Homage to our Mentor - Padmashri J.N. Kaul 'Papaji'

Padmashri J.N. Kaul

13-10-1924 to 16-12-2008

With profound grief and sorrow we inform you that our dearest Padamshri Jagan Nath Kaul, fondly called Papaji has left for his heavenly abode on December 16, 2008 morning (5.45am) in Faridabad, India.

Padmashri J.N. Kaul, was father to lakhs of underprivileged children. A visionary, he remained lifelong associated with philanthropic and humanitarian work. Replica of Kashmir’s 'Hari Parbat', in Faridabad was his idea. In his able guidance, Kashmiri Sewak Samaj Faridabad and Roots In Kashmir organised Navreh celebrations each year atop Aravali Hills at Hari Parbat, Anangpur with more zeal and vigour.

Shri Kaul was among those few Kashmiri leaders who were institution builders. He has been responsible for single handedly launching and initiating a number of institutions in the field of social welfare, education, culture and religious heritage. After the forced displacement of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, he had to plunge into one more ardous field of helping his fellow communitymen in exile.

Papaji has been the recipient of many awards and honour's including "Padmashri" presented by the President of India, Raja Rammohan Roy Teacher's Award, G.D. Birla Award, Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award, Twentieth Century Achievement Award (Given by the American Biographical Institute USA), Dadabhai Naroji New Millennium Award, Satpal Mittal National Award and Vayoshrestha Award (Ministry of Social Justice).

We pledge to follow his footsteps and spread the message of love & service to the underprivileged, as he said: "When we give a child home, we are expressing our belief in life and the fundamental good in people."

Activity with SOS Children's Villages' in India

In 1963 Hermann Gmeiner met Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, then Prime Minister of India, who was extremely impressed by the SOS Children's Village concept. Under the auspices of his daughter Indira Gandhi a committee and subsequently an association were founded, which immediately hastened the realization of the first SOS Children's Village Greenfields near Delhi. Of the founding members of the Indian SOS Children's Villages Association, J.N. Kaul became the first village director who in subsequent decades would greatly influence the SOS Children's Village work in this poor and densely populated country.

In 1967 Mrs. Indira Gandhi handed the chairmanship of the committee to Mrs. Tara Ali Baig, who presided over the SOS Children's Villages Association in India until her death in 1989. Since then Padashmi Shri J.N. Kaul has been heading the entire SOS Children's Village work in India.

Peace to his soul.

News in grief:

1. PTI - http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200812161612.htm
2. Indian Express - http://www.indianexpress.com/news/social-activist-j-n-kaul-passes-away/399419/
3. Kashmir Live - http://www.kashmirlive.com/story/Noted-Kashmiri-activist-JN-Kaul-passes-away/399220.html
4. Daily Excelsior - http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/08dec17/state.htm#15

A tribute by the youth of..

Roots in Kashmir (RIK)

…A Worldwide Kashmiri Pandit Youth Initiative

www.rootsinkashmir.org/

www.kashmiris-in-exile.blogspot.com/

e-mail: contact@rootsinkashmir.org/

Dalai Lama sends good wishes to RIK on Navreh

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Dear Aditya Raj Kaul,

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This is to acknowledge receipt of your fax letter dated March 31inviting His Holiness the Dalai Lama to be the Chief Guest at your NewYear function being held in Faridabad on April 6, 2008.

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Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate your invitation as there are a number of visits planned, both within India and abroad.

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Thank you for your invitation.

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We would like to take this opportunity to wish your event the very best success.

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Best wishes.

Yours sincerely,

Tenzin Taklha

Joint Secretary

Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Thekchen Choeling

McLeod Ganj

Dharamsala, H.P. 176 219

INDIA

Navreh Celebrations

Roots in Kashmir
in association with
Kashmiri Sewak Samaj,Faridadad
announces the celebration of the Navreh (the Kashmiri New Year) on 6th of April,08 (Sunday).

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Atop the hillock,near the Anangpur Village,Faridabad,rests the replica of the temple of Sharika(the presiding deity of Kashmir).It is there that exiled Kashmiri Pandits celebrate this day,much like it has been celebrated for 5000 years now.The religious rites will be followed by a Youth Festival featuring some of the most celebrated Kashmiri Artists.The celebrations will continue through the night till the arrival of the first rays of New Year on 7th of April,08.
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Our celebration is a befitting reply to all those who thought, well we have decimated the Pandits.

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We are here to live and return to the Roots.

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Roots in Kashmir extends a warm invitation to everyone to be a part of the celebrations.

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Picture Gallery of the Previous Navreh Celebrations

http://www.rootsinkashmir.org/press/mar182007youthfestival.php

For any information/assistance please feel free to contact
Vinod Bhan:9910253637
Amal Magazine:9873900479