The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) has organised a 2-Day Seminar on Role of Kashmiri Pandits towards Kashmiri Language and Literature at JKAACL premises in Jammu. This is an initiative taken by JKAACL for the first time to have a discussion on the literature of Kashmiri pandits at different times.
The Seminar was inaugurated in traditional way with Kashmiri Pandit Wanvun and Lighting of lamp by Dr Ashok Bhan, retired Indian Police Service officer (J&K-1976) in the presence of Prof Ratan Lal Shant, renowned scholar, B.L. Saraf , Retired District & Session Judge and Bharat Singh, Secretary JKAACL. At the outset, the Secretary JKAACL gave a heartfelt cordial welcome to everyone.
While addressing the audience, he expressed that poets are the face of society, they represent the inner thoughts of the social fabric through their ink and it is indeed a special skill. Dr. Ratan Lal Shant presented the keynote address on the Role of Kashmiri Pandits towards Kashmiri Language and Literature. After this Guest of honour B.L. Saraf in his address praised the efforts of JKAACL for promoting literature and culture of J&K.
In his presidential address, Dr Ashok Bhan stressed upon the need to encourage the new generation of writers to write on different aspects of social themes. Dr. Shahnawaz, Editor Cum Cultural Officer, JKAACL presented Vote of thanks. He said that such initiatives will be taken in future also. The inaugural session was conducted by Anil Tickoo, Asstt. Cultural Officer, JKAACL.
The inaugural session was followed by a paper reading session in which Dr. Sohan Lal, Prof. Veena Pandita, B.N. Betab, Dolly Tickoo Arrwal and Mohan Krishan Koul presented their papers on Patriotic Poetry of Dina Nath Nadim, Lal Ded as Beacon of Knowledge and Pain of Migration in Literature. The session was presided over by Prof. Veena Pandita .
The session was conducted by Dr. Shahnawaz, Editor Cum cultural Officer, JKAACL. In the Second Session, the writers Prof. B. L. Zutshi, R. L. Jowhar, R. L. Talash, A.K. Naaz and Wali Mohd Aseer presented their Papers on the topics Origin and Cultural Roots of Kashmiri Pandit in Kashmir, Problems of Kashmiri Script after 1990, Problems of Young Kashmiri Pandit Writers and Contribution of Cultural Organisations. This session was presided over by Prof. B.L. Zutshi.
It was followed by a Short story session in which Riko Koul and Engineer Vinod presented their stories. At the conclusion of the event Light music programme was presented by the renowned artists of Jammu and Kashmir Ravi Bhan, Rajesh Khar, Deepali Wattal and NainaSaproo. The audience were left spellbound by their melodious presentations.
The Singers were equally supported by Vijay Anand on Tabla, Rakesh Jasotra on Flute, Sanjay Pashi on Guitar and Vicky Gill on Synth. The attraction of the program was the veegVachun by Dazy Bazaz and her group which was appreciated by the audience.