Srinagar, Aug 2: MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi on Sunday described the book ‘Sharda to Sansad’ as a significant contribution to documenting the history, culture and long struggle of the Pahari community.
He said the book provides a comprehensive account of the Pahari language, tracing its origins, geographical spread and historical evolution. According to him, it also highlights the community’s ethnicity, cultural identity and rich heritage.
“The author has done an excellent job by documenting the history of the Pahari community and bringing together several important aspects of its cultural and social journey,” Shafi said, speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha unveiled Sharda to Sansad, a book authored by Dr Abdul Hafeez Shah, during a function held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar.
MLA said the book also chronicles the decades-long struggle for the grant of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Pahari community, noting that the movement dates back to 1971.
He said the publication acknowledges the contributions of several leaders and activists who consistently worked for securing ST status and preserving the Pahari language and culture. Among those mentioned in the book are Nazeer Masoodi, Mohammad Shafi Uri, Mirza Rasheed and several others.
Shafi said these leaders raised the concerns of the Pahari community in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as well as in Parliament, ensuring that the community’s issues remained in the public and political discourse.
He added that the book also reflects on the socio-economic challenges faced by the Pahari community and highlights the efforts made over the years to secure greater recognition, representation and empowerment for the community.
