Jammu: The Tribal Poetry Festival, a key highlight of the ongoing Janjatiya Gaurav Saptah (Tribal Pride Week), unfolded at the Abhinav Theatre Complex in Jammu, showcasing the rich tapestry of tribal poetry.
The festival organised by the Department of Tribal Affairs, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, witnessed the convergence of 50 tribal poets from diverse regions of Jammu and Kashmir, sharing their heartfelt poetic expressions.
The event was graced by the presence of Ch. Ghulam Sarwar Chouhan, a prominent Gojri poet, who presided over the gathering.
The presidium included luminaries such as Musheer Ahmad Mirza, Director of Tribal Affairs; Dr. Abdul Khabir, Deputy Director, Tribal Research Institute; Dr. Javaid Rahi, tribal researcher; and Shiekh Sajjad.
Musheer Ahmad Mirza, in his address, emphasized the department’s commitment to fostering tribal culture and identity through literary and cultural events.
Dr. Abdul Khabir elucidated the festival’s aim of nurturing tribal creativity and enhancing the understanding of tribal poetic expressions. He further stressed that the Tribal Poetry Festival stood as a testament to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the tribal communities in Jammu and Kashmir, underlining the significance of such events in promoting and preserving the unique tribal identities and their poetic expressions.
A significant announcement was the upcoming publication of a Tribal Poetry compilation, featuring languages like Gojri, Shina, Boti, and Bharmori/Gaddi, marking a milestone in preserving and promoting tribal literary heritage.
Dr. Javaid Rahi shed light on the thematic essence of the poems, which revolved around nature and humanity. The recitations, encompassing topics like animals, love, forests, water bodies, and birds, reflected the deep connection of tribal life with nature. Dr. Rahi stressed the importance of preserving this unique cultural legacy.
The festival saw contributions from poets including Nazir Bhati, Jalal Din Fani, Rashid Shabnum, Kaslsoom Choudhary, Yusuf Naseed, Rakesh Gaddi, Nawang Trsingo, Shokat Naseem, Younus Abrar, and others, adding vibrant hues to the cultural fabric of the event.
