‘Our Responsibility is to Uplift Marginalized Communities’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated today that the upliftment of marginalized groups such as the Gujjar-Bakerwal community is not merely an act of kindness but an essential duty of his Government.
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He highlighted that, despite limited opportunities for ministerial appointments after the previous year’s elections, he ensured the Gujjar community was represented by appointing Javed Ahmed Rana as a Minister in his cabinet. Rana also spoke at the event. Other attendees included Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, patron chief of GDCT Abdul Hamid Choudhary, and Chairman GDCT Arshid Ali Choudhary.
“Post-election, we had to be strategic about Cabinet Ministers, and the options were limited. I asked Javed Rana to join the cabinet, not just to serve Jammu and Kashmir but to represent your community, voicing your concerns and addressing your issues,” Omar stated during a ceremony honoring him held by the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust following his election as Chief Minister. He emphasized that Rana’s inclusion in the cabinet was aimed at ensuring the Gujjar community’s issues were acknowledged and addressed within the Government.
Addressing the call for a Tribal University, the Chief Minister expressed optimism that, given the trust’s dedication, this aspiration would soon come to fruition. “Prepare a project and a plan. Once you’re ready, I will meet with your trust, and we will do our part to support it,” he pledged. Click here to watch the video
Reflecting on his previous visit to the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), he acknowledged the changes that have occurred, both positive and challenging. “After a significant interval, I am pleased to attend another event at Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust. If I’m not mistaken, my last visit here was during my term as Chief Minister. Much has evolved since then,” he remarked.
In tribute to Dr. Masood A. Choudhary, the visionary founder of GDCT, the Chief Minister lauded his impactful legacy. “Regrettably, the person who envisioned and founded the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust is no longer among us. It would be unjust to begin my speech without honoring Dr. Masood A. Choudhary,” he noted.
The Chief Minister also shared his personal connection with the trust, recalling his grandmother, Madr-e-Meharban’s strong ties with it. “I am committed to strengthening this trust. My grandmother had a profound connection with it. Although she has passed, her memory lives on here. You’ve honored her by naming a library in her respect. I see it as my duty to ensure the Government supports this trust as much as possible,” he affirmed.
Reiterating his support, Omar promised: “I assure you that, on my behalf, as well as on behalf of all Ministers, Advisors, and the Government, you will always find us standing by you whenever you need assistance.” Later, the Chief Minister visited the library block established by GDCT to facilitate research on the Gujjar-Bakkerwal community.
