Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 10: Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Ghulam Rasool Sufi today released a book titled ‘The Paharis’ here.
The book has been authored by Shakeel-ur-Rehman, who is the Deputy Secretary of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. The book is arguably India’s first ever reference book on the Pahari community of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, the CIC described the book as a useful addition to the treasure of tribal literature in India. Expressing deep appreciation for the work done by the author, Sufi laid emphasis on undertaking such initiatives.
“Work of the kind done by the author is required to be undertaken as it is through such endevours that people come to know of the rich ethnic diversity of our State,” Sufi said.
Earlier, while welcoming the guests, Programme Head, Radio Kashmir, Srinagar Sayed Humayun Qaisar said that events like today’s book release will continue to be hosted by Radio Kashmir.
“It is our first event in the post 2014 flood and from now onwards we intend to give further fillip to events like book releases etc,” he said.
Dedicated to the unsung heroes of Pahari cause, the book has specific chapters on such variegated issues as tribal identity, ethnography, Pahari festivals, customs, art, marital practices, religious ideologies and seasonal migrations.
Highlighting various facets of the book, Abdul Hafeez Shah, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara read an in-depth paper on it. Describing ‘The Paharis’ as an informative book, he said that publication of such a book was long overdue.
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