N.N. Vohra, Governor, released a novel, titled “Lal Chowk” written by Kashmiri Lal Zakir and a biography, titled “Rameshwari Nehru”, written by Prof. Kamlesh Mohan, Department of Modern History, Punjab University, in a book release function held at Raj Bhavan, today.“Lal Chowk”, a novel in Urdu, reflects the nostalgic reminiscences of the author about his childhood and youth spent in the Lal Chowk, at Srinagar.“Rameshwari Nehru”, a biography in English, is the first in the series on‘Women of Substance’ which are being published by the National Book Trust to salute the women who worked for the emancipation and empowerment of their gender, an official spokesman told in a statement.
In his brief observations on the occasion the Governor congratulated Zakir Sahib for continuing to write even though he is over 95 years in age. Noting that “Lal Chowk” was the 138th literary work of Zakir Sahib, which was a record of its own kind, the Governor regretted that the author, a subject of J&K and the seniormost living author in Urdu in the entire sub-continent, had still to be recognized by the State for his most outstanding contributions in the advancement of Urdu language and literature. Naseem Ahmed, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities, also paid rich tributes to Zakir Sahib’s excellent contribution to literature.The Governor also appreciated the work being done by Prof. Kamlesh Mohan and wished her continuing success in her literary endeavours.Among others, the event was attended by Dr. Sudhir Bloeria, Vice Chancellor, Central University, Balwant Thakur, Director, Natrang, and Ved Bhasin, Chairman of The Kashmir Times.