
Jammu, 19th January 2025: Sashakt Nari Kashmir, an initiative led by Kashmiri Pandit women to preserve the cultural, ritualistic, religious, and linguistic identity of the community, organised an impressive and poignant observance of Nishkaasan Diwas (Exodus Day) to mark 35 years of exile since the displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community on 19 January 1990 due to ethnic cleansing by Islamic extremists.

The Jammu event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including:
• Ms Priya Sethi, former Education Minister, who assured the gathering of Kashmiri Pandit women that their rehabilitation in Kashmir would be ensured with dignity and honour.
• Shri Shiv Prasad Raina, former Principal of Sanskrit College Jammu, who reflected on the tragic events of 1990 and expressed hope for justice.
• Ms Santosh Shah, who emphasised the importance of preserving Kashmiri Pandit culture, traditions, and heritage in the homeland.
• Dr Susheel Ji Wattal, President of the Gopinath Ashram Trust Jammu, who narrated the painful events of 1990 while expressing optimism about the community’s return to Kashmir.

Chandigarh Observance
In Chandigarh, a large gathering was held at Kashmiri Bhawan by Sashakt Nari, in collaboration with the Kashmiri Sahayak Sabha. Mr Pushkar Nath Ambardar, former President of the Kashmiri Sahayak Sabha, delivered an impassioned address in which he recounted the resilience of the community and the deep-rooted connection of Kashmiri Pandits with their homeland. He emphasised the need for continued advocacy and collective effort to ensure a dignified and secure return to Kashmir. Mrs Pamposh Ambardar, Executive Member of Sashakt Nari, played a pivotal role in the success of the event, coordinating with various community leaders and ensuring that the event highlighted the voices of women and their contributions to the cause.
Noida Observance
In Noida, the Kashmiri Pandit community from Delhi-NCR also came together to observe Nishkaasan Diwas. Notable speakers included:
• Sunita Raina Pandita, author and poetess, who stressed the importance of preserving the community’s cultural identity.
• Manorama Bhakshi, Director of Healthcare Advocacy, who called for policies to protect the rights of displaced communities and prevent future displacements.
• Anita Joshi, Noida Vibagh Karivahika, who spoke about the resilience of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
• Dr Anju Sharma, who advocated for rehabilitation and justice.

The Noida observance was marked by powerful speeches, poetry, and calls for justice, with participants vowing to work towards the preservation of Kashmiri Pandit traditions and heritage.
All three events reflected on the pain of the past while fostering unity and hope for a better tomorrow. Sashakt Nari reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the heritage of Kashmiri Pandits and ensuring justice for the displaced community.
Dr. Anmolika Watal, PhD Scholar- Public Health is conducting her in-depth research in the area of Gender Based Violence and its impacts on Public Health where violence in her hometown and valley has really been the motivation to conduct research in the area and she was humbled to be a part of the respective event.
The observance of Nishkaasan Diwas is not just a day of mourning but also a powerful call for unity, resilience, and action. The nation must remember, reflect, and work together to ensure justice, harmony, and the rightful return of the Kashmiri Pandit community to their homeland.