Srinagar, May 4: Prominent US based poet Abdul Rehman Saaz was Tuesday accorded a warm reception on his visit to the homeland with a literary function being held in the auditorium of SP College.
 In his address, Saaz emphasized the need for making younger generation fully conversant with Urdu language “if we have to make it popular and protect it from extinction”.
 Describing the Urdu language as the best medium for exchange of views,  Saaz said Urdu was rich and civilized language and needs collective efforts to safeguard it on all levels.
 Remembering his visits to London and France, Saaz said he was surprised there to know that Urdu lovers have constituted organization in these countries and are working with full sense of responsibility to promote the language.
 Saaz lauded the role of Kashmiri society for initiating measures for the promotion of Urdu in Jammu and Kashmir. He also appreciated chairman of the Kashmir Society, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu, who himself is a novelist and writer, for evincing keen interest for promotion of the language.
 Saaz also underscored the need for organizing Urdu literary functions in other parts of the state and work for motivating young generation in such functions.
 Earlier, welcoming the chief guest, the host and chairman Kashmir Society, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu highlighted the role of Kashmir society in promotion the Urdu. The Secretary, State Cultural Academy, Zafar Manhas emphasized the need for taking collective efforts for protecting and popularizing this language.
 Principal SP College, Prof Zahoor Ahmad, Rafi Ahmad Khan, Secretary, Kashmir Society also spoke on the occasion.
 Later, two books Dastaan-e-Sozish-e-Ghum and Charakh-e-Sukhan were also released on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 4 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 4 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 5 May 2010 00:00:00 IST