Echoes of “Silent Cries”: Kuldeep Kashmiri Honoured with National Award, Amplifies Kashmiri Pandit Plight
"Silent Cries" Becomes Focal Point as Voices Unite for Justice at Prestigious Event
New Delhi, April 9, 2025: The enduring struggle and unspoken anguish of the exiled Kashmiri Pandit community, vividly captured in Kuldeep Kashmiri’s book “Silent Cries,” received significant national recognition today. At a solemn yet inspiring gathering marking the 21st Sthapana Diwas (Foundation Day) of the Parvatiya Lok Vikas Samiti, Kuldeep Kashmiri was bestowed with the prestigious ‘Rashtriya Pratibha Samman’ 2025.
The ceremony, held within the distinguished halls of the MP Club on South Avenue, New Delhi, brought together a notable assembly of minds and voices from across the nation. Under the presidency of Retired Lieutenant General A.S. Rawat, the event saw intellectuals, writers, journalists, social activists, and cultural figures – spanning the geographical breadth from Kashmir to Kanyakumari – gather to witness the honour.
The award explicitly acknowledged Kuldeep Kashmiri’s dual contribution: the profound impact of “Silent Cries” in articulating the pain of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, and his dedicated, unwavering activism in serving society.
Dr. Surya Prakash Semwal, the Chief of the Parvatiya Lok Vikas Samiti, personally lauded Kuldeep Kashmiri’s literary and social efforts. He shared with the audience that he had engaged with “Silent Cries” with deep interest and sensitivity. Moved by the narrative, Dr. Semwal gave a significant assurance, pledging that he and his organisation would actively pursue every possible measure to support the welfare of those living in exile within their own country.
Taking the stage, Kuldeep Kashmiri delivered a passionate address, bringing the stark reality of the Kashmiri Pandit community’s 36-year-long exile into sharp focus. He spoke of the unending pain, the trauma of displacement, and the ongoing struggle for basic dignity and justice. He made a heartfelt plea to the influential attendees, urging them to amplify the community’s voice within their respective spheres of influence and appealing for broader national empathy and support.
Directing his hopes towards the nation’s leadership, Kuldeep Kashmiri expressed optimism that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would initiate concrete steps to alleviate the community’s suffering, thereby restoring their faith in justice and their connection to their motherland.
“The flame of hope is still alive in the hearts of exiled Kashmiri Pandits,” Kashmiri declared, his words resonating through the hall. “We look forward to a future where truth and justice prevail.”
Throughout the convention, the book “Silent Cries” emerged as a central theme, with speaker after speaker referencing the plight of the community as depicted in its evocative pages.
In a warm gesture of recognition, Ravinder Koul, who accompanied Kuldeep Kashmiri to the event, was also formally welcomed and honoured with the ‘Atithi Samman’ memento, acknowledging his support and presence.
More than just an award ceremony, the function evolved into a powerful platform, uniting diverse voices in a shared call for justice, the preservation of culture, and fundamental human dignity, ensuring the cause of the displaced echoed with renewed commitment and vigour.
