EDITORIAL
Putting
together an issue of the ANNUAL VITASTA and that too with a research based theme
"CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA - KASHMIRI PANDIT CONTRIBUTION" is by
itself a daunting task for a novice like me. When I was asked to do this work by
Dr. B. K. Moza, I refused outright - the only reason being my inexperience. I
have been editing the monthly Vitasta for about two years now but even that has
not given me the confidence levels required for executing such a task. However,
refusing Dr. Moza is something I have not as yet perfected as an art and
therefore I reluctantly acquiesced with prayers on my lips.
Kashmir as we all know is rich in culture and
tradition. But to a native cut off from the valley as I am, it is difficult to
perceive the richness and variance of this culture and tradition and its impact
on the overall cultural heritage of India. While putting together this issue of
the Annual Vitasta, it has been of primary concern to pick out relevant,
important and authentic information which would give a correct picture of this
tremendous contribution of Kashmiris to Indian culture. Here it will be relevant
to add that the contribution of some non-Pandits has also been highlighted as we
felt that our theme should not restrict and prevent us from throwing light on
some geniuses who (though non-Pandits), have also made path breaking
contributions. On the whole, an effort has been made to pick and choose from
amongst the best available documented material on Kashmir, without restricting
ourselves to contributed articles only. In this context, I may add that we have
received a number of articles on various topics but only those pertinent to our
theme, and keeping in mind constraints of space, have been published. This in no
way would mean that the contributed unpublished articles are in any way
inferior. In fact, I must put on record that I have been encouraged by the swift
and overwhelming response to my request for articles on the current year's
theme. For the purpose of comprehension I have segregated the English portion of
this issue into three main sections:
1. Contribution to Language and Literature.
2. Contribution to Art, Culture and Archaeology.
3. Contribution to Religion and Philosophy.
The three sections are preceded by three articles, the
first (Kashmir - A Glimpse In Time) was necessary as it gives a historical
background of Kashmir. In order to be able to grasp the contribution of Kashmir
to Indian culture, it is essential to have some idea about Kashmir's history
which I have tried to provide in the above named article, the next titled
"Descent from Kashmir" by Pt. J. L. Nehru is an extract from
Jawaharlal Nehru An Autobiography and describes Pt Nehru's Kashmiri background
in detail. The third article "On the importance of Cultural Heritage"
by Prof. Surendra Munshi, who is by himself an authority on Sociology in the
country and is well known both in India and abroad, throws light on the
importance of cultural heritage in our lives. If we are examining the
contribution of a section of society, (in this case Kashmiris), it is necessary
to first understand the importance or relevance of this exercise and therefore
the need for this piece by Prof. Munshi. The sections as they go along highlight
various facets of their main topics and have been chosen carefully with an eye
on detail, accuracy and authenticity. Of course it is not possible to cover all
the aspects and areas of contribution and at best a reasonable effort has been
made. At the end of the three sections is an overview "On the importance of
Kashmiri Cultural Heritage" by Starika Munshi who is a young, hardworking
and promising writer as well as tremendous potential for our Sabha.
I would like to thank Dr. B. K. Moza for asking me to
take up the job and making tremendous and major contributions to this issue,
without his help and support this issue may have not taken the shape it has. My
thanks are also due to all the contributors of articles, to all the advertisers
who continue to shower their generous patronage year after year, to our printer
Shri Sengupta who shares my sense of working to schedules and to my wife and
daughter for being patient with me. Of course, I have also to thank the Almighty
and my parents for making me what I am today, being able to make an effort to
edit this magazine.
Namaskar
Rajiv Sapru
March 1999
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