Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora organizes “Kashmir Festival‘in association with ‘I Am Buddha’ Foundation

Jammu:  To celebrate Kashmir – The Cradle of Civilization, as well the phenomenal contributions of the Kashmiri Pandit community over the years, a first of its kind month-long online ‘The Kashmir Festival‘ has been organized by Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora in association with ‘I Am Buddha’ Foundation. Over a course of one month, starting 19th December 2020 and ending on 20th January 2021, every night at 8 pm IST, a series of episodes will be broadcast live on I Am Buddha YouTube and Facebook channels. Different aspects of Kashmir and the talent and contributions of its original (currently in exile) inhabitants will be discussed with leading luminaries in various fields like technology, arts, theatre, judiciary, health, food, media, entrepreneurship, sports, music, to name a few. Global Kashmiri Pandit diaspora was privileged to host Honourable Minister for textiles, Government of India, Mrs. Smriti Irani, Mr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, in-charge foreign affairs BJP and Mr. Vivek Tankha MP Rajya Sabha for the inaugural session on the 19th December 2020 at 8 pm IST. The inaugural session was opened by Dr. Surinder Kaul, co-founder GKPD, who welcomed the panel and commended community activists and Kashmiri Pandit organizations across the board who have tirelessly devoted themselves to the betterment of the community. Smriti Irani connected our turmoil to that of the Parsi community and commented that both communities have done exceptionally well and contributed immensely to the world. She offered her continued support to the community in our resolve to return to Kashmir, our homeland. Vijay Chauthaiwale lauded the community for being resilient in face of adversity and commended GKPD for organising the festival to showcase their contribution to the world. He said that the whole country was with Kashmiri Pandits in their struggle. Vivek Tankha gave an account of the history of Kashmiri Pandits starting from the time when the emergency was declared in India to the 1990’s exodus. Despite extreme hardships, community members are holding leading positions across the world. He appreciated GKPD for organising the festival which will further bring the community together. 19th January 2021 marks the 31st anniversary of the forced exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit community from their homeland – Kashmir. It was on this day that a systematized campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing unleashed by Islamic terrorist culminated in more than 500,000 community members being made homeless almost overnight. The community was forced to find refugee not just in various parts of India but also in various countries across the world. However, wherever they have resettled they have carried with them a piece of Kashmir, its unique culture and traditions and their own 5000-year-old history of being the original inhabitants of the land. In spite of facing extreme hardships and challenges, as they attempted to re-establish their roots across the world, the community has continued to make significant and extraordinary contributions in various spheres of life, be it arts, music, language, theatre, health sciences, business, food, sports etc. in India as well as globally. 19th January 2021 will be commemorated by the community as ‘genocide day’ and the episode aired that day will focus on heart-breaking first-hand stories of genocide. 20th January 2021 episode will be on ‘Resilience and Resurrection’ and the way forward will be discussed with the wider community. This is a unique opportunity for the world to familiarise themselves with the rich traditions and culture of Kashmir and Kashmiri Pandits. GKPD is looking forward to an exciting month-long event and invites all to participate.