01/09/2026
HELPLINE HUMANITY & SARASWATHI EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL & CHARITABLE TRUST CELEBRATE 1st COMMUNITY CASH AWARD FUNCTION AT ABHINAV THEATRE, JAMMU
Jammu: Helpline Humanity, in association with the Saraswathi Educational, Cultural & Charitable Trust, successfully organised its 1st Community Cash Award Function at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu, in a grand celebration of Kashmiri Pandit achievers, cultural heritage and the emerging talents of the younger generation.
The prestigious programme honoured distinguished Kashmiri Pandit personalities and bright young achievers for their outstanding contributions to society, culture, education, sports and community development.
PRESTIGIOUS COMMUNITY AWARDS
The following prominent personalities were honoured during the समारोह:
Ravi Garyali Award was conferred upon renowned writer, poet and cultural activist Dr. Agnishekhar, and Shri Vikram Koul, Founder of Kashmiri Pandit Volunteers.
Indra Garyali Award was presented to disability rights activist and Founder of JIGER, Sushri Sandhya Dhar, along with eminent writer and educationist Dr. Advedavadini Koul.
Ravi Misri Award was bestowed upon celebrated Santoor Maestro and composer Pandit Dr. Abhay Rustum Sopori, and LSHEO Coordinator Shri Ankur Bagati.
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
The समारोह was graced by a galaxy of distinguished guests, including:
- Shri Ramesh Kumar, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu – Chief Guest
- Shri Arvind Karwani, JKAS, Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner (M), J&K – Guest of Honour
- Shri Sanjay Bhat, JKAS, Deputy Commissioner, Excise
- Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd.), Former DGP
- Dr. C. K. Garyali, IAS (Retd.), Managing Trustee and Chief Patron
- Prof. Ashok Aima, Former Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Jammu
- Prof. Indu Kilam, Board Member, Helpline Humanity
- Shri B. L. Jalali, Project Director, Helpline Humanity
FELICITATION OF MERITORIOUS STUDENTS
A special Felicitation of Students segment was organised to honour meritorious students of the community who secured 95% and above marks during the academic session. Students who secured employment with the support and guidance of the Mata Saraswati Pustakalaya Library-cum-Skill Development Centre, a unit of Helpline Humanity, were also felicitated.
The initiative received tremendous appreciation from parents, community members and the distinguished guests present on the occasion.
CULTURAL PROGRAMMES STEAL THE SHOW
The jam-packed auditorium at Abhinav Theatre witnessed vibrant and colourful cultural presentations by the talented students of the Mata Saraswati Pustakalaya Library-cum-Skill Development Centre, Jagti and Purkhoo branches.
The young performers received huge applause from the audience for their confidence, talent and impressive performances.
The Vitasta Heritage Cultural Group also gave a remarkable presentation showcasing the unique traditions, customs and rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. Their traditional Kashmiri presentation added a special cultural flavour to the grand celebration.
The programme successfully highlighted the rich heritage of the Kashmiri Pandit community while encouraging the younger generation to excel in education, employment, culture, sports and other fields.
ADDRESS BY THE CHIEF GUEST
In his address, Shri Ramesh Kumar, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, congratulated the organising team for taking such a wonderful initiative to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the community despite the hardships and challenges faced since the early 1990s.
He emphasised that culture and language play a vital role in connecting the past with the present generation. He appreciated the significant contribution of the Kashmiri Pandit community towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir in different fields.
SUPPORT FOR YOUTH INITIATIVES
Shri Arvind Karwani, JKAS, Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner (M), J&K, congratulated the organisers for providing a meaningful platform to community students to showcase their talent on stage while also encouraging academic excellence.
He assured every possible support to the Helpline Humanity team in carrying forward its mission and appreciated the organisation's initiatives for youth empowerment.
He also stressed the importance of implementing various youth-oriented initiatives launched under government programmes and expressed support for expanding educational and skill development activities in transit camps so that more branches of Mata Saraswati Pustakalaya Library can benefit community youth.
APPRECIATION BY GUESTS
Shri Sanjay Bhat, JKAS, Deputy Commissioner, Excise, appreciated the organisers for conducting such a meaningful programme and encouraged the younger generation to preserve their mother tongue while continuing to make progress in different fields.
Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd.), Former DGP, showered his blessings upon Helpline Humanity and the Saraswathi Educational, Cultural & Charitable Trust for their achievements and for providing opportunities to young minds despite many challenges.
He particularly appreciated the transparent process of inviting open nominations from community members and the selection of deserving community personalities for the awards. He assured his continued support to Helpline Humanity in its journey, especially in the field of education and youth development.
Dr. C. K. Garyali, IAS (Retd.), Chief Patron, said that such initiatives bring the community together and create a festive atmosphere while providing a platform for young minds to pursue their dreams.
She assured continued support to Helpline Humanity and expressed the hope that Helpline Humanity and the Saraswathi Educational, Cultural & Charitable Trust would jointly organise such award functions every year to honour community stalwarts working selflessly in different fields.
FOUNDER'S ADDRESS
Shri M. K. Bhat, Founder, Helpline Humanity, while presenting the organisation's report card, appealed to the community to continue showering its blessings and support upon Helpline Humanity.
He highlighted that the organisation has been working in the field of education and youth empowerment since 1994, through various educational, cultural, employment and skill development initiatives.
He reiterated his commitment to carry forward this noble mission so that community youth can shine in every field.
Shri M. K. Bhat expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all donors, patrons, community well-wishers, parents and supporters whose encouragement and blessings have made every difficult task easier and strengthened the organisation's journey.
VOTE OF THANKS
Smt. Nancy Tickoo, while presenting the Vote of Thanks, expressed sincere gratitude to all distinguished guests, community members, parents, students, management committee members, media persons and everyone associated with the successful organisation of the event.
She specially thanked:
A***n Ramesh, Munoo Krishen, Rakesh Ji, Sameer Koul, K. K. Pandita, B. L. Jalali, and the entire Mata Saraswati Pustakalaya teams of Jagti and Purkhoo.
She also thanked the media fraternity and the programme anchor, Smt. Kusum Tickoo Ji, for their valuable contribution in making the programme memorable.
COORDINATION TEAM
The successful coordination and organisation of the entire event was carried out by a dedicated team comprising:
Reva Devi, Yogita Koul, Rashi Dhar, Sania Raina, Pooja Raina, Renu Razdan, Sunita Sharma, A***n, Satyam, Dheeraj, Nikhil, Hitesh, Danish, Prajwal and Rohit.
COMMUNITY PERSONALITIES PRESENT
The programme was also attended and supported by several distinguished community personalities, including:
Prof. B. L. Zutshi, President, HESK;
Shri Ravi Jogi, President, Zeetiyar;
Shri Ashok Kangan;
Shri Daya Krishen, President, Purkhoo;
Shri Mutash Yogi, Social Activist;
Smt. Kailash Mehra, Renowned Singer;
Shri Yoginder Koul, IPS (Retd.), Former IGP;
Shri Anil Bhat, Bureau Chief, PTI;
Shri R. K. Raina, Social Activist;
and Veena, Nisha and Anil Koul, among many other respected members of the community.
The 1st Community Cash Award Function concluded on a high note with appreciation and blessings from the community. The programme reflected the spirit of unity, cultural pride, educational empowerment and encouragement for the young generation.
The joint initiative of Helpline Humanity and Saraswathi Educational, Cultural & Charitable Trust has set a meaningful precedent for recognising community achievers and inspiring future generations to preserve their heritage while achieving excellence in every sphere of life.
Helpline Humanity remains committed to its mission of education, empowerment, skill development, cultural preservation and creating opportunities for the youth and society
