Reyaz Rashid
Baramulla: The 44th Annual Literary Conference of Adbi Markaz Kamraz (AMK) Jammu and Kashmir commenced today at the University of Kashmir’s North Campus in Delina, Baramulla.
This two-day event, held in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Bank, University of Kashmir North Campus, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), Young Dramatist Society Srinagar, and Zakat Infaq and Sadaq Trust Srinagar, has brought together prominent writers and intellectuals to discuss the role of literature in shaping society.
The conference opened with an inaugural session chaired by Prof. Shad Ramzan, Convenor of Sahitya Akademi’s Kashmir Chapter. Other dignitaries present included Dr. Shabir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST, MLA Wagoora Irfan Hafeez Lone, celebrated writer Wali Muhammad Aseer, renowned novelist Sohan Lal Koul, North Campus in-charge Qazi, and AMK President Muhammad Amin Bhat.
In his welcome address, Muhammad Amin Bhat highlighted the challenges faced by the Kashmiri language in a technologically advanced era. He underscored the significance of language and culture in preserving Kashmir’s unique identity and expressed gratitude to all the participants and collaborators. Shabnum Teligami, General Secretary of AMK, presented an annual report detailing the organization’s accomplishments over the past year.Delivering the keynote address, Sohan Lal Koul emphasized the transformative power of literature in building a harmonious society. Drawing inspiration from Korean Nobel Laureate Han Kang’s work The Vegetarian, he remarked on the potential of literature to guide societies out of confusion.
He also discussed AMK’s initiatives, such as the “Google campaign,” aimed at popularizing the Kashmiri language. Koul encouraged writers to engage in deep, critical reading to craft genuine and impactful literature and mentioned the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to Kashmiri language and literature.
Writer Wali Muhammad Aseer acknowledged the contribution of the Pir Panchal region to Kashmiri language and literature, urging the government to introduce Kashmiri language courses in local schools. MLA Wagoora Irfan Hafeez Lone warned of the risk of cultural erosion and emphasized the importance of preserving Kashmiri identity through language.
Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST, encouraged AMK members to promote literary entrepreneurship, highlighting the need for Kashmiri literature to evolve in line with global standards. He advocated for the revival of traditional languages such as Persian, Arabic, and Sanskrit alongside Kashmiri, emphasizing that Kashmiri culture and literature are grounded in sacred and timeless knowledge.
In his presidential address, Prof. Shad Ramzan emphasized the importance of revisiting traditional Kashmiri literature, linking linguistic purity to the quality of literary works. He referenced the works of Kashmiri Sufi poets like Lal Arifa and Sheikh-ul-Alam, asserting that the Kashmiri language has enabled distinctive cultural and spiritual expression.
He praised AMK’s efforts in preserving and promoting Kashmiri language and literature.The day concluded with a thematic debate session led by writer and columnist Ajeaz ul Haq. Senior and emerging writers engaged in discussions on various issues concerning Kashmiri language and literature. Participants in the debate included prominent writers such as Sabir Hussain Sabir, Afaq Delnavi, Myser Nashad, Parvaiz Gulshan, Showkat Shifa, Nighat Nasreen, Dr. Shahida Shabnum, Shahzad Manzoor, Reyaz Rabani, Khursheed Kamosh, Nisar Azam, Sagar Sarfraz, Hajira Bano, Dr. Adil Mahiuddin, Shahnaz Rashid, Shakir Shafi, Rafiq Masoodi, Mushtaq Ahmed, Shad Ramzan, and Naseem Shifaye.The AMK JK conference will continue tomorrow, with more discussions and sessions aimed at enriching Kashmiri literature and language.