KU-Sahitya Academy hold Mefil-e-Mushaira at KU
By Agence India Press
Srinagar: The Kashmir University vice-chancellor, Prof Riyaz Punjabi today called for revival of the time in Kashmir when literary circles would hold different functions to promote Urdu language and literature.
Speaking at the inaugural function titled “Mehfil-e-Afsana and Mehfil-e-Mushaira”, Prof Punjabi said, “Noted experts on Urdu language and literature have visited this place from time to time in the past. They would hold different functions in a bid to promote Urdu language and literature. While we hold such functions, there is need to revive the time when such functions would be held continuously. The university is committed to take initiatives in this regard,”.
The function was organized jointly by the varsity’s Department of Urdu in collaboration with Sahitya Academy, New Delhi.
Prof Punjabi, who was the chief guest, called for a close cooperation between the KU and Sahitya Academy to promote the Urdu language and literature.
“We look forward for a close cooperation between the two organizations,” he told a gathering of academics, scholars and students in the varsity’s Gandhi Bhawan.
He said he was sure that students and scholars would be benefited from the function, where noted literary figures would be presenting their papers. “Such functions should always be a source of inspiration for the students and scholars,” he said.
In his inaugural address, the KU registrar, Prof. S. Fayyaz Ahmad, highlighted the aims and objectives of the function.
He said that the varsity was committed to promote Urdu language and literature in whatever the way it can.
“This function is a step in that direction,” he said while welcoming distinguished delegates from different parts of India and Kashmir.
The chairman of Sahitya Academy’s Urdu Advisory Board, Prof. Ambar Barakhi, dwelt at length about the importance of Urdu literature and language.
Among those who presented their papers in the function included noted poetess and fiction writer, Taranum Riyaz.
The chairman of Sahitya Academy, Prof. S. S. Noor, said that the Academy is keen to work with youth of Kashmir and help them sharpen their talent, particularly their creative skills. Urdu, he said, is the language of the whole sub-continent.
“Despite some forces trying to push it behind on certain occasions, it has survived all along,” he said, adding that Urdu was a wonderful medium of expression.
He also said many great thinkers were able to communicate excellently through this language.
The Head of the KU’s Department of Urdu, Prof. Majid Muzmur, gave a detailed account of the department’s achievements and contributions over the years.