Dr. Romesh Raina-General Secretary's Column - May 2009 Naad

The role of AIKS in community affairs is enlarging with each passing day. It is finding visibility in almost every conceivable area of the society. It is entering one of those historical periods that is characterized by a shift in public debate over the issues confronting the society. This assertiveness is finding its expression in the organizational policies and programmes.

Because of the widespread dispersal both at the physical and psy psychological level, apprehensions of getting the common ethnic roots affected loom large. This puts the uniqueness of Kashmiri Pandits as a distinct socio-cultural group under pressure. It is one of the unfortunate manifestations of the after effects of exile that create new issues and pose new challenges. In the specific context of its focus, the response would re-emphasize the organizational perception about the issue. That connectivity at all levels, including the global one, constitutes the desired response, is emerging as one of the important tasks for AIKS. There seems to be near unanimity on these key issues.

Our major activities during the last month have been -

(1) First Executive Committee Meeting

The newly constituted Executive Committee of AIKS, headed by its President Pt. Moti Kaul, held the first Executive Meeting at Constitution Club, New Delhi on the 19th April, 2009. The participants included the immediate past President of AIKS Pt. M. K. Kaw and his team, in addition to the current Executive Members who had come from different parts of the country to participate. The meeting started with a warm welcome accorded to the Executive.

Pt. Moti Kaul, in his introductory remarks, outlined the priorities and tasks before AIKS. According to him, community welfare in all its forms, including the political survival, would constitute the theme of future AIKS policies and programmes. He observed that AIKS had been given a mandate to evolve a cohesive response to the various problems confronted by the community. As a first step to realize this, connectivity with our brethren across the country, in Jammu, Kashmir and Delhi in particular, would be established. In this direction, working secretariat at Jammu headed by one Vice-President to attend to the major issues of concern in J&K, has already been established.

The members expressed their satisfaction over the progress made by AIKS so far and expected the new team to perform to the expectations of our community. They made significant contribution to the outcome of the meeting.

The meeting ended on a positive note.

(2) Farewell to Pt. M. K. Kaw

The Executive Meeting was followed by a formal farewell accorded to Pt. M. K. Kaw, who was felicitated by Pt. Moti Kaul in a well-attended meeting. The members of his Executive team were also honoured by presenting them with token mementos. Pt. Moti Kaul spoke highly of Pt. Kaw and his team for their contribution and bringing Kashmir and KPs' issues into sharp focus. He described the transition in AIKS as a very significant phase reflecting the underlying social urges and needs of the community. As we are entering the current phase, we are conscious of our responsibilities towards the community. Many prominent members of the community also spoke on the occasion highlighting Pt. Kaw's contribution towards the society by terming it as very satisfying.

Pt. Kaw, in his farewell speech, expressed his gratitude to AIKS for the support and co- operation extended to him during his tenure. He assured the new team of his continued support. He pointed at the need for AIKS to set up its National Headquarters preferably in South Delhi. In view of the enlarging role of AIKS, he visualized the creation in due course of a community complex where all the important institutions can converge for common good, under the guidance of AIKS. He also talked about a wide range of issues confronting the society and the stand taken by AIKS was aimed at mitigating the sufferings of our community and bringing the community issues to the national attention, which compelled the government to take note of them. In this context, he quoted the civil- writ petition filed by AIKS in the Supreme Court as an example. He described his innings in the AIKS as memorable and pleasant.

He also welcomed Shri L. C. Kaul's assumption of Presidentship of AIKS Trust and hoped that under his leadership, the Trust and AIKS would come closer.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks presented by Shri Vijay Aima, Vice-President AIKS.

(3) Meeting with Migrant Teachers

The Migrant Teachers called on the President Pt. Moti Kaul on 20th April 2009 to apprise him of the difficulties faced by them and requested him to address the issue of regularization of their services. Since AIKS has already taken the initiative in this direction by appealing to the Public Grievances Commission Delhi against the injustice meted out to them, the President apprised the suffering teachers about the response received by AIKS from the Commission, which he termed as very satisfying and which has created a hope for the redressal of their genuine grievances in the near future.

(4) Naad Stall

On 22nd April 2009, a Naad stall was put up at Swami Ishwar Ashram at Sarita Vihar, and about 100 copies of Naad were distributed there among devotees in order to increase the outreach of Naad. This is in pursuance of the decision to put Naad on display at various community functions in order to increase its circulation and accept new subscriptions/ renewals on the spot.

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Courtesy: 1st May, 2009, Naad