Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 25: Two day State Level Gojri Literary and Cultural Meet was today inaugurated by Minister for Forests and Environment Mian Altaf Ahmad. The programme was organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. A galaxy of writers, intellectuals, poets, artists and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Among others, Director North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, Dr. Rajinder Singh Gill, Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Haroon Rashid, Chief Editor, Gojri, Dr. Javid Rahi, prominent writers, Ch. Iqbal Azeem, Ghulam Nabi Khayal, Ch. Mohammad Mansha Khaki, Gh. Rasool Bhadana, Abdul Gani Arif, Iqbal Azeem, Naseem Poonchi, Majeed Hasrat, Abdul Salam Kausari, Mehmood Riyaz, Mian Irshad Qammar were also present on the occasion.
While addressing the meet Mian Altaf stressed upon writer community to work for promotion of centuries old Gujjar culture and Gojri language. He said Academy has played an important role in preservation of Gojri which is an important tribal and regional language of the state. He said that Academy is doing a pioneering work to give solid foundation to the language.
Minister released six Gorji publications published by Academy which include translation of Bostan-e-Sadi by Anwar Hussain, Haqayat-e-Rumi by Anwar Hussain, Kulyat-e-Hasan Din Hassan Gorsi edited by Dr. Javaid Rahi, Sheeraza -Gojri Poonch Number, Kachi Tand by Hameed Kassana.
Earlier, while welcoming the guest, Secretary Academy Haroon Rashid stated that today’s event was organized to provide a platform to Gojri writers, artists and intellectuals to sit together and think about the challenges faced by the Gojri in past and chalk out a strategy for future course of action to develop the Gojri in a big way.
Director, NZCC, Dr. Rajinder Gill stated that North Zone Cultural Centre will provide all help for promotion and propagation of Gojri langue and culture. He said that Gojri artists will be given due representation under interstate cultural exchange programme.
Dr. Javid Rahi, Chief Editor and head of the Gojri section stated that during last one year, Gojri section has published 25 books including translations, compilations and original works of Gojri writers. He said section has recently completed Concise Gojri Dictionary Project wherein around one lakh words have been preserved. He said that Gojri section has translated and published around 35 important world classics from Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit and English during last three-four years.
In his address, Ch. Iqbal Azeem prominent Gojri writer expressed the need to develop and introduce Gojri in school curriculum. He said that Jammu and Kashmir Universities should open Gojri Departments or Research Centres early.
A State-Level Mushaira, presided over by prominent Gojri poet. Ch. Ab. Gani Arif, was also held on the occasion.
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