Sringar, July 26: A galaxy of distinguished Urdu scholars, authors, intellectuals, and literary personalities gathered today at an interactive session jointly organized by the Kashmir Society International and the Aalmi Urdu Conference (Jammu & Kashmir Chapter), reaffirming their collective commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the Urdu language.
The participants paid rich tributes to the late Ali Siddique, the visionary founder of the Aalmi Urdu Conference, established in 1988, who recognized Jammu & Kashmir as one of the most significant centres of Urdu in India. The gathering acknowledged that the sustained efforts of the Kashmir Society International and the Aalmi Urdu Conference have played an exemplary role in the promotion and preservation of Urdu across the country. The participants unanimously resolved to reinvigorate this mission and intensify efforts to safeguard the language for future generations.
In a unanimous show of solidarity, the participants adopted a resolution to revive Urdu's glorious legacy as a language of love, harmony, and unity. The resolution emphasized Urdu's historic role as a cultural bridge connecting sister languages of the region, including Kashmiri, Hindi, Gojri, Pahari, Punjabi, and Shina, while highlighting its contribution to India's composite cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers underscored the need for sustained literary, academic, and cultural initiatives to ensure that Urdu continues to flourish in educational institutions and public life. They stressed that the language remains a vital symbol of shared history, inclusiveness, and intellectual tradition.
Among the eminent personalities, scholars, and authors who attended the session were Abdul Hafiz Shah Masoodi, IAS, Special Secretary; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Malik, former Head of the Department of Urdu, Central University of Kashmir; Abdul Rashid Hanjura, Head of the Urdu Council; Gulshan Badrani; Prof. Altaf Naqashbandi, Central University of Kashmir; Javid Mattoo, noted Urdu author; Ghulam Mustafa Khan; Nazi Azad, distinguished author; Parvaiz Manoos; Rashid Aziz; War Sahib; Saqib Poshpori; Mushtaq Sopori; Dr. Mubarak Lone; Inayat Bashir, author; Mohammad Nadeem; Ashfaq Ahmad; Mohammad Ashraf Makhdoomi; Prof. Nazir Afzal; Maqbool Ferozi; Bilal Ahmad Najar, Research Scholar; Dilbar Ahmad Wagay; Mohammad Shahid Wani; Salim Mohammad; Shah Zubair; Suresh Kumar, Urdu Research Scholar; Afshana Gamgeen, Research Scholar; Inayat Gul, author; Ghulam Qadir Baidar, author; Dr. Mehrul Nissa; Yamin Yousuf; Umair Mashqoor; Mohammad Ibrar, Research Scholar; Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Wani; and Eng. Aali Shah Qadri, among several other distinguished literary figures.
The participants concluded the session by reiterating their shared resolve to work collectively for the preservation, promotion, and enrichment of Urdu, ensuring that the language continues to inspire future generations and strengthen the region's rich literary and cultural traditions.