Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 2: The vibrant three-day "Navreh Mahotsav 2025," organized by Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra (SSK), concluded this evening with a grand closing ceremony held at the jam-packed Abhinav Theatre in Jammu. The event marked the culmination of festivities celebrating the Kashmiri Hindu New Year, honouring cultural heritage, and reinforcing the community's collective spirit. A large number of Hindus, particularly Kashmiri Pandits (KPs), along with prominent luminaries from the community and wider society, attended the finale.
The Mahotsav, which commenced on March 29th, spanned three core days dedicated to significant themes. The first day, March 29th, was observed as Tyaag Divas, commemorating the selfless sacrifice of the revered 15th-century scholar and physician, Acharya Pandit Shreya Bhat. Numerous meetings and events were held across Jammu, Kashmir, and other parts of India like Gurugram, Dehradun, and Bangalore, reflecting on his contributions.
March 30th was observed as Navreh Sankalp Divas, a day dedicated to reaffirming the community's resolve (Sankalp) to return to their homeland. Collective and individual pledge ceremonies took place in homes, temples like Mata Baderkali Thalwal, community halls like Sanskriti Bhawan Roop Nagar (organized by Vivekananda Kendra Nagdandi), and various locations globally. The third day, March 31st, was celebrated as Shaurya Divas, honouring the valour and legacy of the great 8th-century emperor, Samrat Lalitaditya. Throughout the Mahotsav, online essay and video competitions engaged the youth, focusing on the lives of Pandit Shreya Bhat and Samrat Lalitaditya, with active participation and discussions spreading across social media platforms.
The concluding ceremony today served as a fitting finale to the Mahotsav. The event featured enriching cultural performances that showcased the rich traditions of the Kashmiri Pandit community. The atmosphere was one of celebration, reflection, and renewed hope.
Distinguished guests graced the occasion, adding significance to the closing ceremony. Shri Prafulla Ketkar Ji, Senior Journalist and Editor of Organiser Weekly, attended as the Chief Guest. Mahamandaleshwar Shri Rameshwar Das Ji from Ram Mandir, Purani Mandi, Jammu and Dr Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) were present as the Special Guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Shri Prafulla Ketkar Ji lauded the community's resilience and the efforts of Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra in preserving and promoting cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of remembering roots while looking towards the future.
He quoted history to emphasize how rich Kashmiri culture, tradition, and contributions to the world were, citing Samrat Lalitaditya, who expanded his kingdom to an extent no less than that of the Mughal Empire. He urged the KPs to fight the narrative instead of fighting people, stating that a created narrative had turned oppressors into victims and victims into oppressors.
The Special Guest, Mahamandaleshwar Shri Rameshwar Das Ji, extended his blessings to the community, highlighting the spiritual significance of Navreh and commending the collective resolve shown during the Sankalp Diwas, invoking hope and divine grace for the community's aspirations.
Also addressing the gathering, Dr. Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), praised the vibrant cultural display and the strong sense of community evident at the event. He acknowledged the vital role of organizations like SSK in fostering unity and cultural continuity among the displaced community.
The grand finale of the Navreh Mahotsav witnessed a jampacked Abhinav Theatre, with prominent state dignitaries and a large gathering of Kashmiri Pandits attending the concluding function. Dr. MK Bharat, Chairman of Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra, conducted the stage proceedings, while Kuldeep Sudeshi presented the vote of thanks.
Nine children who won the online video and essay writing competitions were also felicitated on the occasion. Kashmiri Pandit (KP) organizations that extended their full support during the three-day event were also felicitated by the Chief Guest and special guests.
Artists from Sanskar Bharati performed the soulful song 'Wathiv Wani', which was also officially released during the event.
The successful culmination of the Navreh Mahotsav 2025 shows the unwavering spirit of the Kashmiri Pandit community and its deep connection to its cultural and historical legacy, as fostered by organizations like Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra. |
