Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather today released the first ever comprehensive and consolidated history of Sufi Saints “Tareekh-i-Auliya-i-Jammu-wa-Kashmir” written by prominent historian, poet and critic and former bureaucrat, Mr. Wali Mohammad Bhat popularly known as Aseer Kishtwari at a function here.Former Minister and MLA, Mr. G. M. Saroori, Chairman Kashmir Times Group of Publications Jammu, Mr. Ved Bhasin, Padma Shri Mohammad Yousuf Taing, literary personalities, and scholars besides Vice Chancellor, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Rajouri, Prof Irshad Ahmed Hamal were present.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rather lauded the literary contribution of Aseer Kishtwari especially for writing history about Sufi Saints in J&K. He said writing on such sensitive subjects was important for bringing peace and consolation in the society which is badly reeling under influx of modern waywardness and materialist outlook. He said writers have a pivotal role to play in eradicating evils from the society. He appreciated Aseer Kishtwari for writing first of its kind integrated book on Sufi saints of the State. He said that by compilation of “Tareekh-i-Auliya-i-Jammu-wa-Kashmir” Aseer Kishtwari has rediscovered the life and contribution of nearly 446 sufi saints, who were the symbols of simplicity, brotherhood and unity in our society. The people of the J&K State have great respect for these Gods-men whose religious contribution is exemplary, Rather added. He said message and life style of saints was important to get inspiration for living a simple and tension free life.In his address Mr. G. M. Saroori said that we are proud of Aseer Kishtwari for having contributed in the field of literature. It was for his sincere literary efforts and achievements that the State Award was given to him by the J&K Government. He suggested the writer to search out the hidden literary and socio-cultural treasure of the State, in general and Chenab Valley in particular.
Appreciating the literary works of Aseer Kishtwari, Rasa Javedani Literary Society and Jammu and Kashmir Urdu forum, Mr. Ved Bhasin said that these non-government organizations have really revived the tradition of conducting literary programmes at a large scale. He added that the people of Jammu without any discrimination, creed, colour and faith attend the shrines of the Sufi Saints on every Thursday and strengthen the love for unity in persity at their thresholds. He appreciated the work done by Aseer in the field of art and literature and hoped Aseer will continue with such endeavours in future also.Prof Hamal urged for bringing all the religious places of the State on the tourism map of the country so that common people could be benefitted by their message and thoughts. He also urged for following the foot prints of Sufi saints to make the society evil free.
Mohammad Yousaf Taing in his presidential address described the book released as one of the most important and updated additions about the history of Auliya-Allah. He said though books like Wakat-e-Kashmir, Tareekh-i-Hussan and Tareekh-i-Kabir-Kashmir have already been written by Mohammad Azam Deedmari, Peer Ghulam Hussan Koihami and Haji Mohi-ud-Din Miskeen Saraibali, yet much more was to be preserved and documented. He further added that Aseer Kishtwari’s book is worth reading and can help in searching out undiscovered areas in future.Earlier Prof Shohab Inayat Malik, Director, Centre for Professional Studies in Urdu in his welcome address, highlighted the programme arranged by his centre and its non-government literary society and forum for promotion of Urdu language and Basheer Bhaderwahi and Dr. Abdul Rashid Manhas presented their paper and highlighted the main features of Asser’s book.