1995 04 Swearing-in-of Incoming Team

KS Team Reporter  

The election of new office-bearers and executive members of the Kashmiri Samiti, Delhi (Regd.), this year was different in more ways than one. For one thing, the office-bearers were elected unanimously, and secondly the incoming team will be in office for two years, of the usual one year previously, according to an amendment made in the Samiti's constitution by the General Body at the meeting held in November 1994.

But, by far the most important and interesting development this year was taking the oath of loyalty to the constitution of the Samiti by those elected for the two-year term, 1995-97. While the election results were announced by the Electoral Officer, Shri B.L. Kaul 'Chaman' on March 26, 1995, the impressive oath-taking ceremony was held at the Samiti premises at 4.30 p.m. on March 28, 1995. The oath was administered by Shri Chaman, an old stalwart of the community in Delhi.

The outgoing General Secretary while welcoming the and guests said that it is for the first time that a function of this type is being held. The objective of today's meeting, he said, is to give a sense of responsibility and accountability to the incoming team and to get valuable advice and guidance from our respected elders, past office- bearers, associates and founders of this organisation.

This was followed by Shanti Paath delivered by Shri K.L. Swaroop, executive member who

impressed the gathering by giving full meaning of the "Shalukas" recited.

In his inaugural address Shri Hriday N. Nehru, the outgoing President said that the basis of organisational strength lies on democratic working and we have to maintain dedication and devotion to move ahead. It has always been my effort that every Kashmiri Pandit in Delhi should be a member of Kashmiri Samiti irrespective of his political thoughts and same should apply to the neighbouring areas and other places wherever Kashmiri Pandits are putting up. They should associate themselves with their respective Samitis. To be involved with Samiti is as important for a Kashmiri Pandit as his wearing the Jenue (sacred thread). We are very much worried about preserving our culture especially after our exile from the Valley, and protection of our language, our culture and our social life. The Samitis have to play a vital role.

He expressed pleasure that the election was held in cordial atmosphere. He said that the new President, Shri N.N. Kaul is an old stalwart of Kashmiri Samiti and hoped that under his leadership the Samiti will prosper and emerge Further, he favoured strengthening of the Women Welfare Wing to look after social problems as an unpleasant trend of increased divorces and dowry demands in the community has been visible during the past few years.

Commenting on the working of the Samiti, Shri Hriday N. Nehru informed Biradari members that:

(a) Shri Sunil Shakdher, Vice-President stood like a rock in the crisis for the last 5 years continously and he is a pillar of the organisation. Shri Nehru further emphasised that Shri Sunil Shakdher kept Govt. guessing over our moves whenever it was needed, and also had close liaison with Central Govt. Ministries and State Govt. He said that Shri Sunil Shakdher is a real human dynamo of our biradari.

(b) Dr. L.N. Dhar, General Secretary is very gentle, sober and also attended all the meetings hundred percent. Shri Nehru mentioned that Dr. Dhar had qualified with confidence for the post of Vice-President. He also informed the house that all the biradari members expect a lot of work and guidance, and the Samiti wants more suggestions in future.

Shri Nehru also appreciated the work of two Secretaries namely, Shri S.K. Kher and Shri Rajinder Pandita and the Co-ordinator, Shri T.N. Gurtoo, for their tremendous coordination among themselves and good public relations with regard to school admissions, college admissions, and many other matters relating to our biradari in exile. Shri Nehru also thanked all other executive members for their contribution to the Samiti from time to time in one way or the other.

OATH CEREMONY

Shri B.L. Kaul 'Chaman' administered the oath of allegiance to new office-bearers and executive members amid applause from the distinguished gathering. Shri Chaman said that the time has come when we have to stand on our own feet and we should have determination and dedication for welfare of the community. The unity within our community is the most important factor. Our approach should be positive and we should always look towards good thoughts and deeds of others and derive an ideal approach from such acts.

The meeting was addressed among others by Shri Hriday Nath Jattu, President, All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference, Shri P.L. Kantru, former President, Kashmiri Samiti, Shri R.P. Raina, Editor, "Kashmir Haqeeqat", Shri M.L. Kaul, General Secretary, All India Kashmir Samaj, Delhi, and Shri T.N. Ganju, President, Cooperative Housing Society, Pamposh Enclave, New Delhi.

Shri Jattu reminded the meeting of the 1967 agitation of Kashmiri Pandits when about 10-15 youngsters sacrificed their lives for the cause of one girl, but today it is the question of thousands of boys and girls. All eyes are on Kashmiri Samiti as the time ahead is hard for us and a conspiracy is being hatched to harm us again. It is the duty of every one of us to involve ourselves in this struggle, he added. He mentioned the bus accident in Jammu in which three boys died, and two critically injured are battling for their lives in Chandigarh and Delhi. He requested the Samiti to make every effort to help these patients. He offered his full cooperation and involvement in any programme for the community which will be initiated by the Kashmiri Samiti and requested the new executive to watch all the political developments very carefully and act accordingly.

Dr. Kantru said that Shri N.N. Kaul is one of the founder-members of the Samiti and we have lot of expectations from him. He extended his full cooperation.

Shri R.P. Raina while giving good wishes and blessings to the new team emphasised the need of unified approach to the present problem of Kashmiri Pandits.

Shri M.L. Kaul, welcoming the new team, said that All India Kashmiri Samaj as the apex body will have full coordination with Kashmiri Samiti and will work jointly to go ahead in our endeavour to get the community out of the present crisis.

Shri T.N. Ganju said that in any democratic set up the majority decision has to be binding for all and any affiliation with any party or any thought should not come in the Samiti's way of working.

The President-elect, Shri N.N. Kaul, on behalf of the new team thanked the gathering for attending the function. He said that with the blessings and good wishes of all our members and associates we will try our best to come up to their expectations and fullest cooperation and coordination will be maintained with the All India Kashmiri Samaj. He added that the new team has a lot of work to do and our priorities are the problems of migrants, construction of building, and publication of "Samachar" in addition to the routine field of activities.

On behalf of the Kashmiri Samiti, the General Secretary thanked the Returning Officer for conducting the elections smoothly and peacefully and also administering oath to the elected team.

He praised Shri Hriday N. Nehru for his able leadership and thanked all the participants for attending the function.

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:- K S Team Reporter and April-May 1995, Koshur Samachar