“Navreh Opens a Window to Our Roots,” Says Hitesh Shankar at Grand Navreh Mahotsav Finale

Jammu, March 20, 2026: The two-day Navreh Mahotsav 2026, a major cultural and spiritual event for the Kashmiri Pandit community, culminated today in a grand and impressive ceremony at the Abhinav Theatre in Jammu. The finale, attended by prominent dignitaries and a large gathering of the community, was marked by powerful calls to reconnect with ancestral heritage and a collective reaffirmation of the pledge (Sankalp) to return to Kashmir.

The event was organized by the Navreh Mahotsav Aayojan Samiti–2026, headquartered at Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra. It served as the capstone to a widespread observance, following the Samiti’s call for community members to mark Tyaag Diwas and Navreh Sankalp Diwas. These observances saw enthusiastic participation from social, religious, and cultural organizations across India and abroad, transforming the Mahotsav into what organizers described as a “widespread people’s movement.”

The ceremony began with a deep sense of reverence as dignitaries offered floral tributes before a portrait of Goddess Maa Sharda. The legacy of community icons Pandit Shreya Bhat and Samrat Lalitaditya, whose portraits were prominently displayed, was a recurring theme, symbolizing the enduring relevance of sacrifice and valour.

Hitesh Shankar, Editor-in-Chief of the national weekly Panchjanya, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Guest of Honour Swami Nirmalswaroop Ji Maharaj, founder of Sanatan Shridhar Gaushala Sansthan Trust, and was presided over by Padma Shri Dr. K. N. Pandita, the Convener of the Aayojan Samiti.

In a powerful keynote address, Chief Guest Hitesh Shankar described Navreh as a day of introspection and collective resolve. “Along with the Navreh Thali, a window to history also opens before us, reminding us of where we came from and where our roots lie,” he stated. “Today is the day to reconnect with our roots.” Citing the formidable legacy of Samrat Lalitaditya, he asserted that history teaches that decisive strength ensures long-lasting security. He urged the community to strengthen its resolve, affirming, “We shall return to the land where we once lived and celebrate Navreh there.”

Swami Nirmalswaroop Ji Maharaj, in his address, recalled Kashmir’s historical stature as a global center of learning. He lamented the adverse circumstances that led to the community’s displacement but expressed hope that the spirit of selfless leaders like Shreya Bhat would re-emerge. “Achieving this goal requires the active participation of the younger generation as dedicated workers, guided by the wisdom and experience of the elders,” he advised.

Dr. K. N. Pandita elaborated on the scriptural significance of the Navreh Thali and spoke on the Mahotsav’s core themes. “History rarely witnesses such selfless individuals who seek nothing for themselves but dedicate their lives entirely to the welfare of their community,” he said, paying homage to the celebrated icons.

The event was enriched with cultural and spiritual performances. Young artists Lakshya, Deeher, and Rudra priya rendered soul-stirring verses from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, followed by a series of captivating cultural presentations. A highlight of the ceremony was the prize distribution for an online essay competition on the theme “A resolve to return to Kashmir our valour, our sacrifice.” Nivedita Pandit, Tanish Pandita, and Vaibhav Kar secured the first, second, and third prizes, respectively. A special consolation prize was awarded to Manthan Bhat for his essay written in the Sharda Lipi script.

In an emotionally charged moment, the entire gathering collectively took the Navreh Sankalp, reaffirming their commitment to preserving their culture, traditions, and deep connection with their ancestral Janmabhoomi.

The proceedings were impressively conducted by Prof. Kuldeep Swadeshi. The welcome address was delivered by Co-Convenor Piyare Lal Bhat, and the formal vote of thanks was presented by Co-Convenor Padmashri B. L. Bhat, concluding with a collective rendition of Vande Mataram. The Aayojan Samiti expressed profound gratitude to all participating organizations and individuals who made the Mahotsav a resounding success.