DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Dec 1
A documentary depicting the life and contributions of the late Smt. Asha Saraf, wife of Wing Commander Ashok Kumar Saraf, was released today at Abhinav Theatre amidst a galaxy of intellectuals, artists, and prominent personalities of the society at a tribute-paying function organized by Vomedh.
The documentary, produced by the Asha Saraf-Ashok Kumar Saraf Charitable Trust, is written by Bindya Raina Tickoo and directed by Rohit Bhat.
A Bhajan Sandhya was also organized on the occasion, where Bharat Singh Manhas, JKAS, Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL), was the Chief Guest, while Bharat Bhushan Bhat, President of Zeshtha Devi Prabandhak Committee, Prof A N Sadhu, Prominent Social Activist MK Yogi, CA Rohit Dhar, Bal Krishan Sanyasi and Ramesh Hangloo were the Guests of Honour. The dignitaries were welcomed with bouquets by Rohit Bhat, Senior Journalist, and artist King C Bharati and Suman Bhat of Vomedh.
The documentary depicts the life and social service of Asha Saraf and Wing Commander (Rtd) Ashok Saraf, besides their close bonding as husband and wife who initiated social work after their retirement. It is now being taken forward by Ashok Saraf after the sudden death of his wife Asha Saraf due to Cancer through the Mrs Asha Saraf-Ashok Kumar Saraf Charitable Trust.
The function started with Deep Prajvalan and was followed by melodious Bhajans and songs by renowned singers of the state, Rajesh Khar, Nirmala & Pallavi Koul, Rishab Dorje, and Dr. Deepali Watal. Later the documentary on Asha Saraf made by Vomedh was released.
Speaking on the occasion, Bharat Singh Manhas, while appreciating the efforts of Vomedh for bringing to light such extraordinary personalities, said that after watching the documentary, he was moved by the fact that social activists like Ashok Saraf were contributing to society, pledging all their property and wealth for the upliftment of society and the welfare of cancer patients. He added that the bond of love between the couple was heartwarming.
Rakesh Roshan Bhat, renowned playwright, and patron of Vomedh, in a message for the occasion, said that Vomedh was committed to preserving the rich art, culture, and social activism of dedicated people through theatre, documentaries, and other activities so that the future generation gets inspired and takes the work further.
Rohit Bhat, in his brief speech, said that the documentary was Vomedh’s tribute to the Asha Saraf-Ashok Kumar Saraf Charitable Trust for its exemplary social work and announced that Vomedh would soon start workshops in different schools to involve young minds in theatre.
He added that theatre builds the personality of people, and hence every student must involve himself/herself to lead a confident life.
Prominent personalities who were present in the jam-packed hall included Wing Commander (Rtd) Ashok Saraf, SNA awardee Krishan Langoo, Kusum Dhar, Anita Chandpuri, Santosh Shah Nadan, RK Bhat, Prof Virender Rawal, Shushil Watal, etc.
The show was compered by renowned anchor Bindiya Raina Tickoo.
