Hajin, Sept 5 (JKNS): The 47th two-day Kashmiri Conference organised by Adabi Markaz Kamraz (AMK) commenced today at Higher Secondary School, Hajin.
The conference is being held with the support of J&K Bank and the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. A large gathering of prominent poets, writers, intellectuals, scholars and literary figures associated with the Kashmiri language and literature participated in the inaugural proceedings.
The central theme of the conference is “The Role of Devotional Literature in the Kashmiri Language.” Addressing the inaugural session, President of Adabi Markaz Kamraz, Muhammad Amin Butt, stressed the need for sustained, organised and collective efforts for the promotion, preservation and development of the Kashmiri language and literature.
He said that serious efforts were essential to safeguard the linguistic and literary heritage of Kashmir and pass it on to future generations.
The inaugural session was presided over by retired Justice Bashir Ahmad Karmani. Dr Satish Vimal, Manzoor Banahali and Pir Hafizullah Masoodi were also present on the occasion. The Kashmiri translation of the Holy Quran was unveiled by Muhammad Yousuf Paray, marking an important academic and literary milestone of the conference.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Satish Vimal, who elaborated on various dimensions of devotional literature in Kashmiri.
He described Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) and Lal Ded as towering Sufi saints, thinkers and intellectuals of Kashmiri language and literature, and highlighted their profound literary, spiritual and intellectual contributions.
The second session featured an extensive academic and literary discussion on the theme “Sheikh-ul-Alam and Lal Ded: Tracing the Marks of Their Identity.”
Dr G.N. Haleem, Dr Satish Vimal and Shehbaz Haqbaari participated in the session and deliberated at length on the multifaceted contributions, intellectual legacy and enduring influence of Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) and Lal Ded on Kashmiri language and literature.
The occasion also witnessed the unveiling of the Golden Jubilee Special Issue of ‘Pro’, the literary magazine of Adabi Markaz Kamraz.
Hundreds of eminent poets, writers, scholars, intellectuals and literary figures participated enthusiastically in the opening sessions of the conference. Their overwhelming participation underlined the significance of the literary gathering and reflected the deep connection of the literary community with the Kashmiri language and its rich cultural heritage.
During the conference, the Dastar Bandi ceremony of the Patron of Adabi Markaz Kamraz, Dr Rafiq Masoodi, was also held. Dr Ijaz Muhammad Sheikh, Head of the Department of Kashmiri, University of Kashmir, was conferred the “Khilat-e-Hanafi Sopori Award 2026” by Majlis-un-Nisa Sopore and Adabi Markaz Kamraz in recognition of his contribution to Kashmiri language and literature.
General Secretary of Adabi Markaz Kamraz, Shabnam Telgami, presented the annual report of the organisation, highlighting its literary and cultural activities during the past year.
The conference began with a captivating performance by renowned folk singer Muhammad Aslam Soodnari, who enthralled the audience with his traditional folk rendition.
The proceedings of the first day were conducted by Vice President of Adabi Markaz Kamraz, Shakir Shafi. (JKNS)
