Srinagar: The judge, jury and executioner role played by some of leading national television anchors, and how it impacts the life of an ordinary Kashmiri, was one of the major issues raised at the inaugural function of Sonth, Jammu and Kashmir Literary Festival.
Giving the introductory note at the festival, Bashir Assad, Chairman of Lehar, said that he was immensely proud of the incredible literary and cultural heritage of his land, and was pained to see the negative perceptions about Kashmir created by the powerful national media. There is a need to oppose this distorted view by focusing on the scholarly culture of this land, he said.
The three-day festival, which will continue till March 30, was inaugurated by Rehman Rahi, one of the illustrious contemporary poets and authors of Kashmir. Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah said that the literature, culture and ethos of Kashmir has been the richest in the sub-continent. He said that while people have appreciated Kashmir greatly for its natural beauty, there was a need to generate greater awareness among people on the glorious literary and cultural traditions and the remarkable heritage of this land, which had shaped the philosophical thought of the sub-continent for centuries. District Commissioner Farooq Ahmad Lone said that the technological interventions in human life had reduced the scope of literature in our life.
Aziz Hajini, who delivered the keynote address at the festival, said that the great saint of Kashmir, Lal Ded, was a contemporary of Geoffrey Chaucer, considered the father of English literature. He said that even a casual reader can make out a world of difference between the divine words of Lal Ded and the poems of Chaucer. The interpretation of each vaakh of Lal Ded can form a whole book. Such is the literary tradition of this land which we want people to be conscious of, and appreciate, he said.
The richness of the cultural and literary heritage of the valley was also highlighted by author and film-maker Sadia Dehlvi. She said she was amazed by the deep Sufi traditions of Islam that she observed in the hearts and lives of ordinary Kashmiris.
Speaking on the occasion, eminent journalist and author Prem Shankar Jha said that the success of the PDP-BJP government in the state would mean a total transformation of the BJP itself. He admitted that millions of people of his generation and even later could not understand Kashmir or Kashmiris. He said that the killing of the democratic processes of Kashmir led to tragic consequences for India as well as this region. He said Kashmir could provide the motive for bringing India and Pakistan together, for sustained peace and development on both sides of the border.
After the inaugural session, there was a technical session in the afternoon on Women and Youth in Literature, Art and Alternate Media of J&K. Poetess Naseem Shafaie, Dr Tarannum Riyaz, Prof Shad Ramzan, Prof Ellora Puri, Jyoti Singh, Surinder Kaur Neer, Swami Antar Neerav and young author Muneesa Aslam were among the panelists.
A soulful Sufiana performance, folk music by Gulzar Ahmad Ganaie and party, live demonstrations of handicrafts artisans of the School of Designs and a ghazal presentation in the evening were also part of the festival.
The literary fest has been organized by Lehar NGO in collaboration with J&K Tourism Department. J&K Academy of Art and Culture, J&K Bank, J&K Information Department, Radio Kashmir Srinagar, Doordarshan and J&K Department of Handicrafts are also supporting the literary festival. Rich cultural shows and two Mushaira will be organized during the event. Acclaimed humorist Talha Jahangir will also perform at the fest.
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