Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 7: Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), under the guidance of Bharat Singh (secretary, JKAACL), organized ‘Meet-the-Author’ at JKAACL premises in Jammu.
The series intends to have a direct interaction of the writer with the audience. Under this initiative, every weekend, the JKAACL shall host meet the authors of seven different languages: Urdu, Hindi, Kashmiri, Dogri, Punjabi, Gojri, and Pahari.
While addressing the audience, Bharat Singh expressed that authors are the face of society. “They (authors) represent the inner thoughts of the social fabric through their ink, and it is indeed a special skill,” mentions the Secretary. He further added that they started this series to promote the direct interaction with the author.
Today’s event featured Pritpal Singh Betab, a renowned Urdu Ghazal writer, poet of international fame and retired IAS officer. Pritpal originally belongs to village Kharhi Sharmsaal of district Poonch. He shared his journey of literature with the audience.
A face of modern Urdu poetry in J&K State, Betab published his 1st collection of Ghazals and Nazms entitled “Pesh Khyma” in 1980 AD which received “Best Book Award” from J&K Cultural Academy in the year 1981-82. “Mauj-e-Reig” a collection of Betab’s Ghazals published in the year 2003 AD received “Bhasha-Bharti Sammaan 2004-05” from Central Institute of Indian Languages Mysore.
Dr Shahnaz Qaderi conducted the proceedings. The dignitaries and writers at the event included Padamshree Dr Jitender Udhampuri, Ahmed Shanas, besides all renowned poet and authors of other languages.
Dr Shahnawaz, editor cum cultural officer, Gojri, presented the vote of thanks.
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