Srinagar, Feb 2: The University of Kashmir (KU) on Monday held a felicitation ceremony to honour Prof Shafi Shauq, former KU faculty member and eminent Kashmiri litterateur, recently awarded the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to education and preservation of the Kashmiri language.

The event, held at the main campus, was attended by senior university officials and faculty members celebrating Prof Shauq’s distinguished academic and literary journey. Vice-Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan praised his decades-long dedication to literature and interdisciplinary education, noting that his work anticipated the vision of the National Education Policy 2020.
“Prof Shauq’s contributions have enriched the Kashmiri language and brought pride to the University, Jammu & Kashmir, and the nation,” she said, adding that the University hopes to engage him as a mentor for students and scholars in the School of Arts, Culture and Languages.
Prof Shauq expressed gratitude to KU, calling it a nurturing family that recognized his work. Recalling his 1978 appointment, he shared anecdotes about his literary pursuits, particularly in lexicography, and credited linguist George Abraham Grierson as a major inspiration.
Several speakers, including Dean Academic Affairs Prof Shariefuddin Pirzada, Registrar Prof Naseer Iqbal, and Dean, School of Arts, Culture and Languages Prof Aejaz Mohammad Sheikh, highlighted his lasting impact on Kashmiri language studies and his role in inspiring generations of learners and researchers.
The ceremony was conducted by Dr Ashfaq Zarri, Special Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor, who reflected on Prof Shauq’s legacy and the significance of his Padma Shri recognition