Srinagar, June 9: In a celebration of literature, poetry and cultural diversity, the Department of Hindi, University of Kashmir (KU) and Department of Students’ Welfare (DSW) KU in collaboration with Ajmer Lekhika Manch Evam Samajik Seva Sansthan, organized a one-day programme titled “Kavi Goshthi Evam Sanskritik Karyakram” at the University’s Main Campus on Tuesday.
Sponsored by Arise Hyundai and the Cultural -cum-Literary Club, DSW, KU the event brought together eminent poets, writers, academicians and literary enthusiasts from different parts of the country.
The event featured poetry recitations and cultural performances that highlighted the richness of India’s literary traditions and cultural heritage.
On the occasion, Volume 51 of ‘Vitasta’, the annual journal of the Department of Hindi, KU was also released, marking 51 years of its continuous publication and contribution to literary and academic discourse.
While presiding over the inaugural session Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan said, “The University of Kashmir has a rich legacy of promoting the tradition of literary exchange through poetry, art and culture. Poetry is a powerful medium that provides direction to society and acts as a catalyst for social reform.”
She said that such collaborations provide valuable opportunities to showcase the rich traditions and civilizational heritage of Kashmir, a region with a long history of promoting the exchange of knowledge, wisdom and ideas through various forms of literature, poetry and art.
Speaking on the occassion Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Dean, School of Arts, Languages and Literature, Prof. Sheikh Mohammad Aejaz, and Dean Students’ Welfare, Prof. Seema Singh, underscored the importance of such literary and cultural programmes in nurturing creativity and critical thinking among youth.
The speakers noted that such platforms enable young poets and writers to articulate their views on contemporary social issues while also providing an opportunity to showcase the rich and diverse cultural heritage of different regions of the country.
In her keynote address, Dr. Madhu Khandelwal, Coordinator, Ajmer Lekhika Manch Evam Samajik Seva Sansthan, highlighted the transformative role of literature in fostering social awareness, cultural understanding and national integration.
Earlier, welcoming the guests and participants, Prof. Rubi Zutshi, Head, Department of Hindi, KU highlighted the department’s longstanding commitment to promoting literary scholarship and creative expression.
The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer, DSW KU whileas vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Mudasir Ahmad, faculty member, Department of Hindi, KU.