Srinagar, Oct 17: Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad today released Zaytoon: A Tale of Survival and Solitude, a novel authored by emerging writer Nahida Mushtaq, at a literary programme organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) at its Seminar Hall, Lal Mandi, Srinagar.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Mian Altaf Ahmad highly appreciated Nahida Mushtaq’s creative endeavour, describing the novel as a significant literary expression of the struggles, resilience and emotional experiences of a Gujjar woman. He lauded the author for bringing to the forefront the lived realities of tribal women through creative writing, observing that literature possesses the unique power to give voice to experiences that often remain undocumented or unheard.
He emphasised that creative writing is not merely an artistic pursuit but also a means of preserving collective memory, documenting social realities and highlighting the human dimensions of struggle, survival and solitude. He particularly appreciated the author’s courage and creativity in exploring a subject rooted in the life and experiences of tribal society. He also commended JKAACL for providing a meaningful platform to emerging writers and nurturing literary talent across the region.
Dr Abid Ahmad, Editor, JKAACL, welcomed the Chief Guest, the author and other dignitaries. He stated that the Academy’s initiative aimed at encouraging young authors, promoting creative expression and fostering intellectual engagement through meaningful literary activities.
Presenting a review of the novel, Manzoor Ahmad Baba examined its central themes and literary dimensions, offering insights into its treatment of survival, solitude, resilience and the complexities of human experience.
Author Nahida Mushtaq shared the story behind Zaytoon and spoke about her creative journey and the process of writing the novel. She reflected on the inspiration behind the narrative and her effort to portray the experiences and struggles of tribal women through fiction.
Mushtaq Bajad, father of the author, observed that tribal society possesses numerous untold stories that deserve to be documented through literature. He appreciated his daughter’s dedication and hard work in bringing one such story to life and expressed gratitude to the Academy for providing her with a platform to present her creative work.
The programme was attended by prominent members of the literary, cultural and intellectual fraternity, including Prof. Nasir Mirza, Mansha Khaki, Sanjay Saraf, Rafi Ahmad Khari, Abdus Salam Kousari and Advocate Arshad Ahmad, besides other writers, scholars and literary enthusiasts.
The release of Zaytoon: A Tale of Survival and Solitude marked a significant occasion for the emerging author and reaffirmed the importance of encouraging creative voices from tribal communities. The novel brings attention to the power of literature in documenting untold stories, celebrating human resilience and enriching the literary landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.