Jammu, Feb 2: The Kashyap Sathal Development and Research Foundation (KSDRF) Sunday organised the Jyotishacharya Sammelan at the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Amphalla, Jammu, to address the growing concern of late and delayed marriages within the Kashmiri Pandit community.
The brainstorming session brought together a distinguished gathering of scholars, social activists, intellectuals, and community leaders, all united by the alarming demographic trend linked to declining birth rates.
The event commenced with the traditional Deep Prajvalan ceremony, followed by a welcome address from Dr Pran Kaul, President of KSDRF. In his speech, Dr Kaul highlighted the urgency of the issue, warning that the community could face irreversible consequences if timely interventions are not made. “The dwindling fertility rate among Kashmiri Pandits is not just a sociological concern but a matter of survival for future generations,” he remarked.
The Sammelan was graced by Dr Arvind Karwani, Commissioner for Relief & Rehabilitation, Jammu & Kashmir, as the Chief Guest. Dr Karwani underscored the importance of striking a balance between cultural traditions and modern realities to safeguard the Kashmiri Pandit lineage. “While it is essential to honour our traditions, adapting to the changing socio-economic landscape is equally crucial for the community’s continuity,” he stated. Awtar Krishan Jyotshi, the Guest of Honour, delved into the astrological and societal factors contributing to delayed marriages. He urged the central and state governments to formulate policies that address these challenges, warning that the community faces an existential threat if proactive measures are not taken. A major highlight of the Sammelan was the keynote address by Padma Dr K.N. Pandita, Patron of KSDRF. Providing a historical perspective on Kashmiri Pandit marriage traditions, Dr Pandita noted how external socio-political disruptions have shaped demographic trends over time. “Preserving tradition is vital, but adaptation is the key to survival,” he said, encouraging the younger generation to prioritise timely marriages and challenging the community to move beyond rigid social and astrological constraints.
Resolutions passed in the meeting (use as side box along Pic in the story)
- Flexibility in Horoscope Matching: The Sammelan called for a more rational approach to Kundali Milan, focusing on compatibility in personality, values, and family background rather than rigid adherence to minor astrological details.
- Reducing Fear of Doshas: Participants stressed the need to minimise fear surrounding astrological doshas, such as Manglik Dosha, noting that remedies exist and should be widely communicated.
- Encouraging Early Marriages: A consensus emerged on promoting marriages before the age of 30 to maintain demographic stability and support higher fertility rates.
- Combating the Stigma of Late Marriages: The conference highlighted the social stigma surrounding late marriages and urged families to adopt a more progressive mindset.
- Active Role of Community Institutions: The need for socio-cultural organisations like KSDRF to create matchmaking platforms, conduct awareness campaigns, and offer practical solutions for timely marriages was strongly emphasised.
- Integrating Traditional Wisdom with Modern Realities: The Sammelan advocated for respecting astrological traditions while embracing the demands of contemporary society.
The event also featured addresses by notable figures such as Prof B.L. Koul, Mr Ajay Pandita, R.K. Bhat, and Dr Sandeep Mawa, who highlighted the medical complications associated with delayed marriages due to physiological and biological changes with age. The proceedings were expertly anchored by Shri Sunil Mantoo. In his concluding remarks, Dr Ramesh Razdan, General Secretary of KSDRF, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, and attendees for their invaluable contributions. He also extended special appreciation to Dr Arvind Karwani, Dr K.N. Pandita, Dr Sandeep Mawa, Awtar Krishan Jyotshi, and Dr Pran Kaul for their insightful deliberations. The Sammelan saw participation from a wide array of intellectuals, scholars, and community leaders from across India, including Vijay Raina, Puran Patwari (Faridabad), Bharat Rawal (Bengaluru), Dolly Tiku Arwal (Sahitya Akademi), Nancy Koul, and Bal Krishan Sanyasi, reflecting the widespread concern over this pressing issue.
