Our Scholars & Thinkers Of Rainawari

Bilhan Kaul

Rainawari has produced galaxy of scholars and thinkers. In the past, some of them included:

1. MASTER SRIDHARJI DULLOO: Sridharji Dullo corresponded with Jawahar Lal Nehru in pre and post 1947 and one can say in no way he looked worse for it.

2. SAMSAR CHAND GANHAR: hailed from motiyar, Rainawari and was intense bird watcher. He wrote a number of books on birds of Kashmir and other Kashmir related subjects. However our interest is presently confined to Rainawari scholars post migration. And they are not few either. They are in the vanguard of battle being fought for attainment of homeland for Kashmiri Pandits.

3. PROF. M. L. KOUL: He is one among them who has carved a place for himself by writing two books on Kashmir. They are important because they are not usual books on history of Kashmir. But are books of feelings on the Kashmir conflict. His books "Wail of the Valley" has contemporary history and takes a dig at many things which some may find uncharitable. As his books are original therefore it will retain its flavor and appeal for days to come. As we all know, articles and books written with too much critical analysis "What went wrong" and "what should have been" do nota retain appeal for too long and get quickly lost in sands of time. Prof. M. L. Koul's book-with warts and all-will survive the day. He has too other booklets. One is on Amarnath and another one on Lal Ded. Besides he has numerous articles on various subjects and that include Kashmir Shavism.

4 DR. R. K. TAIMIRI: is another scholar on Kashmir affairs. He was brain behind the running of Kashmir sentinel and contributed a lot to the contents of the paper. Though he has certain romantic views on Kashmiri Pandit, there is no doubt he has carved a niche for himself. Here one may point out that there is no need to be romantic about Kashmiri Pandits history because they were defeated by an inferior civilization in the past which led to present turmoil. In short, Kashmiri Pandits did not defend themselves properly. Matters are not helped because-west who are role model for all of us- studiously avoids religious discourse and with good reason. Christianity which Bertand Russel says was more intolerant than Islam is one of the reason for it. However, Dr. R. K. Tamiri is a good scholar who takes pains to be studious and in collecting facts and figures. Apparently, he has modelled himself on Dr. B. N. Sharga from Lucknow who as per him has Rainawari ancestry.

5. G. L. JALALI: is another writer on Kashmir affairs who hails from Rainawari. He writes mostly political articles week after week in Koshur Gazette. Though some of his articles lack originality yet his output is large. He has produced his articles in book form and writes in an uncomplicated form.

6. DR. ROMESH RAINA: presently General Secretary of AIKS also writes articles every now and then in "Naad". He tries to put his fingers in many things like in politics and history. Some comment on literary figures is also added in good measure. May be they lack in-depth study but effort is praiseworthy.

7. KAMAL HAK: is another writer from Rainawari who earned a name for himself post 1990. Of late, he focuses oN writing in literary form. His account may not be gripping but still has enough pull to earn him merit. He has graduated to it after writing political commentary. He is also a keen political activist.

8. P. N. Kachru: is another scholar on Kashmir affairs. He edited "Neelmatam" for some time and is primarily an artist.

9. VIRENDER BHANGROO: is another writer on Kashmir affairs. Working as an Documentation Officer in Indira Gandhi International Centre, he works on ancient temples of Kashmir.

Another scholar who hails from Rainawari is P. K. JOSHEPH DHAR. He has been regularly writing in various newspapers and Journal for some time now and comes across a well -read man.

So, we have ended the write up on Rainawari scholars and thinkers. May be description is not full and is at times critical but that should in no way take anything from these Rainawari scholars, who have worked tirelessly post 1990 on Kashmir and more precisely on Kashmiri Pandit causes. If your take a glance on other scholars and thinkers from other areas of Kashmir, one would find that Rainawari has preponderance of these.

DISCLAIMER:

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

Courtesy: Bilhan Kaul and The Martand- The Official organ of All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference: 16th November, 2009