Birth Centenary of Shri Amarnath Vaishnavi Celebrated with Theatre, Scholarships, Memorial Lecture & Cultural Tributes in Jammu

Jammu, August 24, 2025 – The Amarnath Vaishnavi Foundation commemorated the birth centenary
of Shri Amarnath Vaishnavi (1925–2012) with a grand cultural and intellectual event at Abhinav
Theatre, Jammu, drawing wide participation from community members, scholars, artists, and
dignitaries.

The celebration was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Ashok Koul, General Secretary (Organisation), BJP J&K
UT, along with Guest of honour Mr. Vijay Bakaya, former Chief Secretary of J&K and IAS officer.
The programme began with the theatrical production “Jaikara – The Legend of Prajaparishad &
Amarnath Vaishnavi,” written by Rohini Vaishnavi and presented by Vomedh Rangmanch under the
mentorship of Rohit Bhat , President Vomedh. The play brought alive Shri Vaishnavi’s fearless role in
the Praja Parishad movement, his lifelong service to the Kashmiri Pandit community, and his sacrifices
for justice and dignity. The lead roles were played by Vinay Pandita as Sh. Vaishnavi and Himagani Moza
as narrator.

A major highlight was the Shri Amarnath Vaishnavi Memorial Lecture delivered by Padmashree Prof.
Amitabh Mattoo, who spoke on “Between Sharada and Shakti: The Cultural Odyssey of the Kashmiri
Pandits.” He reminded the audience that the story of Kashmiri Pandits is not one of exile alone but of
civilizational continuity and resilience. He described Vaishnavi ji as “dharma incarnate—silent, sturdy,
and utterly unshakable,” and urged the community to view the centenary not as nostalgia but as a
civilizational summons to rise, rebuild, and reignite the soul of a people. SH. Balkrishan Sanyasi, Noted
poet and Author and also the nephew of Sh. Vaishnavi recalled his sacrifices as father of Kashmiri
Pandit community.

The Foundation conferred the Shri Amarnath Vaishnavi Samman 2025 on Shri Avtar Mota, noted
author, poet, and art critic, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to literature, culture, and art.
As part of its educational initiatives, the Foundation awarded the Shri Amarnath Vaishnavi Scholarships
to 21 students from marginalized Kashmiri Pandit families, continuing its mission of supporting
community education for the sixth consecutive year. In addition, three young students — Nirvi Jotshi,
Ayushi Bindroo, and Diksha Mirza — were felicitated for their excellence in public speaking on themes
related to Kashmiri culture and heritage.

The celebration also witnessed the release of two commemorative paintings: one by acclaimed artist
Ravi Dhar, capturing Vaishnavi ji’s role in the Praja Parishad movement, and another by Shivani Koul
Bhat, a portrait reflecting his quiet strength and spirit of sacrifice.
Speaking at the event, Rohini Vaishnavi, granddaughter of Shri Amarnath Vaishnavi and founder of the
Foundation, said the centenary was “not just about remembrance, but about carrying forward Lalaji’s
ideals of selfless service, courage, and truth through the work that the foundation was doing for
empowering youth and women.” The event was managed by Vomedh.