Zarmasatam Poshte

 

Shravan Purnima

On 3rd August 2020, was the Shrāvan Purnima, a particularly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. It marks the end of Shrāvan or Savan and ushers in Chaturmas, four months full of important festivals.

Shrāvan 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 (Amar Kathā) 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).

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.

*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.

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.

Amarnath yatra is completed today with 'Chadi Mubarak' when two maces representing Shiv and Shakti are carried ceremonially to the Amaranth cave where Vedic hymns are chanted and pooja performed by devotees.

Kashmiri Pandits perform Partheshwar Pooja (Rudrabhishek) 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.

**(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.)

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.

https://youtu.be/mDIMoNANeo4

On this Day, according to Hindu Dharma these things are considered auspicious and bring good Karma:

●Feeding a cow, after taking a ritual snan (dip) in a river.

●Feeding an ant or fish, reminding us that the smallest of lives whether on earth or water have significance.

●Dān, especially donating a cow is considered auspicious.

●Dān to a Brahmin and feeding a Brahmin.(Brahmins were the repository of knowledge and left their worldly goods to pursue knowledge).

●It is tradition to change sacred thread, Janeau on Shravan purnima.

(Courtesy *Amarnath blogspot and
**Sh. Dalip Langoo)

Sonal Sher 

Article 370 Neutered: One Year ON

Resilience: 30 Years in Exile of Kashmiri Pandits - EASY TO DOWNLOAD

The Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society (KPCS) team is pleased to share with you a pdf/soft copy version of the book, "Resilience: 30 Years in Exile of Kashmiri Pandits" 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.

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. 

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.

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. 

Download the publication, "Resilience: 30 Years in Exile of Kashmiri Pandits" here.

Please follow us on Twitter: @KPCSUK

BOOK LAUNCH: "Resilience" first person accounts of exodus launched by KPs in London

It's been a long and difficult journey- these past 30 years in exile.

But we lived it with dignity and we showed Resilience in face of adversity.
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 building- not revenge.

For queries regarding the publication, please email: kpcsevents@gmail.com

We Remember: The Journey of Kashmiri Pandits, a play by volunteers of KPCS

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.

The programme We Remember 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.

The team of volunteers who performed in the play, We Remember: The Journey of Kashmiri Pandits in London

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.

Princess Kota at Sharadapeeth
at her graduation exam
in 14th Century, Kashmir

We therefore, Remember, never to forget. We Remember, so we may return and live in Kashmir via our progeny.
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.

Kota and her daughter Nainika
in the year 2019, London

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.

Kota as a bride-to-be
in the year 1990, Kashmir

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.

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.

'Traumatised Kota had to leave her home at the behest of Jehadi slogans'
Scene from: We Remember, a KPCS theatre production

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. 

                                        Scene from: We Remember, a KPCS theatre production

Invitation to "We Remember: The Journey of Kashmiri Pandits"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Come, be a part of this journey on 14th September 2019 at the Zoroastrian Centre, Rayner's Lane.

To RSVP please make sure you have registered your Free Ticket on Eventbrite. Click here to reserve your tickets.

Announcing the Parliamentary Launch of "Resilience: 30 Years in Exile"

KPs support the Article 370 Abrogation Announcement by PM Modi

The Modi government's decisions, to neuter Article 370 of our Constitution and to reorganise the State of Jammu and Kashmir, are truly epochal.

Article 370 was the veritable foundation on which a bigoted Muslim State of J&K was raised on the territory of secular India.

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.

We promise our unflinching support to the government for this cause and are available to contribute in all the manner we can. 

Bharat Mata ki Jai! 

Jammu and Kashmir Day Celebrated in UK Parliament: Patriot Maj Gaurav Arya as Guest of Honour

On 26^th October 2017 Jammu and Kashmir day was celebrated for the third year in running in the UK Parliament to mark the 70^th 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. 

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. 

Watch Maj Gaurav Arya's speech by clicking here.

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^th 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. 

Lakshmi Kaul, Curator & Director, Jammu Kashmir Festival welcomed Maj Arya to the UK, “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.”

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 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.”

Stating that the Indian Army is a moral army, Maj Arya said, “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, Maj Arya said, “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?” 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. 

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, “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.” 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, “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.” 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.”

In addition to speaking at the Parliament, Maj Arya also participated in a panel discussion at Oxford University on Friday, 27^th October. There was also a debate at Kings’ College London on Saturday, 28^th 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.

27 Years in Exile: We Remember

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.

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.

All those who consider that the truth should 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 .

Available on Amazon for £2 and in print for £5 ( plus postage) to despatch in UK.

Brought to you by KPCS UK , compiled by Anupama Handoo.

Order your copy now.

27 Years in Exile: Plight of Kashmiri Hindus (Pandits) and changing demography in J&K

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.
The programme will start promptly at 7 pm and will conclude at 9:00 pm.

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 who 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.

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.

For more details please email us: kpcsevents@gmail.com

Facebook users may RSVP by clicking here.

Broken Silence: Understanding Jammu & Kashmir

Seminar commemorating the 26^th year in exile of the KPs
held at the London School of Economics on 19^th January 2016.

On 19^th 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, 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.

“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.

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.

The key speakers at the seminar were: Dr Gautam Sen, a former LSE lecturer and a well-known writer & international political economist; Col (Dr) Tej K Tikoo (Retd), a Kashmiri Pandit, Vice President of the AIKS and the author of the book, Kashmir: Its Aborigines and Their Exodus;Tarek Fatah, a Canadian/Indian writer, broadcaster, a secularist and liberal activist and Bob Blackman MP, a Conservative politician and a strong voice on Jammu & Kashmir in the British Parliament. The session was co-chaired Kapil Dudakia, leading political commentator and Lakshmi Kaul, leading Kashmiri Pandit activist and founder of KPCS UK.Brief interventions were made by Ranbir Singh of the Hindu Human Rights and Syed Zafar Abbas from the Shia Muslim community.

“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 Lakshmi Kaul, founder of Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society UK (KPCS UK) and the organiser of this seminar.

Dr Gautam Sen 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, “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.

Tarek Fatah 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 'Amanki Asha Tamasha' (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.”

Col Tej Tikoo spoke about the changing demography 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 been 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 radicalization was the reason why we had to leave our homes and flee to save the lives and honour of our families, especially women.

Bob Blackman MP 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 made a strong plea for opening of Holocaust museum for Kashmiri Hindus in London to educate about dangers of Jehadi radicalisation.

An intense Q&A followed these very informative sessions by the speakers. The seminar was very well received by students, researchers and professionals alike. Danish Alvi from Pakistan,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 “Chahe Bharti hon Ya Pakistani, dil to phirbhihai Hindustani. MazhabNahisikhataapasmeinBerrekhna, ham hainhindiwatanhai Hindustan Hamara(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)

Gayatri Rawtal, President of the Queen Mary Indian Society 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.'

“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 Jaymin Patel, President of KCL India Society.

“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.

The seminar was followed by a large number of people around the world including the Kashmiri Pandits. Dalip Langoo, a KP residing in India congratulated the organisers and said, “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 ‘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.”

'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

Speaking about the expectation from the seminar, Lakshmi Kaul 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.”

KPCS UK is nominated for the National Diversity Awards 2015

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. LAST DATE FOR VOTES: 21st June 2015

It's simple really... Click here and type in a small para about why you think KPCS deserves to win. That's it!

We at KPCS pride ourselves in being inclusive and democratic. We value our volunteers 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.

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.

To know more about us please follow our Facebook page: KashmirRevisited and our website: www.kpcsuk.org

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.

Thank you,

Lakshmi Kaul.

British NRI Leads to Secure Free places for Refugees while the country observes World Refugee Day

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

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. Mr. Pravin Ramchandra Pote-Patil is the Minister of State for Industries & Mining, Environment, Public Works (excluding Public Undertakings) and the President of P.R.Patil Group of Educational Institute. 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.

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.

There are over 50 million people world over who have had to flee their homes owing to human rights violations.

 "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.

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.

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, " Brilliant work! The West Pak Refugee youth are in such dire straits..doing it for them makes it truly historical.. never done before. Congratulations!"

The team also met the 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.

Contact:

Ms. Lakshmi Kaul
Founder & Executive Member, Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society, UK
Chair of Public Relations, Hindu Forum of Britain
Email: kpcsevents@gmail.com

Mr. Siddhartha Acharya
Lawyer, Activist & Film Maker
Email: siddharthacharya90@gmail.com

Upholding Religious Traditions in Foreign land

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.

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. 

 "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)," says Lakshmi Kaul, Founder & Executive Member of KPCS UK.

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.

"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," says Madhava Turumella, a Hindu scholar and priest who conducted the hawan along with the Shri Rama Krishna temple, Romford Priest Sanjay Pandit.

"It is wonderful to see our community connecting to roots and initating young children in these events," says Sunil Raina from New Delhi, India. " 

Kheer Bhawani is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Kheer Bhawani (originally just Bhawani) constructed over a sacred spring in Kashmir.The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir. The temple is situated at a distance of 14 miles east of Srinagar near the village of Tul Mul. The term kheer 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.

"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

For more photos please click here

For further details, contact: kpcsevents@gmail.com

Also published in Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar