Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 26: The 2-day Gojri Language Conference, organized by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, started here today with Minister for Forest & Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad, inaugurating the major literary even, the first held in Srinagar since 1989.
Prominent writers, poets, intellectuals and lovers of Gojri language attended the conference in large number.
Secretary Academy, Khalid Bashir Ahmad, noted Gojri writer, Chowdhary Iqbal Azeem who presented the theme paper, Ghulam Nabi Khayal, Farooq Nazki, Ayaz Rasool Nazki, senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari, Chief Editor, Gojri, Cultural Academy, Dr. Javed Rahi and members of the civil society were present.
Asking writers fraternity of Gujjar community to play a stronger role in the overall development of tribal and nomadic society, the Minister said that Government will provide every possible support for promotion of Gojri Language including its inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Mian Altaf Ahmad said that State Government is committed to pursue the inclusion of Gojri in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, adding that matter related to opening of Gojri research centre in the University will be taken up with Jammu University. He said that matter stands already taken up with Education Department. Regarding teaching of Gojri language in J&K Schools, he said that the Government will provide all help to the Academy for promotion of Gojri language and culture in a big way.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, Khalid also dwelt upon some major initiatives taken by the Academy during the past year including laying of foundation stone of the multi-crore cultural centre, Tehzeeb Mahal, digitization of the Academy’s rich collection of manuscripts, paintings, images and artefacts, launching of a comprehensive website and publication of a complete cultural newspaper, Saqafat.
Dr. Javaid Rahi, while giving details about the publication programme of Gojri, stated that Gojri section has edited 74 books in last three years, containing around 23000 pages, which is a record in itself. He impressed upon the writers fraternity of Gojri language to come together and develop its tribal language with rich insight and valuable content.
Ch. Iqbal Azeem in his theme paper presented in the inaugural session elaborated on the process of development of Gojri language in past few centuries. He stressed upon the participants of the conference to explore the new possibilities for development of Gojri language and literature. The inaugural session was conducted by Ch. Mansha Khaki.
Five latest publications of Gojri section were released by the Minister, which include Gojri translation of Masnavi Moulana Roomi (4th Volume), translation of Tareekh-e Ibn Khaldoon (Vol 2 & 3), Qadaaver (Israeil Asr Number), The Gujjars (Vol 1 & 2). A Gojri book entitled “Khaechal” written by prominent Gojri writer Naseem Ponchi was also released by the Minister while noted Gojri writer Ghulam Rasool Badana read reviews on the books.
Prominent Gojri singer, Bashir Ahmad Mastana and Ayaz Saif performed folk solo items, which enthralled the audience.
The inaugural session was followed by paper reading session presided over by Ch. Qaisar Din Qaisar, Ch. Ghulam Hussain Zia, Ch. Sadiq Wasil. Paper-readers included Ch. Abdul Ghani Arif, Ch. Jehangir Asgar, Ch. Majeed Hasrat and Ch. Amin Qamar.
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