KL Report
SRINAGAR
Hailing Adbee Markaz Kamraz (AMK) for its efforts to promote Kashmiri language and identity, Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Sunday expressed concern over the neglect of the language in schools and homes. He was speaking on the second day of the “Kashir Conference” which witnessed interesting debates about the Kashmiri language and identity. Besides passing seven resolutions regarding the promotion and preservation of the language, prestigious AMK awards were also given away.
Saying that mother tongue guarantees the very existence of a nation, Mirwaiz said, “It is a cause of concern that we don’t see the desired focus on the Kashmiri language in our schools and homes.” Expressing happiness over the presence of Pandits in the literary conference, Mirwaiz said Kashmir language and ethos is the collective treasure of all the Kashmiri speaking inhabitants of Jammu & Kashmir, irrespective of their religion. Appreciating AMK for its exemplary work to promote and preserve Kashmiri language and culture, he assured that institutions under his command will extend wholehearted support to the AMK.
AMK awards given away
Noted litterateur and broadcaster Farooq Nazki was conferred this year’s “Sharaf-e-Kamraz” award for his contribution towards Kashmiri literature, through his writings as well as the broadcast media.
“Kashmir Writers’ Forum” Sopore and Rafiabad Adbi Markaz jointly bagged the “Sharaf-e-Kamraz” award in the category of literary organisations, for their efforts on ground to reach out to poets and writers of Kashmiri language in Sopore and Rafiabad areas of North Kashmir. The awards were received by Farooq Rafiabadi and Shahnaz Rasheed, presidents of the organisations respectively. “Sharaf-e-Kamraz” carries cash prize, memento and citation for the each awardee.
This year’s “Khilat-e-Hanfi Sopori” award was conferred to Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq for promotion of Kashmiri language from the august religious platform of Jamia Masjid Srinagar, and also as a religious leader for his keenness towards the protection of Kashmiri language and identity.
In the media category of “Khilat-e-Hanfi Sopori” award, E Tv Urdu was awarded for its daily Urdu news programme titled “ETv Urdu Kashmir.” The jury observed that “ETv Urdu Kashmir” is providing generous space
for the literary and cultural activities in Kashmir which help in promotion and preservation of Kashmiri language and literature. The award was received by senior correspondent of ETv Mir Shabir.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Shah was conferred this year’s “Khilat-e-Hanfi Sopori” award in the administration category for his positive role in the administration for the promotion of Kashmiri language and literature.
The award carries cash prize, shawl, citation and memento to each awardee. This award was given in collaboration with Majlis-un-Nissa Sopore. Chief Information Commissioner G R Sofi was chief guest on the occasion while as session was chaired by Prof Rahman Rahi. Hailing AMK for its work, Sofi said the campaign for sensitisation of people
regarding importance of mother tongue needs to be enhanced. Prof Rahi said AMK should give impetus to its language movement which he termed as essential for protection of the language.
The “Mohi-u-din Hajni Gold Medal,” which is given to a student who tops the MA Kashmiri examination of Kashmir University, in collaboration with prominent Kashmiri daily newspaper “Sangarmal” has been bagged this year by Gazala Amin of Pampore.
Seven resolutions were passed unanimously which include, seeking “Classical language” status for Kashmiri language, well-organized educational set-up for teaching of Kashmiri in schools and colleges and revival of the Kashmiri section
of the Cultural Academy. The session was chaired by Prof Muhammad Zaman Azurdah with Prof Nusrat Andrabi and Syed Zeeshan Fazil in the presidium. AMK General Secretary Dr Shujat Bukhari and Secretary Zameer Ansari read out the citations of the awardees. The awardees were selected by a jury comprising eminent poets, writers, critics and
other litterateurs of the State.
In the book release session, seven books published by Gulshan Publishers Srinagar, and poetic collections of Fayaz Tilgami, Shahida Shabnum and Sunita Raina were also released.
Sessions of Mushairas and literary criticism were part of the two day conference.
AMK Vice-President Atiqa Bano presented the vote of thanks
Besides AMK office bearers and members of the Executive, litterateurs, academicians, journalists and researchers from in and outside the State participated in the conference.
