Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 15: Two day State level Gojri Literary and Cultural Meet was inaugurated here at institute of Hotel Management today in presence of galaxy of writers, poets , artists, critics and research scholars representing different regions of the State.
Organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages the event was presided over by Jahangir Mir, Deputy Chairman State Legislative Council while prominent Gojri Writer Iqbal Azeem, Secretary Academy Dr. Aziz Hajini and Chief Editor of State Academy Dr. Javaid Rahi were also in the presidium.
Speaking on the occasion Jehangir Mir impressed upon the Academy to document, promote and propagate the richest and vivid cultural heritage of Gujjars which is centuries old. He asked the writers to bind the society with their writings.
He suggested that Academy should organise Indo-Pak cultural conferences in Gojri language. He said that the spectrum of Gojri is very vast and Academy should reach to each area and cover this cherished heritage.
Dr. Aziz Hajini in his address, stated that Academy is holding a series of Conferences in various languages, which will conclude with a multi lingual conference to be held in Jammu soon. He said Academy has devised a plan to develop Gojri on modern lines. He said Academy will re-publish all the prestigious publications priority wise which were perished in devastating floods occurred in September 2014.
Dr. Javaid Rahi in his address, stated that 200 Gojri writers, poets, scholars, critics and artists are participating in this 2 day mega event held after the gap of one year. He said that main aim of this event is to discuss the contemporary literary traditions and to chalk out a strategy to promote Gojri language and literature in a big way.
He said that during current year, Academy will publish 25 books in Gojri language comprising of History, Literature, tribal oral Literature and traditions.
Iqbal Azeem in his address said that Gojri has strong roots and writers community should strive hard to enrich the literary tradition of this important tribal language.
Earlier a two minute silence was observed to pay tribute to renowned Gojri writers Ch. Naseem Poonchi , Ishaq Bajran and Mehmood Rana who passed a few days ago.
Renowned Gojri Artist Ayaz Saif presented a Sufiana Poetry of Khuda Baksh Zaar.
The inaugural session was conducted by Dr. Shahnawaz, Editor cum Cultural Officer Gojri.
Inaugural session was followed by paper reading session, short story reading session and sufiana music programme.
Among others Ch. G.H. Zia, Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi, G.R. Hasrat Gadda, K.D. Maini, Mohammad Sadik Vasil, G.R. Badana, Noor Muhammad Noor, Lal Singh Gowhar, Muhammad Amin Qamar and many dignitaries were present .
The conference will continue tomorrow with paper reading session, discussions and state level Gojri Mushaira will also be held.
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