Srinagar, Sep 17: The two-day annual ‘Kashir Conference’ of Adbee Markaz Kamraz (AMK) began at Charar-e-Sharief in Budgam on Saturday.
 According to AMK communiqué, the conference is being attended by poets and writers from in and outside the state.
 Besides deliberations about promotion and preservation of Kashmiri language, the first day of the conference witnessed a series of literary discussions and debates, it said.
 The conference started with Tilawat-e-Quran and Na’at-e-Sharief while a student Masrat Jan recited Kalam-e-Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), it said adding the inaugural session was presided over by eminent writer and historian, Muhammad Yousuf Taing with Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Secretary, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas and Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Muhammad Rafi in the presidium.
 Hailing the efforts of AMK for promotion and preservation of Kashmiri language, DC Budgam, Muhammad Rafi suggested that AMK should form some “working groups” which will strive for addressing specific issues of the Kashmiri language. Rafi said poetry, message and philosophy of Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) needs to be imparted to younger generation, for which they need to learn and understand the Kashmiri language. “This will prove effective to promote this language,” he maintained.
 M Y Taing stressed the need to institutionalize the teaching of Kashmiri language and literature. “Kashmiri language is our identity, if we lose it, we will lose our identity,” Taing said.
 He announced Rs two lakh to AMK as a support in construction of its office at Baramulla.  
 Academy secretary, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas said that his organization was sincere about promotion and preservation of all the languages of the state. “We have been supporting AMK and other cultural organizations in their endeavours vis-à-vis Kashmiri language,” he said.
 AMK president, Dr Aziz Hajni said AMK had not received any monetary assistance from Academy or any other government body since past two years. “Despite various hardships we are doing our best for promoting Kashmiri language and literature,” he said.
 Literary personalities including Prof Muhammad Zaman Azurdah, Zareef Ahmad Zareef, Dr Mashal Sultanpuri, Ghulam Nabi Gowhar, Dr Farooq Fayaz, Naseema Shifaye, Rukhsana Jabeen and Hasrat Gadha are participating in the conference.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 17 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 17 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST