Exhibition held on values of Karbala
A photography and calligraphy art exhibition was held at Kashmir University on the eve of a seminar on ‘Values of Karbala’ during which speakers maintained that “message from Karbala” will remain relevant for all times to come.
The seminar was held at varsity’s science block auditorium and was organized by department of students welfare. The event was attended by students, scholars and faculty members from various departments.
During the exhibition number of artworks and photographs relevant to the theme were put on display. A large number of people visited the exhibition and appreciated the art work done in Islamic style. Number of artworks of artist calligrapher Ishfar Ali were also on display. Students interacted with the artists too to know more about the Islamic art and the specimen on display.
During the seminar Justice (Retd) Bashir Kirmani and Syed Liyaqat Moosvi were guest speakers. Speaking on the occasion vice chancellor KU, Prof Talat Ahmad said that “University feels proud to have been organizing this seminar since 2014”. He gave a brief context of Karbala after delivering a welcome address.
“The message of Karbala will continue to be relevant in all times to come. The event teaches us to have courage to speak against any oppressive regime and tyranny,” said Prof Talat.
He welcomed the guests, teachers, scholars, students and the audience present on the occasion.
Two books released at literary function in Manasbal
Noted broadcaster and playwright Nissar Naseem’s book Bazar Wuchmai Tamasha and actor-writer Abdul Rashid Gamgeen’s book Varasat were released at a literary function organised at the banks of famed Manasbal Lake by GK Foundation.
The book was released by noted poet and critic Rafiq Raaz, former Minister and MLA Mian Altaf, PDP leader Dr Mehboob Beigh and others were present at the function organised by GK Foundation.
The book Bazar Wuchmai Tamasha is Naseem’s second drama collection. The 157-page book is comprised of three dramas highlighting various aspects of Kashmiri society and politics. Varasat is sixth book of Gamgeen containing various dramas depicting Kashmiri society.
A galaxy of writers, poets, broadcasters and art lovers participated in the function. The GK Foundation reiterated its commitment that it will continue to encourage and facilitate the writers, poets and artists of Kashmir in future too.
On the occasion, Manasbal Dramatics also conferred lifetime achievement award to Abdul Rasheed Gamgeen for his decades of work.
KU remembers poet G N Firaq
A one day symposium was organised by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Department of Linguistics, University of Kashmir (KU) , on the life and contribution of late Prof Ghulam Nabi Firaq here at Gandhi Bhawan, KU.
The programme was presided over by Professor Gulshan Majeed, former Director Centre for Central Asian Studies (CCAS), KU during which scholars of Kashmiri language presented their papers highlighting the various aspects of life and contribution of Late Prof Firaq
While presiding over the event Prof. Majeed said “I congratulate the Sahitya Akademi and Department of Linguistics University of Kashmir for organising the symposium on late Ghulam Nabi Firaq. He had done a lot of work for modern Kashmiri literature . “
Dr Aziz Hajni, Convener Kashmiri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi and Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages presented the introductory remarks.
He said, “Prof Firaq was a renowned poet. His contribution to the Kashmiri literature is remarkable. The purpose of this event is to throw light on those aspects of his work which are yet to be explored.”
Ajay Kumar Sharma, from Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, said, “I am very happy that KU has organised a symposium on the works of the poet.” Nasir Mansoor, son of Late Ghulam Nabi Firaq was also present at the occasion. Prof. Aejaz Mohammad Shiekh, Head Department of Linguistics presented the welcome address on the occasion. The programme was attended by scholars, students, poets and faculty members from different departments.
Prof Bashar Bashir, Dr Afaq Aziz, Dr Gulzar Ahmad Rather, Professor Aejaz Mohammed Sheikh, Nusrat Iqbal, Mr Abdul Ahad Farhad, and Mr Gulshan Badrani also presented their views on the occasion.
Kashmir’s biggest music festival Shashrang gets underway
The eighth edition of Kashmir’s biggest annual music festival Shashrang began Thursday at Tagore Hall with the participation of dozens of artists from the State and outside.
The two-day festival was inaugurated by music maestro Ustad Abdul Rasheed Hafiz and noted poetess Naseem Shafaie amid a house full audience.
The festival got underway with the famed Sahibo song composed by Nasrullah Khan and sung by a group of artists. “The festival aims at reliving and celebrating the rich musical tradition of Kashmir and at the same time encouraging the youngsters by providing them a vibrant platform,” said Waheed Jeelani noted artist and chairman Kashmir Music Club, which is organising the festival.
Noted Sufiyana Artist Ustad Mohammed Yaqub Sheikh mesmerised the audience with Naat Shareef written by Gh Hasan Gamgeen. He was accompanied by number of young artists who have taken up Sufiyana as their genre of music. The performance invoked praise from the audience.
A choir performance termed as Sazeina presented a fusion of famed Kashmiri tunes. Renowned Santoor player Showkat Ahmad presented the performance.
One of the catchy performances at the festival was the Kashmiri song presented by group of DPS students. The students presented the song by performing on both traditional musical instruments and modern instruments like guitars too.
Jeelani said that the festival will present the performances in almost all the genres of Kashmiri music.
In light music Aijaz Rah sang the poetry of Shamas Fakir on the composition of by G N Sheikh. Singer Asad Anjum followed it with poetry of Ahad Beg and famous song Dilbaro bi balai chyane deedar seeth of Nyam Saeb by Altaf Sahil.
Qazi Rafi, Shahi Mumtaz and other singers also mesmerised the audience with their performance. The Shashrang song was also presented by dozens of artists. Noted Kashmiri Singer Dhananjay Koul had come from outside to participate in the event. The festival will conclude on Friday with performances from both senior and upcoming artists.
The festival is the only kind of its event in Kashmir which includes all three categories – Sufiyana, folk and light music. Like its previous seasons this year too the festival is expected to attract a large number of music lovers.
On the second day the festival will witness the distribution of Shashrang awards in music in various categories. The awards were recently announced in the categories of Folk music, light music Kashmiri, Naseem Akhtar award, Zazz award and Nassar-ul-lah Khan award. The awards will be given on 16th of November 2018 and are being presented in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, and Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd.