Kashyap Sathal Development & Research Foundation (KSDRF) successfully organized the Jyotishacharya Sammelan at Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Amphalla, Jammu. The conference, attended by a distinguished gathering of scholars, social activists, and intellectuals, addressed the pressing issue of late, overaged, and delayed marriages within the Kashmiri Pandit community—an alarming trend leading to demographic changes due to a declining birth rate.
The event commenced with the auspicious Deep Prajvalan, followed by a heartfelt welcome address by Dr. Pran Kaul, who emphasized the urgency of addressing this crisis before it reaches an irreversible stage. He reiterated that the dwindling fertility rate among Kashmiri Pandits is not just a sociological concern but a matter of survival for the community’s future generations.
The conference was graced by Dr. Arvind Karwani, Commissioner, Relief & Rehabilitation, UT of Jammu & Kashmir, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Dr. Karwani highlighted the importance of balancing cultural traditions with contemporary realities to ensure the continuity of the Kashmiri Pandit lineage. Shri Awtar Krishan Jyotshi, the guest of honour guests, shared his deep insights into the astrological and societal factors contributing to delayed marriages... He further urged the central and state governments to take the initiative & formulate a policyto safeguard the community from extinction.
A major highlight of the event was the keynote address by Padma Shri Dr. K.N. Pandita, Patron of KSDRF. In his thought-provoking speech, Dr. Pandita provided a historical perspective on the evolution of Kashmiri Pandit marriage traditions, drawing attention to how external socio-political disruptions have influenced demographic trends. He stressed that while preserving tradition is vital, adaptation is equally important to ensure the survival of the community. Dr. Pandita urged the younger generation to prioritize timely marriages and called for collective efforts to remove unnecessary social and astrological constraints that hinder early wedlock.
One of the most significant outcomes of the Sammelan was the margdarshan of Shri Avtar Krishan Jyotshi & the intellectuals present in the sammelan.They emphasized the urgent need to address the rigid and often misinterpreted astrological factors contributing to delayed marriages. Key resolutions included:
Flexibility in Horoscope Matching: Excessive rigidity in Kundali Milan has led to unnecessary delays. A rational and holistic approach, prioritizing compatibility in personality, values, and family background over minor astrological mismatches, was recommended.
Minimizing Dosha-Related Fear: Manglik Dosha and other astrological impediments should not be viewed as absolute barriers to marriage. Remedies exist, and undue fear-mongering must be discouraged.
Encouraging Early Marriage: Promoting early and timely marriages, ideally before the age of 30, is essential to maintaining demographic stability and ensuring higher fertility rates within the community.
Reducing the Social Stigma of Late Marriage: Families and community elders must recognize the long-term impact of delayed marriages on the community’s survival and shift their mindset accordingly.
Role of Community Institutions: Socio-cultural organizations like KSDRF should actively create matchmaking platforms, hold awareness campaigns, and facilitate practical solutions for timely marriages.
Integration of Traditional Wisdom with Modern Reality: Respecting astrological traditions while adapting to modern socio-economic realities is the way forward.
The Sammelan was addressed by Prof B.L.Koul, Mr Ajay pandita, Mr R.K.bhat. Dr Sandeep mawa during his deliberations laid stress on medical complications arising after a certain age because of physiological & biological changes in a human body
The anchoring was conducted by shri sunil mantoo.
Concluding the event, Dr. Ramesh Razdan, General Secretary of KSDRF, delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks. He expressed deep gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, and attendees for their invaluable contributions to the Sammelan. Dr. Razdan extended special appreciation to Dr. Arvind Karwani, Padma Shri Dr. K.N. Pandita, Dr Sandeep mava Awtar Krishan Jyotshi, Dr Pran.Kaul president ksdrf, the esteemed Jyotishacharya for their insightful deliberations.
He also thanked the organizing team, volunteers, and the delegates who traveled from various parts of India
With a resounding call for unity and action, he urged everyone present to take forward the recommendations from the event and work collectively towards preserving the community’s cultural and demographic strength.
A galaxy of eminent intellectuals, scholars, and community leaders from across India attended the event, reflecting the widespread concern and collective responsibility toward addressing this burning issue. Notably Vijay Raina, Puran patwari, Faridabad: Bharat Rawal,Bangaluru; Dolly Tiku Arwal, Sahtiya Academy: Nancy koul and Bal Krishan sanyasi
The Jyotishacharya Sammelan was not just a conference but a clarion call for immediate action. It underscored the need for the Kashmiri Pandit community to introspect, reform, and adapt to changing times while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
KSDRF remains committed to working tirelessly on such socio-cultural concerns and urges the community to unite in tackling the existential challenges ahead.
