Sh Amar Nath Vaishnavi Ji

Vashnavi ji tallest among his contemporaries

Dr Ramesh Raina  

It is difficult to define the persona of a person who devoted his life to the cause of the community and its people,he is none other than Lala Ji.His powerful presence instilled a sense of confidence in every KP and that is what set him apart from his contemporaries.His sense of helping attitude made him enter not only every house hold but his presence was felt in every conceivable area of the society. My father would often talk proudly about his contribution to Kashmir.He would tell us about the role he played in educating Ladakhi’s about their rights as there was a generalised feeling of neglect in them.The height of the things is that he had been send there on a punishment posting and he utilised the opportunity to the advantage of the deprived people.On learning about his activities,it is said that he was transferred back again. He became instrumental in awakening the people and making them conscious about the political life of the State(as told by my father).

While recollecting my memories about Parmeshwari agitation in 1967,I remember him as a man famous for the slogan Jaikara Har Har Mahadev and panch nara Pandava da chata nara jai Hind.I have grown with these slogans leaving a deep impact on me.Ever since I remained emotionally in touch with this saint.He was the most familiar face of that time and is credited in giving momentum to the agitation.

His post migration innings have also been remarkable as he played an important role in mitigating the problems of the people.That was the time when people had no where to go and nobody was there to listen to their woes.He emerged as the voice of Kashmiri Pandits at a time when it was needed the most.His contribution shall always occupy an important place in the History of Kashmiri Pandits as he was a giver without any expectations from any quarter.

I will quote my personal experience about an important incident were I was directly involved to have his participation.It so happened that we were invited to meet the joint parliamentary committee on the Relief and Rehabilitation of KP,s constituted by Ministry of Home Affairs to discuss its recommendations with them in Rajya Sabha Secretariat.Sh.Venkaiah Naidu was the Chairman of the said Committee,apart from him Sh.LK Advani and all other important leaders both from Government and opposition were its members,fortunately for us all of them were present that day in 2012.The meeting lasted for about two hours.Lala Ji was also required to be part of KP delegation. I frantically searched for him and came to know that he was operated for Prostate by Dr Bl Bhan and was admitted in Jeevan Hospital Delhi and was not possible for him to attend the meeting.Still I took a chance and rang him. After being told about the importance of the meeting he readily accepted and promised me that he would attend the meeting come what may.I was in for a big surprise and never imagined that he would make it against the medical advice.To my utter surprise he came to attend the meeting when he was still carrying the catheter with him and participated along with it.He was greeted warmly by Sh LK Advani there along with all the big leaders.The meeting turned out to be very productive and meaningful. That raised his profile many notches higher up.

Some are born great,greatness is thrust on some and some attain greatness.He was born great.Let his noble soul rest in peace.

DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed in the Article above are Author’s personal views and kashmiribhatta.in is not responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article.

Courtesy: penpricks:  27th June, 2020