Noted Sufi poet Faqir Rahim Shah's poetic collection 'Fana-Fe- Rahim' was released today at an impressive literary event held in Govt Degree College for Boys in Pulwama.
The event was organized by Kashmir Markaz Adab wa-Saqafat, Char-e-Sharief.
Historian and poet Prof Farooq Fayaz presided over the function while Prof Shaad Ramzan, President Markaz Adab Kamraz, Muhammad Amin Bhat, Prof Showkat and Dr Gazanfar Ali were present on the occasion.
Singer Saima Ashraf recited Natti Sharif and some of the poems from the book
'Fana -Fi-Rahim' and enthralled the jam packed audience.
Writers Ali Ahsan and Showkat Firaar read papers highlighting poetic beauty and sensitivities in the mystic poetry of Faqir Rahim Shah.
A paper reading session was followed by Mahfl-e-Mushaira wherein poets including Mushtaq Mehram, Ghulam Rasool Sadoori, Abdul Rashid Shaad, Omar Fayaz and Shadab Yasmeen recited their poems .
President of the Kashmir Markaz Adab-wa-saqafat Dr Gazanfar Ali presented welcome address and Secretary KMAS Inayat Gul conducted the proceedings of the literary event in his unique style.
Senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief Brighter Kashmir Farooq Wani paid glowing tributes to the legacy of Rahim Shah whom he described as legendary poet.
He described Pulwama and Charar-e-Sharif having deep rooted connection while Charar-i Sharief being the epicenter of Sufism.
He emphasized that teaching of great Sufi saints should be followed in letter and spirit to come out of the morass of complexities.
Shamima Rahim, daughter of Faqir Rahim Shah, appreciated the KMAS efforts in recognizing the literary works of her father.
Her emotional vote of thanks touched the audience as she narrated the spiritual side of her father.
The eminent writers and poets including Farooq Fayaz, Shaad Ramzan and Muhammad Amin Bhat dwelt at length on the contribution of Sufi poetry to Kashmir’s cultural ethos.
All were in unison to conclude that Kashmiri Sufi poetry has rich content and thought compared to the literature of other languages.
The efforts of Bureau Chief ETV 18 Urdu Rajesh Raina were lauded as his new song was released on the occasion. The song has been sung by prominent singer Waheed Jeelani.