by Zafar Aafaq

Srinagar

Two books in Kashmir Language were released at a book launch event held in Model Degree College Charar in Budgam district on Tuesday on the first death anniversary of noted writer and cultural activist Ghulam Nabi Gauhar.

Noted literary luminary GN Gauhar remembered on first death anniversary in Charare-Sharief

The two books released were, Irfan-e- Noor authored by Gh Nabi Gauhar and Published by Sheikh Mohammad Usman and Sons and Ate Gand Dyoul Goum by Sadoor Kashmiri.

Sadoor’s book, a collection of poems, is dedicated to his late wife and sister.

Besides media persons, several noted people from the literary circle were present on this occasion. The function was presided by retired High Court Judge and prominent civil society member Justice Bashir Ahmad Kirmani. The other prominent dignitaries who graced the occasion were Prof Mohammad Zaman Azurda who is former Urdu professor at Kashmir University, Dr Aziz Hajini, head Kashmir Cultural Academy, Dr Bashar Bashir, award-winning novelist, Dr Shaad Ramzan of Kashmir University’s Kashmiri Department and Dr Tabasum Jaleel, principal Of the college.

The event was organised by Kashmir Markaz Adab ve Saqafat Charar e Sharief.

Several people spoke on this occasion and paid rich tributes -to late Gauhar. Senior Journalist Zaheer-Ud-Din called Gauhar a myth buster and highlighted his contribution to the Kashmir’s resistance narrative. “Gauhar Sb helped us understand the real meaning of the term Kashmiriyat—Kashmiryat is resistance to foreign aggression,” claimed Zaheer-Ud-Din while mentioning about Gauhar’s book on Hazratbal Siege.

Besides being a writer, Gauhar was a jurist. He had done an MA in Persian from Aligarh Muslim University. He hailed was a poet and a novelist. He hailed from Charar-e-Sharief area in Budgam district. His main poetry works include Gazal, Zadi Rah, Naat, Wats Zam Zam.  Gauhra’novels include Mujrim(1970), Myol (1975)

Prof Shaad Ramzan and Dr Bashar Bashir spoke briefly urging the organisers to organise a full two-day seminar on Gauhar so that all dimensions of his life are talked about.

Prof Azurada insisted the need for respecting non-native languages while. “While our mother tongue is most important for us, one should never denigrate the non-native language.” Prof Azurda said. “We need Urdu to communicate with people of Pahari Gujjars and  Ladhakhi ethnicities.”

Justice Kirmani was the last one to speak on the occasion. His speech was followed by a Mushaira (poetry recitation) session. Many local lesser-known poets recited their poetry on stage one following the other.

“One of the biggest contributions of Gauhar Sahib is that he challenged that narrative which presents Sheikh ul-Alam as a mountain hermit,” Justice Kirmani said. Gauhar brought out the true image of Sheikh Ul Alam in which he has multiple dimensions.”

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