Tribute to a Scholar Dr. Motilal Pandit

I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Motilal Pandit, a renowned scholar and prolific writer on Kashmir Shaivism and contemporary religious studies. His demise is a great loss to the Kashmiri Pandit community and the scholarly world. Pandit Motilal Pandit hailed from Mahind village, Bijbehara in South Kashmir district of Anantnag, and was known for his humility and down-to-earth nature despite being a celebrated author. His contributions to Kashmir Shaivism are immense, and his works continue to enlighten readers on the philosophy and practices of this ancient tradition. Some notable works include "Tantric and Philosophical Aspects of Kashmir Shaivism", showcasing his expertise. He shared his vast knowledge generously, leaving a void in academia. am recounting the intimate moments shared with Dr Motilal Pandit, a great scholar of Kashmir and a renowned academic. Whenever we would meet at conferences and seminars, we would find time to sit together and share our cultural thoughts about Kashmir. We would recollect our memories of life back in Kashmir, and he would share stories of his childhood days in the village. Despite pursuing higher studies and teaching in universities abroad, his connection to Kashmir remained strong. He would often talk about his village, Mahind, where he was born, and the shrine there. The village environment and the memories of his childhood stayed with him throughout his life. I emphasize that one's identity is tied to their place of birth, and for Kashmiri Pandits like us who were forced into exile in the 1990s, the scar of displacement remains unhealed. It will only heal when we return to our respective places. I share these moments with Dr Motilal Pandit, who always spoke about his village and had a deep longing to return to Kashmir. I wanted to add this to the tribute, highlighting his love for Kashmir and his desire to go back. I pay my respects to the late Dr Motilal Pandit, a shining scholar of Kashmir and a great soul dedicated to knowledge and spiritual growth. May his legacy inspire future generations.

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Courtesy: Virendera Bangroo and Koshur Samachar-2025,December