A first of its kind mega 2-day J&K Young Writers’ Festival organized by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages was inaugurated by Member Parliament, Muzaffar Hussain Beigh at Abhinav Theatre here today.The event features many elements with focus on youth and their prospects in contemporary writing.Speaking on the occasion, Beigh lauded the efforts of JKAACL for organizing the festival to provide a platform to the budding writers. He said in the present scenario it becomes imperative to focus on preservation, development and documentation of regional languages.Such events should be held from time to time as these afford us opportunities to communicate with our youth in a direct and unhindered manner,” he said.Echoing his views about JKAACL as an institution, Beigh said the framers of Constitution of the State purposely conferred it a constitutional status so as to allow it to grow independently.“Cultural Academy is not an ordinary autonomous body. It is a constitutional body endowed with the trusteeship of upkeep of the long cherished traditions and culture of the state,” he said adding people must try to benefit from its rich treasure trove of literature and arts.Beigh also underscored the need to strike connect with the youth and acquaint them with the rich literary legacy which needs to be promoted and more interactive sessions should be organized to foster exchange of creative ideas and thoughts .
Earlier in his welcome address Secretary JKAACL, Dr Aziz Hajini said that youth are the torch-bearers of future and the society at large must work collectively for uplifting their morale.“Youth are our real heirs as it is through them that the world will know us and remember us,” he said.The Young Writers’ Festival cum Conference which opened today will continue for two days. During the event, myriad young writers and scholars will present their papers on different aspects of writing in J&K giving an overview of their tryst with modern writing.In the inaugural session today, Sahitya Akademi Yuva awardee Kashmiri writer, Farooq Shaheen presented his keynote address. He spoke about the need to promote young writers and suggested ways of embarking on the journey.Noted Hindi writer and Bharatiya Jnanpith Navlekhan awardee Yogita Yadav was also in the presidium. She also recited one of her short stories before an appreciative audience in jam-packed theatre.A large number of young writers and poets from across the length and breadth of the State attended the conference.Vote of thanks was presented by the Additional Secretary JKAACL, Amrinder Singh Aman on the occasion.The pre and post lunch session was marked by presentation of papers by Ashu Sharma (Dogri), Sibte Hassan (Balti), Nighat Choudhary (Gojri), Adil Mohiudin (Kashmiri), and Jamyang Tsering Namgial (Ladakhi) while a multi lingual mushaira was organized in the final session.The last day of the festival will be marked by events like Sham-e-Ghazal, traditional music and bonfire.