Srinagar, Sep 10 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Urdu Council, in collaboration with Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, organised a one-day national symposium at Kashmir University to remember the life, literary contributions and academic achievements of noted Urdu writer, poet, critic and former university vice chancellor Prof Hamidi Kashmiri.

Titled "Hamidi Kashmiri: Life and Services", the symposium was attended by writers, poets, intellectuals, journalists and literary scholars from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country.

Research and critical papers were presented on various aspects of Hamidi Kashmiri's life and contributions to Urdu poetry, short-story writing, research, criticism, teaching and intellectual thought. Participants from Delhi, Ghaziabad and Patna also presented papers.

The programme was held at the Ibn Khaldun Auditorium of Kashmir University. Jammu and Kashmir Urdu Council president A R Hanjura delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives and activities of the council.

The symposium was inaugurated by Dean Academic Affairs of Kashmir University, Prof Sharief-ud-Din Peerzada, while University Registrar Prof Naseer Iqbal attended as the chief guest.

Prof Mohammad Zaman Azurda delivered the presidential address, while Abu Zahir Rabbani, member of the Sahitya Akademi's Urdu Advisory Board, proposed the vote of thanks.

The academic session was presided over by Prof Syed Haseen Ahmed. Mohammad Yousuf Shaheen, Prof Abdul Rasheed Bhat, Nasir Mirza and Javed Matjee were also present on the dais.

Deepak Badki, Rukhsana Jabeen, Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai, Shahbaz Hakbari, Abu Zahir Rabbani, Nusrat Jabeen and Riyaz Tawheedi presented research and critical papers on Hamidi Kashmiri's life, personality, literary work and academic contributions.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The speakers said Hamidi Kashmiri made significant contributions to Urdu literature, research, criticism and teaching. They said his academic approach, critical perspective and literary thought contributed to the development of Urdu literary discourse.

They said his literary and academic legacy remained relevant for the present generation and would continue to serve as a reference for future generations.

Jammu and Kashmir Urdu Council secretary Javed Matjee conducted the first session, while Council Secretary Information Javed Hussain Kirmani conducted the second session.

A literary forum and poetic session were also held as part of the programme. The poetic session was presided over by noted poet Rafiq Raaz, with Satish Vimal, Ashraf Aadil, Dr Shakeel Shafai, Dr Hafiz Shah Nawaz and Kausar Rasool reciting their poetry.

In his concluding remarks, Javed Matjee thanked Sahitya Akademi officials, Kashmir University authorities, participants, paper presenters, guests and organisers for their participation.

The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Dr Hafiz Shah Nawaz, followed by a prayer poem presented by students of Iqbal Public High School, Soura.

The symposium was aimed at highlighting Prof Hamidi Kashmiri's contributions to literature, research, criticism and academics and providing a platform for academic and intellectual discussion on his literary legacy.

Among those who attended the programme were writers and intellectuals including Ijaz Ahmad Kakroo, Prof Altaf Anjum, Peer Naseer Ahmad, Dr Shah Faisal, Saleem Salik, Imdad Saqi, Bilal Farqani, Nazim Nazir, Shabir Matjee, Sufi Ali Mohammad, Dr Mushtaq Haider, Ibn Shahbaz, Dr Peer Naseer Ahmed and Prof Bashir Ahmad Shah. (KNS)