Brahmin federation hails Centre’s move

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, May 3

The Central government proposal to build cluster settlements for migrant Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir was appreciated at the two-day national convention of the All India Brahmin Federation (AIBF) that commenced at Shri Ganga Swarup Ashram at Bhoopatwala here today. More than 100 delegates from all over the country are taking part in the convention that will discuss and decide six major issues.

National president of the AIBF and former Cabinet Minister of Rajasthan Bhanwar Lal Sharma while addressing the inaugural session expressed concern at the condition of the Brahmin community in Kashmir.

Sharma welcomed the proposal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have a special cluster settlement for migrant Kashmiri Pandits and said the same forces were opposing the move which were involved in their forceful migration. Composite townships for Kashmiri Pandit migrants, who had left the Valley in wake of militancy over two decades ago was the need of the hour, he added.

He said if a Brahmin did not feel safe in the country, there is no security in society. President of the Uttarakhand Brahmin Maha Sabha and AIBF national vice president Padam Prakash Sharma said, “We have come together on the banks of the Ganga in the land of deities. This will pave the way for a bright future as Brahmins guide society through religion, spirituality, prosperity and morality.”

National general secretary Dr Pradeep Jyoti and member Kota Shankar Sharma mentioned the formation of a State Brahmin Welfare Fund by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandra Babu Naidu, under which a temple pujari gets Rs 5,000 per month. The government had allocated Rs 250 crore to the fund. Brahma Swarup Brahmachari, head of Jai Ram Ashram, called on the representatives to carry out social works so that the federation’s work reaches every section of society.

Ujjwal Pundit, office-bearer the federation, said Swami Achityunanand would be the chief guest of the convention tomorrow while Maha Mandaleshwar Shri Dakshin Kali Peethadeeshwar and Maha Mandaleshwar Devanand Swami were expected to attend it.