Srinagar, Oct 27: The Rainawari Action Committee (RKPAC) organized a significant online global condolence meeting to pay heartfelt tributes to the late Dr. Ashok Koul, a prominent figure in the Kashmiri Pandit community who recently passed away in Canada.
Dr. Ashok Koul was known for his active involvement in philanthropy and social service, and his global advocacy for the rights of religiously cleansed Kashmiri Pandits, which played a crucial role in sensitizing public opinion regarding the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits. He was equally dedicated to capacity building for Kashmir Shaiv Darshan, and his contributions left a profound impact on the community.
Dr. Koul hailed from the Naidyar area of Rainawari, Srinagar, Kashmir, and maintained a strong connection to his roots. He actively oversaw the resurrection and renovation of temples in Naidyar and was a dedicated member of the Rainawari Kashmiri Pandit Action Committee (RKPAC).
Kashmiri Pandits from around the world came together to pay their respects to Dr. Ashok Koul during the online condolence meeting organized by RKPAC. B L Jalali, President of RKPAC, highlighted Dr. Koul’s pivotal role within the Kashmiri Pandit diaspora. He noted that Dr. Koul was instrumental in the socio-cultural activities of RKPAC and had personally contributed to the success of the “YARBAL” gala, a well-known gathering of Rainawari Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu. Jalali emphasized that Dr. Koul’s legacy would serve as an inspiration for both the young and old generations to contribute to the socio-cultural renaissance of Kashmiri Pandits and work towards reversing the genocide.
RKPAC expressed its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Koul’s family, declaring solidarity with them in this time of mourning. They acknowledged Dr. Koul’s outstanding contribution to the Kashmiri Pandit cause at the global level, which will continue to inspire future endeavors. His role in organizations such as the Indo American Kashmir Forum, Indo-Canadian Kashmir Forum, and Indo-European Kashmir Forum was praised for galvanizing world opinion to recognize the Kashmiri Pandit Genocide.
The global community dedicated to the welfare of Kashmiri Pandits, including prominent individuals such as Dr. Krishna Bhan, Dr. Mahesh Kaul, Rakesh Hangloo, Beboo Ji Zutshi, Surinder Kumar Koul, Anil Kachroo, Dr. Vijay Sazawal, VidhyaBushan Dhar, and Abhinav Koul (son of late Dr. Ashok Koul), joined in paying rich tributes to the late Dr. Koul.
Dr. Ashok Koul’s passing marks a significant loss for the Kashmiri Pandit community and leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to their cause and a deep commitment to philanthropy and social service.
