The ALSOC Interactive Series received another boost with the session held on December 4th 2019 from 6pm at the Xavier Hall.  The session was preceded by the fellowship tea in which Mr Ashok Dhar, the speaker and author, had a chance to meet some of the members present.

The programme began with the felicitation of Mr Dhar by Rev Fr Thamacin s.j., Principal of the School, handing over a bouquet.  Mr Dhar responded by handing over a copy of his book Kashmir as I see it: From Within and Afar for the School Library.

It was heartening to see 50+  Alsoc members, including some spouses and Mallika Kapur, a history student and the daughter of alumnus Shiv Kapur.

Mallika Kapur offered to do a short write up on the event from her perspective. Here it is in her own words:

The interactive session on ‘Kashmir’ with Mr. Ashok Dhar at the Xavier Hall was indeed very interesting and informative providing us with a genuine and well researched insight into the history and politics of a region that has been the focus of national and international attention during the past six decades.

The most interesting part of the session with the author of the book, titled ‘Kashmir as I see it: From Within and Afar” was that it is from a person who is a retired executive from the corporate world. Being a student of History and passionate about the subject, what I found most appealing about this session was the unbiased nature of Mr. Dhar’s account. He is neither a politician, historian nor a regular book writer and his opinion does not rely on biased media reports. It’s a true account of a passionate Kashmiri Pandit who has a genuine love and concern for his homeland. It’s further heartening to know that the prospective proceeds of the royalty from the sales of his book have already been contributed by him for the welfare of Kashmiris.

The session was eye-opening as it made one view Kashmir as more than a territorial dispute but also in the light of its rich history, leadership and morality. Mr. Dhar presented different models of resolving this age old conflict and made it very clear that the first step to restoring peace in this region is by understanding the true meaning of ‘Kashmiryat.’

Thanks to all who attended and to Adarsh Kanoria and his team for another excellent programme.