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| Gujjar Hostel inaugurated | | Governor lauds Gujjars for connecting bonds of amity | | Early Times Reporter
Reasi | June 12
Governor Lt. Gen (Retd), S.K Sinha today complimented Gujjars for the valour and patriotism, saying those having a myopic mind-set should emulate from their spirit of communal harmony and brotherhood.
Inaugurating Pir Panjal Hostel for Gujjars constructed by the Army under OP Sadbhawana at Reasi this morning, the Governor said that Gujjars have never been driven or swayed by communal propaganda and always played a positive role in connecting the bonds of amity.
Gen Sinha recalled his six decade association with Gujjars and Bakerwals in Jammu and Kashmir as a soldier and Governor and said braving all odds these communities have remained in the forefront to defend the national cause in peace or war. Their patriotism and loyalty have always been commendable. On its part, the Army has also extended all assistance to ameliorate their lot. He made a mention of 1000 micro hydel projects, mostly in Gujjar habitations at borders, and opening of 50 goodwill schools and two Army Public Schools at Rajouri and Pahalgam. He said adequate provision has been made for the children of these communities in these schools. He added that education holds key to the empowerment and emancipation of Gujjars and Bakerwals. He said that root cause of their backwardness has been lack of education which needed to be addressed on a war footing. " Things are now changing as efforts are being made to provide education at the doorsteps to these communities"' he said and exuded confidence that the day is not far when they too will be rubbing shoulders with other communities in this age of competition.
Gen Sinha also referred to his interaction with the revered Gujjars leader, Mian Basher and Haji Buland Khan, 'for his commitment to Nation, Mian Bashir was rightly bestowed with the honor of Padam Vibushan,' he added.
The Governor said that it was a benefiting occasion for him to be with Gujjars and Bakerwals when he was wrapping up his tenure as Governor in Jammu and Kashmir. He said he was always overwhelmed by their spirit of patriotism and wished that the people as a whole take lesson from their glorious ethos of brotherhood. "Gujjars fit well with the vision of Alama Iqbal that Mazhab Nahi Sikhata Aapas Mein Bair Rakhna"' he said and lauded them for traversing step by step with the armed forces in defending the sovereignty of the nation".
Saying that Jammu and Kashmir was traversing on the path of development and peace, the Governor said that it was due to the sustained efforts of Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad that new milestone are being achieved. He complimented the Chief Minister for his focused attention on development.
Expressing their gratitude to the Governor for his concern for Gujjars, Choudhary Mohd Sharief, Member, Gujjar Advisory Board, Udhampur, said that his contribution in their uplift will always be remembered. He said the community has immensely suffered at the hands of militants but never showed their backs. He said militancy brought devastation to the State while the Army always came forward to repair gutted infrastructure, provide amenities, ensure education to their children and conducting educational tours.
Another Gujjar leader, Choudhary Mohd Sadeeq eulogized the Governor for his contribution towards their uplift. He also rendered his poem praising the Army for the help.
Gen Zorawar Singh Committee presented a memento to the Governor on the occasion and thanked him for setting up Zorawar Singh Auditorium, Zorawar Singh Chair in Jammu University and the two statues of Zorawar Singh.
Pir Panjal Hostel will house 50 children of Gujjars and Bakerwals hailing from the remote areas of Reasi, Rajouri and Ramban districts. The two storeyed hostel will have six fully furnished dormitories with modern toilet and kitchen facilities. It will also house the warden's office, library, guest room and recreation facilities.
The function was presided by Lt Gen PC Bhardwaj, GOC-in-C Northern Command while Lt Gen R.K Karwal GOC 16 Corps, Maj Gen P.C Panjikar, GOC CIF (Uniform), Sanjeev Verma, DC Reasi, Army officers and citizens of Reasi, remote areas of Mahore, Gul, Gulabgarh and Budhal Sub Divisions were present. Selected children who had just moved into the hostel as their first occupants were bubbling with energy and enthusiasm and appeared very happy and upbeat.
The Governor also gave away prizes to the students. Earlier, he went round the newly constructed hostel. |
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