Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 11: To commemorate the 125th birthday of the Kashmiri poet, Ghulam Ahmad Mehjoor, the Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL) today organized a day-long Mehjoor Seminar highlighting his life and work.
Mehjoor, popularly known as Sher-e-Kashmir or the Poet of Kashmir, was born on August 11, 1887 at Mitrigam, a south Kashmir village in Pulwama district. Through his verses, he rose to become the most popular poet of Kashmir attaining an iconic status.
Prominent writers of Kashmiri language including Prof. Shafi Shoque, Prof. Shad Ramzan, Prof. Bashar Basheer, Dr. Ayaz Rasool Nazki and Ghulam Nabi Aatish read out well researched papers on the poetry of Mehjoor.
Eminent Kashmiri poet and Jnanpith Awardee, Prof Rehman Rahi presided over the literary function while noted writer and critic, Mohammad Yusuf Taing was the chief guest. A large number of writers and lovers of Kashmiri language and literature including Farooq Nazki, Nusrat Andrabi and M. H. Zafar were present.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Yusuf Taing spelt out Mehjoor’s contribution through his verses in creating political awareness among the masses against autocratic rule. He called upon the Academy to reprint Mehjoor’s poetic collection for the benefit of scholars and students of Kashmiri literature.
In his presidential address, Prof. Rehman Rahi read out a wonderful poem titled Bayad-e- Mehjoor (In Mehjoor’s memory) which was highly appreciated by the audience.
In his inaugural remarks, Secretary JKAACL, Khalid Bashir Ahmad said that in recognition of Mehjoor’s contribution, the Department of Posts, Government of India, has decided to issue a commemorative postal stamp on the poet. He said the stamp would be released sometime later this year at a specially held function. The Academy, he said, is in close touch with the Department of Posts and has provided the relevant material on the life and poetry of Mehjoor to Director Philately.
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