In Octoer, 1994, I had finalised
the Genealogical Tree of SHIV NARAIN KAK's Descendents. Unlike the usual Family Trees which include only the male members
(agnates) it includes the female members and their descendents as well (cognates). The main idea was to provide the relations,
particularly the younger generation, an idea of who is who and related to whom and how.
I had taken out only five
dozen prints of the 15 Page leaflet and sent them to relations. There were some appreciative acknowledgements from distant
relations and absence of response from some very close ones. Having done my bit I took no further action.
Few weeks back Anjana (of
the I.A.A.S - daughter of Kamala, nee Kak) e-mailed me from New York
(She is with the U.N.).She had come across the document, liked it and wanted me to pursue the project further and bring
it on the Website. I pleaded age (74) and health but the girl persisted and persuaded me. I hope she will follow my efforts further
and add to the available information on her own and through other relations.
And it was Pavan who forced an unwilling me, about a year ago, into going
in for a computer as a pastime. Thanks a
lot. If there was no computer this Website would not have been possible.
I thankfully acknowledge
the assistance provided by Amarnath (Nanna)Wanchoo (His sister Indu is married to me, while his daughter Kanak to my
first cousin Tilak Kak.) Without his computer expertise and assistance, organising this web-Site would not
have been possible. I may add that I am a computer novice and have been receiving regular guidance from him.
Also thanks to Sameer for helping
out and doing the spade work while I sat and watched.
And last but not the least, thanks,
Indu, for contributing countless critical and constructive comments.
I have initiated the Web
Site with Shiv Narain Kak's Genealogical Tree. I have included brief biographies of Sir Sukhdeo Prasad Kak, Dharam
Narain Kak and Tej Narain Kak by Dr. Baikunth Nath Sharga. These had appeared in various Issues of the New Delhi Weekly "Kashur Gazette". They
were later published in the different volumes of Dr. Sharga's " Kashmiri Panditon ke Anmol Ratna" Each of the Five Volumes consists
about 20 brief biographies of eminent K.Ps. Dr Sharga's voluminous research work is of Historical significance.
I have been in touch with
Dr, Sharga for the last several years and have provided him with extracts from my Family Tree, Photos and available
information about the concerned relations. ( As also about me father in law, Justice Kailas Nath Wanchoo -
former Chief Justice of India - who also figures in one of the volumes) Dr Sharga has added considerable information
from his own sources as well. I can vouch only for the information provided by me. ( I have pointed out to him
and through Letters to the Editor, Kashur Gazette, some of the discrepencies
in the concerned biographies.)
