National Conference observed the 14th Death Anniversary of Madar-e-Meharbaan, Begum Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah today by organizing a grand commemorative function at Qaid Mazaar, Naseem Bagh Srinagar. NC Working President and Chief Minister of J&K Omar Abdullah, senior party functionaries, Ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, Ex-MPs, Ex-MLAs and Ex-MLCs paid floral tributes to Madar-e-Meharbaan. Hundreds of prominent citizens, social and political activists and party workers assembled at Naseem Bagh on this occasion.In a message on this occasion issued to KNS, Dr. Farooq Abdullah recollected the spirit of social service and social justice that was upheld by Madar-e-Meharbaan, Begum Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and descrbed her as an epitome of selfless social service, conviction, piety and courage. "Madar-e-Meharbaan was not only a pillar of moral support to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah but also a compassionate mother of the people who always demonstrated a commitment to lead them in his absence against all odds. She worked tirelessly for the amelioration of the poor and weak sections of society and took upon herself the role to be the voice of the downtrodden", Dr. Farooq Abdullah said.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that it was Madar-e-Meharbaan who had the vision for the Constitution of Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board and putting in place a mechanism and policy of Mobile Schools and Mobile Dispensaries for them at a time when such initiatives were unprecedented elsewhere. "Her concern for the people and her untiring efforts to serve them were both extraordinary. She was an extraordinary woman who is a role-model for those women who want to make a difference in the society by being the voice of the suppressed", Dr. Farooq said.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that the credit for galvanizing the Red Cross movement in the State goes to Madar-e-Meharbaan and it was her cherished dream to see a network of social support groups in the State to give succour and support to the needy. "The establishment of Miskeen Bagh Education and Craft Training Centre for Women was also a historic initiative envisioned by Begum Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. Her work and her concern for the people was not driven by partisan or electoral politics but by statesmanship and genuine concern - traits that need to be emulated for a sound and secure future", Dr. Farooq added.
The NC Party President said that National Conference has a glorious history of enormous sacrifices and public services at its back and will script yet another historic comeback in the forthcoming Assembly Elections. "We have suffered with the people rather than making them suffer. We have sacrificed power for decades rather than selling the interests of our State for power. We will continue to be the flag-bearers of Kashmiriyat, Internal Autonomy and Article 370 despite all odds", Dr. Farooq Abdullah said while highlighting Madar-e-Meharbaan's contributions. (KNS)