The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference today organized a solemn programme at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu, to commemorate the 25th death anniversary of Madr-e-Meharban Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah, the towering personality who stood tall as a motherly figure and a guiding light for the people of Jammu and Kashmir during some of the most challenging times in its history.
The event, organized under the leadership of Bimla Luthra, State Vice President of the JKNC Women Wing and former MLA, witnessed participation from a large number of party leaders, women activists, and workers who paid glowing tributes to the beloved Madr-e-Meharban. The programme commenced with Quran Khawani in the morning, followed by floral tributes and a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to her everlasting memory.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary described Begum Akbar Jehan as a towering icon of compassion, strength, and commitment towards the upliftment of the poor, marginalized, and especially womenfolk of Jammu and Kashmir. “Madr-e-Meharban was not just the wife of Baba-e-Quom Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, she was a leader in her own right. Her deep concern for the downtrodden, her tireless work for women's education, health and dignity, and her unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy, social justice and secularism remain unmatched,” he said.
Surinder Choudhary also took the opportunity to expose the hollow claims of BJP regarding women empowerment, stating that the saffron party indulged only in slogans and optics. “In over 11 years of BJP’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir, no meaningful steps were taken for the upliftment of women. In contrast, during just eight months of Omar Abdullah’s Chief Ministership, National Conference fulfilled several poll manifesto promises like free travel for women in government buses, increased marriage assistance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, provision of 200 free electricity units to AAY consumers, doubling of ration for AAY families and many more,” he asserted.
Surinder Choudhary said while BJP allowed non-locals to take away opportunities meant for J&K youth, including key academic and administrative posts in local universities, the NC stands committed to empowering the local youth and giving them their rightful place. “Jammu’s youth are second to none. Yet outsiders are being appointed to top university positions. This is sheer injustice,” he added.
Highlighting the vision of the NC, the Deputy CM said that the recently announced Mission Yuva by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will open new avenues for skill development, entrepreneurship, and empowerment of youth, especially daughters of J&K. “Only National Conference can translate the aspirations of the people into reality,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, senior NC leader and former minister Ajay Sadhotra, Additional General Secretary of the party, remembered Madr-e-Meharban as a symbol of resilience, humility, and social reform. “Her commitment towards the socio-economic transformation of Jammu and Kashmir was visible in every initiative she undertook—be it in the field of healthcare, women literacy, or rehabilitation of the needy,” he said.
Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President JKNC, while addressing the gathering, called Begum Akbar Jehan the conscience-keeper of the party. “When Sheikh Sahib and other senior leaders were arrested and the erstwhile state was in political turmoil, she held the reins of the party with dignity and courage. She played a central role in keeping the party united and focused on its mission,” he said.
The Provincial President said that the best tribute to Madr-e-Meharban would be to continue her mission of women’s upliftment and to ensure that their dignity is preserved in all spheres of life. “We must unite to defeat the forces who are ignoring the voice of women,” he added.
Gupta appealed to the women of Jammu and Kashmir to draw inspiration from Madr-e-Meharban’s life and strengthen the hands of the National Conference which has always prioritized inclusive development and empowerment. “Let us pledge to carry forward her legacy by standing up for our rights and strengthening secular democratic forces,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Bimla Luthra, in her emotional address, fondly remembered the warmth and guidance of Begum Sahiba. “She was a mother to all, especially the women of this region. Her focus on women’s education, health care, and social awareness laid the foundation for empowerment,” she said.
The programme concluded with reaffirmation of party’s commitment to the ideals of Begum Akbar Jehan and National Conference Govt’s resolve to work tirelessly for a just, inclusive, and progressive Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the district units of JKNC held similar programmes at their respective headquarters across Jammu region to pay tributes to Madr-e-Meharban.
Earlier in the morning Quran Khawani was performed at Sher-e- Kashmir Bhavan, Jammu which was organized by G. H Malik Senior NC leader as per the programme already announced.
Prominent among those present on the occasion in Jammu included Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Pardeep Bali Provincial Secretaries Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Satwant Kour Dogra Provincial President Women Wing,S. Tejinder Singh Provincial President Jammu YNC, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Vijay Laxami Datta Senior leader, Jugal Mahajan Treasurer, Chander Mohan Sharma District President Jammu Urban, Naresh Bittu District President Jammu Rural B, Pinky Khalsa District President Jammu Urban Women Wing, Dilshad Malik, Rita Gupta , Ashok Kumar Attri Vice Presidents Central Zone, Mohani Devi District President Reasi Women Wing,Daljeet Kour District President Jammu Rural B, Kuldeep Kour District President Jammu Rural A, Bharti, Santosh, Baljeet Kour, Madhu, Rajni Devi Working President Women Wing Jammu, Raj Kour, Nar Singh President Labour, Joginder Kour District Vice President Jammu Urban Women Wing, Sapna Gill Block President Jammu Urban Women Wing, S. Gurnam Singh Block President Jammu Urban, Ashwani Charak Block President Jammu East, Farooq Mughal, Ch. Razak, Devi Dayal Jogi, Ashanand, Robin Kumar, Kuldeep Sharma, Mohsim and others.