Chief Information Commissioner of J&K, G. R. Sufi released a book titled ‘The Paharis’ here on Wednesday. Authored by Shakeel-ur-Rehman, Deputy Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, it is arguably India’s first ever reference book on the Pahari community of Jammu and Kashmir.According to a statement issued to KNS, apeaking on the occasion Sufi described the book as a useful addition to the treasure of tribal literature in India. Expressing deep appreciation for the work done by the author Sufi laid emphasis on undertaking such initiatives.“Work of the kind done by the author is required to be undertaken as it is through such endevours that people come to know of the rich ethnic diversity of our State,” Sufi said.Earlier while welcoming the guests, Programme Head, Radio Kashmir, Srinagar Sayed Humayun Qaisar said that events like today’s book release shall continue to be hosted by Radio Kashmir.
“It is our first event in the post 2014 flood and from now onwards we intend to give further fillip to events like book releases etc,” he said.VC, LAWDA, Sarmad Hafeez, Joint Director Information, Shafqat Iqbal, Deputy Director, DDK, News, Shafiq Qureshi, journalists Ahsan Fazili, Shahid Masood, and Manohar Lalgami were among those present at the book release function.Dedicated to the unsung heroes of Pahari cause, the book has specific chapters on such variegated issues as tribal identity, ethnography, Pahari festivals, customs, art, marital practices, religious ideologies and seasonal migrations.Highlighting various facets of the book, Abdul Hafeez Shah, additional deputy Commissioner, Kupwara read an in-depth paper on it. Describing ‘The Paharis’ as an informative book, Shah said that publication of such a book was long overdue.Others who spoke on the occasion included Sarmad Hafeez, Maqbool Sahil, and Syed Altaf Hussain Bukhari. The proceedings of the function were conducted by broadcaster, Satish Vimal. (KNS)