Rayees Ahmad Kumar
Sheikh ul Alam Educational And Welfare Society J&K organised a one day national seminar on ” Urdu Prose In 21st Century ” in Hotel Shahanshah Palace Beleauvard Srinagar on the banks of world famous Dal Lake. This seminar began with the recitation of some holy verses of the glorious Quran by Mohd Younis Thoker a young research scholar. In his welcome address, prominent young Urdu writer, author and convenor of the seminar, Mr Gh. Nabi Kumar acclaimed and highlighted the literary contribution of dignitaries who attended the seminar. Satish Vimal renowned broadcaster, Kashmir, Urdu and Hindi poet and writer read the foreword of the book ” Parbatoon Ki Khushboo By Parvez Manoos” which among other four books was released on the occasion. The other books which were released include ” Kale Paed Ke Jangal Wa Kale Dewion Ka Saaya By Dr. Riyaz Tawheedi” , ” Zindagi Youn Tamaam Hoti Hai by Nazir Jawhar” , ” Shaheen Bachoon Ke Iqbal by Dr Gulzar Ahmad Wani” , ” Urdu Ki Asri Sadayein by Gh Nabi Kumar “. Mr Shafi Shadab read the summery of the book released ” Shaheen Bachoon Ke Iqbal “. Special number of the daily Alhayat newspaper dedicated to distinguished literary figure Dr Gopi Chand Narang too was released in the function. Summery of the book ” Urdu Ki Asry Sadayein by Gh Nabi Kumar ” was read by Dr Gulzar Ahmad Wani. Zahid Zafar research scholar of Vinow Bhai University Jarkhand presented his authored article before the audience. Dr Nazir Jawhar highlighted the present status of Urdu and how interest and temper for Urdu can be aroused among young and future generation. He reminded the audience in a unique way about the past days when we used to travel in bus and were carrying a newspaper which travelled from the person from seat number first to last and was lastly handed over to ower by the bus conductor. Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie Director Iqbal Institute Of Culture And Philosophy Kashmir University while gracing the occasion, delivered a thought provoking lecture and expressed his displeasure about declining interest for Urdu among new generation. Wehshi Syed Chief Patron Urdu Fiction Writers Guild, in few brief words congratulated and complimented the efforts of Gh Nabi Kumar for the development and promotion of Urdu language and literature. Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq Director News AIR Srinagar, while expressing his views about the role of society, teachers and scholars for upliftment of Urdu also encouraged the noble efforts of Gh Nabi Kumar.
For giving birth to ” Sheikh ul Educational And Welfare Society J&K ” a well known organisation for promoting Urdu, Ex Director Distance Education Kashmir University Prof Shafeeqa Parveen specially acknowledged the mission of Gh Nabi Kumar. Dr Asgar Hasan Samoon Principal Secretary skill development J&K threw light on the role of Urdu in Indian independence. He also highlighted the contribution of Kashmiri Pandit writers and scholars for Urdu promotion especially of Jawaharlal Nehru the first PM of India. He expressed his displeasing views about declining sheen of regional languages of JK and of Urdu. He further was of the view that if sincere efforts for their protection and promotion aren’t initiated, perhaps this would be the last century of regional languages and Urdu. Maqbool Ferozi Ex KAS officer and author of the book ” Tasawuf Par Irani Aur Islami Asraat” while reading his article highlighted the efforts and contribution of magazines, journals and newspapers for development and promotion of Urdu. His special praise went for ” Kashmir Uzma ” and ” Tameel Irshad ” Urdu dailies of valley. Dr Altaf Anjum assistant professor Urdu Distance Education Kashmir University, highlighted the status and level of Urdu Novel, Afsana and prose in 21st Century. Satish Vimal popular poet and writer of Urdu, Hindi and Kashmiri expressed his concern about wrong and handicapped Urdu being used during conversation and speechs. He was of the view that besides writing good Urdu, emphasis should be given on speaking right Urdu. Dr Aijaz Ashraf , Regional Director MANUU Srinagar, specifically highlighted and acclaimed the steps taken by Gh Nabi Kumar for the development and promotion of Urdu language and literature. His all praise went for Mr Kumar Sahib for his best efforts. Besides he congratulated Wehshi Syed for encouraging Gh Nabi Kumar. Prof(Dr) Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi distinguished Islamic scholar of valley and HOD religious studies department of central university Kashmir, made a detailed mention of writers and scholars for Urdu promotion. He said, Language is related to culture and ethos of a community. Hence for it’s protection and development steps need to be taken at individual, community and regional levels. He further was of the view that for doing justice with Urdu language and literature scholars like Gh Nabi Kumar need to be absorbed and given a chance in our universities. He mentioned Sheikh Noor Din Noorani and Lala Ded the great saints of valley in his speech. He advised Urdu department of Kashmir University to organise debates, seminars and such events in future for the promotion of Urdu.
The seminar was concluded with the concluding words of Vote Of Thanks by convenor of the program Mr Gh Nabi Kumar.
(Author is a teacher at Govt Secondary School Anderwan Ganderbal. Views are his own) [email protected]
