By: RAYEES AHMAD KUMAR
Adbi Markaz Kamraz, vibrant and the oldest literary organization of Jammu & Kashmir under the patronage of Majlis-un-Nisa Sopore, orchestrated a grand colourful literary event at Tagore Hall Srinagar which unfolded the release of Bey Pai Talash, a Kashmiri poetry collection by Dr Rafiq Masoodi, formal additional director general Doordarshan Srinagar, and patron of Adbi Markaz Kamraz. This glorious function was presided over by renowned educationist, litteratuer and distinguished critic Prof Mohd Zaman Azurda, while Director school education Kashmir Dr GN Ittoo was the chief guest on the occasion.
The presidium was shared by noted writers like Prof Shad Ramzan, Prof Naseem Shifayi, Dr Rafiq Raaz, Dr Rafiq Masoodi and Mohd Amin Bhat. The entire event which began at 2pm and lasted for three hours, was moderated by Shabnam Tilgami, prominent poet and executive member of AMK. After playing Tarana of AMK, the proceedings of the event unfolded with the recitation of Moulana Jami’s famous Naatia Kalam “Ya Rasoole Hashimi”, in soulful and appealing voice of Gh. Mohd Shad, famous naat reciter of valley.
After giving final shape to the presidium, Mohd Amin Bhat president of AMK, delivered the thoughtful welcome address. He highlighted the contribution of AMK in promoting Kashmiri language and literature, thanked every dignitary for showing their presence in the event and making it more successful. He appealed director school education Kashmir to recommend the school heads for arranging a field trip to Meeras Mahal Sopore, housing our centuries old rich cultural and historical legacy. Pertinent to mention that people from all walks of life had gathered in the jam-packed auditorium Hall. Social activists, media persons, editors of several dailies and law makers attended it.
After taking respective seats, the presidium members received rousing reception through bouquets and mementoes. Jamil Ansari, composer of the book and Javed Iqbal who designed its cover were also presented mementoes. Wajid Iqbal, CEO of Corpus Enterprises also presented mementoes to presidium members. This magnanimous literary event was also sponsored by Corpus Enterprises, Al-Khudam Haj and Umrah services and Chaya group of hotels.
Dr. Suhan Lal Koul’s audio clip, critically analysing the book by deeply diving into its contents, examining its strengths and overall significance was also played on the occasion. It was followed by a thorough, thought provoking and eloquent review read by Prof. Dr. Shafkat Iqbal, highlighting its beauties. Soon after the review, the formal release of the book followed in two shifts, first by the family members of author viz his spouse, elder sister, children, and grandchildren and then by the presidium. The entire Hall stood up to honour Dr. Masoodi at the moment and gave him thundering cheers.
Prof. Naseem Shifayi besides praising Dr Masoodi, uncovered the challenges, an author encounters while writing a book. She hailed the enduring patience of author’s spouse, according to her without that, the dream wouldn’t have been realized. Salim Yousuf of Inder Cultural Forum, as a token of love, honour, respect, and appreciation offered flower Garland to Dr Masoodi who accepted it wholeheartedly.
Distinguished broadcaster and noted critic, Dr Rafiq Raaz, while commenting on the book, underscored its features and qualities. He deliberated upon various genres of literature, comparatively analysed Dr Masoodi’s two books. According to him, second one ‘Bey Pai Talash’ is far better than previous one, depicting how enthusiastically has he studied both. Prof Shad Ramzan, Kashmir University’s former HOD of Kashmiri department while speaking on the occasion, felt all proud to have taught and appointed Dr Shafkat Iqbal who earlier had read an extensive and eloquent review.
According to Shad Ramzan, Kashmiri has deep roots with some intellectually great nation, which modern researchers need to explore and investigate enormously. He emphasized the importance of mother tongue, preserving our rich legacy of culture and literature. According to him, Socha Kral, Mahmood Gami, Rasool Mir, Sheikh ul Alam and Shams Faqir have used similes and metaphors which no other language of globe encompass. Director school education Kashmir Dr GN Itoo, attended the event and stayed for a brief period due to his busy official schedule, but his presence was marked as a major sign of commitment to promote literature and language. Hailing from Doru village of South Kashmir also the birthplace of iconic poets like Rasool Mir and Mahmood Gami, Dr Ittoo reiterated his dedication to help literary organizations in transforming their landscape. He described Dr Masoodi as his mentor who has helped him mastering administrative skills when former used to be secretary cultural academy.
Adeel Salim, secretary Jammu Kashmir Cultural academy was felicitated for assuming the charge, probably it was his maiden literary event after assuming the charge. Dr Rouf Adil, recently appointed coordinator of Azad Chair at GDC Bemina Srinagar, was presented a flower bogie and memento to recognize his role and responsibility. Well-known educationist, critic, and prominent writer Prof Mohd Zaman Azurda delivered a stimulating and captivating presidential address. He summed up his decades of experience as a university teacher, developing textbooks at school, college and university levels and his role in appointing key teaching positions at varsity in his speech. He applauded Dr GN Itto’s role in identifying land for constructing office complex of AMK at Kanispora when he was deputy commissioner Baramula. According to him without his bureaucratic influence, it would have never seen the light of day. He made a comparative analysis of Western and Eastern literatures in his address, reiterated the need to incorporate local litteratuers, cultural and regional legacies in curriculum. He expressed his belief and faith in abilities and vision of executive members of Adbi Markaz Kamraz in making it progress by leaps and bounds. Civil Society Rafiabad, presented a shawl and bouquet to Dr Rafiq Masoodi, the great son of their soil to recognize his efforts and dedication who added one more feather in his cap of praiseworthy accomplishments and made the inhabitants of his birthplace feel proud.
At the end, Dr Rafiq Masoodi, who’s book was released and hosted the whole function, expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended the literary event and made it a memorable one. He also played an audio clip of UK based Kashmiri Minister of justice in UK parliament, who praised Dr Masoodi and every writer, writing and promoting Kashmiri. He specially mentioned Mehjoor’s prayer poem ‘Sahibo Sath Cham Mei Cheani’ in that clip. Among others, Dr Syed Bashir Ahmad Veeri MLA Bijbehara, Latif u Zaman Deva former bureaucrat, Showkat Hussain Keng prominent religious scholar, Syed Himayun Qaiser, Talha Jahangir, Dr Mehfooza Jan, Mushtaq Bala, Nazim Nazir, Shamshad Kralwari graced the occasion by their presence. Kabab, Shami Kabab the two main dishes of wazwan, the traditional Kashmiri cuisine along with chapati were served to participants besides hot tea while leaving the hall. A copy of the book, was also distributed among each participant during the function.
Writer is a columnist hailing from Qazigund Kashmir.
