New Delhi:
The pre-Islamic history of Kashmir is not much known to the
common people. Kashmir is not merely a mass of land ruled over by the
successive dynasties. It has always been an important part of the mainstream
Indian culture, said former MP and ICCR President Karan Singh here on
Friday.
He was
speaking at the book release function of Emperor of Kashmir: Lalitaditya the
Great, the English version of the original Marathi book written by historian
Sanjay Sonawani. Singh was the chief guest while Press Club of India president
Anant Bagaitkar was the guest of honour of the function. Former J-K Governor NN
Vohra presided over.
The book has
been published by Chinar Publishers, under the aegis of NGO
Sarhad, Pune being led by Sanjay Nahar.
Singh said,
“Kashmir has its own history. A very proud history. Emperor Lalitaditya
was in no way less important than other Indian emperors such as Ashok and
Harshawardhana. However, Lalitaditya is not well known. Kashmir’s
Shaivism is the land’s great gift to the world. Its proponent such as Acharya
Abhinavgupta was as good as Acharya Shankaracharya. But he was ignored
being a Kashmiri. It is a land of great seers. Avantivarman was another emperor
of Kashmir.”
Reminiscing
about Maharashtra and Marathi language and appreciating that the research has
been done in Maharashtra, he said that he was born abroad. However, he first
stepped on India’s soil in Mumbai. He received his primary education in Mumbai.
His marriage took place there and his two sons were also born at the Breach
Candy Hospital, Mumbai.
He said his
father Hari Singh, who loved horse racing, used stay in Mumbai during the
winter. His family has very close ties with Mumbai.
Drawing a
comparison between journalism and history, Bagaitkar said, “Objectivity is needed
while writing history and a news report. Unfortunately, attempts are being made
to distort both.”
Vohra,
Sonawani and Nahar also spoke. Several current and retired top bureaucrats from
the central government and Kashmir were present. Dr Amit Wanchoo compered.
All this information is given in a press release.