Baramulla: A major literary gathering at Namblan Sheeri in Baramulla on Sunday brought together poets, writers, intellectuals and language enthusiasts from across Kashmir for a day-long conference focused on the promotion and preservation of Kashmiri, Pahari and Gojri languages.
Organised by the Sagar Cultural Forum Kashmir under the theme “Asi Che Kasher, Kashers Lolah Baro” (We Are Kashmiri, Cherish a Deep Love for the Kashmiri Language), the event featured the unveiling of a new Kashmiri poetry collection, deliberations on language-related challenges and a multilingual Mushaira attended by more than 60 poets.
MLA Baramulla Javed Hassan Beigh attended as chief guest, while Under Secretary, Home Department, Sheikh Tariq, was the special guest.
The conference opened with the release of ‘Amar’, a poetry collection by noted Kashmiri poet Abdul Ahad Malik ‘Ilham’. Renowned poet Peer Hilal Maqami presented a detailed paper on the collection, highlighting its literary significance, thematic depth and the poet’s contribution to contemporary Kashmiri literature.
Welcoming participants, noted poet and patron of the Forum Sagar Nazir stressed the importance of language and literature in preserving cultural identity, collective memory and historical consciousness. He underscored the need for sustained literary engagement to strengthen regional languages and literary traditions.
The second session focused on the present status and future of the Kashmiri language. Participants discussed declining usage among sections of the younger generation, the importance of mother-tongue education and the need for greater institutional support for regional languages.
Speakers called for wider use of Kashmiri in education, research, cultural activities and everyday communication, while stressing that safeguarding linguistic heritage requires the collective involvement of writers, educators, parents and society at large.
Among those who participated in the discussions were noted poet Maqbool Ferozi, Shabnam Vajpari, Jalil Akbar, Mumtaz Rashid, Bashir Zogiyari, Pahari poet Ataullah Mumtaz and noted cardiologist Dr Sheikh Burhan.
The conference culminated in a grand multilingual Mushaira in which over six dozen poets recited verses in Kashmiri, Pahari, Gojri and other languages. The poets addressed a range of social, cultural and contemporary themes, drawing appreciation from the audience.
Participants described the Mushaira as a celebration of the region’s rich linguistic diversity and an expression of cultural harmony, providing a common platform for creative voices from different language traditions.
Concluding the event, Sagar Cultural Forum president and noted poet Bashir Zogiyari thanked the guests, writers and participants and reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to promoting regional languages and providing literary platforms for emerging and established writers alike.
The conference, marked by the unveiling of ‘Amar’ and the participation of more than 60 poets, highlighted the continuing role of literary forums in preserving and promoting Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.
