Literary conference held in Shopian

Shopian, Nov 2: The spacious auditorium of Degree College Shopian on Saturday afternoon echoed with a heady mix of dark humour, poetry, and engaging paper presentation.

Standing behind a jet-black wooden lectern, senior journalist Riyaz Masroor began moderating the one-day literary conference by invoking the words of Pakistani satirist Mushtaq Ahmad Yusufi as he invited humorist poet Athar Balpori on the stage.  With his facetious couplets, Balpori had the audience in stitches.

The conference was organised by the JK Maraaz Kamraaz Academy (Shopian Chapter) in collaboration with the Department of Information.

Mohmmad Ashraf Hamad, senior journalist and writer presented a paper, written by Rashid Sarshar, on renowned poet Ghulam Hassan Mizrab.

The paper highlighted the poetic brilliance of Mizrab, which touches on many vicissitudes of life.

“His poems capture everything—from the folktale of Heemal Nagrai and awe-inspiring beauty of Kounsar Naag to the pain and agony of mankind,” said Hamad while reading out the paper.

Senior Advocate and writer S M Iqbal presented a paper on Pervaiz Betab, a young bard who lived and died in obscurity as a poet. He departed in the prime of his life and was the son of the celebrated Kashmiri poet Mohammad Ayoub Beatab.

The paper presentations were followed by a Mushaira, where alongside the prominent poets like Hussain Zaffar, Mohmmad Yaqoob Naseem and Iqabl Kashmiri, several young bards took the stage to recite their poetry.

Former Director of Doordarshan, Shahzadi Simon in her address not only stressed the need to promote art and culture, but also emphasized the significance of providing a platform to young people to express their creativity.  She stressed the crucial role of preserving our language and heritage.

Jan Nisar Ahmad, secretary JK Maraaz Kamraaz Academy told Greater Kashmir that the conference was a tribute to poetic legacy and cultural heritage of the area. Besides renowned poets,  singers and social activist  including Bashir Ahmad Dada, professor Rashid Majrooh, chairman JK Maraaz Kamraaz Academy, Waheed Jeelani, Mitha Gatoo, social activist, the event was attended by the senior legislator Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami and newly elected MLA Shabir Ahamd Kullay.

During the programme , some poets and social activists for their outstanding constructions were also facilitated on the occasion.