The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with Shafi Shaida Memorial today released noted writer and Sahitya Academy Awardee Poet Late Shafi Shaida’s poetic collection ‘Ammar’ at Tagore Hall.The function was attended by Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Dr Abdul Aziz Hajni, DC Srinagar, Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Director School Education, Kashmir, Dr GN Itoo, Chairperson Shafi Shaida Memorial, Dr Mehmooda Jabeen, noted poets including Farooq Nazki, Ghulam Nabi Khayaal, senior Journalist Shujaat Bukhari, Vijay Dhar and number of poets, writers, scholars besides art lovers.The Minister for Education Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari who was the Chief Guest for some reasons attended the function telephonically. While paying his rich tributes to Shafi Shaida, Altaf Bukhari said “I was impressed by the poetry of Shafi Shaida. He was a great poet as well as a friendly person.” The Minister added, “the promotion of Kashmiri language in academics will be my tribute to the poet.”He further said that the works that Shafi Shaida was doing should be continued through Shafi Shaida Memorial.
In his welcome address, Dr Abdul Aziz Hajni spoke about the life and poetry of Shafi Shaida and his contribution towards the Kashmiri literature. On the occasion, some of the poems written by Shafi Shaida were also sung by singers.On the occasion, DC Srinagar, Dr Abid Rashid Shah assured all the help from district administration to promote the works of such literary persons .Commenting on the government’s efforts to promote the Kashmiri language at an academic level, senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari said unless people would not give space to their native language in their homes, it would not survive. He said it is the responsibility of every individual of the society to come forward and do their bit to preserve and promote the beautiful language.Later Shafi Sheda Memorial Award was given to Adbi Markaz Kamraz for their social work and contribution towards the promotion of Kashmiri language.