JAMMU Aug 5: Shree Sanatan Dharma Sabha Jammu & Kashmir today observed “Ektaamta Diwas” on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A under the Presidentship of Parshotam Dadhichi.
The programme was attended by Arun Gupta, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu, Thakur Narayan Singh, President of Amar Kshtriya Rajput Sabha, Shakti Dutt Sharma, Vice-President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Akshi Baloria, Prant Chhatra Pramukh of ABVP, Advocate Anukul Bhagat, Prant Pramukh of Yuva Bharti, Dev Raj Sharma, National Co-Convener (Environment), Bharat Vikas Parishad, Sudarshan Khajuria, General Secretary of Baba Buddha Amarnath Yatra Trust, Shilpi Verma and several other dignitaries.
The gathering paid rich tributes to all those martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the unity, integrity and security of Jammu and Kashmir. Tribute was also paid to the personnel of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and other security agencies who laid down their lives while safeguarding the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Parshotam Dadhichi, President of Shree Sanatan Dharma Sabha J&K, said that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral part of India. He stated that August 5, 2019, will always be remembered as a historic day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, as the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A fully integrated the Union Territory with the national mainstream. He added that several sections of society had been deprived of their constitutional rights for decades, but today they enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
Dadhichi further said that the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A has opened new avenues for development, investment, education and employment in Jammu and Kashmir, while women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other deprived sections have received their due rights. He described “Ektaamta Diwas” not merely as a celebration but as an occasion to pay homage to the brave soldiers, security personnel and martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for the unity, integrity and security of Jammu and Kashmir.
Recalling the historic and unforgettable moment of the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya on August 5, 2020, he said that the day symbolises the faith, honour and self-respect of millions of devotees. He appealed to the people to observe August 5 as “Swabhiman Diwas” as well.
On the occasion, Thakur Narayan Singh, President of Amar Kshtriya Rajput Sabha, shed light on the history of Jammu and Kashmir and said that Maharaja Hari Singh had acceded Jammu and Kashmir to India in 1947, thereby upholding the unity and integrity of the nation. He said that the land of Jammu and Kashmir has always been the land of brave hearts and martyrs, where thousands of soldiers and civilians sacrificed their lives in the service of the country.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Prabhat Singh Jamwal, Working President, while Anil Magotra delivered the vote of thanks.
Dalip Gupta, Atma Ram Sagar, Kuldeep Kotwal, Anita Sharma, R. S. Pathania, Keshav Chopra, Ashwani Sharma and Manav Mahajan were also present on the occasion.