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March 1st - March 31st, 1999


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SURVIVAL IS OUR POLITICS
One of the front line leaders of Kashmiri Pandits and actively involved in highlighting the cause of Pandits in exile Sh C.L. Gadoo, President Kashmiri Samiti Delhi at the age of sixty is soft spoken, graceful and a matured leader. His long association with Kashmiri Samiti Delhi with honesty, sincerety and dedication has made him today a household name among Delhi Pandits. He talks to our correspondent about his experience and priorities. 
 
Q: How long have you been associated with Kashmir Samiti? 

A: Since 1986, I was elected its Vice President in 1988. Then its President from Oct 1989 to May 1992 and from April 1997 onwards. 

Q: What change do you see in  Samiti activities in last ten years. 

A: Role of Kashmir Samiti was basically social and cultural. But the year 1989 onwards was a disaster for the entire community. Our existence is threatened and we had to change our priorities. 

Q: Was this activity forced on Samiti? 

A: No, it was natural reaction to our forced migration from Valley that we switched our priority and whole effort was utilised in providing immediate relief to the displaced members of our community. Kashmir Bhawan became the hub of activity and we established a control room in our office. Our Samiti being in the capital defeated the disinformation campaign launched by Muslim fundamentalist. 

Q: Some people say that Kashmiri Samiti has now been made political Akhara. 

A: I do not agree with such statements. I feel community leaders have a responsibility. If I see my people dying for want of basic necessity education etc, I cannot remain a silent spectator. I will fight for every needy Kashmiri Pandit. Survival of my community members is now our politics. 

Q: What is now the strength of Kashmiri Pandits in Delhi? 

A: No exact figure, but as per my estimates we have now more than 1 lakh KPs residing in NCR which includes Ghaziabad, Meerut, Faridabad, Sahibabad, Bahadurgarh, Gurgaon, Noida, Sonipat etc. We have now come up with address directory of KPs and is available from our office. 

Q: What are your priroties? 

A: We have long term and short term targets My immediate priority is proper education of our children, employment of our educated youth and to develop perceptional unity among KP leadership. 

Q: What steps you have taken in this regard? 

A: New session is on and as per past practice we shall be organising admission of our children to Maharashtra Colleges. In addition we are in constant touch with Delhi State education directorate, Kendriya Vidhyalaya etc. In this effort, I am personally thankful to Shiv-Sena-BJP combine government in Maharashtra and Delhigovernment for providing special quota for displaced children. Further Kashmiri Samiti is providing financial assistance to needy students at different levels and even recommending to different organisations throughout the world for help. 

Q: What about job opportunities to our youth? 

A: Yes, we have placement cell in Samiti office. It is functional and helps in getting jobs for unemployed youth. With the help of PHD Chamber of Commerce we are able to get some of our boys and girls adjusted. However, with our constant efforts we have now more than 500 lady teachers employed in Delhi State education deptt on adhoc basis. My mission is to get them regularised and God willing we shall get it. 

Q: What is your future plan? 

A: Construction of second storey to Kashmir Bhawan is always dear to my heart. Because of other problems I couldnot give my attention towards that. But now with Maa Sharda's blessings I plan for construction of auditorium, Koshar Samachar Block, data resource bank with center for art and culture, and establishing international Business Management school with self supporting funding arrangement. 

Q: Do you have enough finance for construction of second storey of Kashmir Bhawan? 

A: We have not much money on this occount. But I am in constant touch with HRD ministry for funding above project and in addition we are trying to generate funds within our own community members itself. 

Q: Is there unity among KP leadership? 

A: I believe that all KP leaders are doing good work and joining hands is not necessary for unity.I have been appealing for perceptional unity among the leadershp and to a large extent we have been successful. Our thinking should be clear and action oriented. In this regard I have visited Jammu, Chandigarh, Bombay, USA, UK etc and our agenda was common approach to various issues and evolving a streategy for long lern survival in Kashmir. 

Q: What about other activities of your organisation? 

A: Kashmiri Samiti Delhi, organised two seminars, one on 25th Dec '98 and other international seminar on 27th Jan '99 at Kashmir Bhawan Lajpat Nagar. Our objective was to create a common streategy towards the return of KPs and need to preserve our heritage.  Response from various organisations was very good on both the occasions. 

Q: Any regets? 

A: No, regrets at all. I have dedicated my life for KP cause. I have some positive memories and during last ten years serving the community it was the Kashmiri Pandit who came to the rescue of suffering brethren and all KP organisations whether at Jammu, Chandigarh or elsewhere have shown excellent team work and I am proud of it. I salute all my team members since 1989, who worked with me day and night in Kashmir Bhawan for serving the community.

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