Banihal, Oct 7 (JKNS): The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL) on Sunday organised a grand literary gathering at Boys Higher Secondary School, Banihal, in collaboration with the Pir Panjal Adabi Forum, Banihal.
The programme was attended by a large number of prominent literary personalities, poets, writers and litterateurs from Banihal and the wider Pir Panjal region.
The literary gathering featured the release of books, presentation of honours, a grand mushaira, and felicitation of literary personalities, offering a vibrant celebration of literature, language, culture, books and the rich poetic traditions of the region.
Prof. Ayaz Rasool Nazki presided over the function, while Dr Ghulam Nabi Ittoo, former Director, Education Department, J&K Govt, was the Chief Guest. Mr Mansoor Banihali, Dr Abid Ahmad, Mr Riyaz Ibn-e-Nishat Kishtwari and Mr Rasikh Sharjeel were also in the presidium.
Dr Abid Ahmad formally welcomed the distinguished guests, writers, poets and other participants on behalf of the Academy.
On the occasion, Satire and Humour in Kashmiri Language by Dr Zahir Banhali, an English translation of Partavistan by Dr Abid Ahmad, and Aabshgar, the annual publication of the Pir Panjal Adabi Forum, were released.
Dr Abid Ahmad, Dr Shakeel Rahi and Moulana Nazir Ahmad were honoured with the Marghoob Adabi Award for the year 2025–26 in recognition of their contribution to literature.
A lively mushaira was also held in which prominent poets including Ayoub Sabir, Manshoor Banihali, Zahir Banihali, Khalid Rasool, Muzammil Yazdani, Muhammad Yousuf Bambur, Adil Armaan, Bahar Ahmad Bahar, Jawad Banihali, Shaida Banihali and Shams Majroor recited their poetry and enthralled the audience.
A musical segment featuring prominent folk singer Bashir Ahmad and his accompanying artists also added colour to the programme, highlighting the rich folk and musical traditions of the Pir Panjal region.
In his presidential remarks, Prof. Ayaz Rasool Nazki dwelt at length on the literary and cultural contributions of the Banihal region.
Recalling prominent personalities associated with literature, art, music and other creative fields, he lauded the Pir Panjal region for its outstanding contribution to the cultural and literary landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.
Dr Ghulam Nabi Ittoo appreciated the JKAACL initiative of taking literary and cultural programmes to far-flung areas and providing platforms for local writers, poets and artists.
He also appreciated the books released on the occasion and underlined the importance of such initiatives in strengthening literary and cultural engagement at the grassroots level.
The speakers emphasised the significance of sustained literary activities for the promotion and preservation of literature, languages, culture and the mother tongue, while appreciating the efforts of the JKAACL in reaching out to literary communities across the region.
At the conclusion of the programme, Zahir Banihali, President of the Pir Panjal Adabi Forum, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished guests, writers, poets, artists and members of the audience for their participation and support.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Muzammil Yazdani, Secretary, Pir Panjal Adabi Forum, and Master Shaukat. (JKNS)
