Handwara, Jun 3: Nearly after four decades, heartwarming scenes of brotherhood and communal harmony were witnessed at Government Higher Secondary School Wadipora as Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims of the 1982 batch of the same school reunited during an alumni meet held in Wadipora area of Handwara on Tuesday.
The meet brought together former classmates from different parts of the country and abroad, giving them the opportunity to revive their cherished memories of their school days and reaffirming the deep social and cultural bonds that Kashmir is known for. On the occasion one of the organisers, Pir Nisar Ahmad, senior Trade Union Leader, said that the programme was organised with an aim to convey a message of unity and brotherhood.
“Our aim was to give a message that Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits are one. I am delighted to see that several of our Pandit friends from the 1982 batch travelled from different parts of the country to attend this reunion. We are grateful to them for accepting our invitation,” he said. Recalling the past, Nisar said that around 44 years ago they would study and play in the same school. “Later, due to unfavourable circumstances, we could not contact each other and I am hopeful that this initiative will reunite us and strengthen our bond further,” he added.
Another local Abdul Ahad Kashmiri described Kashmiri Pandits as an integral part of Kashmir, saying that their contribution to education, culture and society remains invaluable. “Many of us were taught by Pandit teachers and through this programme, we wanted to give a positive message of coexistence and mutual respect,” he added. Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kupwara, Professor Dr GM Bhat who also hails from the same village termed the reunion significant. He said that such initiatives could help create an atmosphere conducive to the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits. “Kashmir without Kashmiri Pandits is incomplete and I hope today’s programme will certainly contribute towards rebuilding trust and strengthening social bonds,” Bhat added. Several Kashmiri Pandit participants described the reunion as an emotional and nostalgic experience for them. “I still remember how we lived, studied, played and shared meals together without any sense of division,” said Sunny Bhat, working in corporate sector. The alumni meet concluded with a high note while participants expressed hope for such interactions in future also as they can be a boon to shared heritage and everlasting communal harmony in Kashmir.
