Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 28: A two-day Urdu writers workshop concluded at the University of Kashmir here today.
The workshop was organized by University’s Media Education Research Centre (MERC) in collaboration with Pratham Books, publishers of children’s books.
Welcoming the workshop participants, Faruq Masudi, Coordinator MERC said, “This workshop is extending the boundaries of media writing by focussing on writing for children as the same remains neglected and needs a serious resurrection. Media fraternity has a vital role to play in this regard,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Manisha Choudhary, writer-cum-group editor at Pratham Books, spoke on the importance of Urdu literature and the need to promote it among children.
“Our publishing industry and educational system have given everything a mechanical status and that’s why very little literature for children is found in our school textbooks,” Choudhary said.
Apart from brainstorming sessions, a comprehensive discussion about approaches and handling of traditional stories by contemporary writers, was held during the workshop.
In her presentation, Mala Kumar, writer and editor at Pratham Books said, “The richness a mother tongue possesses can’t be found in languages which are alien to children.”
Rajesh Kher, Editor at Pratham Books, delivered a lecture on “fading of structure in the contemporary literature.”
“Today’s scholars and writers care little about the base and structure of their written stories. We have been lethargic in investing our efforts and time for child literature,” Kher added.
The workshop was attended by students of MERC and Urdu department, besides prominent writers of Kashmir.
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