Srinagar, June 6 (PTI) Ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's two-day visit to Kashmir from tomorrow, Gujjars of the state have sought a comprehensive socio-economic package to resolve their pending demands.
The demands include opening of a tribal university, inclusion of Gojri language in Eighth schedule of Constitution and a special census of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals.
"Gujjars had been demanding a tribal university in the state prior to 2007 when the first-ever National Tribal University was established in Madhya Pradesh. This demand is still pending with the Centre," said Dr Javaid Rahi, National Secretary of Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, a frontal organisation of Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Rahi, Gujjars constitute 20 per cent of the total population of the state.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Gujjars appeal to Manmohan Singh for special package
Srinagar: Ahead of prime minister Manmohan Singh's two-day visit to Kashmir from tomorrow, Gujjars of the state have sought a comprehensive socio-economic package to resolve their pending demands.
The demands include opening of a tribal university, inclusion of Gojri language in Eighth schedule of Constitution and a special census of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals.
"Gujjars had been demanding a tribal university in the state prior to 2007 when the first-ever National Tribal University was established in Madhya Pradesh. This demand is still pending with the Centre," said Dr Javaid Rahi, National Secretary of Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, a frontal organisation of Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Rahi, Gujjars constitute 20% of the total population of the state.
The university, if established, could promote studies and research in tribal art, culture, tradition, language, custom, medicinal systems, forest-based economic activities, including special studies in the flora and fauna, and advancements in technologies relating to natural resources of the tribal areas
of the state, he said.
"The case for inclusion of Gojri language in the Eighth schedule is pending with the Union Government since 1991 which is adversely affecting the development of tribal culture of Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir," said Rahi.
The community demanded that a special census be conducted of lakhs of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir who are presently under seasonal migration along with their livestock in the upper reaches of Northwestern Himalayas.
He said Gujjars are demanding raising of a full-fledged 'Gujjar Regiment' in the Army on the pattern of Jat, Rajput and Dogra Regiments since 1947, which is still pending with the Union Government.
The organisation also appealed to the PM to provide a "special rehabilitation package" for lakhs of Gujjars and Bakerwals in the state, besides constituting a task force to ensure speedy implementation of development schemes in Gujjar-populated areas.
The community demanded job share in central government and special employment drive for Gujjars.
The demands include opening of a tribal university, inclusion of Gojri language in Eighth schedule of Constitution and a special census of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals.
"Gujjars had been demanding a tribal university in the state prior to 2007 when the first-ever National Tribal University was established in Madhya Pradesh. This demand is still pending with the Centre," said Dr Javaid Rahi, National Secretary of Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, a frontal organisation of Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Rahi, Gujjars constitute 20% of the total population of the state.
The university, if established, could promote studies and research in tribal art, culture, tradition, language, custom, medicinal systems, forest-based economic activities, including special studies in the flora and fauna, and advancements in technologies relating to natural resources of the tribal areas
of the state, he said.
"The case for inclusion of Gojri language in the Eighth schedule is pending with the Union Government since 1991 which is adversely affecting the development of tribal culture of Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir," said Rahi.
The community demanded that a special census be conducted of lakhs of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir who are presently under seasonal migration along with their livestock in the upper reaches of Northwestern Himalayas.
He said Gujjars are demanding raising of a full-fledged 'Gujjar Regiment' in the Army on the pattern of Jat, Rajput and Dogra Regiments since 1947, which is still pending with the Union Government.
The organisation also appealed to the PM to provide a "special rehabilitation package" for lakhs of Gujjars and Bakerwals in the state, besides constituting a task force to ensure speedy implementation of development schemes in Gujjar-populated areas.
The community demanded job share in central government and special employment drive for Gujjars.
Thousands of cattle perish due to untimely snowfall
Jammu, June 4 (PTI) A large number of cattle have died in Warwan region in Jammu and Kashmir due to the unseasonal heavy snowfall, police said today.
Inhabitants of Warwan in Kishtwar district, the nomad Gujjars, have reported to police that about 32,254 cattle heads have perished in the pasture region due to the recent unseasonal heavy snowfall, police said.
This information that 12,557 sheep, 16,869 goats, 1,460 horses and 1,368 cows have died due to extreme weather conditions, has been provide to police by the nomads through applications at various special police camps in the area, police said.
They said that joint teams of Revenue, Forest and Police Departments are verifying these figures on the ground by visiting the area to ascertain the exact quantum of loss of the Nomadic community
Inhabitants of Warwan in Kishtwar district, the nomad Gujjars, have reported to police that about 32,254 cattle heads have perished in the pasture region due to the recent unseasonal heavy snowfall, police said.
This information that 12,557 sheep, 16,869 goats, 1,460 horses and 1,368 cows have died due to extreme weather conditions, has been provide to police by the nomads through applications at various special police camps in the area, police said.
They said that joint teams of Revenue, Forest and Police Departments are verifying these figures on the ground by visiting the area to ascertain the exact quantum of loss of the Nomadic community
Thousands of cattle perish due to untimely snowfall
Jammu, June 4 (PTI) A large number of cattle have died in Warwan region in Jammu and Kashmir due to the unseasonal heavy snowfall, police said today.
Inhabitants of Warwan in Kishtwar district, the nomad Gujjars, have reported to police that about 32,254 cattle heads have perished in the pasture region due to the recent unseasonal heavy snowfall, police said.
This information that 12,557 sheep, 16,869 goats, 1,460 horses and 1,368 cows have died due to extreme weather conditions, has been provide to police by the nomads through applications at various special police camps in the area, police said.
They said that joint teams of Revenue, Forest and Police Departments are verifying these figures on the ground by visiting the area to ascertain the exact quantum of loss of the Nomadic community
Inhabitants of Warwan in Kishtwar district, the nomad Gujjars, have reported to police that about 32,254 cattle heads have perished in the pasture region due to the recent unseasonal heavy snowfall, police said.
This information that 12,557 sheep, 16,869 goats, 1,460 horses and 1,368 cows have died due to extreme weather conditions, has been provide to police by the nomads through applications at various special police camps in the area, police said.
They said that joint teams of Revenue, Forest and Police Departments are verifying these figures on the ground by visiting the area to ascertain the exact quantum of loss of the Nomadic community
Gujjars call off June 13 rally
The Gujjar faction led by former MLA Ramveer Singh Bidhuri has back tracked from its earlier call to organise a state-wide strike on June 13 to press for their demand of five per cent reservation for the community. The breakaway group has now given a call to protest at district level on June 16.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Gujjar Yuva Mahasbha said that a handful of outsiders were inciting the Gujjars while the BJP is backing them.
The breakaway group also formed Gujjar Arkshan Samiti headed by Mr Bidhuri.
Talking to media persons, Mr Bidhuri and BJP MLA Hem Singh Bhadana said Gujjar leader K.S. Bainsla betrayed the community. Besides Mr Bhadana, former BJP ministers Nathu Singh and Kalu Lal Gujjar were also made members of the samiti. Barring Mr Bidhuri, most of the samiti leaders come from the saffron party.
Mr Bidhuri said the community had rejected the peace accord signed by Mr Bainsla with chief minister Ashok Gehlot.
“Ours will be a peaceful agitation. If the government fails to address our cause, it may go in any direction,” Mr Bidhuri warned. The same group had organised a Mahapanchayat at Matrakundia under Chittorgarh district only last month, but got little support. Gujjar Yuva Mahasabha president Vikram Gujjar said only few outsiders were trying to make their own political base in Rajasthan.
“Why are they not serving Gujjars in their own states like Haryana and Uttar Pardesh?” he asks. He said the state government had given what it could give and the Gujjars endorsed the peace pact.
The Gujjar agitation brought leaders from the neighbouring states to try their luck in Lok Sabha elections. One of them, Rajendra Bidhuri got elected from Begu seat under Chittorgarh district to the Assembly.
Another Gujjar leader from Harayana, S.S. Jonpuria, first tried to get a Congress ticket for Lok Sabha.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Gujjar Yuva Mahasbha said that a handful of outsiders were inciting the Gujjars while the BJP is backing them.
The breakaway group also formed Gujjar Arkshan Samiti headed by Mr Bidhuri.
Talking to media persons, Mr Bidhuri and BJP MLA Hem Singh Bhadana said Gujjar leader K.S. Bainsla betrayed the community. Besides Mr Bhadana, former BJP ministers Nathu Singh and Kalu Lal Gujjar were also made members of the samiti. Barring Mr Bidhuri, most of the samiti leaders come from the saffron party.
Mr Bidhuri said the community had rejected the peace accord signed by Mr Bainsla with chief minister Ashok Gehlot.
“Ours will be a peaceful agitation. If the government fails to address our cause, it may go in any direction,” Mr Bidhuri warned. The same group had organised a Mahapanchayat at Matrakundia under Chittorgarh district only last month, but got little support. Gujjar Yuva Mahasabha president Vikram Gujjar said only few outsiders were trying to make their own political base in Rajasthan.
“Why are they not serving Gujjars in their own states like Haryana and Uttar Pardesh?” he asks. He said the state government had given what it could give and the Gujjars endorsed the peace pact.
The Gujjar agitation brought leaders from the neighbouring states to try their luck in Lok Sabha elections. One of them, Rajendra Bidhuri got elected from Begu seat under Chittorgarh district to the Assembly.
Another Gujjar leader from Harayana, S.S. Jonpuria, first tried to get a Congress ticket for Lok Sabha.
Rebel faction of Gujjars warns of fresh movement in Rajasthan
JAIPUR: A major rebel faction of Gujjars in Rajasthan today warned of fresh agitation from June 16 if the state government fails to meet their demand of five per cent reservation.
The faction led by Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Chief Patron of All India Gujjar Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti, rejected the one per cent additional quota extended by the state government to the community recently.
"Our community members have already rejected one per cent additional quota extended to Gujjars following agitation by (community leader) Kirori Singh Bainsla and now we will launch fresh movement to get our rights," Bidhuri told reporters here.
"The movement will be peaceful and not like that of Bainsla where railway tracks were uprooted. In initial stage, we will hold demonstration at all district headquarters and memorandum will be submitted to the state government through respective district collectors.
"The agitation will be intensified by staging demonstration at state assembly during the Monsoon session and submitting memorandum to the Prime Minister and AICC President Sonia Gandhi," Bidhuri said.
He said five per cent reservation in government jobs, withdrawal of cases registered against the community members during the agitation led by Bainsla and pension to those injured in the protest are among the demands.
Strongly condemning the agreement arrived between the state government and Bainsla on granting one per cent additional quota, Bidhuri alleged that Bainsla settled for the accord only for his "personal gains".
The community had called off its month-long stir on May 5 after the government agreed to accord one per cent more quota to it in addition to the existing four per cent given to them under the OBC category.
As per the agreement, since the community is already getting 21 per cent reservation under the OBC category, they would get one per cent more quota till the High Court completes formalities on their demand, and remaining four per cent reservation would be accorded after the court's verdict under the Special Backward Class category.
The faction led by Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Chief Patron of All India Gujjar Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti, rejected the one per cent additional quota extended by the state government to the community recently.
"Our community members have already rejected one per cent additional quota extended to Gujjars following agitation by (community leader) Kirori Singh Bainsla and now we will launch fresh movement to get our rights," Bidhuri told reporters here.
"The movement will be peaceful and not like that of Bainsla where railway tracks were uprooted. In initial stage, we will hold demonstration at all district headquarters and memorandum will be submitted to the state government through respective district collectors.
"The agitation will be intensified by staging demonstration at state assembly during the Monsoon session and submitting memorandum to the Prime Minister and AICC President Sonia Gandhi," Bidhuri said.
He said five per cent reservation in government jobs, withdrawal of cases registered against the community members during the agitation led by Bainsla and pension to those injured in the protest are among the demands.
Strongly condemning the agreement arrived between the state government and Bainsla on granting one per cent additional quota, Bidhuri alleged that Bainsla settled for the accord only for his "personal gains".
The community had called off its month-long stir on May 5 after the government agreed to accord one per cent more quota to it in addition to the existing four per cent given to them under the OBC category.
As per the agreement, since the community is already getting 21 per cent reservation under the OBC category, they would get one per cent more quota till the High Court completes formalities on their demand, and remaining four per cent reservation would be accorded after the court's verdict under the Special Backward Class category.
Gujjars reported missing after heavy rains, snowfall
At least 25 Gujjars including women and children have been reported missing following incessant rains and snowfall in the Himalayan region during the past few days.
Reports said that the worst hit was the Wadwan area in the Jammu region, where about 25 people are reportedly missing along with their livestock.
“We have reports about these families and we are trying to establish contact with their relatives in Patnitop,” divisional commissioner of Jammu Pawan Kotwal told TheHindu, adding that they were trapped due to heavy snowfall in Sukhnai village in Jabal Nallah, which is the last area in the north.
While it is still being ascertained how many people are trapped, Mr. Kotwal confirmed that nearly 4,500 sheep, goats and horses have perished.
The Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, however, said thousands of Gujjars and Bakerwals families still require emergency rescues, relief and rehabilitation operations as they are at high risk from being trapped or stranded due to snow avalanches, landslides and thunder storms in places like Pir Panjal, Shivalik, Trikuta and the Zojila hills in the ranges of the northwestern Himalayas.
Foundation Secretary Javaid Rahi said the Gujjars and Bakerwals got trapped since they move to the upper reaches as a part of their seasonal tribal migration in April.
Reports said that the worst hit was the Wadwan area in the Jammu region, where about 25 people are reportedly missing along with their livestock.
“We have reports about these families and we are trying to establish contact with their relatives in Patnitop,” divisional commissioner of Jammu Pawan Kotwal told TheHindu, adding that they were trapped due to heavy snowfall in Sukhnai village in Jabal Nallah, which is the last area in the north.
While it is still being ascertained how many people are trapped, Mr. Kotwal confirmed that nearly 4,500 sheep, goats and horses have perished.
The Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, however, said thousands of Gujjars and Bakerwals families still require emergency rescues, relief and rehabilitation operations as they are at high risk from being trapped or stranded due to snow avalanches, landslides and thunder storms in places like Pir Panjal, Shivalik, Trikuta and the Zojila hills in the ranges of the northwestern Himalayas.
Foundation Secretary Javaid Rahi said the Gujjars and Bakerwals got trapped since they move to the upper reaches as a part of their seasonal tribal migration in April.
Gujjars reported missing after heavy rains, snowfall
At least 25 Gujjars including women and children have been reported missing following incessant rains and snowfall in the Himalayan region during the past few days.
Reports said that the worst hit was the Wadwan area in the Jammu region, where about 25 people are reportedly missing along with their livestock.
“We have reports about these families and we are trying to establish contact with their relatives in Patnitop,” divisional commissioner of Jammu Pawan Kotwal told TheHindu, adding that they were trapped due to heavy snowfall in Sukhnai village in Jabal Nallah, which is the last area in the north.
While it is still being ascertained how many people are trapped, Mr. Kotwal confirmed that nearly 4,500 sheep, goats and horses have perished.
The Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, however, said thousands of Gujjars and Bakerwals families still require emergency rescues, relief and rehabilitation operations as they are at high risk from being trapped or stranded due to snow avalanches, landslides and thunder storms in places like Pir Panjal, Shivalik, Trikuta and the Zojila hills in the ranges of the northwestern Himalayas.
Foundation Secretary Javaid Rahi said the Gujjars and Bakerwals got trapped since they move to the upper reaches as a part of their seasonal tribal migration in April.
Reports said that the worst hit was the Wadwan area in the Jammu region, where about 25 people are reportedly missing along with their livestock.
“We have reports about these families and we are trying to establish contact with their relatives in Patnitop,” divisional commissioner of Jammu Pawan Kotwal told TheHindu, adding that they were trapped due to heavy snowfall in Sukhnai village in Jabal Nallah, which is the last area in the north.
While it is still being ascertained how many people are trapped, Mr. Kotwal confirmed that nearly 4,500 sheep, goats and horses have perished.
The Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, however, said thousands of Gujjars and Bakerwals families still require emergency rescues, relief and rehabilitation operations as they are at high risk from being trapped or stranded due to snow avalanches, landslides and thunder storms in places like Pir Panjal, Shivalik, Trikuta and the Zojila hills in the ranges of the northwestern Himalayas.
Foundation Secretary Javaid Rahi said the Gujjars and Bakerwals got trapped since they move to the upper reaches as a part of their seasonal tribal migration in April.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Centre asked to rescue stranded nomads from J&K mountain ranges
A frontal organisation of Gujjars on Sunday appealed to the Centre and the State government to rescue nomads stranded at mountain ranges in Jammu and Kashmir due to unseasonal rain and snowfall in the last few days.
The Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) said over three lakh to five lakh nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals are trapped at mountain ranges while they were in search for pastures for livestock during their seasonal migration since April.
“Unseasonal snowfall and heavy rain have put at high risk the lives of over three lakh to five lakh nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals along with livestock as they got trapped at different points in the mountain ranges,” TRCF secretary Javaid Rahi said in a statement here.
“We appeal to Union government and State authorities for an immediate rescue operation to save human lives,” he said.
People of these communities, who moved to upper reaches as part of their seasonal migration in April got trapped at upper reaches of Pir Panchal, Doda, Anantnag, Kulgam, Zojiala pass Jamia Gali, Pir Ki Marg, Chhapran, Upper Banihal, Wadwan, Trichhal, Mughal Road, Gurez— Macheil sector and other areas due to heavy snowfall and rainstorm over the past few days.
The main tribal migration routes of Jamiya Gali, Gora Batta, Nanansar and Ropadi Dharhal Pass were badly damaged due to heavy snowfall, he said.
The Gujjars, in the Schedule Tribe category, constitute one forth of total 11 million population of the State.
The Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) said over three lakh to five lakh nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals are trapped at mountain ranges while they were in search for pastures for livestock during their seasonal migration since April.
“Unseasonal snowfall and heavy rain have put at high risk the lives of over three lakh to five lakh nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals along with livestock as they got trapped at different points in the mountain ranges,” TRCF secretary Javaid Rahi said in a statement here.
“We appeal to Union government and State authorities for an immediate rescue operation to save human lives,” he said.
People of these communities, who moved to upper reaches as part of their seasonal migration in April got trapped at upper reaches of Pir Panchal, Doda, Anantnag, Kulgam, Zojiala pass Jamia Gali, Pir Ki Marg, Chhapran, Upper Banihal, Wadwan, Trichhal, Mughal Road, Gurez— Macheil sector and other areas due to heavy snowfall and rainstorm over the past few days.
The main tribal migration routes of Jamiya Gali, Gora Batta, Nanansar and Ropadi Dharhal Pass were badly damaged due to heavy snowfall, he said.
The Gujjars, in the Schedule Tribe category, constitute one forth of total 11 million population of the State.
Sonia ‘revives’ ties with Gujjars
All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Sonia Gandhi finally kept her date with the Gujjars by inaugurating “Gujjar Centre for Culture and Heritage” here on Saturday and also used the opportunity to revive age old links of party with the nomadic community with the promise that Centre would “do everything for its development.”
She was addressing the gathering at Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT) following inauguration of the centre. This was her first ever visit to the winter capital after the UPA came to power for its second term.
Chief minister Omar Abdullah, Union minister for health Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union minister for new and renewable energy Dr Farooq Abdullah, JKPCC chief Prof Saifuddin Soz, minister of state at the Prime Minister’s Office and J&K affairs in-charge Prithviraj Chavan, deputy chief minister Tara Chand and GDCT chairman Masud Chowdhary shared the presidium with the AICC president.
To strike a right chord with the community, which formed a significant vote bank of the party in the state, the Congress president recalled, “Congress shares a very special and deep relationship with Gujjars and it dates back to the times of Pandit Nehru. Nehruji, Indiraji and Rajivji — they all had great concern for the community which formed important part of our society. They felt duty-bound to redress their grievances. The party still cares for this nomadic population a great deal.”
Profusely appreciating Gujjars for, what she chose to describe as, “their valour, unquestionable patriotism, enduring spirits despite all odds and innumerable sacrifices for the country during wars with the neighbouring country and militancy,” Sonia stated that the UPA government was making all out efforts for development and progress of J&K.
National Conference president and Union minister for new and renewable energy Dr Farooq Abdullah and his chief minister son did a perfect balancing act in the function.
While Farooq also brought an element of suspense in his inimitable manner in his address, the chief minister also did some plain speaking while responding to some of the points made by Masud Chowdhary.
Mr Farooq maintained, “Many people did not want the AICC president to come here as a part of their nasty politics. But I’m happy she still came and this has boosted the morale of the community spread all across India and Pakistan
Sonia assures central schemes for uplift of Gujjars
Jammu, May 29 (PTI) Lauding the role of Gujjars in defending the country's interests during wars and militancy, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today assured them that the Centre would initiate schemes for uplift of the nomadic community.
"The Gujjars have bravely fought during 1965 and 1971 wars and today also they are fighting militancy and subversion in Jammu and Kashmir," Gandhi said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating Gurjar Centre for Culture and Heritage at Channi Himat here this afternoon.
She said that the relationship between Congress and Gujjars dates back to the days of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of the country, who had great concern for the community
"The Gujjars have bravely fought during 1965 and 1971 wars and today also they are fighting militancy and subversion in Jammu and Kashmir," Gandhi said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating Gurjar Centre for Culture and Heritage at Channi Himat here this afternoon.
She said that the relationship between Congress and Gujjars dates back to the days of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of the country, who had great concern for the community
With Congress at the helm in Delhi, J&K will advance: Sonia
SRINAGAR: Congress president and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir would become a progressive State, while her party was leading the government at the Centre.
After inaugurating a cultural centre for Gujjars in Jammu, Ms. Gandhi told a gathering that the UPA government was committed to helping Jammu and Kashmir. “The State should adopt the latest scientific methods and use computers to advance in the path of education and progress,” she said.
She hailed the contribution of Gujjars in fighting militancy in the border State and in securing the frontiers of the country, and promised the UPA government's help for the community's economic, political and educational empowerment.
“The sacrifice of this [Gujjar] community for the independence of our country has no match. In all wars which India fought with its neighbours, the Gujjars were in the forefront and fought bravely. Be it protecting our borders from enemy aggression or fighting militancy, these men have [made] a huge contribution.”
It was her first visit to Jammu after the UPA government began its second tenure a year ago.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the government would re-open all the mobile schools, remaining closed for the past 20 years, to ensure education for all Gujjars. He asked the community to arm its children with education and knowledge, so that they could fight their economic, social and political backwardness.
Union Ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad and PCC chief Saifuddin Soz spoke.
Before leaving for Delhi, Ms. Gandhi met Mr. Omar Abdullah and discussed the functioning of the coalition government. Sources said bickerings between the two factions of the State Congress — headed by Prof. Soz and Mr. Azad — were pulling the Congress Ministers in different directions, thus adversely affecting their functioning.
Sources said that Mr. Abdullah gave her an account of the functioning of the 16-month-old coalition government. He stressed that things were smooth, but certain wrinkles needed to be ironed out.
Ms. Gandhi held a meeting with senior party functionaries over lunch. She cancelled her Srinagar visit owing to infighting in the party.
Sonia to open Gujjar Center today
Shabir Dar
Jammu, May 28: When the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi would inaugurate the state-of-art Gurjar Centre for Culture and Heritage (GCCH) here Saturday, movement for improving the condition of tribal community of the State will be born.
The centre, built by Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), a voluntary non-political organisation, has mandated itself to work for the upliftment of Gujjars and other underprivileged classes of the State.
The purpose of establishing GCCH was to deal effectively with backwardness and socio-economic deprivation of the Gujjar community.
The centre is mandated to formulate programmes and policies and creating a wave of awareness among the members of the community to become active agents of their own socio-economic reformation.
“By the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University in 1875 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the condition of Muslims improved considerably. It was a movement toward educational, economic and political awakening of Muslims. Likewise, the establishment of Gurjar Centre for Culture and Heritage is a movement to improve socio, economic and political conditions of Gujjars,” Masud Ahmad Chaudhary, Chairman of GDCT told Rising Kashmir.
Chaudhary said the Gurjar Centre was state-of-art structure, which houses facilities like Researchers Retrieve, Art, Culture and Language centre, workshop, auditorium, conference hall, publishing hall, gallery, museum and Begum Akbar Jehan Foundation and Research Library.
“The traditional dress, culture and even language of Gujjars is on decline. Even the social condition of Gujiars is not good. So I am sure that the centre will have a very positive impact on the society. It is empowerment of Jammu and Kashmir Muslims,” Chaudhary, who is also the vice-chairman of Baba Ghulam Shah Badsha University, Rajouri said.
Not only members of Gujjar community, even the head of the state have expressed hope that the centre would help preserve culture and heritage of the tribal community.
“I wish and pray that the complex becomes a centre of activities aimed at preservation and showcasing of rich culture of the Gujjar community,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah writes in his message to the tribal community. The CM’s message is published in the broacher to be released by Sonia Gandhi on Saturday.
It took almost two decades for the GDCT to complete the work on Gurjar Centre for Culture and Heritage (GCCH), the work for which started in 1991.
Two former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad had provided enough financial help from the State resources to the centre in its present form.
Besides, GDCT has received financial help from the Government of India and other Gujjar bodies of India.
“By establishing GCCH we have added beauty to Jammu city and also registered our identity,” Chaudhary said.
The Gujjar members say their community, which lives in extreme poverty, has been exploited by successive regimes in Jammu and Kashmir.
To substantiate their argument, the Gujjar community members quote the first prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru as saying in 1940: “Gujjars have continually been exploited and have lived in extreme poverty.”
“I don’t think there is much improvement in the situation of Gujjars since then,” said Chaudhary.
Now the coming of Sonia Gandhi to Jammu for inaugurating the GCCH is being viewed as a new beginning of relationship between the Gandhi family and the Gujjar and Bakerwal community of the State.
The Gujjar community members are optimistic that after a long gap of over 25 years, a member of the Gandhi family will revive the relationship between the two which will have a forereaching impact on the movement of Gujjars, who are struggling hard since 1947 for their recognition as a vibrant and powerful ethno-political tribal identity.
“Former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Ghandi were great advocates and sympathisers of Gujjars of J&K but after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the links were snapped. Now the visit of Sonia Gandhi will see a new saga of revival of age old relations between a community that always sacrificed a lot for upholding the unity and integrity of the State,” said a Gujjar community leader
Jammu, May 28: When the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi would inaugurate the state-of-art Gurjar Centre for Culture and Heritage (GCCH) here Saturday, movement for improving the condition of tribal community of the State will be born.
The centre, built by Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), a voluntary non-political organisation, has mandated itself to work for the upliftment of Gujjars and other underprivileged classes of the State.
The purpose of establishing GCCH was to deal effectively with backwardness and socio-economic deprivation of the Gujjar community.
The centre is mandated to formulate programmes and policies and creating a wave of awareness among the members of the community to become active agents of their own socio-economic reformation.
“By the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University in 1875 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the condition of Muslims improved considerably. It was a movement toward educational, economic and political awakening of Muslims. Likewise, the establishment of Gurjar Centre for Culture and Heritage is a movement to improve socio, economic and political conditions of Gujjars,” Masud Ahmad Chaudhary, Chairman of GDCT told Rising Kashmir.
Chaudhary said the Gurjar Centre was state-of-art structure, which houses facilities like Researchers Retrieve, Art, Culture and Language centre, workshop, auditorium, conference hall, publishing hall, gallery, museum and Begum Akbar Jehan Foundation and Research Library.
“The traditional dress, culture and even language of Gujjars is on decline. Even the social condition of Gujiars is not good. So I am sure that the centre will have a very positive impact on the society. It is empowerment of Jammu and Kashmir Muslims,” Chaudhary, who is also the vice-chairman of Baba Ghulam Shah Badsha University, Rajouri said.
Not only members of Gujjar community, even the head of the state have expressed hope that the centre would help preserve culture and heritage of the tribal community.
“I wish and pray that the complex becomes a centre of activities aimed at preservation and showcasing of rich culture of the Gujjar community,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah writes in his message to the tribal community. The CM’s message is published in the broacher to be released by Sonia Gandhi on Saturday.
It took almost two decades for the GDCT to complete the work on Gurjar Centre for Culture and Heritage (GCCH), the work for which started in 1991.
Two former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad had provided enough financial help from the State resources to the centre in its present form.
Besides, GDCT has received financial help from the Government of India and other Gujjar bodies of India.
“By establishing GCCH we have added beauty to Jammu city and also registered our identity,” Chaudhary said.
The Gujjar members say their community, which lives in extreme poverty, has been exploited by successive regimes in Jammu and Kashmir.
To substantiate their argument, the Gujjar community members quote the first prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru as saying in 1940: “Gujjars have continually been exploited and have lived in extreme poverty.”
“I don’t think there is much improvement in the situation of Gujjars since then,” said Chaudhary.
Now the coming of Sonia Gandhi to Jammu for inaugurating the GCCH is being viewed as a new beginning of relationship between the Gandhi family and the Gujjar and Bakerwal community of the State.
The Gujjar community members are optimistic that after a long gap of over 25 years, a member of the Gandhi family will revive the relationship between the two which will have a forereaching impact on the movement of Gujjars, who are struggling hard since 1947 for their recognition as a vibrant and powerful ethno-political tribal identity.
“Former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Ghandi were great advocates and sympathisers of Gujjars of J&K but after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the links were snapped. Now the visit of Sonia Gandhi will see a new saga of revival of age old relations between a community that always sacrificed a lot for upholding the unity and integrity of the State,” said a Gujjar community leader
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