CUK holds seminar on life and works of poet Samad Mir

Ganderbal, Nov 1: The Department of Kashmiri, School of Languages, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), in collaboration with the Sahitya Akademi, organised a seminar on the life and works of eminent Kashmiri poet Samad Mir at the university’s Tulmulla campus.

The event brought together leading scholars, poets, and academicians to explore the humanistic and mystical dimensions of Samad Mir’s poetry, described by many as a blend of spiritual wisdom and social reflection.

Vice-Chancellor Prof A. Ravinder Nath, in his presidential address, said the seminar served as an important platform to rediscover the poet’s timeless message of peace and universal humanism. “Language and culture are two inseparable wings of civilisation,” he noted. “Kashmir’s literary tradition, from Sharda Peeth to Samad Mir, reflects an enduring pursuit of knowledge, truth, and aesthetic beauty.”

Prof Nath also outlined initiatives to strengthen the Department of Kashmiri, including certificate and diploma programmes to encourage wider learning and research in the language.

In his keynote address, noted poet and broadcaster Satish Vimal described Samad Mir’s poetry as “an ocean of human experience where mysticism and modern consciousness converge.”

He said Mir’s verses were “not merely written but felt—luminous, sincere, and eternal.”

Dean, School of Languages, Prof Sandhya Tiwari, highlighted the poet’s mastery of metaphor and symbolism, calling his verse “a rare blend of aesthetic grace and emotional depth.” She announced that the university would soon propose the establishment of a Centre for Translation Studies to promote Kashmiri literature in Hindi and English.

Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Shahid Rasool, lamented the lack of digital access to Samad Mir’s works. “Except for a few scattered references, his literary treasure remains hidden,” he said, urging for the publication of a monograph and digital archives on Kashmiri poets.

Head, Department of Kashmiri, Prof Shad Ramzan, portrayed Samad Mir as “a bridge between the oral and written traditions of Kashmiri literature,” describing him as “a poet of the people whose words carried the fragrance of humility, tolerance, and compassion.”

Representatives from the Sahitya Akademi, including Anupam Tiwari, stressed the importance of celebrating regional voices. “Samad Mir’s poetry reminds us that India’s strength lies in its linguistic diversity,” he said.

The inaugural session was attended by eminent writers such as Prof Basher Bashir, Shamshad Kralwari, Ranjoor Tilgami, and Shahbaz Haqbari. Over the two-day seminar, several scholars will present papers analysing various facets of the poet’s life and literary legacy.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Rouf Adil, member of the Kashmiri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi.