Govt committed for strengthening community led institutions: CM

Jammu, Dec 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday reiterated his government’s commitment for bolstering community-led institutions to ensure inclusive development, empowering the marginalised sections of the society, including the Gujjar-Bakerwal community.

He was addressing the gathering in the event organised to commemorate the third death anniversary of late Dr Masud Ahmed Choudhary, former IPS officer, eminent educationist and founder of the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), at Jammu.

The commemoration function was organised at Gurjar Desh Charitable trust (GDCT) to pay tribute to its founder Dr Masud Choudhary, former ADGP and founder Vice Chancellor Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri, and a great visionary icon of the community.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was the chief guest while National Conference president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah; J&K Jal Shakti, Forest and Tribal Affairs minister and younger brother of Dr Masud Choudhary, Javed Ahmed Rana too shared the dais and paid rich tribute to the former ADGP on his third death anniversary.

The Chief Minister stated that the Jammu and Kashmir was passing through a very critical phase and in the same breath, he asserted that the Gujjar-Bakerwal community was mainly at the receiving end during the evolving situation.

“Keeping aside the politics, even during the recent natural calamities that struck different parts of J&K and particularly the Jammu region, major losses were suffered by the Gujjar Bakerwal community,” he noted with concern.

Highlighting the growing challenges posed by climate change, especially to nomadic and semi-nomadic communities like the Gujjar-Bakerwals, the Chief Minister called for setting up a dedicated research centre under GDCT. He stressed the need for in-depth research on issues such as effects of climate change, migration patterns, livelihood vulnerabilities and long-term preservation of tribal culture & traditions.

“The government has schemes for all, but communities facing unique challenges need focused research and tailored solutions. Research papers prepared by knowledgeable people can guide policy and help us understand how best to safeguard their future,” he said.

The Chief Minister also suggested undertaking research on the concept and functioning of tribal universities, to assess their impact elsewhere and to prepare a roadmap for making such institutions successful in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that tribal communities derive maximum benefit.

While paying glowing tributes to his life and legacy, CM Omar also recalled Dr Choudhary’s distinguished service to the nation and society. He described Choudhary as a visionary public servant who embodied integrity, institution-building and selfless dedication.

He highlighted Dr Choudhary’s pivotal role as the founding Vice-Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah (BGSB) University, Rajouri, and his lifelong commitment to empowering the Gujjar-Bakerwal community and other marginalized sections of Jammu and Kashmir.

He noted that through GDCT, Dr Choudhary had laid a strong institutional foundation, establishing schools and nurturing spaces such as a reading room, library, museum and cultural centre.

However, the Chief Minister emphasised that the true tribute to the late visionary would be to ensure that these institutions actively benefitted the community for whom these facilities were established.

Acknowledging the presence of retired and serving officers, lawyers, scholars, teachers and intellectuals within the community, the Chief Minister urged the Trust to harness this collective wisdom to carry forward Dr Choudhary’s mission.

“The best tribute to Dr Masud Ahmed Choudhary would be to fulfill, with our own hands, the purpose for which he established this institution—so that his community benefits and people’s lives change,” he said, while thanking the organisers for inviting him to the commemoration.

The Chief Minister also recalled his profound association with Dr Masud Ahmed Choudhary as BGSBU founder Vice Chancellor, describing him not just as a good officer, but as a guiding light for the entire region.

He stated that Dr Choudhary was a great visionary and an intellectual giant who dedicated his entire life for the upliftment of the Gujjar-Bakerwal community and other weaker sections of society. CM Omar also remembered the outstanding services Dr Masud Choudhary rendered with utmost distinction in the Police Department, and subsequently as an exceptional academician in establishing the foundational institutions of BGSB University and the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust.

He asserted that Dr Choudhary’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

MLA Vikram Randhawa, several Members of the Legislative Assembly, former Minister Raman Bhalla, Aslam Qureshi (retired IAS), Sheikh Shakeel, senior advocate, J&K High Court, Abdul Hamid Choudhary, patron-in-chief, GDCT, Arshad Ali Choudhary, chairman, GDCT, representatives of various political parties, and prominent civil society members and Gujjar community representatives were also present on the occasion.