Munawwar, Sagar among winners of Sahitya Akademi Awards 2019
Srinagar: Two Kashmiri poets Naji Munawwar and Sagar Nazirhave been selected for Sahitya Akademi 2019 awards under different categoriesamong four writers from the State. The duo has been approved for prestigiousaward for their poetry collections. In total, the Akademi announced a list of22 winners of the Bal Sahitya Puraskar and 23 recipients of the Yuva Puraskarfor this year.
Renowned writer Naji Munawwar 85, from Shopian has beenawarded Baal Sahitya Puruskar for his book Shuren Hund Naji. Naji was selectedamong eight authors for the award and has earlier been awarded by the literarybody for the year 2003. SagarNazir, a young poet from Pattan, has been awarded Yuva Puruskaar of SahityaAcademy for the year 2019 for his book Ther Aangnech. Sagar is a poet, critic,cultural activist and translator of book Our Valley.
From Jammu, Vijay Sharma emerged as winner for his DogriPoetry “Larjaan” while Sunil Kumar was declared winner for his short story”Sees” in Dogri language.
Governor Satya Pal Malik has congratulated Vijay Sharma and Naji Munauwar on beingconferred with the Sahitya Akademi’s ‘Bal Sahitya Pursakar Awards for 2019’ andSunil Kumar and Sagar Nazir on being conferred Sahitya Akademi’s ‘Yuva PuraskarAward, 2019’.
Wadoo’s ‘My Land, My Kashmir’ released
Srinagar: Nationally-acclaimed writer M S Wadoo’s book, ‘MyLand, My Kashmir’ was released this week in Srinagar during a functionorganised by Kashmir Society International.
Published by Gulshan publications, the book is based on theforest, environment and history of Kashmir.
Wadoo has written 20 books till now. His books on Hajj,ecology and history of Kashmir have proved to be very beneficial forresearchers and knowledge seekers. Despite being bed ridden for the past fiveyears, Wadoo has worked tirelessly on his books.
Female poets, writers participate in literary function at GHSS Kothibagh
Srinagar: As a part of the National level programme series,the National Academi of letters, Sahitya Akademi New Delhi, organized a literaryprogramme titled Nari Chaitna at GHSSKothi bagh here on Thursday.
Aimed at empowerment of female writers and poets, theprogramme was inaugurated by Convener Kashmiri Advisory board Sahitya AkademiNew Delhi, Dr Aziz Hajini. The female poets of Kashmiri language mesmerized theaudience especially students of GHSS Kothi Bagh who have opted for literatureas special study at +2 level. The poets who participated in the programmeincluded Prof Naseem Shafaiee, Saba Shaheen, Shayista Akhter, Rehana Kouser andShameema Tabasum.
In his inaugural address, Dr Aziz Hajini stressed on theneed to educate the new generation of Kashmir with their rich heritage, cultureand literature. He emphasized the role of teachers and parents in thisdirection.
Principle GHSS Kothi Bagh Romana Qazi while welcoming theguests assured full spot to such initiatives in future also. Besides teachersand lovers of literature, members of Kashmiri Advisory Board of SahityaAkademi, Dr. Shayista Ahmad, Shabnam Tilgami were also present on thisoccasion.
Jammu Kashmir Cultural Council formed to preserve cultural wealth of State
Srinagar: With the aim to preserve the cultural wealth ofthe state, a conglomerate of more than a dozen literary, cultural and artisticorganisations came have joined to form Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Council(JKCC) on Tuesday.
Acknowledging that the different elements of the society’scultural heritage were facing an unprecedented challenge in the shape ofneglect, ignorance, prejudice and like, the Council, in its maiden sessiondecided to make comprehensive and concerted efforts for the preservation oflanguage, literature, arts and folk forms.
“It underscored the need for exploring ways and means ofaligning the new generation with such genuine efforts so that our cultural riches are conserved well for posterity.Known figures from the world of letters, culture and media who attended the session declaredin one voice that a formal campaign would be launched across J&K to createa platform of cultural oneness which in due course of time could become aformidable pressure group exerting its influence in relevant democraticinstitutions for sound decision-making on cultural front,” read the statement.
All members of JKCC who participated in its first meetingtoday nominated eminent litterateur and cultural activist G R Hasrat Gada asits Patron while well known broadcaster Ashfaq Lone was nominated as GeneralSecretary. Other members of JKCC who participated in the meeting are ShowkatShehri, Nisar Naseem, Tanha Nizami, Rashid Gamgeen, Gulshan Badrani, ShahjahanBhagat, Waheed Jeelani and Dilbar Poshkari. Prominent names from the world ofarts and culture from across the state were nominated to the general body ofthe Council. They include Dr Agnishekhar, Peerzada Abdal Mahjoor, MajeedMasroor, Maqbool Ferozi. Naushad Gayoor, Nasreen Mohsin, Sajad Kargili, RahimRizwan, Shakil Azad, Maqbool Veeray, Maqbool Shaida, G M Nousoz, Nazim Nazir,Tsering Rigzin, Bihari Kak, Fayaz Dilber and Hilal Kashmiri.
AUM holds award ceremony, calls for promotion of Urdu language
SRINAGAR: Various poets and writers of the state Tuesdaythrew light on the importance for the promotion and propagation of Urdulanguage in the state. They impressed that individual and collective efforts beundertaken to seek a status for Urdu language in the literary world itdeserves.
The event was organised by Alimi Urdu Majlis (AUM) Delhi,Jammu and Kashmir Unit to award and felicitate various writers and poets of thestate in its annual prize distribution ceremony here.
Vice Chancellor of the Kashmir University Prof. Talat Ahmadwho was chief guest on the occasion threw light on the importance for thepropagation of Urdu language in the state.
Talat impressed upon the audience to work towards upholdingthe status of the Urdu language it deserves and assured all support fromKashmir University in this direction.
He also said that efforts are on way for the establishmentof Urdu Academy in the state that will go a long way in the protection of theUrdu language.
Director Information Gulzar Ahmad Shabnum while speaking onthe occasion applauded the efforts of the Majlis in its propagation of the Urdulanguage. He also assured the Majlis his individual and departmental support inall its future endeavours that are directed towards the upliftment of Urdulanguage.
Ghulan Nabi Khayal in his presidential address thanked theorganisation in its efforts it takes in Delhi and in the state. However he ruedthe fact that none of the Urdu writers from the state of Jammu and Kashmir hasbeen awarded Sahitya Academy award and said that Urdu language is not beinggiven the place it deserves.
Prof. Hamidi Kashmiri was awarded posthumously for his rolein the promotion of Urdu language. Her wife took award on his behalf.
Ghulam Nabi Khayal, Rafiq Raaz, Bashir Chirag, Akash Aminand Salim Pandith were others awarded for their commendable role in promotion of the language. Gulzar AhmadShabnum and Dr Shamim Akhtar were also felicitated on the occasion.
The awardees were presented with a memento, shawl andCertificate of Honour.
Later, a Mushaira was also held wherein various poetsrecited their collections which mesmerized the audience.
Dr Hanief Tarin President of the Majlis presented a vote ofthanks.
Inter-District Naatiya Qawali competition held at Budgam
BUDGAM: An inter-district Naatiya Qawali competition washeld this week at Sheikh-ul-Alam Hall Budgam.
The daylong programme, organised by Cultural Wing of Departmentof Education Budgam, was witnessed by a large gathering of district officers,education officers, faculty members, students and senior citizens.
The programme was inaugurated by District DevelopmentCommissioner, Budgam Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar. In her welcome address CEO Budgam,Fatima Tak elaborated on the purpose of organizing the event. She said thatcultural wing has chalked out a schedule of such events and other relatedactivities which the department is going to organize at other places across thedistrict.
Speaking on the occasion, the DDC appreciated the organizersfor organizing of the event and said, it is our collective and moralresponsibility to encourage and appreciate their aspirations and enhance theirskills so that they can perform with more enthusiasm and interest at biggerplatforms and excel in their endeavors”.
She also observed that cultural activities bring forth theinherent potential of the children and helps in developing over-allpersonality. While appreciating the efforts of the department, she stressed onorganizing vibrant and multifaceted events, showcasing rich cultural andlinguistic diversity of the state.