Srinagar: The Department of Kashmiri, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the Shri Pran Kishor Koul Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA), KU started a two-day national seminar on “Prof. Rehman Rahi’s Contribution to Kashmiri Literature” at the Main Campus on Tuesday.
Conceptualised as both an academic and cultural tribute, the seminar reflects on the life and work of Prof. Rehman Rahi—Kashmir’s most distinguished poet, critic, translator, and the only Kashmiri writer to receive the Jnanpith Award.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said, “Remembering Prof. Rehman Rahi is also a reminder of how literature shapes cultural memory. His work continues to inspire generations, and it is our responsibility to keep such voices alive through research and academic engagement.”
Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, said that the seminar offers an important platform to revisit Rahi’s contributions and encourages young scholars to explore Kashmiri literature with renewed academic interest.
Prof. Shafi Shauq, former Head, Department of Kashmiri KU, said that Prof. Rahi not only transformed modern Kashmiri poetry but also broadened its intellectual landscape through his critical writings and translations.
Dr. Habibullah Shah, Principal, IMFA KU, said that collaborations of this kind help strengthen cultural scholarship and deepen engagement with Kashmir’s artistic traditions.
Earlier, Head, Department of Kashmiri KU, Prof. Aadil Amin Kak, welcomed the participants and highlighted the department’s long standing role in preserving and promoting Kashmiri language and literature.
The seminar includes paper presentations, panel discussions, and a curated exhibition showcasing Prof. Rahi’s literary journey and archival materials. Two significant academic publications were also released on the occasion: Anhaar—the latest volume of the Department’s annual peer-reviewed research journal, and the Kashmiri translation of the Nilamata Purana, an important cultural and historical text.
