DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Dec 18
Kashmri P.andit Conference ( KPC ) paid rich tributes today to great leader, social reformer and well-wisher of the Kashmiri Pandit Samaj Late Kashyap Bandhu @ Bulbul – e – Kashmiri on his 37 th Nirvan Divas, who attained his Nirvan on December 18, 1985, when he was of the age of 86 years.
Kundan Kashmiri President KPC while giving his tributes to late Kashyap Bandhu JI said that he was great Kashmiri reformist and freedom fighter who stands out as a veteran Kashmiri social worker and whose insight and hard work gave Kashmiri society, especially Kashmiri Pandit society, a new vision to rise for better prospects. The contribution of this enlightened thinker, selfless social worker, and poet-turned social activist gave a meaningful and purposeful direction to the Kashmiri Pandits society and will be remembered for years to come. The contribution of Kashyap Bandhu for his liberal vision, progressive ideology, and concern for the society, is such a valuable chapter of Kashmiri ethos and identity, that it is not only a source of inspiration for the new generation but also a matter of great pride for the old folks, as well
Late Kashyap Bhandu Ji was always keen to serve Kashmir, in particular Kashmiri Pandit community He realized that to ameliorate the condition of the community the social evils in the community should be removed and reforms brought in. During the beginning of the thirties he started hisprogramme of Social Reforms. The Reforms which were taken up for implementation were,re–marriage of widow, girls education, change of dress from pharan to saree, besides the weeklycongregations,Mochchi phol, wasteful expenditure and other customs
Kundan Kashmiri,front line social activist and President KPC said that alas! today we have not only forgotten such great personality, but we betrayed them .He wanted us to shun dowry system – wasteful expenditure – show off on festivals, particularly on the occasions of marriages – we have not adhered to his teachings. Our demand for dowry has grown to awful proportions; the expenditure on marriages has multiplied, and our marriage festivities continue for days together. Many things have been added to our marriage and other festival menu- , which once was unheard of in our community.’Nena Batta’, ‘Hyot Dyot’, Gharachun etc. have become our culture. This is how we have betrayed the great man who gave us self confidence and self respect, wanted our emancipation and development. We can still pay him our respects and shradhanjali by following his ideas and teachings.
He said Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC ) would continue to follow his mission and foot prints and appealed whole community to observe his birthday and Nirvan day every year by organising, meets, lectures, seminars etc. on this occasion.
Other KPC leaders and activities who expressed same views and gave their tributes great KP leader and social reform were, Dr.HL Saraf, Tej Pandita, MK Raina, RL Raina , Susheel Ji Bhat and others.Rajender Dhar, SL Zuthsi,Suraj Wali and others.
