team of volunteers who performed in the play, We Remember: The Journey of Kashmiri Pandits in London</span></td></tr>
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In India a landmark announcement of Article 370 abrogation and bi-furcation of J&K state into two Union Territories, namely, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has resulted in much debate and discussion. Welcomed wholeheartedly by majority, especially Kashmiri Pandits, the actual justice delivery and the dream of a safe return & rehabilita-tion of Kashmiri Pandits remains a distant reality.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp-nry0VVJY/XX4MGpmbJ3I/AAAAAAAAD_M/ys7BzT8Y0wI3niWOwusBZgi6NVy2np7pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/71294172_2502619986464988_3173777550941880320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp-nry0VVJY/XX4MGpmbJ3I/AAAAAAAAD_M/ys7BzT8Y0wI3niWOwusBZgi6NVy2np7pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/71294172_2502619986464988_3173777550941880320_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Kota at Sharadapeeth <br />
at her graduation exam <br />
in 14th Century, Kashmir</td></tr>
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<b>We therefore, Remember, never to forget. We Remember, so we may return and live in Kashmir via our progeny.</b></i><br />
The play conceptualised and written by Lakshmi Kaul, has been directed by Aarushi Thakur Rana. The performers are all Kashmiri Pan-dit children and their parents, each of them amateurs who connect to the journey in their personal lives. Each of them have a story to share, their own family’s story of resilience and survival.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kota and her daughter Nainika <br />
in the year 2019, London</td></tr>
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The central character, Kota, has been inspired by the story of the Last Queen of Kashmir, Kota Rani, as told by Rakesh Kaul, a USA based writer who introduced Kota to the world via his lucid description of the 14th century ruler of Kashmir.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mh1C278NkNI/XX4MPYhFzRI/AAAAAAAAD_U/CTlKrZOfXrkkmT7Xj-y6puebrfeGRlRrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/69875356_2502620946464892_1521843394148564992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mh1C278NkNI/XX4MPYhFzRI/AAAAAAAAD_U/CTlKrZOfXrkkmT7Xj-y6puebrfeGRlRrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/69875356_2502620946464892_1521843394148564992_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kota as a bride-to-be <br />
in the year 1990, Kashmir</td></tr>
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The play is set in three time periods: 2019 where you meet Kota as a Mother; in 1990 where you meet Kota, the bride; and 14th Century where you meet Kota the Princess, who is at her Graduation Ceremony at Sharada Peeth University.<br />
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The play is presented to you in a way to not only tell the story of the journey, but also showcase the life, heritage, history and contribution of Kashmiri Pandits to the world.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mh1C278NkNI/XX4MPYhFzRI/AAAAAAAAD_U/CTlKrZOfXrkkmT7Xj-y6puebrfeGRlRrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/69875356_2502620946464892_1521843394148564992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">'<span style="color: blue;">Traumatised Kota had to leave her home at the behest of Jehadi slogans'</span><br /><i>Scene from: We Remember, a KPCS theatre production</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8B6B8MTnzg0/XX4ODYt5POI/AAAAAAAAD_k/QiwAOLKQsdwIiV9DUS706P0Za4iF3V-ZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/69937661_2502620209798299_7531367746450227200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8B6B8MTnzg0/XX4ODYt5POI/AAAAAAAAD_k/QiwAOLKQsdwIiV9DUS706P0Za4iF3V-ZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/69937661_2502620209798299_7531367746450227200_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">At her Graduation exam, Kota faced sharp questions from Jyotish
Pandit, the foremost astrologer; Koka Pandit, dedicated to life sciences and
and Devaswami, the head of the Sharadapeeth University and Chief Tantri of the
Associated temple</span><span style="color: #943634; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. </span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #943634; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"> Scene from: We Remember, a KPCS theatre production</i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-73188705076632618832019-09-01T10:36:00.000-07:002019-09-15T03:35:39.075-07:00Invitation to "We Remember: The Journey of Kashmiri Pandits"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyfnThJ-EiM/XX4TZ3AkBDI/AAAAAAAAEBY/uPo4iRk9KtwhN-b7fDudiNRDI8F6ee6xQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Poster%2B14%2BSept%2Bevent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyfnThJ-EiM/XX4TZ3AkBDI/AAAAAAAAEBY/uPo4iRk9KtwhN-b7fDudiNRDI8F6ee6xQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Poster%2B14%2BSept%2Bevent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As historic events unfold in Jammu and Kashmir, the Kashmiri Pandits (Hindu minorities from Kashmir valley) continue to be in exile, bereft of justice. The journey home remains a dream yet life's challenges are bravely met with by courageous members of this small but significant community. 30 years equals an entire generation that has lived in suffering, physical as well as emotional. This is a journey of finding the homes that are lost, identity that has been targeted and a faith that has been attacked.</div>
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A poignant remembrance of the "Journeys of Homes" presented by the children and friends of the Kashmiri Pandit (Hindu) community celebrates the resilience and resolve of these individuals and families. Come and join us as we remember the sacrifices of those who laid their lives in this journey; as we look ahead to the resolve that our children present to look ahead and build a future, together.</div>
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Come and be part of a moving play conceptualised by Lakshmi Kaul, Directed and Written by Aarushi Thakur Rana, that depicts the journeys of exodus of Kashmiris living in the United Kingdom. The event showcases a special exhibition of life in Kashmir along with the Journey of Exodus, curated by the children both from the Kashmiri Pandit community and non Kashmiri families living in London.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7uEHPRrU6qo/XX4T5MrhsFI/AAAAAAAAEBg/VjalXUJ2MecEAqCuSUpa64u5ZZ5NEezhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Col%2BTej%2BTikoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="277" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7uEHPRrU6qo/XX4T5MrhsFI/AAAAAAAAEBg/VjalXUJ2MecEAqCuSUpa64u5ZZ5NEezhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Col%2BTej%2BTikoo.jpg" /></a>A special key note address on the developments in J&K along with an insightful talk on the Kashmiri Pandit exodus will be delivered by Col Tej K Tikoo, a Kashmiri Pandit activist and political commentator from India.</div>
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In order to give a flavour of Kashmiriyat in the typical tradition of sharing a traditional meal, simple Kashmiri meal will be served for the guests attending.</div>
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The entire programme and effort is voluntary and is being curated, compiled and presented by a team of volunteers with a view to educate members of public on the struggles and journeys of resilience of this tiny but significant community.</div>
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Come, be a part of this journey on 14th September 2019 at the Zoroastrian Centre, Rayner's Lane.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/we-remember-the-journey-of-kashmiri-pandits-tickets-68292995187" target="_blank">To RSVP please make sure you have registered your Free Ticket on Eventbrite. Click here to reserve your tickets.</a></span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-48032891229245453302019-09-01T10:28:00.001-07:002019-09-01T10:37:35.169-07:00Announcing the Parliamentary Launch of "Resilience: 30 Years in Exile" <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-55622159647770953252019-08-05T11:17:00.000-07:002019-09-01T11:22:44.680-07:00KPs support the Article 370 Abrogation Announcement by PM Modi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Modi government's decisions, to neuter Article 370 of our Constitution and to reorganise the State of Jammu and Kashmir, are truly epochal.</b><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Article 370 was the veritable foundation on which a bigoted Muslim State of J&K was raised on the territory of secular India.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took extraordinary political will and immense courage, to dismantle the privileged edifice that sustained jihad in Kashmir. No wonder this 'temporary' provision in our Constitution took so many decades to go. We, the patriotic Indians in general, and those from the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir strewn across the globe, in particular, are celebrating. Individuals or groups, speaking in our name to cast aspersions on the decisions and to attribute questionable motives, are a bunch of imposters trying to sow confusion and vitiate atmosphere. They never spoke up or acted as Kashmiri Pandits in the past even when the community was subjected to blood and gore and hounded out of the valley. Their dubious role in the past vis-a-vis the matter of Hindu genocide in Kashmir is a matter of record. Time and again they have emerged from the ranks of victims and survivors, only to collaborate with the perpetrators of our genocide and be complicit in their secessionist project. We, the resilient Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs, patriotic Kashmiri Muslims, valiant Dogras, proud Ladakhis and the rest of the conscientious Indians hail these emancipating decisions and cannot wait to see them implemented, resolutely, on ground.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We promise our unflinching support to the government for this cause and are available to contribute in all the manner we can. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Bharat Mata ki Jai! </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-73900374960484478442017-11-07T07:04:00.002-08:002017-11-07T07:11:48.880-08:00Jammu and Kashmir Day Celebrated in UK Parliament: Patriot Maj Gaurav Arya as Guest of Honour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On 26<sup>th</sup> October 2017 Jammu and Kashmir day was
celebrated for the third year in running in the UK Parliament to mark the 70<sup>th</sup>
year of the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India by the then Maharaja Hari
Singh with a packed room and in the presence of key dignitaries. Originally
celebrated as Accession Day, the date symbolises the union of the Kingdom of
Jammu and Kashmir with India which was later ratified in the State Assembly. </div>
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To
mark the occasion Major Gaurav Arya, a war veteran and former member of the
XVII Battalion, The Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army was invited all the way
from India to deliver the keynote address. The day was dedicated to the memory
of the many soldiers and members of Indian Armed Forces who have sacrificed
their lives on the line of duty. The programme was hosted jointly Jammu Kashmir
Festival team led by Lakshmi Kaul, Curator & Director, Jammu Kashmir
Festival and Bob Blackman MP. </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.republicworld.com/s/11213/delivered-in-the-british-parliament-major-gaurav-aryas-speech-will-make-every-indian-proud" target="_blank">Watch Maj Gaurav Arya's speech by clicking here.</a></b><br />
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Ms. Madhu Sethi, Counsellor (Political and International Organisation) graced
the occasion by her presence and also delivered a speech congratulating the
Jammu Kashmir Festival team for commemorating the date as Jammu and Kashmir
Day, establishing the importance and relevance of this date. Also present among
the dignitaries was leading businessman and philanthropist Mr. Rami Ranger who
in a highly emotive presentation gifted to Maj Arya “Don’t Break Up India”, a
book on the life of his illustrious father Shaheed Nanak Singh. To honour Maj
Arya and to mark the immense contribution of the Indian Armed Forces, Mr.
Blackman presented the Indian symbol of remembrance, the Marigold Pin Badge as
a token of love and respect to the Indian Armed Forces. Mr. Blackman while
speaking of the importance of the date, 26<sup>th</sup> October displayed a
copy of the Original Instrument of Accession saying that the accession was full
and final and ratified via a completely democratic process. </div>
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Lakshmi Kaul, Curator & Director, Jammu Kashmir Festival welcomed Maj Arya
to the UK, <i>“It is a pleasure and a
privilege to have a soldier who not only fought on the line of action on ground
zero defending the Indian borders but someone who despite a severe injury has
continued to defend the honour of Mother India via his contributions in the
media. Through him the members of public are able to see the true life of a
soldier and what hardships they go through in defending the borders. The
celebration of Jammu and Kashmir Day feels complete today as we honour the
brave martyrs, the soldiers and jawans serving the Nation on the borders as we
speak as well as their families who sacrifice a lot to make everyone feel safe
and secure. We must never forget what they do for us. So today, as we celebrate
70 years of the founding of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, we must not
forget the role of the Indian armed forces from across Army, Police, CRPF etc
in defending the life and honour of the people of India.”</i><br />
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A unique opportunity for audience to hear the perspective of the Indian soldier
that has been lacking in the UK saw a lot of enthusiasm and excitement in the
audience. Known popularly as The Patriot, Maj Gaurav Arya delivered a highly
inspirational speech with utmost humility, laying out facts on the table and
busting some of the popular myths around the role of Indian Army in the K
conflict. Introducing his regiment, he said, <i>“I am from the Kumaon regiment and I am wearing my regimental tie
today. In defending Kashmir and in defending Jammu and Ladakh, Maj Somnath
Sharma posthumously received India’s first Paramveer Chakra and I am from his
regiment.”</i> <br />
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Stating that the Indian Army is a moral army, Maj Arya said, <i>“Indian Army is a moral army and for 70
years, it has stood between India and misfortune. We are not strong simply
because we have the best weapons, we are strong because we are right.”
Acknowledging the gross human rights violations by Indian Army in Kashmir</i>,
Maj Arya said, “<i>Yes there have been human
rights violations by the Indian Army and it was wrong. Every one of the
soldiers responsible for these violations have been punished; many of who are
currently in the Tihar Jail in India. If a member of the Indian Army does wrong
they are punished. However, there are gross human rights violations of the
Indian Army personnel posted in Jammu and Kashmir, where they are abused and
attacked by terrorists – what about the human rights of the army officers and
jawans?”</i> Maj Arya also acknowledged the gross human rights violations of
minorities in Pakistan and those of the Kashmiri Pandits who suffered
persecution at the hands of Islamist fundamentalism. He added that it was after
the insurgency in 1989-90 that the Indian Army was first deputed in the valley.
Prior to that there was no need for the Indian army to be present in the valley
which was largely peaceful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Maj Arya’s hard-hitting speech dispelled a number of popular myths around the
role of Indian army including the strength of the Indian army posted in Kashmir
valley. He also spoke about the actual essence of ‘Azadi’ freedom struggle in
Kashmir and said, “<i>Whilst Jammu and
Kashmir has its own flag and its own constitution, why then do the freedom
fighters in Kashmir valley hoist ISIS or Pakistan flags? This is not an
indigenous movement but a externally funded movement. None of the terror groups
operating in Kashmir are of local, Kashmiri origin. They all have Arabic names.
The only separatist organisation to have Kashmiri origin was the Jammu Kashmir
Liberation Front (JKLF) which has now been dissolved.”</i> A 25 minutes long
keynote speech by Maj Arya was followed by an hour long Question and Answer
session with the audience asking him questions ranging from the plebiscite and
UN resolution to role of army on the Siachen glacier, questions were raised
about the role of civil society in Pakistan and on the process of peace
building which were responded to by the guest speaker. In responding to the
question, how will we change the narrative, Maj Arya responded clearly, <i>“We already have a narrative which simply
needs to be discussed more often in the UK. The effort is to kill terrorism so
that no terrorists are created and young people are prevented from being
radicalised.”</i> Upholding peace and harmony, Maj Arya said, “We want peace
with Pakistan but we want peace with honour. We call India, Bharat Mata (our
Mother India) – if we don’t defend your Mother’s honour then who will? As a
soldier, I have no malice against the people of Pakistan – they are like us.
The problem in Pakistan is not the people but the Deep State and the Pakistani
Army. Once democracy prevails in Pakistan in the true sense, then India and
Pakistan will have a peaceful co-existence.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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In addition to speaking at the
Parliament, Maj Arya also participated in a panel discussion at Oxford
University on Friday, 27<sup>th</sup> October. There was also a debate at
Kings’ College London on Saturday, 28<sup>th</sup> October where he spoke along
side academic and writer, Victoria Schofield, human rights activist and the son
of JKLF Chief Hashim Qureshi, Junaid Qureshi; writer and human rights
campaigner from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Shabir Choudhary; academic
and political commentator, Prof Z U Khan and Lord Nazir Ahmed. The otherwise
peaceful debate at Kings’ college was disrupted when Lord Nazir Ahmed spoke in
a highly provocative tone against India and made direct attacks at the fellow
panellists and audience, pointing fingers at them in a highly defamatory tone.
It is alleged that Lord Nazir Ahmed tried to influence the student organisers
to dropping Maj Arya from the panel and also tried to change the order of the
programme on the day via his office. The student organisers and authorities
have received complaints against Lord Nazir Ahmed since the event from the
attendees.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-68772657750728458492017-01-04T00:50:00.000-08:002017-01-03T16:19:11.502-08:0027 Years in Exile: We Remember<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91CRu3xcdew/VL7MRC20lkI/AAAAAAAADEo/060831H7jK0/s1600/book_We%2BRemember.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91CRu3xcdew/VL7MRC20lkI/AAAAAAAADEo/060831H7jK0/s640/book_We%2BRemember.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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A lot of Hard work and convincing has gone into documenting the heartbreaking stories of community members who had to leave their centuries old abode due to the madness that plaugued Kashmir valley in 1989/90.</div>
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Since these are personal emotional accounts of the turmoil and the nightmare families had to go through , it remained etched inside memories and every time one would try to speak or think about it , a lump would block the throat.</div>
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All those who consider that the truth sh<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ould come out , or who share the pain of being exterminated or being thrown out of their land should read these personal accounts to find out the real story of human tragedy , which has remained largely untold .</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/25-YEARS-EXILE-Remember-Kashmiri-ebook/dp/B00VRWMQYI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453510185&sr=8-1&keywords=25+years+in+exile" target="_blank">Available on Amazon</a> for £2 and in print for £5 ( plus postage) to despatch in UK.</div>
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Brought to you by KPCS UK , compiled by Anupama Handoo.</div>
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Order your copy now.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-54765132430547682492017-01-03T16:23:00.001-08:002017-01-03T16:23:01.918-08:0027 Years in Exile: Plight of Kashmiri Hindus (Pandits) and changing demography in J&K <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Please mark your diaries for a very important seminar on 18th January 2017 to be held in Committee Room 12, House of Commons organised by Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society, UK and hosted by Bob Blackman MP.</span></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The programme will start promptly at 7 pm and will conclude at 9:00 pm.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">During the 2 hours we will be looking at the issue of persecution of Hindus in the world especially in J&K region, Bangladesh and utilise this as an opportunity to understand the reasons for the same. We will also be looking at the Centre-State dynamics of Jammu & Kashmir, the creation of Child Soldiers in Kashmir, the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits suffering at the behest of the most recent incidents in the valley especially those w</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ho returned on the Prime Minister’s package. We will also be seeing a frank discussion on the plight of people living in the Pakistan Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (also referred to as Azad Kashmir) and the condition of minorities especially Hindus and Ahmadiya Muslims in Bangladesh and Pakistan. An insightful and intense programme, we hope to also utilise the opportunity to spend a few moments looking at efforts by individuals such as Francois Gautier in documenting the Persecution of Hindus in the form of a museum.<br /><br />I hope you will be able to join us and participate in this useful programme and show your support and solidarity to the many suffering communities.<br /><br />For more details please email us: kpcsevents@gmail.com</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-34973582934882275692016-01-22T16:47:00.001-08:002016-01-22T16:53:32.497-08:00Broken Silence: Understanding Jammu & Kashmir<div align="center" style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #141823; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Seminar commemorating the 26<sup>th</sup> year in
exile of the KPs <br />
held at the London School of Economics on 19<sup>th</sup> January 2016.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">On 19<sup>th</sup>
January evening, London School of Economics witnessed a historic seminar on the
History of Jammu & Kashmir at the London School of Economics. Organised
jointly by the Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society UK, <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">LSESU NHSF Hindu Sociey, LSESU India Society, LSESU Sikh Society with
support from Voice of Dogras, Queen Mary Indian Society, King's College London
India Society UCLU Indian Society and Imperial India Society, the seminar saw a
participation of over 200 people, most of who were students.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“In 2013, Lord Ahmad in a seminar at LSE
said that the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits was a myth created by Delhi. Later
on last year I had the opportunity to attend a seminar at the Parliament
organised by KPCS where the history of J&K was discussed and I got a chance
to hear the Kashmiri Pandits’ perspective and Dogra perspective of the exodus.
This was eye opening and we decided to organise a seminar at LSE putting
forward the voices that were unheard of in the Kashmir debate”, says Vivek
Nandha, a final year student of LSE.<br />
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During the 3 hour long seminar, presentations were made by Manu Khajuria,
Founder of Voice of Dogras and Dr. Vivek Kaul of KPCS UK, outlining the
geography, history and ethnic break up of Jammu and Kashmir and going onto
explain the historical events leading upto the Kashmir conflict. This set the
backdrop to the understanding of the K issue.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823;"><br />The key speakers at the seminar were: <b>Dr Gautam Sen,</b> a former LSE lecturer and a well-known writer & international political economist; <b>Col (Dr) Tej K Tikoo (Retd)</b>, a Kashmiri Pandit, Vice President of the AIKS and the author of the book, Kashmir: Its Aborigines and Their Exodus;<b>Tarek Fatah</b>, a Canadian/Indian writer, broadcaster, a </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secularism" title="Secularism"><span style="color: #141823; text-decoration: none;">secularist</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823;"> and liberal activist and <b>Bob Blackman MP</b>, a Conservative politician and a strong voice on Jammu & Kashmir in the British Parliament. The session was co-chaired <b>Kapil Dudakia</b>, leading political commentator and <b>Lakshmi Kaul</b>, leading Kashmiri Pandit activist and founder of KPCS UK.Brief interventions were made by <b>Ranbir Singh</b> of the Hindu Human Rights and <b>Syed Zafar Abbas</b> from the Shia Muslim community.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“It wasn’t easy organising a seminar on Jammu & Kashmir in a university environment. It was however, heartening to note the strong interest the seminar announcement generated among the student fraternity. Within days we had an oversubscribed registration list. A lot of opposition and doubt was raised by the miscreants questioning the seminar and its content. I commend the student organisers for making this seminar possible and demonstrating that truth only needs the will to be told. On this sad day that our community was forced out of our homes, it is heartening to know that finally perhaps some students and researchers may want to delve deeper into our suffering and write about them,” said <b>Lakshmi Kaul</b>, founder of Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society UK (KPCS UK) and the organiser of this seminar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #141823;">
Dr Gautam Sen</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #141823;"> spoke about the role of the
governments of India and Pakistan in the K issue and its internationalisation. Referring
to the geo-political fall-out in the region, he said, “</span>India
has already defeated Pakistan thrice and it will never give up Kashmir. Its
only worry is the geo-politics and the fact that Delhi comes under direct
threat if Kashmir is under threat.” Going onto talk about the unique character
of the state of J&K and the debate on Article 370, he said “Article 370
must not be touched at least not now. It will lead to civil war which Pakistan
wants to internationalize Kashmir. It is unfair to say that Article 370
protects the people of Kashmir when its original inhabitants have been expelled
and demography changed completely. The trouble in Kashmir is because of the
armed insurgency by Pakistan. Infact Pakistan Army without Kashmir has no
raison d'être; hence will never settle over it.” Dr Sen made a suggestion that
the government of India must spend on restoration of homes of the displaced KPs
and desecrated temples in the valley. <br /><o:p></o:p><br /><b>Tarek Fatah</b> spoke about the role of
Islamic radicalization and influence of Pakistan in the Kashmir trouble. Known
to never mince words said that “we are fooled and charmed by the '<i>Amanki Asha Tamasha</i>' (Quest for Peace
drama). We fail to recognise the dangers of radicalised Islam, something which
Valley witnessed in 1990. We are living in an era of vote banks and a lack of a
brave government which will call the problem what it really is. This sadly
means KPs will never go back to the Valley. Hence you have to ally with a whole
lots of other people including Muslims who are fighting jihadi terrorism. Speak
the truth and make allies. This is the only way to go forward.” <br /><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; border: none; color: #141823;"><span style="border: none;">Col Tej Tikoo</span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; border: none; color: #141823;"><span style="border: none;"> spoke about the changing d<span style="border: none;">emography of J&K, the forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and its impact on the rest of the state. He shed light on the torment Kashmiri Hindus had to undergo since 1948 including marginalisation & subjugation. He said, “the whole Jammu & Kashmir issue has b<span style="border: none;">een hijacked by a stretch of land between Verinaag and Uri heavily populated by Sunni Muslims. From 1971 to 1989 it became a political conflict and it did not become a religious problem until Zia UlHaque came into power in 1977.” He added that Islamic radi<span style="border: none;">calization was the reason why we had to leave our homes and flee to save the lives and hono<span style="border: none;">u<span style="border: none;">r of our families, especially women.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; border: none; color: #141823;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 14.5pt;"><span lang="EN-GB">Bob Blackman MP </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.5pt;">talked about the representation of the K issue in the British Parliament and the need for highlighting the Indian perspective. He said, “the MPs will represent what their constituents lobby them for and if you do not lobby your local MP about your plight, nobody will speak on your behalf. You must document personal stories of tragedy and share them extensively so that people are aware.” He </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.5pt;">made a strong plea for opening of Holocaust museum for Kashmiri Hindus in London to educate about dangers of Jehadi radicalisation.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 14.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">An intense Q&A followed these very informative sessions by the speakers. The seminar was very well received by students, researchers and professionals alike. </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Danish Alvi from Pakistan,</b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">found the seminar highly educative: “Let me say that, despite belonging from Pakistan, this was one of the best events I have attended. For all those people who were assuming it would have been a biased talk (including me), they were somewhat mistaken. Pakistani viewpoint was appreciated and rather we were encouraged to take a look at our own viewpoint for more and better introspection.” Quoting the poet Iqbal, he said “</span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chahe Bharti hon Ya Pakistani, dil to phirbhihai Hindustani. MazhabNahisikhataapasmeinBerrekhna, ham hainhindiwatanhai Hindustan Hamara</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Whether it is India or Pakistan, our heart is still Indian. Faith doesn’t preach hatred. We are all Indians and India is our home)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Gayatri Rawtal, President of
the Queen Mary Indian Society</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> feeling the pain of the exodus said, “An unfortunate
politicised happening that scarred several lives; displacing the Kashmiri Pandits
from their motherland and by far detaching them from exercising their basic
human rights. A heart-wrenching event in Indian history reinstating patriotism,
harmony and more robustly- humanity.'<br />
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“Kings’ College London India society has taken part and supported the broken
silence: understanding jammu and kashmir. As it allows students to gain a
detailed first hand perspective on issues in the region. This offers students
an opportunity to enhance and develop their knowledge, but also provides a
platform for students to share their views and insight,” said <b>Jaymin Patel, President of KCL India
Society.<o:p></o:p></b></span><span class="textexposedshow"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #141823; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span><span class="textexposedshow"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #141823; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Voice
of Dogras is supporting the Seminar which marks the the shameful chapter in
J&K's history, a day when the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits cleansed the
Valley of its original inhabitants. Reminding ourselves of the past is a way to
make sure we do not repeat history and work for a better future. The Seminar is
path breaking because it also touches upon the perspectives of the other
communities who call J&K home and how they have been impacted by conflict.
VOD believes that everyone has a right to tell their story and this Seminar
attempts to do the same,” said Manu Khajuria, the founder of VoD.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />The
seminar was followed by a large number of people around the world including the
Kashmiri Pandits. <b>Dalip Langoo</b>, a KP residing in India congratulated the
organisers and said, “</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #141823; line-height: 107%;">We can never ever forget the horrors
of 19 Jan 1990 and shiver even today goes down the spine with a deep shrill
that all the faces of my family members, two little sisters, mother and father
all were traumatized by the shouting speakers from nearby mosques. I along with
my neighborhood friends was planning how to rescue people in case of any attack
on our houses. 2000 plus mob across the river and more than 3000 from our end
of the river Jhelum that we referred to as ‘<span class="textexposedshow">Vyeth’
locally, were ready for the mass massacre of Hindus. Our neighbours were
whispering, hiding something from us, what was that no one knew. In the middle
of the night when small armed cars and flag march happened all KP's were
rendered homeless and hapless. Thank you for highlighting the missing
perspectives at an international arena.”<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Whilst organising the seminar, the only
thing we that we were aiming to do was to highlight the varied voices that have
so far been unheard on the issue of Kashmir. I learnt a lot whilst preparing to
organise the seminar and I was very pleased knowing that the participants found
the event extremely informative and educational. I was asked when the next
seminar of this kind would be held!' said Sagar Ghelani, who is the current
president of the LSESU NHSF Hindu Society and the co-organiser of this event</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Speaking about the expectation from the seminar, </span><b style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Lakshmi Kaul</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 17.12px;"> said, “the seminar is only a first tiny step to urge the academic fraternity to write and research our stories. There is a huge gap when it comes to the documentation of the history of the Jammu & Kashmir state. There is a dire need for setting up studentships and research projects in British universities as well as collaborative projects between Indo-British universities on this subject. The geo-politics is only one element of the history of J&K. The socio-cultural traditions and language are on the brink of extinction so are the various forms of art and heritage. Temples have been desecrated and with them the religious traditions are endangered. I hope that as a result of our efforts, someone among the academia will be able to research and thereby preserve the history and fabric of Jammu & Kashmir.”</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-76981799733448765882015-06-20T10:00:00.002-07:002015-06-20T10:00:56.332-07:00KPCS UK is nominated for the National Diversity Awards 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We are pleased and humbled to share the news that Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society (KPCS UK) has been nominated for the National Diversity Awards 2015. To win this prestigious Award we are required to request you for your votes. <b>LAST DATE FOR VOTES: 21st June 2015</b></div>
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<b>It's simple really...<a href="https://nominate.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/Nominate/Endorse/25719?name=Kpcs" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://nominate.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/Nominate/Endorse/25719?name=Kpcs" target="_blank">Click here and type in a small para about why you think KPCS deserves to win. That's it!</a></b></div>
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We at KPCS pride ourselves in being inclusive and democratic. We value our volunte<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ers who plan, nurture and execute community projects that enhance the exposure to our dying culture. We lead by example, work with Kashmir diaspora and other groups to spread awareness of our heritage and roots. We have created awareness in the British Parliament as well as in the local public. If you support the work that we do please vote for us.... and tell the organisers how we made a difference to your connection with Kashmir.</span></div>
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On behalf of Team@KPCS I request you to extend your kind vote and support to us. We have grown from strength to strength because of the fantastic spirit of team work and volunteerism. Each idea we came up with has seen the light of the day and concretised Ito successful projects.</div>
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To know more about us please follow our Facebook page: KashmirRevisited and our website: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kpcsuk.org%2F&h=HAQGc9G_k&enc=AZOWsvW45lk999FwKdql68pxv5RTS5maRlJAEdp0A4CUqzvX6cJCxF2rbljZN0IXQdAG1dc6EEcyNsIvcE3Vfu4MNy3s5ITmLcSPWp6exN0GLizJ7mM2ki97BFDeS_iu5bN6LstmPxLJzC7OlFZwZgzQC5N2qvEW1grzUDfi1vE1IqHIZvlSfYicBEt-hESPzQc&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.kpcsuk.org</a></div>
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My personal gratitude and thanks to each one of you for having made the journey thus far, worthwhile! Please do make your vote count if you support and appreciate our work.</div>
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Thank you,</div>
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Lakshmi Kaul.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-78505038740725426972015-06-20T09:32:00.000-07:002015-06-20T09:32:36.263-07:00British NRI Leads to Secure Free places for Refugees while the country observes World Refugee Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Free places granted by Hon'ble Minister of State Pravin Pote Patil for Refugees from J&K region at the PR Patil Group of Educational Institute, Amravati<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->A delegation led by Lakshmi Kaul, an activist
and campaigner based in London met with Hon'ble Minister of State Sh. Pravin
Pote Patil to discuss the plight of Hindu minorities in the J&K region
including the refugees in West Pakistan.<span style="background: #F6F6F6; color: #111111;"> Mr. Pravin Ramchandra Pote-Patil is the Minister of State for
Industries & Mining, Environment, Public Works (excluding Public
Undertakings) and the President of </span><b><span style="background: white; color: #252525;">P.R.Patil Group of Educational Institute.</span></b><span style="background: #F6F6F6; color: #111111;"> </span>Lakshmi Kaul is the Founder of
the leading organisation on Kashmiri Hindus, the Kashmiri Pandits Cultural
Society, UK, and the Chair of Public Relations for Hindu Forum of Britain (an
umbrella body with a membership of over 400 temples and organisations in the
UK). For the meeting with the Hon'ble
Minister, she was joined by Siddhartha Acharya, a lawyer, activist and film
maker who has made the film "Abandoned Cranes" on the plight of
Kashmiri Pandits that was screened at the British Parliament, Prerak Sharma,
lawyer & activist and Apoorva Khandeparkar, student and activist.<o:p></o:p></div>
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During the discussion when the delegates brought to the Hon'ble
Minister's notice how there were a number of displaced communities of Hindus
that could not afford higher education and were living in abysmal condition,
Mr. Patil was quick to offer atleast 100 free seats every year to deserving
students from the affected communities in the P. R Patil Group of Educational
Institute in Amravati, Maharashtra. The minimum fees per year per student is
around INR 80,000 which has been completely waived off for the atleast Hindu
Refugee students. However, boarding and lodging will need to be arranged for
the duration of the course. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There are over 50 million people world over who have had to flee
their homes owing to human rights violations. <o:p></o:p></div>
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"I am highly touched and impressed by Hon'ble Minister Sh.
Patil's commitment to help out the students in need and keeping them on the
career path. Being able to remain on the education and career the refugee
families will have hope of a secure future while they seek asylum and justice. The
interaction with the Hon'ble Minister and his understanding of the needs of the
communities suffering is notable. I was particularly moved by his devotion and
extra effort into ensuring that this discussion concretised into action. We
also discussed the need for greater interaction and association between
communities in India and the UK," says Lakshmi Kaul who was particularly
impressed by how approachable the Hon'ble Minister of State was to the members
of the public.</div>
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Hearing the announcement Ms. Trupti Patel, President of Hindu
Forum of Britain sent her best wishes to the Hon'ble Minister and has extended
an invitation to him to meet with key representatives of the Hindu community in
the UK. "We are very grateful to Mr. Patil for his support to the students
in need, especially the refugee Hindu communities in West Pakistan," said
Ms. Trupti Patel.</div>
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The annoucement has been welcomed by the members of the local
communities in J&K. The London based Dogra activist, Manu Khajuria
commended the effort saying, "<span style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); color: #141823;">
Brilliant work! The West Pak Refugee youth are in such dire straits..doing it
for them makes it truly historical.. never done before. Congratulations!"</span></div>
<span style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span>
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<span style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />The team also met the </span><span style="background: white; color: #141823; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hon'ble Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways &
Shipping, Sh Nitin Gadkari who congratulated the Hon'ble Mr. Patil for his
generous support the refugees from J&K region and extended his blessings to
this initiative. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br />Contact: </b><br />
<b><br />Ms. Lakshmi Kaul<br />
</b>Founder & Executive Member, Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society, UK <br />
Chair of Public Relations, Hindu Forum of Britain<br />
Email: kpcsevents@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mr.
Siddhartha Acharya<br />
</b>Lawyer,
Activist & Film Maker<br />
Email: siddharthacharya90@gmail.com<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-442706199070277882015-06-20T09:16:00.003-07:002015-06-20T09:16:29.630-07:00Upholding Religious Traditions in Foreign land<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hundreds of Kashmiri Hindus from in and around London attended the
2nd Annual Kheerbhawani puja and hawan at Rama Krishna Temple in Romford (East
London) on Sunday, 14th June 2015. Organised by the Kashmiri Pandits Cultural
Society, UK the effort was to recreate the actual Kheerbhawani puja held in
Kashmir and continue the religious traditions of the Kashmiri Hindu community.
A scattered community of around 400 families across UK, the Kashmiri Hindus,
the Pandits are a community in exile now in the 25th year. Through the years in
exile, some of the community members have gone on to make careers and build
their lives for the better however, owing to having been uprooted from their
homes the struggle over the years has not only remained limited to the
geo-political demand but also of identity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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KPCS UK
for the last 4 years has made a huge difference to the community cohesion as
well as awareness of not only the Kashmiri Hindu cause but also their
religious, social, cultural traditions. </div>
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<i style="text-align: justify;">"Our
effort has not just been to organise a puja but it is an effort to learn the
religious traditions and build awareness of our heritage and practices among
those living in the UK who are not Kashmiri. The Kheerbhawani puja is a classic
example of one such effort where non Kashmiri priests have picked up the
tradition and religious practice that is so unique to the Kashmiri Hindus
(Pandits),"</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> says Lakshmi Kaul, Founder & Executive Member of KPCS
UK.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVc4JKryjX0/VYWOK0dt-vI/AAAAAAAADNc/s8mz6a1r-6Y/s1600/Maa%2BRagyna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVc4JKryjX0/VYWOK0dt-vI/AAAAAAAADNc/s8mz6a1r-6Y/s320/Maa%2BRagyna.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The puja held in
Romford was the second one in the UK, the first ever having been organised in
Southall at the Vishwa Hindu Kendra last year by KPCS volunteers. The hawan and
puja was conducted in the methodology followed at the main Kheer Bhawani temple
with the mother Goddess seated inside a water body and offerings made to her at
the hawan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"We had a
wonderful puja and havan of Mata Tulmul Khir Bhavani (Kshira Bhavani) of
Kashmir. Felt totally blessed. Thanks to all the Kashmiri Hindu members at
KPCS,"</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #666666; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">says </span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Madhava Turumella, a
Hindu scholar and priest who conducted the hawan along with the Shri Rama
Krishna temple, Romford Priest Sanjay Pandit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"It is w</span><span style="background: #F6F7F8; color: #141823; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">onderful to see our community connecting to
roots and initating young children in these events," says Sunil Raina from
New Delhi, India. " </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3ykXLb5it4/VYWN-or10LI/AAAAAAAADL0/DQknskcRUOk/s1600/DSC03877_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3ykXLb5it4/VYWN-or10LI/AAAAAAAADL0/DQknskcRUOk/s640/DSC03877_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kheer Bhawani</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">is a temple
dedicated to the Goddess Kheer<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Bhawani<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(originally just Bhawani) constructed
over a sacred spring in Kashmir.The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among
the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Hindus<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Kashmir.
The temple is situated at a distance of 14 miles east of Srinagar<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>near the village of Tul Mul. The term<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>kheer</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>refers to rice pudding that is offered
in the spring to propitiate the Goddess, which became part of the name of the
temple. As is the custom with Hindu deities, she has many names: Maharagya
Devi, Ragnya Devi, Rajni and Ragnya Bhagwati. Because of the forced exodus in
1989-90 from the valley, Kashmiri Hindus have struggled to continue the
tradition of going to Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir. Traditionally, an annual
festival is held at Kheer Bhawani temple on the Jesht-Ashtami (may-june) when
Hindu visit the temple and offer prayers and perform hawan to please the mother
Goddess. The historic temple was built by the then Dogra ruler of Jammu &
Kashmir, Maharaja Pratap Singh. Later it was renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh
in 1912.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgev1Z9JNfE/VYWQ1THt7HI/AAAAAAAADNs/AMhw5bMUN30/s1600/DSC03884_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgev1Z9JNfE/VYWQ1THt7HI/AAAAAAAADNs/AMhw5bMUN30/s320/DSC03884_Fotor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in;">"I am a 17 year old Kashmiri Pandit. I was
16 months old when I came to this country and am now a British citizen. My
parents talk very fondly about their birthplace Kashmir which sadly because of
terrorism they are unable to visit. There are many families like ours in the
U.K who share a common heritage and ethnic identity. KPCS has played an
important role in bringing us all together and by holding events to preserve
our rich and unique heritage. Their group of dedicated volunteers encourage not
just my own community but other communities to work with each other and
contribute to the rich tapestry of this country." Says Tejas Kotwal<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.904390622954607.1073741832.311600718900270&type=3" target="_blank">For more photos please click here</a></b></div>
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For
further details, contact: <b style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;">kpcsevents@gmail.com</b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.asian-voice.com/News/UK/Upholding-Religious-Traditions-in-Foreign-land" target="_blank">Also published in Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar</a></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-33999902527782678072015-04-23T14:03:00.000-07:002015-04-23T14:03:39.990-07:00Announcing Kashmiri Language & Literature section on Syahee.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Team@KPCS is proud to be part of <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.syahee.com%2F&h=JAQGo3gma&enc=AZPvyYP-9IWhezItuEoqlWRAnjiGzlc3rxzpP3y9cb3Z1VMoevQ0plFTbzYirroBh5a2MVmTPL8uHweD1sSQxLsYJCZk6s9wwxlF6EComzh3GVW93dAEkEzvnYriqi49IZMALl2Ni4nq9fr1pidB72XdUQ2EFxiho-s_mLQI9-tNmKMbihIUzOCYJUvtNgK6qFGjvAI6zmHlKIH05yKDTI7M&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.syahee.com</a>, an online vernacular blogging and literature community. Inviting all of you to sign up and become part of this growing community of writers and readers.</div>
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To become a part of this community, all you need to do is sign up to www.syahee.com and start contributing. There is a group called Kashmiri Literature on the website, that you may like to join. </div>
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If you would like to write in Kashmiri, Hindi, Urdu or English, feel free to do so. In case you experience difficulty, let us know and we will help resolve it.</div>
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Look forward to reading your contributions on Syahee.com</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-56841592106246683862015-04-12T14:04:00.000-07:002015-04-23T14:09:24.265-07:00Andhra - KP Potluck in High Wycombe on 12th April 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-61842735823979803912015-03-15T14:18:00.000-07:002015-04-23T14:18:32.765-07:00Navreh & Zangtray Celebrations in London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Fantastic Zangtray & Navreh celebrations in London at Bhaktivedanta Manor organised by Team@KPCS. What a lovely day spent with our family of friends!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-292289108366807712015-01-20T13:46:00.000-08:002015-01-25T01:14:16.254-08:00BOOK RELEASE: We Remember 25 Years in Exile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 107%;">Kashmiri
Pandits Cultural Society, UK compiled a set of first person accounts of the KP
exodus contributed by the victims, now residing in the UK. The book is a set of
25 such stories called "We Remember: 19.01.1990". It was showcased at
the Memorial Event at House of Commons on 19th Jan 2015 and inaugurated by Bob
Blackman MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group of British Hindus and
Barry Gardiner MP. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;">Anupama
Handoo, Executive Member, KPCS UK and Editor, We Remember: 19.01.1990 says,
"It was extremely hard for people to put down their pain on paper. It
meant revisiting again and again that horrid winter and spelling out the
details from their memory. The horrifying winter over 25 years that they have
tried to overcome, they had to revisit and recollect. The contributors have
been extremely brave in putting these memories down for the world to read. I
commend their effort and courage."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;">"</span>These stories are
first person accounts of individuals and families that suffered. This is agony
put on paper of the Kashmiri Hindus who were forced to flee. This is our story
for the world to read. These are our wounds, the ones that have not healed. The
years may have moved on but time stopped, childhood wiped out and a whole
generation lost", says Lakshmi Kaul, Founder & Executive Member,
Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society, UK. Lakshmi is one of the contributors in
the book.<span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 107%;">The book may be
requested via email (<a href="mailto:anupamahandoo@kpcsuk.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">anupamahandoo@kpcsuk.org</span></a>) upon a modest donation
of £5 (for UK & Europe) and a special discounted rate of INR 200 for
India. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Funds raised will be utilised for future work and projects to preserve the heritage and culture of Kashmri Hindus.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-20595855127056864662015-01-20T12:00:00.000-08:002015-01-25T00:54:53.133-08:00Historic Early Day Motion in British Parliament: Team@KPCS take it to the next level<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">A historic thing happened on 20th Jan 2015. An Early Day Motion on the Kashmiri Hindus Forced Exodus Day has been tabled in the British Parliament by Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East), facilitated by the All Party Parliamentary Group of British Hindus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Team@KPCS was approached by the Secretariat of the APPG of British Hindus discussing that such an important EDM may help in building awarenesss among parliamentarians. A brilliant and brave step forward, to further the awareness about the Forced Exodus, KPCS supported the suggestion wholeheartedly and drafted the text of the EDM with help from senior political analysts.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">#SupportEDM712 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222;">A social media campaign: </span><span style="color: blue;">#SupportEDM712</span><span style="color: #222222;"> has been designed to build awareness about the KP Forced Exodus and to get more and more MPs to sign in.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2014-15/712" target="_blank">Regular updates on the EDM can be tracked by clicking on the link here.</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 23px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">What we as individuals can do?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-size: small;">What we need to do is to write to our local MPs - and it is very important we all do this - as many people writing is better for putting pressure. We need to write to our local MPs and urge them to sign it and support it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-size: small;">You don't need to be a Kashmiri Hindu in order to write to your MP urging them to sign this EDM 712. Any humanitarian and well meaning individual, can do that. Infact, we urge every one of you to take it upon yourself as your personal and moral responsibility to do it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: blue;">How to find your MP?</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 23px;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">In the search box on the page in link below...enter your postcode and search for your local MP accordingly:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.parliament.uk/mps-<wbr></wbr>lords-and-offices/mps/</a></span></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
COMMEMORATION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISPLACEMENT OF KASHMIRI PANDITS FROM JAMMU AND KASHMIR</div>
</h2>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Session:</strong> 2014-15</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Date tabled:</strong> 20.01.2015</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Primary sponsor:</strong> <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2014-15/5580/Blackman-Bob" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Blackman, Bob</span></a></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Sponsors:</strong> </span><ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2014-15/4261/Thomas-Gareth%20(Harrow%20West)" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Thomas, Gareth (Harrow West)</span></a> </span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2014-15/3740/Hancock-Mike" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Hancock, Mike</span></a> </span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2014-15/4087/Bottomley-Peter" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black; text-decoration: none;">Bottomley, Peter</span></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That this House commemorates with deep sadness the 25th anniversary of the attack in January 1990 by cross-border Islamic militants on the population of Jammu and Kashmir; expresses its condolences to the families and friends of all those who were killed, raped and injured in this massacre and also condemns the desecration of the holiest sites in Jammu and Kashmir; further expresses its concern that the Kashmiris who fled to save life and limb have still not secured justice for the atrocities committed against them; deplores those sponsoring such cross-border terrorist attacks and demands they cease immediately; and notes that the international principle of the responsibility to protect obliges individual states and the international community to take effective measures to prevent the commission of genocide and crimes against humanity as seen against the Kashmiri Hindu community.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-40202936547921437712015-01-20T08:10:00.002-08:002015-01-20T11:30:38.265-08:00Team@KPCS commemorates KP Forced Exodus day: London Awakens to the truth!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background: silver; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-highlight: silver;">WE REMEMBER: 19.01.1990<br />
Kashmiri Hindus Forced Exodus Day Commemoration</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hundreds of people in
London came together to commemorate the Kashmiri Hindus Forced Exodus Day
(19.01.1990).<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1gQ_E-QIvo/VL59x2kY6AI/AAAAAAAADCw/lZnKP1TBD9w/s1600/Peace%2Bwalk%2Breaches%2BTrafalgar%2Bsquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1gQ_E-QIvo/VL59x2kY6AI/AAAAAAAADCw/lZnKP1TBD9w/s1600/Peace%2Bwalk%2Breaches%2BTrafalgar%2Bsquare.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">On Sunday, 18</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> January,
people from all over London and around joined the Peace Walk organised by
Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society, UK in large numbers including several
Kashmiri Hindu families, most of who have been direct victims of the forced
exodus in the harsh winter of 1989-90. It was an emotionally charged atmosphere
that brought back the haunting memories of their pain. To offer support and
solidarity to their brothers and sisters, a number of other Hindu community
members joined in and extended their support.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">Before commencing the walk, Madhava
Turumella, Hindu Scholar and Vice President Hindu Forum of Britain chanted
prayers for peace. Offering prayers he said it is sad that, </span><i style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">"Kashmiri Hindu Pundits are living like refugees in
their own country. Perhaps this kind of misery only Yazidis in Iraq are facing.
This situation is not acceptable. I urge the Government of India to take all
necessary steps to restore the dignity and the homes of Kashmiri Pandits."</span> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Walking and singing together <span style="color: blue;">“We Shall Overcome”</span>, several people came together
to pray for peace and solemnly remember the 19.01.1990. </span></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>“For the first time after years, I witnessed passion, enthusiasm and
hope,”</i> </span>said Neetu Jalali, Kashmiri Hindu victim of 1990 exodus, resident of
London. </span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Dr. Ashish Tyagi who came from Colchester to participate in the walk
said, <i><span style="color: blue;">“it has been 25 long years in
search of justice - felt good joining and walking for a good cause.”</span>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Speaking to the people attending the
Peace Walk, <span style="color: blue;">Manoj Ladwa, India Inc.</span> reminded everyone that the world ought to
acknowledge the gruesome genocide of the Kashmiri Hindus and anno</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">unced a
slogan: <span style="color: blue;">"Je Suis Kashmiri Hindus" </span>to make the world put the genocide in
perspective. <span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">Commending the community for its
courage and resilience <span style="color: blue;">Simon Nayyar, (Conservative party Parliamentary
candidate, Feltham constituency)</span> said, “</span><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">Today as we stand here, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, in sympathy,
solidarity and support for humanity. I congratulate you for what you have
overcome and what you have since achieved. I salute you for your community's
contribution here in Britain and elsewhere. We share pride in your achievements
and in your undimming strength, courage and resolve. I am proud to stand here
today and join you in your calls for a just, peaceful and a lasting solution
which puts the past firmly in the past and enables all of us to look forward
with confidence to a brighter, securer and happier future. Our best wishes,
support and prayers are with you.”</span><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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A Memorial Event was organised the next day at the House of Commons, <span style="color: blue;">supported
by the All Party Parliamentary Group of British Hindus</span>, co-sponsored by <span style="color: blue;">Bob
Blackman MP (Harrow East) and Virendra Sharma MP (Southall & Ealing)</span>, to
offer tribute to the martyrs of the forced exodus. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The KPCS, UK have compiled a book of
first person accounts of victims of the exodus, living in England called “We
Remember: 19.01.1990”. This was released by Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East) and
Barry Gardiner MP (Brent North). </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4dOMJEllJE/VL6ADK_6vLI/AAAAAAAADDQ/rUScpzgwVNA/s1600/book_We%2BRemember_Anupama%2BHandoo%2BExecutive%2BMember%2BKPCS%2Band%2BBob%2BBlackman%2BMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4dOMJEllJE/VL6ADK_6vLI/AAAAAAAADDQ/rUScpzgwVNA/s1600/book_We%2BRemember_Anupama%2BHandoo%2BExecutive%2BMember%2BKPCS%2Band%2BBob%2BBlackman%2BMP.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">“It has been 25 years, and yet the camps into
which Kashmiri Pandits were forced remain. There have been no reparations made
for the brutal ethnic cleansing that was perpetrated. It hasn't been easy for
community members here in the UK to openly speak of the atrocities they
personally experienced and the hardship they continue to endure as a result, so
it is very important that Hindus have a voice. We must not forget what happened
and that their suffering continues to this day,” said Bob Blackman MP listening
intently to the first person accounts of the victims of the exodus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_Atf4W9MRk/VL6FYgdmThI/AAAAAAAADD0/HANbUqg9JDE/s1600/abandoned%2Bcranes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_Atf4W9MRk/VL6FYgdmThI/AAAAAAAADD0/HANbUqg9JDE/s1600/abandoned%2Bcranes.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">A special screening of a poignant
film, “Abandoned Cranes” was held. The film is made by a young Indian law
student & film maker, Siddhartha Acharya (23 years old) who captured the
factual sequences of events during the exodus –an attempt to document facts of
the Kashmiri Hindus’ displacement. The film features interviews of the likes of
Mark Tully, Francois Gautier, Jagmohan, some millitants and key Kashmiri Hindu
and other activists. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">At the Memorial Event, Ahmed Burjus, a member of the Yezdi community, spoke about the plight of the Yezdis and their ethnic extermination. Representatives of Bangladeshi Hindu community shared their stories too and the hapless, helpless state they are currently in. Both, starkingly similar to that of the Kashmiri Hindus plight. Adding to the discussion, Manu Khajuria (Ms) represented the Dogras, another Hindu community in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">A solemn reflection
and sharing of personal experiences provided for the first time a formal
platform, for the recognition of ethnic extermination of minority Hindus around
the world. </span><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i><span style="color: blue;">“It is very important for the international community to recognise and
accept that the genocide of the Kashmiri Hindus is infact a matter of global
concern – it ought to be acknowledged and justice sought and delivered
accordingly,”</span></i> <i>says </i>Lakshmi Kaul, Founder and Executive Member, Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society UK.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Messages of solidarity and support were sent in to the Kashmiri Hindu community from prominent members of the ethnic Indian community. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FwuLecoyQOE/VL5_FNviMeI/AAAAAAAADDA/huGkVWpWtS8/s1600/Lord%2BPopat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FwuLecoyQOE/VL5_FNviMeI/AAAAAAAADDA/huGkVWpWtS8/s1600/Lord%2BPopat.jpg" height="200" width="152" /></a></div>
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="color: blue;">“The Kashmiri
Pandit community, though small in numbers is renowned across the world for its
peaceful and loving nature. They continue to represent hope for other minority
communities who have faced similar hardships. I too have been a victim of
exile, having been exiled from Uganda in 1972 by the brutal dictator Idi Amin.
If there is one thing that I have learnt from my experience, then that is to
stand up and speak out against persecution of any kind,”</span> </i>said Lord Dolar
Popat, Government Whip, Lord-in-Waiting and Spokesman for Business, Innovation
and Skills and Transport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SC6o2UnSZa8/VL5_il3n69I/AAAAAAAADDI/_L4XJwbVQcI/s1600/trupti%2Bpatel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SC6o2UnSZa8/VL5_il3n69I/AAAAAAAADDI/_L4XJwbVQcI/s1600/trupti%2Bpatel.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">Trupti Patel, President of Hindu Forum
of Britain said, </span><i><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">“HFB stands hand in hand
with our Kashmiri Hindu brothers and sisters. We must not forget thousands of
Hindus who lost their life and also those who suffered horrific atrocities
during the ethnic cleansing of Kashmir.”</span><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><u>Contact:</u></span></b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Lakshmi Kaul<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Founder & Executive Member, Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society<br />
<a href="http://www.kpcsuk.org/">www.kpcsuk.org</a><br />
Email: <a href="mailto:lakshmikaul@kpcsuk.org">lakshmikaul@kpcsuk.org</a><br />Twitter: @KPCSUK<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-77681498101781436892015-01-09T10:46:00.001-08:002015-01-09T10:46:16.773-08:00Peace Walk @ Trafalgar Square on 18 Jan 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-44671387672681039072015-01-09T10:44:00.002-08:002015-01-09T10:44:16.040-08:00Memorial Event @ House of Commons on 19 January 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365940741711456702.post-20271065221351790082015-01-01T02:28:00.000-08:002015-01-01T02:28:16.987-08:00Team@KPCS Wishes you a Very Happy New Year 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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