JKAACL organises conference on Kashmiri Short Stories
J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages organised a two day Kashmiri Conference at Tagore Hall, Srinagar to discuss various aspects of Kashmiri Short Stories.
The inaugural function was presided over by the noted writer and scholar, Giyan Peeth Awardee, Prof Rehman Rahi. Eminent short story writer, literary historian andbBroadcaster Shri Avtar Krishan was the chief guest on this occasion, while as eminent scholar Prof. Shafi Shouq, Secretary Academy Dr Aziz Hajini and Zaffar Muzafar, Chief Editor Kashmiri Encyclopaedia were also in the presidium.
Dr Aziz Hajini said that we have an immense treasure of Kashmiri short stories already written and also being written during the present period by our eminent and young fiction writers. He said that this conference is an important part of those sincere efforts in which the overall scenario of Kashmiri Language, with special reference to short story writing will be discussed in detail. Prof Shafi Shouq presented the keynote address of the conference in which he gave the details of prominent Kashmiri short stories written so far and also referred to some important names in this field.
A few publications in Kashmiri brought out by JKAACL were also released on the occasion which include special issue of Kashmiri Shreeza on Gh Nabi Nazir, Kashmiri translation of Zakheerat-ul-Malook, Nawjawan Number of Soan Adab Kashmiri and a monograph on Master Zind Koul.
The chief guest A K Rehbar in his unique way and diction described in detail the beginning of short story in Kashmiri Language. Prof Rehman Rahi in his presidential address congratulated the Secretary Academy and his Editorial Staff for organizing the conference on an important issue like the scenario of Kashmiri short story.
The first session of the conference was held on the topic “THE BEGINNING OF KASHMIRI SHORT STORY – FIRST PHASE”. It was a panel discussion in which Farooq Masoodi, A K Rehbar, Prof Gulshan Majeed and Dr Roop Krishan Bhat participated while as Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq moderated the proceedings. The audience too joined the discussion by asking questions.
The second session of today’s proceedings comprised a short story reading session, presided over by Dr Rafiq Masoodi, former Secretary JKAACL, in which Rasheed Rashid, Mohiudin Reshi, Shahid Delnavi and Yousuf Jahangir presented their short stories while as Majeed Aasmi, Barkaat Nida and Dr G N Haleem evaluated these stories. Some participants from the audience also took part in the discussion.
Hamidullah Hamid’s two books released in Pulwama
Two books on Kashmir authored by prominent writer Hamid Ullah Hamid were released at a literary function at Town Hall Pulwama.
The books which were released on the occasion included Gulshan Kashmir and Ladakh Ke Qawasah Kazah. The function was organised by Kashmir International Society in collaboration with Department of Information and Public Relations.
President Kashmir International Society Farooq Renzu Shah was the chief guest and the audience comprised of eminent writers, poets, journalists and art lovers. Renzu hailed the role of Hamid Ullah Hamid and said that his works are a treasure that depict the reality and beauty of Kashmir.
The speakers lauded the efforts of Hamid Ullah for coming out with two brilliant books.
The review about the two books was read by Tariq Hamid Nadvi, Professor Hasrat Hussain, Er Bashir Shabnum, Shazia Makdoomi, Ayoub Javid Rashid Sidiqui and Hamid Ullah Sambori.
They highlighted various aspects of the books and explained how it has enriched the Kashmiri literature in tune with the past practice.
Among others who were present on the occasion include Manzoor Zahoor, Showkat Hamid ,Shah Irshadul Qadri, Ghulam Muhammad Dangroo, Dr Farooq Gani,Mohd Abas Allie, Master Muhammad Yusuf, Gazi Khurshid, Kamran Khurshid, Shah Wasim, Fayaz Dilgeer, Ali Mohd Bhat, Shah Aamir and Mohd Iqbal and prominent poets, journalists, writers and other social workers.
Pyaase Jheel by Majeed Arjumand released
Pyasee Jheel (Thirsty Lake) authored by noted Urdu fiction writer Majeed Arjumand was released by prominent Urdu critic and author Prof. Mohammad Zaman Azurdah at a function in Srinagar.
The book consisting of 11 stories touch different aspects of life including one about Dal Lake. The author has highlighted the voicelessness of Dal Lake depicting its miseries and peoples attitude towards the famed water body.
The function was organised by Kashmir Book Promotion Trust in which a galaxy of writers, poets, journalists and other prominent personalities representing different walks of life were present.
In his welcome address Javed Matjee, General Sectary of Urdu Council, said that a writer works as a mirror for the society and Majeed Arjumand has done the same thing through his latest book. He said that Kashmir Book Promotion Trust is working as a viable platform for writers and authors who are not getting benefit of governmental and other programs aimed at their welfare. Earlier Suhail Salim and Dr Mohammad Afzal presented papers on the book. Arjumand was presented a citation by Shabir Ahmad on behalf of Kashmir Book Promotion Trust. The author was also honoured by presentation of shawls on behalf of Nageena International and Bashir Ahmad Bashir of Srinagar Times.
Prof M Zuman Azardah, Noor Shah, Wahshi Sahi Syed, Shabnam Qayoom also spoke on the occasion.
KWFF organizes Sunday Workshop on ‘Basics of Film Making’
In the series of workshops for the students and film buffs, Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF) organized first Sunday Workshop at Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothi Bagh here on Sunday.
The theme for the workshop was ‘The Basics of Film Making’ and the workshop was conducted by Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, KWFF’s festival director and a filmmaker.
Khan spoke about basics and techniques of filmmaking. He said that the aim of the workshop was to introduce the budding filmmakers to the aesthetics and technicalities of filmmaking.
“The response of the students was very overwhelming and they were very keen in learning the different aspects of filmmaking.
The workshop will continue for the next four Sundays at the same venue.
KWFF is a first of its kind festival held bi-annually in Srinagar that focuses on the film making and screening of International, National and Kashmiri films.
‘Art of Kashmir’ opens IPL Fashion Show in London
Art of Kashmir, a latest collection by jewellery designer Neetu Bali became the opening the show of the second season of India Pakistan London (IPL) Fashion Show in London.
Neetu dedicated her designs to the highly skilled artisans of beautiful land of Kashmir (the papier mache workers, embroiderers, carpet weavers etc) who have dedicated their lives for preserving these crafts.
Neetu shared the stage with leading designers like the famous jewellery brand Amarpali, Rosy Ahluwalia, Kumar G from India, Nomi Ansari, Ali Zeeshan from Pakistan and Myne London from London.
The paper mache’ inspired designs of fine jewellery by designer Neetu Bali were very highly appreciated by the gathering in the show. This segment of 12 models showcasing exquisite bespoke designer jewellery was the most popular segment of the Fashion Show.
Neetu had conceived the idea of creating high end pieces of gold embellished with polki and diamonds along with artistic painting done on 22 karat gold with the idea of promoting the skilled craftsmen of Kashmir involved in paper mache, embroidery etc.
This collection “Art of Kashmir” depicts the different hues of Kashmir in jewellery pieces. All her pieces in this collection have a story to tell… like one is a char chinar necklace while the other depicts the pink leaves of chinar during autumn while another depicts the paper mache which has been created by an artist who has painted on 22 karat gold.