Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today attended the commemoration of the third death anniversary of Late Dr. Masud Ahmed Choudhary, former IPS officer, eminent educationist and founder of the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), at Jammu, and paid glowing tributes to his life and legacy.
Recalling Dr. Choudhary’s distinguished service to the nation and society, the Chief Minister described him as a visionary public servant who embodied integrity, institution-building and selfless dedication.
He highlighted Dr. Choudhary’s pivotal role as the founding Vice-Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah (BGSB) University, Rajouri, and his lifelong commitment to empowering the Gujjar-Bakerwal community and other marginalized sections of Jammu and Kashmir.
He noted that through GDCT, Dr. Choudhary had laid a strong institutional foundation, establishing schools and nurturing spaces such as a reading room, library, museum and cultural centre. However, the Chief Minister emphasized that the true tribute to the late visionary would be to ensure that these institutions actively benefit the community for whom these facilities have been established.
Highlighting the growing challenges posed by climate change, especially to nomadic and semi-nomadic communities like the Gujjar-Bakerwals, the Chief Minister called for setting up a dedicated research centre under GDCT. He stressed the need for in-depth research on issues such as effects of climate change, migration patterns, livelihood vulnerabilities and long-term preservation of tribal culture & traditions..
“The government has schemes for all, but communities facing unique challenges need focused research and tailored solutions. Research papers prepared by knowledgeable people can guide policy and help us understand how best to safeguard their future,” he said.
The Chief Minister also suggested undertaking research on the concept and functioning of tribal universities, to assess their impact elsewhere and to prepare a roadmap for making such institutions successful in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that tribal communities derive maximum benefit.
Acknowledging the presence of retired and serving officers, lawyers, scholars, teachers and intellectuals within the community, the Chief Minister urged the Trust to harness this collective wisdom to carry forward Dr. Choudhary’s mission.
“The best tribute to Dr. Masud Ahmed Choudhary would be to fulfill, with our own hands, the purpose for which he established this institution—so that his community benefits and people’s lives change,” he said, while thanking the organizers for inviting him to the commemoration.
Former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, MLA Vikram Randhawa, several Members of the Legislative Assembly, former Minister Raman Bhalla, Aslam Qureshi (retd IAS), Sheikh Shakeel, Senior Advocate, J&K High Court, Abdul Hamid Choudhary, Patron-in-Chief, GDCT, Arshad Ali Choudhary, Chairman, GDCT, representatives of various political parties, and prominent civil society members and Gujjar community representatives were also present on the occasion.