Srinagar, July 29: Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad today said the government was keen to develop all languages of the State including Gojri.
 Releasing latest Gojri publications during a function organised by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages here, Altaf said being an ancient language presently spoken by Gujjars, Bakerwals and other groups, Gojri deserves a fair deal at all levels. He said it was a matter of honour for him to release publications of the kind which had been written by contemporary Gojri stalwarts like Rana Fazal Hussain, Ismail Zabi and Abdul Gani Shashi.
 Describing the efforts of Gojri section of Academy as praiseworthy, the minister said the section should continue to highlight different shades of Gojri life and culture so that public perception could be moulded in favour of this community.
 The books, which were released, have been compiled by chief editor Gojri, Dr. Javaid Rahi and include Kulyat-e-Rana Fazal, a poetry collection of Rana Fazal Hussain two volume, Kalam-e-Ismail Zabi Rajourvi, and Gujjar Tareekh te Sakafat–an essay collection by noted Gojri scholar, Abdul Gani Azhari.
 Earlier, in his address, Academy secretary, Zafar Iqbal Manhas said during his tenure as secretary all the sections of Academy had done a commendable job and would continue to do so in future.
 Referring to the functioning of Gojri section, Manhas said it was one of the important and vibrant sections, which had contributed significantly to the promotion of Gojri tradition and culture. He also informed that presently around 38 books of Gojri were in press for publication.
 As part of the event, a musical programme was also organised by the Academy in which several prominent Gojri artists participated.
 Prominent among those who performed in the function included Begum Jan and party, Razia Begum, Noor-un-Nissa, Sher Ali and Farid Ahmad Parwaz.
 Earlier, noted Gojri writer and poet, Naseem Punchi read a paper on the Gojri publications.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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