Veteran scholar Dr R L Bhat’s yet another book Essential Kashmir History was released at a grand function at Writers Club here, today. The function was organised by Kashmir Bhasha Evam Sanskriti Pratisthan an organisation of writers in Exile.
Former Chief Secretary and ex MLC, Vijay Bakaya was the chief guest on the occasion while function was presided over by Justice Bansi Lal Bhat and Justice Brij Lal Bhat, Prof P N Trisal and B L Saraf retired District and Sessions Judge were special guests. The function was attended by galaxy of writers, scholars and prominent citizens.
The welcome address was made by president Samprati, R L Jawhar. A detailed paper on the book was read by B L Saraf who dwelt at length on various aspects of history and highly acclaimed Dr Bhat for his research based works and countering distortions and setting the Kashmir history in a right perspective on the basis of solid source and facts.
In his address Vijay Bakaya, while lavishing all praises on the author whose present work is fourth book in the series expressed the hope that author will further take an exhaustive study on ancient Kashmir history so that the coming generations can fully know about their past and roots with special reference to Kashmiri Pandits.
He maintained this research based work is must for our posterity and Dr Bhat having vast knowledge on subject, and mastery over Persian and Sanskrit languages can do it better.
Dr R L Bhat in his address said Essential Kashmir History is the culmination of the Kashmir Quartert the exhaustive study undertaken by him to clear the cobweb from the history of medieval Kashmir and brings the pristine history of Kashmir from the earlier times to the Mughal conquest of Kashmir. He said like all other his books the Essential Kashmir History presents the authentic history of Kashmir.
Justice Bansi Lal Bhat in his presidential address said the primary source being authentic must be kept in mind by the historians while writing history. He said the historian has to take into consideration the environment and conditions prevailing at that period. He said nowadays historians are creating their own versions by distorting the history. While referring to Kashmiri Files which he termed a real story of victims of turmoil said another version of the Kashmir Files is being created by certain people “claiming that victims were on fault and not aggressor”.
Justice Brij Lal Bhat also praised the works of Dr R L Bhat saying that he is a ferocious reader who has vast study on varies subjects.
Prof P N Trisal a well known scholar in his address said nowadays new historians are found everywhere. He regretted that the manuscript which was with Ramchand Kak former PM of Kashmir is missing while stressing on preserving the ancient manuscripts on Kashmir history.
The stage was managed by Tej Sagar while vote of thanks was presented by A K Naz.
