Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave celebrates resilience, return and community revival

Ziraat Times Team Report

Srinagar, June 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called upon members of the Kashmiri Pandit community across the globe to contribute to Jammu & Kashmir’s development by establishing industries, academic institutions and cultural centres in the Union Territory.

Addressing the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave in Srinagar, attended by prominent members of the Kashmiri Pandit diaspora from India and abroad, Sinha described the gathering as a celebration of the community’s resilience, achievements and return to its roots.

“A moment of transformation is here. Those once uprooted from their homeland return and this homecoming is the truest victory,” the Lieutenant Governor said, adding that the presence of business leaders, entrepreneurs, technology experts and cultural figures reflected growing confidence in the peace and stability of Jammu & Kashmir.

The LG said the conclave honoured the Kashmiri Pandit community’s patience and resilience while laying the foundation for the return and rehabilitation of community members in the Valley.

Referring to the community’s displacement during the 1990s, Sinha said the journey of Kashmiri Pandits had been marked by “genocide, exile and struggle”, but noted that the community transformed its suffering into strength and achievement.

“Lives marked by pain and struggle gave the Kashmiri Pandit community only two choices—despair or rebuilding. They chose creation, rebuilding and selfless service and in doing so made history,” he said.

Highlighting the contributions of Kashmiri Pandits in various fields, the Lieutenant Governor said the community had earned global recognition through excellence in technology, finance, medicine, arts, education and public service.

Calling for greater investment in Jammu & Kashmir, Sinha urged distinguished members of the community to establish industries and institutions that would preserve their heritage while creating opportunities for future generations.

The Lieutenant Governor said discussions during the conclave on building global industries, institutions and a shared economic future in Jammu & Kashmir would serve as blueprints for cultural revival, economic empowerment and community restoration. He also asserted that the return of Kashmiri Pandits symbolised the emergence of a “new Jammu & Kashmir” after 2019 and credited the administration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi with transforming the region into a centre of reconstruction and development.

The conclave featured several sessions where distinguished speakers and members of the Kashmiri Pandit community shared their experiences, achievements and perspectives on the future of the community.

Among those present were Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister; Uphaar Kotru, President of the Kashmiri Overseas Association; Utpal Kaul, International Coordinator of the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora; Ashwani Bhat, President of the Kashmiri Pandit Association Mumbai; Sanjay Koul, President of the All Minority Employees Association Kashmir; Autar Krishan Trakroo, social activist and Organising Secretary of Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra; Dileep Mattoo, President of the Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch; and R. K. Bhat, President of the Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj.

Senior officers of the police and civil administration, prominent citizens, youth representatives and a large number of members of the Kashmiri Pandit community also attended the conclave.