Literary fest held on IUST foundation week

Awantipora, Nov 11: Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) on Monday hosted a literary fest as part of the varsity's foundation week programmes.

The campus has been bustling with a host of activities since November 7, marking the 19th foundation day of the university.

Dr Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST said that the foundation day activities were aimed at highlighting the various accomplishments of the university over the last 19 years in different fields including science, technology, research and academics.

"The objective of this fest is to promote our culture and tradition. To achieve this, we have established various clubs on the campus", said the Vice Chancellor.

He informed that the university also established the Lal Ded literary society and organised a seminar. Romshoo said that many students had already enrolled as members of the society.

"We have a rich cultural tradition. The aim of this initiative is to preserve our language, heritage and culture", said Romshoo.

He said that Kashmir had long lacked spaces for the poets and artists. " We are trying to create such spaces. We have been recently allocated 200 kanals of land for an additional campus, where we plan to establish a literary village for the promotion of language and culture", said Romshoo.

He said that he would submit proposals to the cultural ministries of both Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre in this regard.

Romshoo said that he was hopeful that within one or two years they would be able to create "such a space for the artists, poets and literary figures of Kashmir."

Dr Rabia Noor, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication gave an overview of the Lal Ded Literary society. Naseem Shafie, Sahitya Akademi Award-winning poet said that the main objective of such activities was to familiarise the youth with their culture and heritage.

"My message for the youth is to come forward and connect to your roots", she said. Dr Shabnam Rafiq, In charge Program Officer Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Culture, Art and Languages also addressed the occasion.

During the valedictory session, a short film on the "Essence of Lal Ded" was also screened. The other activities included poetry recitation, debate and on-spot essay writing competition. Prof Abdul Wahid, Registrar IUST presented the concluding remarks.