KULGAM, November 10: Maraz Adabi Sangam, a literary organisation established in 1976, celebrated its Golden Jubilee at Government Higher Secondary School Kaimoh in Kulgam district, marking five decades of work towards the promotion and preservation of Kashmiri language and literature.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and featured a four-session literary conference attended by hundreds of writers, poets, intellectuals, academicians and members of civil society from different parts of the Valley.
As part of the celebrations, eight personalities associated with Kashmiri language and literature were honoured for their contributions. The awardees included Gh Nabi Aatish, Dr Roop Krishan Bhat, Ali Shaida, Shad Ramzan, Shahnaz Rasheed, Dr Satish Vimal, Iqbal Anjum and Shabeena Ara.
Journalist Ghazala Nisar was also felicitated in recognition of her efforts towards promoting and working in her mother tongue through journalism.
The conference featured discussions on the organisation’s five-decade literary journey, its achievements and initiatives, besides the need to preserve Kashmiri language and ensure that its literary heritage is passed on to future generations.
Among those attending the programme were Padma Shri awardee Prof. Shafi Shauq, Maraz Adabi Sangam President Dr Mohammad Shafi Ayaz, Dr Rafiq Masoodi, Prof. Aijaz Hussain Shaikh, Mohammad Amin Bhat, Shamas Khaliq, Dr Syed Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, Zameer Ansari, Deputy Director Tourism Bilal Ahmad Mir, Dr Nazir Azad, Meraj-ud-Din Fayaz, Shakeel Azad and Javaid Iqbal.
A special publication documenting the organisation’s 50-year journey, historical achievements and literary activities was also released during the event.
The concluding session featured a literary mushaira in which veteran poets from different parts of Kashmir presented their compositions.
Established in Shopian district in 1976, Maraz Adabi Sangam has worked particularly in South Kashmir to promote Kashmiri language and literature. Over the years, it has provided a platform for writers, poets and literary figures to showcase their work and contribute to the preservation of the region’s linguistic and cultural heritage.