KU celebrates Rahi Masoom Raza’s legacy
Srinagar, Nov 3: A three-day seminar celebrating the literary and cinematic legacy of Rahi Masoom Raza, an acclaimed Urdu and Hindi poet, novelist, and Bollywood lyricist, concluded at the University of Kashmir (KU) on Monday.
A statement of KU issued here said that the event was jointly organised by the varsity’s Department of Students Welfare (DSW) and IDEA Communications, drawing together noted scholars, poets, and creative practitioners to explore Rahi’s contributions to Indian literature and cinema.
Throughout the seminar, scholars reflected on Rahi’s unique writing that seamlessly blended lyricism with social consciousness and poetry with popular culture.
Speakers highlighted how his works, from evocative novels to Bollywood scripts, continue to illuminate themes of identity, community, and social consciousness in India’s cultural fabric.
Earlier, the three-day literary event commenced on Saturday with the inaugural session attended by Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor of the University, Manoj Sinha, who highlighted the continuing significance of Rahi’s writings in shaping India’s cultural and intellectual consciousness.
He emphasised that Rahi’s works transcended linguistic boundaries, reflecting the composite spirit of Indian society and its deep human values.
Vice Chancellor KU, Prof Nilofer Khan, reflected on the relevance of Rahi's writings in contemporary times.
“Rahi Masoom Raza’s legacy reminds us that literature and cinema are not confined to art; they are mirrors of society that inspire reflection, unity, and compassion,” she said.
Bollywood lyricist Sameer Anjaan described Rahi as “a poet who wrote not just with ink but with empathy,” adding that “Rahi’s words found rhythm in the struggles of ordinary people and became an anthem for unity and humanity.”
Over 40 Urdu and Hindi scholars presented their papers, engaging with Rahi’s vast work that seamlessly bridged literature, poetry, and film.
As part of the seminar’s cultural component, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) hosted an Urdu Mushaira–Kavi Sammelan at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, which drew an overwhelming response from the Urdu literary fraternity.
Presided over by Prof Navin Chandra Lohani, a noted Hindi poet and scholar, the Mushaira brought together voices from across India, celebrating the linguistic and poetic diversity that Rahi championed throughout his life.
The three-day event concluded on a reflective note, reaffirming Rahi’s position as a creative visionary who blurred the lines between literature, poetry, and cinema, inspiring generations to find art in the everyday and meaning in the ordinary.
The seminar witnessed the participation of several distinguished scholars and writers, including Prof Abu Bakar Abad of Delhi University), Noor Amrohvi from USA, Aziz Nabeel from Qatar, Prof Shafey Kidwai of the Aligarh Muslim University, Prof Arun Hota of West Bengal State University, Prof Ghazanfar Ali Khan of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, and Prof Aejaz Muhammad Sheikh of KU.
