Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 4: Well known television personality and author Rajesh Kaul’s collection of short stories titled ‘Mortchi-Gur’ (The Sculptor) was released at an impressive function organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and Kalidas Theatre, here today.
Speaking on the occasion, M.Y.Taing, former Director General, Culture, said that the book was a welcome addition to Kashmiri literature. He expressed optimism about Kashmiri language and literature and said that with the combined efforts of all concerned it will prosper and grow from strength to strength.
Well known writer Prof. R.L.Shant, who was the chief guest, said that there was a need to inculcate reading habit among the new generation and that parents should ensure that their children speak in their mother-tongue.
While welcoming the guests, Dr. Aziz Hajni, secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, highlighted the steps being taken by the Cultural Academy for promoting Kashmiri and other regional languages. He said that all sections of the society must work in tandem in order to preserve these languages.
G.R.Hasrat Gadda, general secretary, Funkar Cultural Organisation and Editor, Kashmir Insight, congratulated the author for publishing this fine collection of short stories. He expressed hope that writers in Kashmiri language will enrich the language further with their combined efforts.
Prof Rattan Lal Talashi read a paper on the book and lauded it as a unique creative experiment by the author that presented visual and poetic images in fluid prose.
Ayash Arif, president, Kalidas Theatre and Head of Kashmiriyat Publications, the publishers of the book, recounted the hard work and efforts made in publishing the book. He said that his organisation was committed to the cause of Kashmiri language.
Rajesh Kaul, the author, read excerpts from the book and thanked everyone associated with the publication and organising the book release function.
Well known cultural critic Ravinder Kaul conducted the proceedings of the programme.
The programme was attended by a large number of writers, artists and prominent personalities including Vijay Bakaya, Shabir Mujahid, Gokul Deambi, Dr. Zahid Gillani, Prof. B.L.Zutshi, Khalid Husain, Rajinder Singh Raina, Zahid Manzoor, Ayaz Rasool Nazki, Ashok Bhan, Amin Banihali, Mushtaq Kak, Ramesh Hangloo, Bihari Kak, Liaqat Jafri, Ashok Zafrani, Kusum Dhar, Kusum Tickoo, Virendar Raina, Rani Bhan, Zahid Manzoor, Kuldip Saproo, Baljit Raina and Kamal Razdan among others.
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