Kruhen Cultural Forum elects new body, reaffirms commitment to cultural revival

Srinagar, Dec 7: The Kruhen Cultural Forum Muradabad Kreeri—one of north Kashmir’s oldest and most respected literary organisations—has elected a new working body, marking what members described as a renewed commitment to cultural preservation, literary growth and organisational continuity.

The elections were held on Friday at Government Model Higher Secondary School Muradabad Kreeri, where registered members participated in the selection of representatives for the next term, said a press release.

While most posts were filled through unanimous consensus, the position of General Secretary witnessed a competitive contest between Syed Sharief Hussain Qadri and Dr Reyaz Ahmad Alai (Rabbani). After polling, Qadri emerged victorious, securing the only contested position in the election.

The newly elected office bearers include President: Syed Shamim Ahmad Shamim; Vice President: Syed Ghulam Mohiuddin Andrabi; General Secretary: Syed Sharief Hussain Qadri; Treasurer: Abid Ashraf; Librarian: Syed Mumtaz Hamdani and Publicity Secretary: Jehangir Bukhari (Abu Husnain).

Members present at the venue welcomed the outcome and expressed confidence in the team’s collective capability. Several senior participants noted that the Forum holds a unique position in the region’s cultural history, predating many contemporaries including the Adbi Markaz Kamraaz.

Following the election, the new executive pledged to revitalise local literary culture through seminars, poetry gatherings, book exhibitions, talent development workshops, and documentation of local folklore.

Expressing gratitude for the mandate, newly elected President Syed Shamim Ahmad Shamim said the Forum would work to broaden its cultural outreach. “This platform belongs to every voice that carries the flavour, memory, and spirit of Kashmiri literature. We will work tirelessly to strengthen that connection,” he said. Publicity Secretary, Jehangir Bukhari added that the organisation has historically served as “a lighthouse for poets, scholars and cultural thinkers of the region.” He affirmed that the new team aims to revive the Forum’s past vibrancy and expand its activities beyond conventional literary gatherings.

The new body has taken charge with immediate effect and is expected to announce a detailed activity calendar in the coming weeks.