The Seven Days Multilingual Short Story Festival concluded here at Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), here today.
The festival started on 17th August, 2023 in which the writers of seven languages Dogri, Hindi, Gojri, Punjabi, Pahari, Urdu and Kashmiri presented their stories. This is for the first time that JKAACL, under the guidance of Secretary JKAACL, Bharat Singh initiated such a festival.
Sixth day of the festival featured Urdu short stories. Prof. Qadoos Javaid, Senior Urdu writer was the chief guest on the occasion, while Anil Saigal, Senior Journalist and Dogri Writer and Dr. Shehnaz Qadri were guests of Honour.
The session started with the welcome address by Dr. Shahnawaz, Editor Cum Cultural officer, Gojri on behalf of Secretary JKAACL.
In the beginning, Geetaka Kohli presented a short story “After the funeral” in English. She was the only writer to present a short story in English. The writers who presented their stories included O. P. Shakir who presented short story “Zamir Ke Daam”, Dr. Mushtaq Wani presented short story “Qayamat KeAsaar”, Neelofa presented short story “Chanda”, Dr. Assadullah Wani presented short story “Odani”, and Swatantra Dev Kotwal presented short story “AalaMukaam”, .
Prof Qadoos Javaid in his address gave his views about all the stories. He said reading is very important to know about other writers. He said that the most important thing in writing is narration and to know how to narrate social, Religious and Cultural concerns. He congratulated all the writers for their wonderful stories.
Dr. Shahnawaz, Editor Cum Cultural officer, Gojri conducted the proceedings of the program. He also presented a Vote of thanks.
On the concluding Day Kashmiri writers presented short stories. The session began with a welcome address by Dr. Shahnawaz, Editor Cum Cultural officer, Gojri on behalf of Secretary JKAACL. In the first session six Kashmiri writers presented their stories. Satish Safeer presented short story “Chowb”, Ashok Gowhar presented short story “Me Chana Basti Hajath”, Kusum Sharda presented short story “Sopun”, Chaman Pinjouri presented short story “Chog”, Vinod presented short story “Gatul” and Bimla Misri presented short story “ Kokri Haundi BatakhPuti”. In this session, Vijay Sagar, Pyare Hatash and Avtar Krishan Naaz were present in the presidium.
In the second session, Vijay Sagar presented short story “Gobur”, Rinko Koul presented short story “Hanch”, Ashok Koul presented short story “Moal” and Santosh Nadan presented short story “Aas Nav Saree Ashnaav”.
This session was presided over by Pyare Hatash and Chaman Pinjori. In the Presidential remarks, Hatash said that such activities are very important for the development of Literature and he congratulated J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and especially the Secretary Bharat Singh for taking initiative in organizing such programs.
Both the sessions were ably conducted by Vijay Wali. The festival concluded with the vote of thanks presented by Dr. Shahnawaz, Editor Cum Cultural officer, Gojri who expressed his gratitude to all the writers who presented their stories in the seven Day long Festival for making this festival a grand success.
