Jammu, August 31 , 2026- Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, attended the 1st Community Cash Award Function organised by the Saraswathi Educational, Cultural Charitable Trust in association with Helpline Humanity, held at Abhinav Theatre here.
The Divisional Commissioner attended as Chief Guest, while former Director General of Police Dr. Ashok Bhan was present as Special Guest and Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), Arvind Karwani, attended as Guest of Honour.
Also present on the occasion were former Secretary to the Governor of Tamil Nadu and Managing Trustee of the Saraswathi Educational, Cultural Charitable Trust, Dr. C.K. Garyali; Board Member of Helpline Humanity, Prof. Indu Kilam; Deputy Commissioner, Excise J&K, Sanjay Bhat; and Founder of Helpline Humanity, M.K. Bhat, along with a large gathering of community members.
The event was organised to recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to society and brought distinction to the Kashmiri Pandit community across various fields.
Addressing the gathering, the Divisional Commissioner spoke of Kashmir’s rich historical and cultural legacy, calling it a land known for knowledge, intellectual excellence, art and culture. He noted that members of the Kashmiri community have excelled in diverse fields both within the country and abroad.
He commended the Saraswathi Educational, Cultural Charitable Trust for its initiative in honouring achievers from the community, describing such recognition as vital to encouraging excellence, preserving cultural identity and strengthening community bonds.
The Divisional Commissioner also reflected on the hardships faced by the Kashmiri Pandit community following the events of the 1990s, observing that despite displacement from their homeland, community members continued to achieve distinction and make meaningful contributions in India and abroad.
He praised the Trust and Helpline Humanity for bringing the community together and honouring outstanding individuals, adding that such initiatives help the younger generation reconnect with their heritage and inspire them toward nation-building and social contribution.
Following the address, the Chief Guest presented cash awards across different categories to distinguished Kashmiri Pandit personalities. The Ravi Garyali Cash Award was presented to Dr. Agni Shekhar and Vikram Koul. The Indra Garyali Cash Award went to Sandhya Dhar and Dr. Adividvadani Kaul. The Ravi Misri Cash Award was conferred upon Pandit (Dr.) Abhay Rustum Sopori and Ankur Bagati.
The awardees were felicitated in recognition of their achievements and valuable contributions in their respective fields.
The programme also featured cultural performances by students and local cultural groups, showcasing the community’s rich artistic and cultural traditions.
The Divisional Commissioner congratulated all the awardees and extended his best wishes for their continued success, expressing hope that their achievements would inspire the younger generation.
Earlier in the programme, Dr. C.K. Garyali outlined the objectives of the event and the broader mission of the Saraswathi Educational, Cultural Charitable Trust.