Srinagar, June 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) on Wednesday released Saffron Winds, a collection of English poems by noted writer, columnist and literary figure Sanjay Pandita, at a well-attended function held in the Academy’s Seminar Hall in Srinagar.
The event brought together eminent writers, poets, scholars, academicians and literary enthusiasts from across the Valley. Prof. Shad Ramzan presided over the function, while Dr. Satish Vimal attended as Chief Guest. Ideel Saleem, Additional Secretary JKAACL, and Dr. Abid Ahmad, Editor JKAACL, were also present. The book was formally reviewed by Prof. Basharat Bhat.
In his remarks, Prof. Shad Ramzan described Saffron Winds as a significant contribution to contemporary Kashmiri literary expression in English, highlighting its emotional depth, cultural rootedness and engagement with themes of memory, identity and displacement.
Dr. Satish Vimal called the collection evocative and poignant, noting its ability to transform longing and remembrance into refined poetic expression that reflects both Kashmiri experience and universal human emotions.
Prof. Basharat Bhat, in his detailed review, termed the work a valuable addition to Indian English literature, praising its depiction of Kashmir’s landscapes, cultural ethos and collective memory through sensitive poetic imagery.
The author, Sanjay Pandita, reflected on his literary journey and said the poems emerge from lived experiences and memories connected to the Kashmiri Pandit community. He underlined literature’s role in preserving memory and fostering emotional and cultural dialogue.
Ideel Saleem, in his welcome address, highlighted JKAACL’s commitment to nurturing literary and cultural activity across Jammu and Kashmir and promoting multilingual creative expression.
The programme witnessed participation from several prominent literary figures and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Abid Ahmad, marking yet another significant literary initiative by JKAACL.
