Kashmir Hindu Foundation launched in US

In an effort to highlight the interests and needs of the Kashmiri Hindu community, now dwindling and scattered around the globe, its members in the US have come together to form the Kashmir Hindu Foundation.

The foundation has set an ambitious goal to create a Kashmiri Cultural Center, the first such centre outside India, a release said.

The Kashmiri Cultural Center will provide home to the expression of arts and culture, where the richness of Kashmiri Hindu heritage will be showcased, it said.

For all the Kashmiri Hindus in the US and other parts of the world, it will provide a window to the beautiful valley and through this glorious view, create a stark contrast as a reminder of their painful exodus from Kashmir.

"Showcasing the richness of our culture and remembering the cruel extermination of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir is perhaps the most important and most effective shield against the danger of losing our identity," said Ankit Monga of Kashmir Hindu Foundation, California.

KulBhushan Razdan of Illinois, ex-Director of Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA), said: "This organisation will be based on continual learning and growing, service and love and not withdrawal and hate."