Jammu, 25 August (H.S.): Glowing tribute were paid to Amarnath Vaishnavi of Jaikara fame, Father of Kashmiri Pandit community and an RSS ideologue at a function organised by Shri Amarnath Vaishnavi Foundation on his 100th birth anniversary here, at Abhinav Theatre today.
Rohni Vaishnavi Chairperson of Shri Amarnath Vaishnavi Foundation in her welcome address highlighted the role and selfless service of late leader to community in particular and nation in general right from days of Praja Parishad to aftermath of mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from their native land in 1990.
She said for Vaishnavi Ji who was popularly known as Lalaji entire Kashmiri Pandit community was his family. Born in Mastgarh Jammu on August 24 in 1925 Lala Ji served the community and nation in various capacities and played a remarkable role in KPs and nationalist movement in J&K right form 1953 Praja Parishad agitation.
The programme began with the theatrical production “Jaikara – The Legend of Praja Parishad & Amarnath Vaishnavi,” written by Rohini Vaishnavi and presented by Vomedh Rangmanch under the mentorship of Rohit Bhat , president Vomedh. The play brought alive Shri Vaishnavi’s fearless role in the Praja Parishad movement, his lifelong service to the Kashmiri Pandit community, and his sacrifices for justice and dignity. The lead roles were played by Vinay Pandita as Vaishnavi and Himagani Moza as narrator.
Former VC Padamshri, Prof Amitabh Mattoo spoke on “Between Sharada and Shakti: The Cultural Odyssey of the Kashmiri Pandits.” He reminded the audience that the story of Kashmiri Pandits is not one of exile alone but of civilizational continuity and resilience. He described Vaishnavi as “dharma incarnate—silent, sturdy, and utterly unshakable,” and urged the community to view the centenary not as nostalgia but as a civilizational summons to rise, rebuild and reignite the soul of a people.
B K Sanyasi well known scholar and author also threw light on Vaishnavi’s life history and struggle. He also highlighted the role of former Governor, Kedar Nath Sahni in KPs post exodus struggle along with Vaishnavi.
On the occasion Avtar Krishan Mota a well known scholar was presented with Shri Amarnath Vaishnavi life time achievement Samman.
The celebration was graced by Ashok Koul, general secretary (Organisation), BJP as chief guest along with Vijay Bakaya, former Chief Secretary of J&K as guest of honour.
As part of its educational initiatives, the Foundation awarded the Shri Amarnath Vaishnavi Scholarships to 21 students from marginalized Kashmiri Pandit families.
The celebration also witnessed the release of two commemorative paintings: one by acclaimed artist Ravi Dhar, capturing Vaishnavi’s role in the Praja Parishad movement, and another by Shivani Koul Bhat, a portrait reflecting his quiet strength and spirit of sacrifice. The paintings were released by Col (retd) Yoginder Kandhari, Dr Sushail Wattal and Prof O N Trisal. The stage was managed by Kusum Tickoo.
Meanwhile, All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) in another function at Muthi under the leadership of its president M L Mallah paid rich tribute to legendary leader, Vaishnavi and recalled his services to nation and community.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
