MP Bob Blackman CBE, was the host for the event at the Parliament with Indian and Bangladesh diaspora present…reports Asian Lite News
The annual Jammu and Kashmir Day event was celebrated at the Parliament by Kashmiri Pandit Heritage Foundation (KPHF) with Indian and Bangladesh diaspora present.
Padamshree MP Bob Blackman CBE, was the host for the event and the KPHF team thanked him for his continued support to India and the Kashmiri Hindu cause. At the event, Bob displayed a copy of the signed Treaty of Accession, by Maharaja Hari Singh, which hangs proudly in his parliamentary office.
Bob further reflected on the recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed his desire for peace and resolution in the region. He fondly recalled his visit to India and expressed his desire to visit again.
Sonal Sher opened the event on behalf of the Kashmiri Pandit Heritage Foundation, UK. She said, “Today, we commemorate the historic signing of the Treaty of Accession by Maharaja Hari Singh, which integrated Jammu and Kashmir into India in 1947. This day holds great significance, and we are here to celebrate and reflect on its impact.”
She further said “This isn’t just about remembering the historic Treaty of Accession, it is also about celebrating the resilience and spirit of the Kashmiri Pandit community and honoring the strength we’ve shown through adversity. Kashmir has always been and will continue to be an integral part of India.”
The event began with an exclusive video message from Retd. Major Gaurav Arya. It was a quick but extremely informative dive into the history of Kashmiri Pandits, partition of India, the Kashmiri Hindu exodus and history of Bangladesh Hindus; and the similarities between the two.
Major Arya is a prominent voice on issues related to Kashmir and India. He ended his message by saying “Hindu Lives matter”.
This was followed by personal reflections from Dr Shafalika Bhan Kotwal on her recent visit to Kashmir. Dr. Kotwal shared images from her recent visit to the valley and reflected on the deep spiritual Hindu heritage that still exists in Kashmir and how it is our duty to preserve it.
She said, “There are thousands of temples scattered around in the valley, and they need our attention.”
There was also a special message from Major General Goverdhan Singh Jamwal (Retd) who served as the ADC to Maharaja Hari Singh. He shared his recollection from the fateful night of the 21st and the 22nd October 1947 when Pakistani Kabali raiders attacked Jammu and Kashmir and how a few brave soldiers held their ground.
KPHFUK invited Proshanta Purokayastha, BEM, the Vice Chairman of the Sanatan Association UK to speak about the condition of Bangladesh Hindus .
Purokayastha implored the UK government to recognise and speak about the condition of Hindus in Bangladesh. He thanked KPHFUK for their support and advocacy and amplifying their voice.
The event was attended by previous Labour MP Virendra Sharma and previous Conservative MP Theresa Villiers, who spoke about the need to speak to our local MPs and educate them about Hindu persecution and extreme intolerance Hindus face.
Wrapping up the event, Vinod Tikoo spoke about recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir which had a significantly high turnout compared to no engagement previously. He said that while the democratic process had resumed after Governors rule, the situation still needed to be improved for Kashmiri Pandits.
Kashmiri Pandit Heritage Foundation, KPHF UK said that there was a need to amplify the voices of others who face similar struggles as Kashmiri Pandits, such as the Hindus from Bangladesh. The importance of working together, supporting each other and drive positive change was reiterated
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