JAMMU : Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh today inaugurated ” Saman Bal 2015 ” a three day conference organized by Kashmir Cultural Trust in collaboration with Kashmiri Bhasha Evam Sanskriti Pratishthan (SAMPRATI) at Kashmiri Pandits Sabha, Ambphala.
Prominent Kashmiri writers, scholars, linguists and artists will deliberate upon the challenges being faced by Kashmiri languages and culture during the conference .
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister appreciated the organizers for providing a platform to hold deliberations upon the issue adding that such interactions by intellectuals and prominent literary figures will help in devising measures to preserve and promote our rich heritage and culture.
Dr. Nirmal Singh said that culture reflects our history, tradition and our beliefs. He stressed on a balanced growth and adoption of new ideas while duly preserving our rich tradition and ethos.
He assured that the Government is committed to promote the State’s rich culture and full cooperation will be extended to such organizations in their endeavour to highlight the art ,languages and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
An exhibition of the books written by the Kashmiri writers was also organised and it is informed that a multilingual Mushaira and a music programme will be held at Migrant Camp Jagti on the last day of the conference.
Welcome address was presented by Roop Krishen Bhat.
The first day conference was of two sessions and the panelists in the second session were M M Munshi, Pardeep Koul, Opinder Ambardar and Dr R L Bhat president Samprati.
Speaking on the occasion Dr R L Bhat showed concern over the distortion of Kashmir history by some historians of mediaeval period and authenticated the Rajtarnagni written by Kalhan Pandita and others. He said primary sources of history should be considered authentic and not the secondary sources. Dr Bhat regretted that Persian writers have considered the secondary sources as authentic that have led to the distortion of history.
Pardeep Kaul also spoke on the same lines. While dwelling at length at the history of medieval Kashmir he threw light on the Rajtarangni written by Jonraj, Shrivar and Shuka. He also highlighted the role of Shri Bhat in this regard.
Opinder Ambardar elaborated about the folk lore of Kashmir. This was followed by a question answer session.
The key note address in the first session was made by Prof Omkar Kaul an international recognized linguist. While presidential address was made by Prof R L Shant and vote of thanks by Dr R L Bhat.
Earlier Deputy Chief Minister released Santosh Nadan’s book Nand Rishsi’s Shurk.