Sopore, Aug 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), in collaboration with Daira-e-Adab Delina, organised a one-day symposium at Government Degree College Sopore to mark the 26th death anniversary of noted Kashmiri poet, writer, critic, educationist and translator, late Nishat Ansari.

The symposium brought together writers, poets, academicians, teachers, students and literature enthusiasts to reflect on Ansari’s life, personality and multifaceted literary contributions.
The programme was held in two sessions, with the first devoted to academic deliberations and the second to a poetry recital. The inaugural session was presided over by Fayaz Telgami, while Shahnaz Rashid was the chief guest and Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad the guest of honour. Javed Iqbal Khan, Editor of Kashmiri Shiraza, was also part of the presidium. Dr Gulzar Ahmad Rather, Assistant Editor Kashmiri, JKAACL, conducted the proceedings.
Welcoming the participants, Javed Iqbal Khan emphasised the importance of remembering Kashmir’s literary figures and undertaking fresh research into their works. He described Nishat Ansari as a versatile personality whose contribution extended beyond poetry to prose, education and translation.
Shahnaz Rashid appreciated the initiative and stressed the need to preserve Kashmir’s rich literary heritage and connect younger generations with the works of eminent writers. Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad also highlighted Ansari’s contribution to Kashmir’s literary and intellectual life and called for systematic documentation and research into his legacy.
The keynote address was delivered by Shahid Delnavi, who examined various aspects of Ansari’s poetry and prose and placed his work in the broader social, cultural and literary context of Kashmir.
Shaukat Shan presented a research paper analysing Ansari’s literary contribution and creative sensibility, particularly the relationship between his language, literature and the socio-cultural environment of his time.
Presiding over the session, Fayaz Telgami observed that the best way to honour a literary figure was to keep his works alive through reading, research and continued critical discussion.
The second session featured a poetry recital and was presided over by Shabir Ahmad Shabir. Abdul Khaliq Shams was the chief guest, while Rashid Kansapori was the guest of honour. Mohammad Afzal Afzal, President of Daira-e-Adab Delina, and Sher Ali Mashghool were also present.
The poets who participated in the recital included Izhar-ul-Haq, Shehnawaz Hussain Mir, Nighat Nasreen, Qazi Hafiz Delnavi, Fayaz Azad, Sher Ali Mashghool, Ali Mohammad Hasrat, Sarwar Hashmi and Zameer Ansari.
Speakers during the poetry session emphasised the role of literature in preserving Kashmir’s cultural identity and called for greater opportunities for young poets and readers to engage with Kashmiri language and literature.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Zameer Ansari, who expressed gratitude to the guests, scholars, poets, participants and the JKAACL for making the event successful.
The symposium served as a tribute to Nishat Ansari’s enduring literary legacy while highlighting the need to preserve, research and promote the works of Kashmir’s distinguished literary personalities for future generations.