CHANDIGARH: More than 2,000. Kashmiri Pandits from different parts of India and abroad will participate in the ‘kritagyata yatra’ to Anandpur Sahib which is being organized by the Panun Kashmir Foundation on April 16. Dr. Ajay Chrangoo, an official spokesman of the Panun Kashmir said that the yatra’s aim was to pay obeisance to the spirit of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur and also to seek inspiration from him to solve the present crisis being faced by the community. The resolve to undertake this sacred venture was made at the first world conference of Kashmiri Pandits, held on 27-28th, 1993, he added.
Dr. Chrangoo said that before proceeding to Chamkaur Sahib, the yatris would gather at Chandigarh to pay homage to Pandit Kripa Ram Dutt, the leader of the delegation of the Kashmiri Pandits that had sought help from Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur against the atrocities of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb.
He further said that about 500 prominent Kashmiri Pandits will participate in an ardaas at Anandpur Sahib. Later, the ardaas engraved on a stone by Rajinder Tikoo and a painting by B.K. Dembi, depicting Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom, will be presented to the gurdwara. Besides, an audio cassette of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s verses sung by the Kashmiri Pandits and a souvenir containing the details of the yatra will also be released. According to Dr. Chrangoo, the yatra which will conclude at the Sector-34 gurdwaras, on the evening of April 16, will be held by Dr. Agnishekhar, the chairman of the foundation. He claimed that Sikh leaders had responded positively to the yatra which is going to be a unique example of inter-community brotherhood and love.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 24, 1995
