Towards a Global Reform Movement Among Kashmiri Pandits

Prof. S. Bhatt, New Delhi

Introduction

At the outset we may ask ourselves as to when do we need a reform movement ? A reform movement is perhaps necessary - when a community is in difficult circumstances such as the Kashmiri Pandits find themselves in today's world.  Our community is uprooted from its environments in Kashmir and its members are scattered all over the world.  For a decade since 1990, people belonging to this great community find themselves in an uncharted ocean, not knowing where to go and where to look for direction.  Their cultural heritage from Kashmir is disintegrating.  The response to this historical challenge is to start a reform movement within us.

The Calcutta Kashmiri Pandit Association deserves our praise in organising this volume of Vitasta journal in memory of a great son of Kashmir, Shri Kashyap Bandhu, who in 1930s and 1940s led a reform movement among KPs in Kashmir.  The issues he focused then concerned widow marriage, female education, dowry reform, help to poor sections of KP society, and promoting knowledge through newspapers such as Martand, Desh and Kesri.  Bandhuji did succeed in achieving the goals he set forth.  Today, we see the KP community as a dynamic and educated society in which females especially have excelled and the society is very enlightened.  True to their heritage, Kashmiri Pandits represent leading lights in the Indian society in which Jawaharlal Nehru,Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Master Zinda Kaul, Dina Nath Nadim and Prof'.  Jialal Kaul are a few bright examples.  Kashmiri Pandits also carry with them historically a spiritual heritage par excellence represented by Lal Ded, Rupa Bhawani and many more outstanding saints and sages, and in our time, by Swami Lakhmanjoo and Bhagwan Gopinathji.  These seers are classic examples of great spiritual beings of the world who spoke for all mankind.  In the present day world of science and scientific exploration when the emphasis is on man to mankind approach, these seers throw light on global peace and harmony.  They create hope for those who seek peace in the twenty-first century.  They also help in the synthesis of cultures and tolerance of religions.

Today Kashmiri Pandits need to remind themselves how they have faced difficult times in history and the response they made to the challenges.  In terms of their achievements one needs to go through the pages of the book "The Kashmiri Pandit" by Pt.  Anand Kaul (Utpal Publication) first published in 1924.  He says for example at page 74 : "There is hardly any Indian state where a Kashmiri Pandit has not been at one time or other Prime Minister .... At present Rajah Sir Daya Kishan Kaul is the Chief Minister of Patiala, Sir Sukhdev Prasad Kak is the Prime Minister of Jodhpur, Colonel Kailash Narayan Haksar is the Finance Member of Gwalior and Pandit Piare Kishen Wattal is the Foreign and Political Minister of Bikaner . . . ." The list cited by Pt. Anand Kaul is a long one and need not be reproduced here fully.  At another place Kaul refers to the genesis of Kashmiri Pandits.  At page 29, he writes that "Kashmiri Pandits have ever been renowned for their genius and higher proficiency in learning." He elaborates further the past history of Kashmiri Pandits : "In short, Kashmir was a great area of sciences and arts . . . . There were poets, philosophers, grammarians, historians, astronomers and physicians, who, while living, shone like bright luminaries in the firmament.  These master-minds and great thinkers immortalised themselves by writing books on different branches of sciences . . which are the wonders of the world."

I suggest strongly to the younger generation in particular to read this book on Kashmiri Pandits by Pt. Anand Kaul.  You will get a glimpse from this slim volume on the great heritage of intellect and spirit that KPs have.  Kaul refers to the sublime simplicity of KPs who were rishis, sages, hermits and ascetics, who cared less for worldly enjoyment with minimum of subsistence (page 1).  I think these values about Kashmiri Pandits are even true in modem times.  These are imperishable traits of KPs that help us revive our heritage and meet challenges of modem times.  These values have a splendour of their own.  They indeed make KPs represent a higher stock of human civilisation.  KPs belong to a different gene pool which has been preserved in the United States, as indicated by one of our leading biologists, Dr. T.N. Khoshoo.

Rajatarangini and other Sources on K.P.

Rajatarangini, as we know, is a classic on Kashmiri history of the Middle Ages.  It was written by a KP called Kalhana Pandit during 1148-49 A.D. in Sanskrit language.  As M.A. Stein writes in Rajatarangini : "Kalhana's family was Brahman by caste.  Sanskrit leaming of the type displayed in the Rajatarangini has, in Kashmir, as elsewhere in India, been cultivated chiefly if not exclusively, by Pandits of Brahman descent", pages 7-8.  Kalhana was proud of being a Brahmin, says Stein.  He had studied Saivism and other literary epics.  He therefore represents very much KP literary and spiritual background for which KPs are known in history and current period.  Some of the leading scholars of present day like Dr. B.N. Pandit can compare well with Kathana's scholarship.

In another historical book "The Valley of Kashmir", the writer Walter R. Lawrence wrote in 1895 about Kashmiri Pandits:

They (KPS) are a very intelligent and intellectual race of men, of excellent manners, and often very charming and amusing companions.  They are fluent and ready writers.  They can undergo great strain and fatigue when necessity arises, in spite of their soft, gentle appearance.  They often amass great wealth in a short time, but they are very generous and lavish in their expenditure, and their money soon goes.  It is to regretted that they have not built any work of public utility in their beloved city, (Page 282,1996 Edition by Kashmir Kitab Ghar, Jammu)

Lawrence mentions that Kashmiris normally like to stay and work in the valley of Kashmir, quoting a Kashmiri proverb "chari chu kand thari peth karar" - meaning that a bird is content when it is rested on its branch with thorns.  How much has world changed since the last hundred years for KPs ? A handful of people are now scattered all over the world, a global diaspora indeed.

So much for the historical leaning and background of KP community.  Let us now examine our problems of present day and how a reform movement can be launched world-wide to redeem our honour and heritage and work with common brotherhood and unity in a vastly expanded world.  What essentially inspires us that our community consists of people who are simple, noble, and creative individuals.  We have an outstanding history behind of service to mankind.  We are genetically a sublime people and have much to contribute to modem civilisation in many fields of science and technology and in developing a harmonious world.  We stand on pillars built by our great saints and sages who were spiritually most enlightened.  Our ancestors are of
the like of Kalhana Pandit and Lal Ded who have made their place in history and created enlightenment for mankind.  The present is a dark period of terrorism in Kashmir.  Wisdom from history must prevail sooner and harmony and peace should return to the valley.

Parameters of a New Reform Movement for Kashmiri Pandits

According to the needs of our time and in view of dispersal of Kashmiri Pandit society around the world, I suggest following points which may form the basis of a new reform movement of KP for the 21st century which we have entered.  I hope these views are common to all and meet with the expectations of all parts of our community.  These issues are as follows: (1) Unity and brotherhood, (2) Preserving KP cultural heritage, (3) Help to weaker sections of our society, (4) Keeping alive Kashmiri language, (5) K.P. population centres, (6) Maintaining links with cultural and spiritual centres in Kashmir, (7) Creation of new centres of KP culture and history outside Kashmir, (8) Promoting global peace and harmony.

1. Unity and brotherhood

A major challenge before us is to keep our identity for the future.  This can be achieved by promoting unity among all sections of our society 'm various parts of the world.  Distance is bound to separate us.  However, modern communications help us to promote unity.  We indeed have to inspire among us a new brotherhood based on our common cultural heritage.  We belong to a group of saints and sages from Kashmir who were members of a large family.  Let us not forget we are descendants of Lal Ded, Parmanand, Rup Bhawani and Bhagwan Gopinath, and people of their generation.  Our heritage and genetic background should help evolve a new spirit of brotherhood and unity.  We cannot therefore get lost among 6 billion people of the world.

2. Preserving KP Cultural Heritage

Each community has its own culture which gives it form and shape.  In spite of problems of history and external incursions into Kashmir, KP heritage has survived for the past over thousand years or more.  Kalhana wrote Rajatrangini in 1149 A.D. In this historical treatise he has described the outstanding virtue and cultural richness of KPs.  These qualities have come down with us to this day.  Our spiritual life, cultural festivals, marriage rituals, and thirst for knowledge and excellence form a distinct part of our cultural make-up.  Therefore we need to strengthen our cultural, spiritual, and educational centres.  New cultural centres need to be established in various geographical areas.  Some pioneers have done tremendous work to establish new cultural institutions.  Shri Pran Nath Kaul for example has dedicated towards opening temples for propagation of spiritual life of Bhagwan Gopi Nath.  Others in New Delhi have established centres for Kashmir Shaivism propagated by revered Swami Lakhmanjoo.  Shri M.K. Kaw, President of Kashmir Education Society and currently Secretary, Ministry of Education, Government of India, is making plans for an international cultural, educational centre for KPs in Pamposh Enclave, New Delhi.  Mr. J.N. Kaul of AIKS has constructed Hari Parbat and Schools in and around Delhi.  A host of dedicated people among our migrant population have done a yeoman's work in Jammu and created temples like Kheer Bhawani etc.  And the philanthropist and creative social workers have built cultural centres in Calcutta and Bombay, apart from many other centres being planned elsewhere and in overseas in USA and Canada.  Therefore, we need not be disheartened with our progress.  After all as Master Zinda Kaul says in a song and a prayer:

Thou art the knowledge of the seekers,
Though art the trance of mystics,
Though Brahm, thou Yazdan
Life and Light of the world.

Master Zinda Kaul thus pays tribute to our cultural and mystical history by offering above prayer.  Indeed, a common prayer book will be very useful for all KPs.  Bhagwan Gopinath's prayer book in about 150 stanzas prepared by Prof. Janki Nath Sharma should be a model, as it contains all important prayer generally recited by KPs.  A set of common festivals such as Herat, Navreh, Zeth Ashtami for Ragina Devi and a day for Sharika Devi will be useful to remind of our spiritual life of community followed in Kashmir.

3. Help to Weaker Sections

Our reform movement should be directed to the upliftment of the poor and weaker sections of our society.  This includes those unfortunate migrants brethren who are lodged in refugee camps in Jammu and other parts of the country.  The entire KP community may draw a world-wide plan to collect finances and resettle our poor members who have, left their hearth and homes in Kashmir.  In a recent address to Kashmir Education Society in Pamposh Enclave in New Delhi, Mr. T.N. Kaul, the former Foreign Secretary and an eminent writer, said repeatedly that our first duty is to help migrant KPs living in refugee camps in Jammu in particular.  We may even involve international financial institutions to provide aid.  Those KPs now living in USA and Canada can help this cause which is dear to all, and demands our utmost attention.  In general, our society should evolve norms to generate help to poor sections of our society.  During 1947 when KP exodus took place from the valley because of the tribal invasion from Pakistan, many old KPs did provide help to resettle the newcomers.

4. Kashmiri Language

Language is a key to knowledge.  Kashmir has been a seat of learning in history.  Kashmiri language can unfold a lot of historical wisdom contained in our ancient scriptures.  Anand Kaul in his work "The Kashmiri Pandit" reminds us that in the middle ages particularly "no scholar could be considered well accomplished unless and until he had associated himself with the illustrious learned men in Kashmir . . . ". he quotes Hiuen Tsiang who visited Kashmir in 631 AD and engaged himself in studying Sanskrit : "The people of Kashmir love learning and are wellcultured.  Since centuries, learning has been held in great respect in Kashmir."

Kashmiri language should therefore be promoted among our researchers and younger scholars.  Foreign scholars should be encourage to wor upon our ancient literature.  It was the efforts of M.A, Stein and W.R. Lawrence who made research studies on Kashmiri literature, and history, and on Lalded's, , Vaaks.

Among the common people, Kashmiri language is a tool for communication and a means to share common brotherhood.  A minimum training in the use of Kashmiri language should form part of our global reform movement.  Through Kashmiri language our younger generation can acquire knowledge about culture, history and eminent saints and people.

5. K.P. Population Centres

It is but natural that with the dispersal of KP society from the valley of Kashmir, new population centtes, although in small scale, have emerged outside Kashmir.  My submission here is that our social leaders should be able to identify such new colonies, inform our society members to take advantage of such habitat, and make such centres attractive and habitable.  Each colony should have cultural centres apart from usual social amenities.  Sometimes, the AIKS and Kashmiri Samiti, Delhi, should hold annual conferences in these centres by rotation.  There should be a sense of unity and belonging between various population centres.  Amenities should be provided for visiting KPs from one colony to the other.  Hawans may be organised on a mass scale in one centre where people from other colonies can participate.  Spiritual festivals help people renew their association.  We should not be isolated from each other.  At the same time, we should plan to build new colonies to meet future demands of our members.  It is also possible that older people from USA etc. can settle down in KP colonies in India where facilities exist for group life and for spiritual purposes.  I hope the AIKS can come out with a paper on KP habitat movement which is a vital part of our reform movement.  Such a document can inform places of KP settlement, number of people in each colony, facilities available, etc.

6. Maintaining links with Cultural / Spiritual Centres in Kashmir

Kashmiri Pandits' cultural and spiritual heritage emanates from the valley of Kashmir.  As such, our centres of culture and spiritual excellence that exist in Kashmir should continue to inspire us wherever we are.  I believe that each one of us should be visiting Kashmir and draw the bliss from our temples and historical monuments.  Our society should now organise maintenance and upkeep of places like Kher Bhawani in Tula Mula, Sharika Devi Mandir in Hari Parbat, Shri Amar Nath Mandir, Raghunath Mandir, the Ram Chander Temple complex near S.P. College, Maa Ishta Devi temple complex in Srinagar and a host of other historical monuments and pilgrim places.  We may be able to recruit pujaris from Jammu and other places who can perform pujas.  Necessary accommodation may be constructed at these sites for visiting pilgrims.  At least in Tula Mula, Ishta Devi Mandir and Hari Parbat and Raghunath temple enough rooms should be provided for people visiting from places within the valley and from outside Kashmir.  Let our bright and prosperous sons in USA in particular donate liberally for safeguarding our temples and monuments in Kashmir.  The AIKS and other cultural bodies can organise groups of people visiting above temples on festival days like jeth Ashtami.  During my visit to the valley in October 1998 there was much less evidence of interest shown by KP social institutions in proper maintenance of our spiritual centres.  This may be due to present security conditions in Kashmir.  Let a group of dedicated persons undertake this work and ask for world-wide funding.  Terrorism may last some more years in Kashmir.  But we need not neglect this work.  We need not forget our responsibility towards our historical centres of spiritual excellence.

7. Creation of new Cultural and Educational Centres outside Kashmir

In view of KPs having moved outside the valley in recent years, new centres for education and cultural activities are needed in many parts of India and outside India.  Some attempts for institution-building have been made in New Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay etc.  Kashmiri Samiti has during the past 50 years illumined the minds of KPs and others by spiritual and cultural programmes.  Koshur Samachar has provided information on our day to day life.  The Samiti has produced special numbers on KP heritage from time to time.  Therefore we are grateful to those who served in the Samiti and also in AIKS for their social services to our community in difficult times.

There is need to link above cultural centres in India and with overseas centres.  Each centre should have at least a hall, a museum, depicting our saints and sages through history.  Like Calcutta KP association, each centre should produce a news letter or an annual journal reflecting the activities performed by the regional centre.

On a wider scale we need an intemational.cultural educational centre such as is being envisaged in Pamposh Enclave in New Delhi.  This KP Colony has assumed the importance of a place of pilgrimage because of its temples of Bhagwan Gopi Nath and Shiva, and the cultural activities of the colony.  Many old and prominent KP members reside in Pamposh Enclave.  An international centre should therefore come up which will link KP heritage with Kashmir on the one hand and provide links to other cultural centres in India and abroad.  Thus Saivism, Sufism and knowledge about Kashmir's history can be developed.  Research works on our ancestors and their intellectual and spiritual attainments can be organised.  The world will be richer when old knowledge from Kashmir is combined with modern developments in science and technology.  Prof. Iliya Prigogine, a Noble-laureate in Physics, has in his book "Order out of Chaos" shown effectively how eastern mysticism and modem post-Einstein science can throw light on problems of our Scholars and seers with wide interest can be invited to think of the past and present and synthesize cultural and scientific values for order and harmony in the universe.  Unbridled religious fundamentalism is costing mankind dearly.  Religious terrorism is a threat to the existence of peaceful world order.  However, there is a parallel world-wide movement for global harmony.  Therefore Kashmiri heritage has ideas to promote global life with peace and progress.

8. Promoting Global Peace and Harmony

The contemporary reform movement should also focus on promoting global peace and harmony.  KP heritage symbolises harmony and common spirituality of mankind.  KPs have historical credentials to perform this onerous task for our civilisation.  Our historians like Prof.  Ravinder Kumar Pandit and sociologist like Prof.  T.N. Madan and others should take the centre stage and patronise our cultural and educational institutions and spread global peace and harmony.  One has to simply look through the pages of history of KPs to reflect on the subject of global harmony.  I have a feeling that our younger generation scholars are well adapted to forge knew ideas of excellence in science and society based on the mystic experience of the past.  We have every hope that the 21st century will be a period of enlightenment that our ancestors have been dreaming about.

In conclusion, I submit that we have to look for Kashyap Bandhus of our time who will initiate new reforms movement for KPs.  I have attempted to sketch a brief outline of the pattern of the movement.  Some may agree with me whereas others may differ, but some action is needed of course to meet the challenges of our times and preserve our identity.  Stagnation will not help our society.  I see a movement within all of us.  The question is to combine our efforts together and see the light ahead of us.  Progress is bound to come as progress involves addition of knowledge, wisdom and social harmony.

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