Daily Diary (DD) - Day 84 of 2019

1036hrs:

Engineer Rasheed MLA typically in the thick of the action - Source: Google

I don't agree with various aspects of this gentleman's politics but I consider him one of only two eligible politicians in the whole State of Jammu & Kashmir, to be described as a 21st century politician. His approach is very direct to the public and that's what is most attractive about him:

Friends,plz donate wt so ever you can, so that it is possible for me to fight the parliament election, even if it is Rs twenty or fifty only
A.c no

0594010100000227

Account Name
ER Adul Rasheed

IFSC Code JAKA0QLMCHK

J&K Bank
For any clarification please wtsp on 9906663777

— Er. Rasheed (@mlalangate) March 24, 2019

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I'm just finished reading a book written on AJK by a Pakistani writer. It would only be my duty to review it too:

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1729hrs:

I have received confirmation that both India and Pakistan have come to some preliminary agreement on opening Sharda to the Hindu community of J & K and quite possibly from elsewhere too.

The story was broken yesterday by a Kashmiri Pandit journalist in Delhi:

Top sources indicate a positive development expected on the restoration of Sharada Temple and allowing Kashmiri Pandits & Hindu community of India to visit Neelum Valley of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). My friend @rsrobin1 had first raised the issue with Pak PM @ImranKhanPTI.

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) March 24, 2019

A whirlwind of attention has focussed on this issue, on both sides of the border between India and Pakistan, particularly today. It has kept me busy for most of the day too. I received further enquiries from various cities of what used to be an un-divided neighbourhood.

The following were quotes I gave on Sharda's re-opening for various Indo-Pak media that contacted me:

"It would be the most significant pro-life measure taken in this region since the end of the British Raj".

"It's positive implications for religious harmony, civilisational diversity, knowledge and wisdom accumulation will be felt globally".

"It could even become the pre-eminent symbol of 'soft power' in the world".

"Forgive the superlative laden description of Sharda but I feel it is warranted".

Here are some essential embeds which can trace the pursuit of Sharda by civil society across the divide in Jammu & Kashmir, in a chronological manner. These aren't the sum of the efforts of course, just an outline of some significant steps along the journey:

The pivotal role driving this whole process forward has been that of Save Sharda Committee Regd. and in particular, the untiring consistency of Shree Ravinder Pandita. Amongst other contributions we cannot forget, is Vinod Pandita's 15 day hunger strike in 2014.

02 July 2007

An academic from Indian-administered Kashmir visits Sharda:



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25 Dec 2010

Building a bridge of peace and reconciliation:

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23 Mar 2011

Human rights and religion in Kashmir

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05 Sep 2012

Sharda Peeth - Hindu Heritage of Kashmir in Sharda - AJK:



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05 Sept 2012

Remains of Dogra Fort - Sharda AJK:



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01 Sep 2013

In Search of Sharda's Famed Mandir in AJK:



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01 Sep 2013

Exploring the Hindu Heritage of Ganesh Ghatti - Sharda - AJK:



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18 Mar 2017

Pakistani High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit answering question on Sharda:



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04 Sep 2017

A Message for the Kashmiri Pandit Community from Sunna ni Kassi - Sehrmandi - AJK:



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16 September 2017

A well balanced programme on efforts to re-open Sharda:



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25 April 2018

Discussing Sharda at Muzaffarabad District Bar Association:

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22 Nov 2018

JKTV programme on Sharda, in wake of (news of) Kartaarpur Opening:

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01 Dec 2018

Pakistan's prime minister questioned by Indian journalist on Sharda:

When Pakistan PM @ImranKhanPTI was asked about Sharada Peeth pilgrimage for Kashmiri Pandits, thanks to my dear friend @rsrobin1. Sharada is our ancient seat of learning and I hope we will be able to visit the holy place without any obstacles. Centre for peace, love & knowledge. pic.twitter.com/w2ZmGiAmaC

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) December 1, 2018

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01 Dec 2018

After Kartarpur Corridor, A Clamour For Opening Route To Sharada Peeth Grows:



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05 Dec 2018

A well presented and concise article on Sharda:

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06 Dec 2018

Press conference in Jammu by Save Sharda Committee:

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08 Dec 2018

Speech at Sehnsa and an introduction to Sharda:

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09 Dec 2018

A diverse discussion on the issue of Sharda's re-opening for pilgrimage:



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10 Dec 2018

A must watch conversation on Sharda exploration:



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16 Dec 2018

Footage at Sharda:

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16 Dec 2018

Laying of flowers at Sharda Peeth by Civil Society:



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19 Dec 2018

Sharda in news.....Kashmir Times , oldest english newspaper of J & K state:



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22 Dec 2018

Excerpts from CNN News18 programme on Sharda issue:



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22 Dec 2018

Talking to AJK Media in Muzaffarabad about Sharda:

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24 Dec 2018

Letter from Indian government to Save Sharda Committee:

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25 Dec 2018

Civil Society Stance on Sharda in Muzaffarabad:



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29 Dec 2018

This short documentary has been prepared for Kumbh at Prayagraj (Allahabad in U.P) on Sharda Peeth exploration:



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29 Jan 2019

AJK prime minister visits old mandir in Muzaffarabad and orders repairs:



It should be pointed out that this is probably the first time in 72 years that a serving head of government in AJK (titled PM since 1975) has visited a non-Muslim place of worship.
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Now! We can fast forward to today and here's a prime time Indian TV programme on Sharda. I was able to participate for the last 20 minutes:



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There were also a few news items emanating from both sides of the international border. Here are some examples:

Pakistani foreign ministry submits proposal to PM Imran Khan to open Sharda temple for Indians

I'll finish off this exhausting entry with this upbeat fb post today by Ravinder Jee:


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