JAMMU, Feb 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that elevating marginalized communities, specifically the Gujjar-Bakerwal, is not merely a gesture of goodwill but a core obligation of his administration.
He stated that even with the constraints on ministerial positions following last year’s elections, he was able to ensure representation for the Gujjar community by appointing Javed Ahmed Rana to his cabinet.
Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, who also spoke at the event, was present along with Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Patron Chief GDCT Abdul Hamid Choudhary, and Chairman GDCT Arshid Ali Choudhary.
“Post-election, we had to consider cabinet ministers, but the options were limited. I invited Mr. Javed Rana to join the cabinet, ensuring that he would not only serve Jammu and Kashmir but also act as a representative for the community, voicing your concerns and addressing all challenges,” the Chief Minister stated during a felicitation ceremony organized by the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust in honor of his election as Chief Minister of J&K. Omar Abdullah further emphasized that appointing Javed Rana to the cabinet was intended to ensure that the issues facing the Gujjar community would be prioritized within the government.
In response to the call for a Tribal University, the Chief Minister expressed optimism that, with the commitment of the trust and its constituents, this aspiration would soon become a reality.
“You need to prepare a project and a plan. I will collaborate with your trust once your plan is ready—we will definitely fulfill our part,” he assured.
Reflecting on his prior visit to the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT) as Chief Minister, he noted the transformations over time—some favorable and some challenging.
“After quite some time, I have the chance to participate again in an event at Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust. If my memory serves me right, the last time I was here, I was still Chief Minister. A lot has changed since then,” he remarked.
Paying homage to Dr. Masood A. Choudhary, the visionary founder of GDCT, the Chief Minister commended his legacy and contributions.
“Regrettably, the individual who sowed the seeds and dreamed of the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust is no longer with us. If I were to begin my speech without acknowledging Dr. Masood A. Choudhary, it would be an injustice,” he commented.
The Chief Minister also shared his emotional ties to the trust, reminiscing about the close relationship his grandmother, Madr-e-Meharban, had with it.
“I desire for this trust to flourish. My grandmother had a profound connection with it. Although she is no longer with us, her memory lives on here. You have paid tribute to her by dedicating a library in her honor. I feel it is my duty to ensure that the government extends its support to this trust in achieving its goals whenever possible,” he said.
Pledging continued governmental support, Omar Abdullah stated: “I assure you that on my behalf, as well as on behalf of all ministers, advisors, and the government—you will always find us alongside you whenever you require assistance.”
Later, the Chief Minister also visited the library block set up by GDCT for research on the Gujjar-Bakerwal community.
