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| Sonia strikes 'harmonius' chord with Gujjars, says Centre would end their deprivation | | Heritage Centre inaugurated amid confluence of political leaders | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, May 29: In a bid to strike harmonious chord with the Gujjar community, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi today said that the relationship of Congress and this tribe was quite old and it was her prime duty to 'help' the community overcome its backwardness. Sonia assured Centre would reach out to them with various schemes to end their deprivation on various fronts and ensure their upliftment.
"The relationship of Congress with Gujjars dates back to the era of great leaders Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and even Rajivji…..they all were concerned over the plight of this community", Gandhi said while speaking in function after inauguration of Gurjar Centre for Culture and heritage at Bypass road here today. The Heritage Centre was inaugurated by her today amid 'confluence' of political dignitaries of all hues.
Gujjars, she said have always paid a price while confronting with difficult situations but never compromised with their basic ideals and distinct identity. " I am proud of this….they are all an important part of our country and UPA government will reach out to them for their uplift", the AICC president asserted.
Sonia Gandhi reached here this morning to inaugurate the massive complex built by Gujjar Desh Charitable Trust , a non political organization for preserving and promoting rich culture and heritage of the community. She was accompanied by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union ministers Dr Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand ,J&K PCC chief Prof Saif-u-din Soz and senior leader Prithvi Raj Chouhan.
Lauding the role of Gujjars in wars of 1945 and 1965 Sonia Gandhi said the community has always defended country's interests and fought bravely with enemy. The community, she said , has also defended borders and fought militancy bravely despite their own difficulties and hardships they live in."I wish this community to excel and progress in the field of education…..Gujjar Desh Trust has already initiated this step at all levels which is commendable", AICC president said adding that their backwardness could only be removed by education and thrust has to be education and health programmes of women belonging to this nomadic community. She also asked the Trust to train their youth in modern education programmes like information technology and computers. She expressed hope the Trust would not only preserve the culture but also make this community progressive by providing quality education at all levels.
"This is necessary to keep pace with fast moving world…..education would enlighten the youth of the community and take them out of darkness…….such steps would strengthen the entire nation" Sonia Gandhi said reiterating that UPA government would provide all necessary help to end the backwardness of the community.
Speaking on the occasion Union Minister of Health Ghulam Nabi Azad appreciated the role of Gujjar Desh Charitable Trust in having taken the initiative for preservation and promotion of rich culture and heritage of the community. "Such measures are needed to keep alive the diverse identity of the country…… this is the only treasure India has of which we are proud of and the Trust will be doing biggest service to the country in this direction", Azad said underscoring the need for preserving composite culture of diverse groups and tribes of the nation.The former chief minister of J&K said the reservation of Gujjars has helped them in various fields.
J&K PCC chief Prof Soz also congratulated the Trust for building this massive complex which would be useful in many ways. He said UPA chairperson was committed to providing justice to all sections particularly the communities which are economically, socially and educationally deprived.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Trust Masud Choudhary termed inauguration by Sonia Gandhi as historic event. While giving background of the Trust said it has faced much struggle during initial years in terms of funds. The Heritage and Culture Centre ,he said ,has come up at an expenditure of Rs 4 cr and successive state governments have provided help to the organization.Calling for setting up of the Gujjar Scouts on the pattern of Ladakh Scouts, he said that the Trust's endeavour would also be to set up a Tribal University.
SIDELIGHTS
Azad still most popular: On Saturday when Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the tribal cultural centre the popularity of the congress leaders embroiled in bitter turf wars came to the fore. One by one when all the dignitaries present on the dais were being felicitated the organisers made a deliberate omission by not calling the name of Ghulam Nabi Azad as per the order and chose to invite him in the end even after the deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand was offered the head gear. Embarrassed Azad though gave cool vibes but the audience present in the hall were not liking the high drama. So in the end when Azad was being offered head gear by the organisers the jam packed hall greeted him by clapping continuously and loudly to send across the message to the Azad detractors that he may have left the state but he is still the popular leader in their hearts.
Sonia-Soz Chemistry : The new found chemistry between the Congress President Sonia Gandhi and JK PCC Chief Prof Saif Ud Din Soz was all visible during the inauguration ceremony. Soz sitting on the left side of Mrs Gandhi was seen chatting with her and engaging her in side talks on number of occasions much to the chagrin of his rival faction leaders. All those leaders who can read between the lines were not surprised to see the chemistry but were cautiously reading the script.According to these leaders the congress president made it clear to the leaders of the rival faction that she is lending all possible support to the JK PCC Chief and would not hesitate in giving tough message if the need arises.
Thirsty audience: Soon after the inauguration ceremony got over the large number of audience sitting inside the hall rushed out of the main hall to quench their thirst. Due to security reasons the organsiers of the show were disallowed by the security staff to serve water inside the main venue. Feeling thirsty the large number of audience rushed to water tables put up by the organisers infront of the main hall and the long queues were witnessed for some time till people started rolling out of the venue after attending the grand show.
Please accommodate : On the occasion of the inauguration ceremony the organisers were seen making repeated announcements to the guests to adjust and accommodate more people on their seats in the absence of adequate number of seats in the hall. When several senior cabinet and legislators of the congress party entered the hall ahead of arrival of the VVIP the organsiers had to make repeated requests to the guests already seated in the front rows to accommodate Finance Minister AR Rather, Nawang Rigzin Zora, and several other ministers and congress party leaders.Due to heat and absence of air conditioning system the leaders sitting close to each other were really feeling the heat an absence of even drinking water made them sweat a lot in the sweltering heat.
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