J&K, Govt passing through critical phase: NC president

Jammu, Dec 16: National Conference (NC) president and the former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah Tuesday asserted that the Jammu and Kashmir and its elected government were passing through a critical phase and only unity and the communal harmony could help them navigate the testing time.

“We need to uphold our time-tested values of communal amity and present a united face before the challenges instead of allowing ourselves to fall in the trap of divisive forces. We never discriminated between Jammu and Kashmir regions as we knew our power lies in the communal amity and empowerment of all, with particular focus on marginalised sections. My mother who came from a Gujjar family, toiled hard to empower the community,” he said.

He made these remarks while addressing the gathering in the event organised to commemorate the third death anniversary of 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 in the event. J&K Jal Shakti, Forest and Tribal Affairs minister and younger brother of Dr Masud Choudhary, Javed Ahmed Rana too shared the dais along with other dignitaries.

Former Chief Minister emphasised the importance of unity and collective responsibility in carrying forward Dr Masud Choudhary’s mission. He praised Dr Choudhary as a man of the masses whose life was a testament to selfless service and integrity.

Dr Farooq underscored that while opponents might try to create difficulties, the community must remain united to achieve future success, drawing strength from the vision Dr Choudhary instilled in the people. He spoke passionately about Dr Masud Choudhary’s role as an institution-builder who focused heavily on empowering the Gujjar-Bakerwal community and other marginalized sections of society, leaving behind an enduring legacy of service that would continue to inspire generations.

NC president urged everyone present to follow the path of harmony, social justice, and education championed by the late leader (Dr Masud).

Other speakers also recalled his contributions in the field of education and socio-economic upliftment of the weaker sections of society particularly Gujjar and Bakerwal community.

The programme began with the recitation of Tilawat-e-Quran Pak by Hafiz-e-Quran Maulana Muhammad Ajmal Nadvi followed by Dua-e-Maghfirat.

Arshad Ali Choudhary, chairman GDCT, in his welcome address apprised the gathering about the achievements of the Trust during Dr Masud Ahmed Choudhary’s lifetime and after his demise. The Chairman also assured participants that the Trust would continue to carry forward Dr Masud Choudhary’s mission, which also included the establishment of a Tribal University, Tribal Women College, Coaching Centre for Civil Services, Nursing College, Skill Development institutions, and preserving the rich heritage, culture, and Gojri language.

The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Naseem Akhter, trustee and Mohammad Sadiq Azad, general secretary GDCT, who also paid poetic tributes to Dr Masud. A documentary on the life and works of Masud Choudhary, prepared and edited by Dr Javed Rahi, chief editor, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Jammu, was also screened on the occasion.

Zeeshan Rana, trustee and nephew of Dr Masud and Choudhary Khalil Ahmed Poswal, SSP and son-in-law of former ADGP also presented rich tributes to the founder (Dr Masud) of Brig K B Public School and Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust.

Shah Mohammad Chowdhary, senior trustee lauded the contributions made by Dr Masud in establishing the Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri and Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, Jammu and his role in the promotion of education and preservation of the rich culture, heritage and language of Gujjar-Bakerwal tribals is marvellous.

Retired IAS officer Aslam Quershi also shared his experience about his long association with Dr Masud Ahmed Choudhary. Qureshi said that he (Masud) was not only a professional Police Officer but such a great visionary officer who believed in hard work, ensuring that whatever task he took, he finished it with great dedication and zeal.

Haroon Rashid Khatana, senior trustee, emphasised the need for the GDCT trustees to carry the vision and mission of Dr Masud Choudhary forward.

Former minister Raman Bhalla lauded the social work done by Masud Choudhary, particularly in the field of education and preserving the rich culture of Gujjar and Bakerwals.

MLA Bahu Vikram Randhava commended Dr Masud as a good administrator, renowned academician and a great social reformer, who was conferred with a doctorate degree by Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in recognition of his services as its founder Vice-Chancellor.

Abdul Hamid Choudhary, patron-in-chief, recalled his memories with Dr Masud Ahmed Choudhary and shared his excellent experience of working with him.