Late GN Gauhar’s Irfan-e-Noor released
Srinagar: A four volume study on the life and works ofSheikh ul Alam (RA) by late G N Gauhar was released today at a literaryfunction. Remembering the renownedwriter and researcher on his first death anniversary, the function was organised at Gauhar’s nativeplace in Charar-e-Shareef.
On the occasion, another book, a collection of poems bySadoor Kashmiri titled ‘Ate Gand Dyoul Goum’ was also released.
The seminar was organized by Kashmir Markez-e-Adab Sakafatand saw participation of many people. The speakers on the occasion highlightedGauhar’s contribution to the field of Kashmiri literature.
One of the speakers while highlighting the various aspectsof Gauhar’s life termed him a prolific writer who wrote 63 books, out of which16 are on Sheikh ul Alam (RA) alone.
Senior journalist and author Zahir ud Din called Gauhar anunrecognised gem. He said that Gauhar has contributed in the field of politicaljournalism as well. “Two books by Gauhar on Hazratbal and Elections in Jammuand Kashmir stand out for me as masterpieces,” he said.
Renowned poet, writer and critic Professor Zaman Azurdahhailed the contribution of GN Gauhar to Urdu literature. “His style wasdifferent. He wrote on different topics and with flair. He wrote in Kashmiri,Urdu and English,” he said. Calling GN Gauhar’s work as an inspiration, Azurdahsaid that, “we have to keep working for the uplift of the Kashmiri language.”
KU Urdu book exhibition a hit, sales to the tune of Rs 50 lakh
Srinagar: Giving hope that all is not lost when it comes tobook reading culture in the valley, the organisers of nine day book exhibitionin University of Kashmir revealed that they received an overwhelming responsefrom book lovers as the sales touched Rs 50 lakh. The exhibition was organisedwith an aim to promote Urdu language, by the National Council for Promotion ofUrdu Language (NCPUL), New Delhi. 85 book sellers, publishers and institutions,participated in the exhibition, which received visitors from all around thevalley. Adding to the attraction National Book Trust (NBT), Urdu Academies ofsome states, JK Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, Iqbal Institute ofCulture and Philosophy and some other local and outside institutions were alsopart of the event.
The organisers while briefing about the activities of thenine day event said that 23 cultural, literary and educational programmes wereheld during the exhibition. Givingaccount of sales, the officials said that Urdu books worth Rs 50 lakh were soldduring the exhibition. They agreed that it was way above expectations andshowcased love for Urdu language in the society.
NCPUL at its own stall sold books worth Rs 5.5 lakh while asthe rest of sales were bagged by other publishers and booksellers participatingin the programme. With overall festive atmosphere, the publishers and outsidershailed the courtesy and hospitality of Kashmiris.
Dr Aqeel, director of NCPUL, expressed hope that Kashmirwould emerge as a new epicentre of Urdu language. On this occasion he alsoannounced setting up of a sale centre of NCPUL publications on the universitycampus.
On the concluding day of the exhibition, a function wasorganised in which the winners ofdifferent competitions, held on the sidelines of the exhibition, belonging tovarious universities, colleges and schools, were awarded trophies, certificatesand books.
Shad Ramzan elected as chairman Ahad Zargar Memorial Research Foundation
Srinagar: Renowned poet, critic and former head of Kashmiridepartment, University of Kashmir, Prof Shad Ramzan has been elected as thechairman of Ahad Zargar Memorial Research Foundation. The elections of AhadZargar Memorial Research Foundation were held on Monday in presence of patronof the foundation, Khursheed Ahmad Zargar.
In a statement, the foundation said that the elections wereheld in cordial atmosphere to elect a new executive body. The statement saidthat Dr Shad Ramzan chairman, ShoukatFarooqi vice chairmam, Rafiq Raz general secretary, Imdad Saqi organiser, ShahbazHakbari secretary, Nisar Ahmad publicity secretary (Social media ), NisarAhmad Bala cashier were elected forthe term. They said that members ofadvisory council and executive body will be nominated by the elected body aftertaking oath.
The statement said a meeting was also conducted by ZarifAhmad Zarief where various issues were discussed particularly publication ofRangmor, holding annual day function and re-publication of Kuliyatte AhadZargar. Activities for 2019-20 were also discussed during the meeting.Sub-committees which are already in place were asked to file their report withregard to various issues andactivities,’ the statement said.
Literary function organised to mark Hajini Day celebrations
Bandipora: Variety of literary activities were carried outduring the annual Prof Mohiudin Hajini day celebrations at Degree CollegeHajin, Banidpora on Sunday. Terming late Hajini as a symbol of KashmirIdentity speakers said that Prof Hajini worked for the development of Kashmiridentity and fought tactical oppression and cultural onslaught till last whiletaking the people along.
Galaxy of scholars, academics and intellectuals on Sundayparticipated in the day long Hajini Day at Hajin and deliberated on the issuespertaining to Kashmiri language, identity and culture. They also deliberated onthe life and times of Prof Hajini during the event. The function was organisedby Halqa-e-Adab Sonawari in collaboration with State Academy of Art, Cultureand Languages under the supervision of AMK J&K.
The function was presided over by former Chief SecretaryMuhammad Shafi Pandith, Vice Chancellor Central University Prof Meraj ud DinMir, while former Secretary JKBOSE Bashir Ahmed Dar and President AMKJK FarooqRafiabadi shared the presidium.
During the event Vice Chancellor Central University KashmirMeraj ud Din Mir announced the establishment of Kashmiri Department at CentralUniversity, while former Secretary JKBOSE Bashir Ahmed Dar delivered the HajiniMemorial lecture wherein he deliberated upon the issues pertaining to Kashmirilanguage in the academics.
Dar urged that scholars and intellectuals should comeforward to work for the development of Kashmiri language across the academicsection in the state.
In his presidential address, Former Chief Secretary MuhammadShafi Pandith threw light on the teachings and philosophy of late Mohi-ud-DinHajini and said that he was a prolific writer of his age and worked for theupliftment of Kashmiri language and literature with a missionary zeal.
Dr Aziz Hajini Convenor Kashmiri Sahityia Academy during theopening remarks said that Prof Hajini was a symbol of Kashmiri identity whofought against the exploitation toll his last.
On the occasion, this year’s Khil’ati Hajini was awarded toProf Basher Basheer. Three books one by Shakir Shafi and two authored by RashidJehangiri were also released on the occasion.
Open-air Kashmiri music, cultural event held at Doodhpathri
Budgam: The first ever open-air Kashmiri music and culturalevent was organized at the scenic meadows of Doodhpathri in Budgam on Saturday,organisers said in a statement. “Dozens of Kashmiri folk artists and musiciansfrom various parts of Kashmir performed at the event, ‘Vath’, which attractedhundreds of locals, students and tourists,” they said.
“The idea behind the event was to promote the Kashmirilanguage and culture among the young audience. The reason they choseDoodhpathri as the venue was to give audience a feel of Kashmir’s stunninglandscape and it’s rich culture,” they added.
Rizwan Javed, the co-founder of the Srinagar based startupSlickRoute, that organized the event, said “Vath” was organised to provide anopportunity and a platform for tourists, locals, and businesses from all overKashmir to celebrate the rich history and heritage of Kashmir for centuries.”We have somehow become distant from the language and the culture, especiallythe young people of Kashmir. Vath was an effort to revive the interest,” Javedsaid.
The locals and tourists who attended the event were left inawe by Bandpather performed by Rayees Wathori and his troup. Other performancesincluded Ladisha and Sufiyana Kalam, there was also a performance by nationalaward winner Manzoor -ul- Haq. A painting exhibition was also held at theevent.
The other co-founder of SlickRoute, Asif Firdous, said,”Kashmiri music and art has not picked up as nobody has marketed it well.”