Literary scholars hail “Meyan Vuchhik Koutur” as a significant contribution to contemporary Kashmiri fiction, highlighting the need to preserve and promote regional languages and literature.
INAYAT QAYOOM
Srinagar, July 1:
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting regional languages and literary excellence, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) on Tuesday organised a grand literary function at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, where noted Kashmiri writer Bashir Aref’s latest short story collection, Meyan Vuchhik Koutur, was formally released. The event brought together leading writers, literary critics, scholars, poets, students and literature enthusiasts from across the Kashmir Valley for an engaging celebration of Kashmiri literature.
The event was presided over by eminent scholar Prof. Mohammad Zaman Azurda, while renowned Kashmiri writer, critic and former Head of the Department of Kashmiri at the University of Kashmir, Prof. Shafi Shauq, attended as the chief guest. The dais also included the author Bashir Aref, Shahzadi Simon, Prof. Majrooh Rashid, Bashir Budgami, Rafiq Masoodi, Shafaq Sopori, Additional Secretary of the Academy Adeel Saleem and Rukhsana Jabeen.
Delivering the welcome address, Additional Secretary Adeel Saleem said the Academy has been consistently working towards the promotion of the region’s diverse languages, particularly Kashmiri, through the publication of quality literary works, seminars, literary discussions and book release programmes. He said such gatherings encourage intellectual dialogue between writers and readers while inspiring younger generations to engage with literature.
The book was formally released by the dignitaries amid appreciation from the literary fraternity, who described it as an important addition to contemporary Kashmiri literature. Speakers praised Bashir Aref’s creative vision, linguistic command and artistic craftsmanship.
During the scholarly session, Prof. Shad Ramzan and Shamshad Kralwari presented critical papers examining the literary, linguistic and stylistic dimensions of the collection. They observed that Meyan Vuchhik Koutur effectively portrays human emotions, social realities and the psychological landscape of Kashmiri society, making it a valuable contribution to modern Kashmiri prose.
In his presidential address, Prof. Mohammad Zaman Azurda congratulated the author and lauded the Academy for its sustained literary initiatives. He underlined that language and literature are essential pillars of a community’s cultural identity and stressed the importance of supporting quality literary works.
Chief guest Prof. Shafi Shauq said the Academy has played a pioneering role in preserving and promoting Kashmiri language and literature for decades. He expressed confidence that Meyan Vuchhik Koutur would earn a distinguished place in Kashmiri literature owing to its distinctive style, intellectual depth and literary merit.
Expressing gratitude, author Bashir Aref thanked the Academy for publishing and launching the book and appreciated the scholars and speakers for their thoughtful and critical evaluation of his work.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Javed Iqbal Khan, Editor (Kashmiri) at the Academy, who thanked the dignitaries, scholars, writers, poets, media representatives and participants. He reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to organising more literary events aimed at strengthening the promotion and preservation of Kashmiri language and literature.
The event was attended by a large gathering of prominent writers, poets, critics, researchers, students and literature lovers, who described it as another noteworthy literary initiative by the Academy. The proceedings were conducted by Assistant Editor (Kashmiri) Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Rather and noted broadcaster Zahoor Zahid.