Kheer Bhawani Mela symbol of faith: Dr Karan Singh

Ganderbal, Jun 16: Philosopher and former Minister of Education of India Dr Karan Singh said devotees visiting the revered Kheer Bhawani shrine should be able to undertake the pilgrimage without difficulty and prayed for peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir and across the world.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple ahead of the annual mela, Singh expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the temple trust and the administration for devotees.
“I am happy to see that good arrangements have been made here. A new building has also been constructed. We always try to ensure that pilgrims do not face difficulties and can visit the Goddess with joy,” he said.
Singh said prayers were offered for peace and harmony, noting that conflicts and instability in different parts of the world have an impact beyond their borders.
“We pray to the Goddess for peace and harmony in the entire world. What is happening outside is dangerous and affects all of us,” he said.
On the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Singh described it as one of the most important pilgrimages in the country and recalled undertaking the journey in 1953.
“I visited Amarnath in 1953. At that time, around 5,000 pilgrims would undertake the yatra annually. Today, the number has increased manifold,” he said.
Referring to preparations for this year’s pilgrimage, Singh said he had recently met Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who assured him that all necessary arrangements had been made.
On the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, Singh said the community has always been an integral part of Kashmir’s social fabric and welcomed efforts aimed at facilitating their return.
“Kashmiri Pandits have always been a part of Kashmiri society. Many families have settled elsewhere over the past three decades, but those who wish to return should be supported in every possible way,” he said.
Singh said government initiatives to provide facilities for returning families were a positive step and could help strengthen the process of rehabilitation. (KNS)