J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Wednesday formally started the process of decentralization of its activities and hosted maiden district poetic symposia at Kralwari Chadoora. The symposium was co-sponsored by Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar.Representing languages like Kashmiri and Urdu, the composite mushaira was the first of its kind in a series launched by the Academy for broad-based participation of genuine budding and senior poets of the State.Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura was the chief guest on the occasion. The function was presided over by Member Legislative Council, Dr. Zafar Iqbal Khan Manhas.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the initiative of the Academy to hold activities at public places was welcome step as it afforded opportunities to the people to participate in big numbers.Recalling the great contribution of Abdul Ahad Azad to Kashmiri poetry, Hanjura said that efforts are required for promoting and highlighting the legacy of the late poet.
Echoing similar sentiments, MLC Dr. Manhas said that by taking cultural activities to the grass-root level the Academy was promoting the cause of local culture. He impressed upon the Secretary Academy to imbibe European model which lays stress on cultural identity and does not compromise with it.
Dr. Manhas, who has earlier headed JKAACL as Secretary said that for promoting the cultural ethos of the State, the Secretary Academy is required to maintain direct liaison with the President JKAACL as, according to him, it is only through such an interaction that institutions like the Academy can deliver.Earlier in his welcome address, Secretary Academy, Dr. Aziz Hajini said that conducting district level mushaira promotes literary and cultural activities at the grass root level in the State and the endeavor shall be expanded in days to come.
Organized on the eve of death anniversary of noted Kashmiri poet, Maqbool Shah Kralwari, the mushaira at Chadoora witnessed poetic renderings by poets like Ghulam Rasool Josh, Ali Mohammed Shiraazi, Assadullah Assad, Rehman Lateef, Gulshan Badrani, Khurshid Khamosh, Sonaullah Sanobar, Ghulam Rasool Aijaz, Wali Mohammed Khusbaash, Ghulam Mohiudin Choupan, Ghulam Nabi Owaisi, and Ghulam Mohammed Shahbaz.The event was coordinated by Academy’s Assistant Editor, Encyclopedia, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad Shah.Students of Government Middle School Kralwari presented Cultural show on the occasion.