Tuesday, 6 July 2021

Veteran actor Anupam Kher and President IFTDA Ashoke Pandit unveil young author Anushka Dhar’s book - NH44: Take Me Home

6th July, 2021, Mumbai: In a world full of possibilities and hope, budding 16-year-old author Anushka Dhar is on her way to fuel some insightful and progressive conversations about Kashmiri Pandits with her debut book – NH44: Take Me Home. Amplifying this fresh voice, veteran actor, Mr. Anupam Kher officially unveiled the book along with Mr. Ashoke Pandit, President, Film & Television Directors’ Association. Through this book 16-year-old Anushka Dhar sets out on a discovery of her Kashmiri Pandit lineage and traces her journey back to her roots, her people and the reasons that led to the exodus.

Inaugurating the event, Mr. Deepak Dhar, CEO, Banijay Asia opened the floor to a conversation on Journeying Back Home and noted Kashmiris Mr. Ashoke Pandit and Mr. Anupam Kher shared their views on this. They empowered and encouraged Anushka to follow her path in showcasing the journey of many Kashmiri pandits like her and be a voice for the rights of Kashmiris the world over.

Sharing his thoughts on the book, Mr. Anupam Kher said, “I laud Anushka for her zest and courage to question some serious historic events out front with this book. History has not been kind to us Kashmiri Pandits and our ancestors are living to tell the tales. It fills me with hope that Anushka and many such youngsters are now questioning history and rallying for justice. There was no second thought given in writing the foreword for Take Me Home and I truly believe she has got the ability to inspire people and with this book, she is definitely taking us all home.”

Expressing her gratitude and excitement, Anushka Dhar said, “The thought of writing this book began with a question and the response shook me from within. I was sure I wanted to chase this topic of Kashmiri Pandits and put my perspective out. I wanted to join the conversation and speak up about our crushing journey. I’m grateful to my family and Mr. Anupam Kher who believed in my storytelling and wrote the foreword for my book. A very special thanks to Mr. Ashoke Pandit for guiding and encouraging me to tell this story. I thoroughly want the younger generation to take the reins and make progressive conversations.”

Elaborating about the book, Mr. Ashoke Pandit said, “I am honoured to be a part of Anushka's journey in writing the book. It’s incredible for her to write a book on the genocide that took place in Kashmir although she hasn’t been a part of it. Stories like such will bring all of us together to work towards a better future for Kashmiris. All the luck and success to this girl for writing such an eye-opening book. Anushka has reconfirmed our return to our homeland.”

The book, NH44: Take Me Home published by Vitasta Publishers is now available for the curious readers here:

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