KU hosts book release ceremony; minister urges youth to revive reading culture
Srinagar, Jun 30: Department of Urdu, University of Kashmir (KU) organised the release of Durr-e-Naayaab (The Rare Pearl), a biography authored by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, at Main Campus here today.
The event brought together eminent academicians, literary personalities, students, scholars and writers to celebrate a work that chronicles the life, public service and enduring legacy of veteran political leader late Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo.
The book release function was presided over by Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan, while Sakeena Itoo attended the programme as the Chief Guest and author of the book.
Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo expressed her gratitude to the Department of Urdu and the University of Kashmir for organising the release of Durr-e-Naayaab at the UT’s premier institution.
Describing the occasion as deeply meaningful, the Minister said that she considered it a tribute to the enduring legacy of her late father and appreciated the University’s initiative in bringing the work before the academic community. “I thank the Department of Urdu and the University of Kashmir for honouring the rich legacy of my late father by releasing this book at this premier institution and highest seat of learning,” she said.
Calling Durr-e-Naayaab perhaps the most meaningful contribution she could make to society, the Minister said the biography represented years of painstaking research, reflection and emotional commitment. She remarked that if she was ever asked to identify her greatest contribution beyond public life, she would point to this book, which documents the values, struggles and unwavering commitment of a leader whose life was devoted to public service.
She added that the work was compiled after years of sustained effort and drew extensively upon family archives, personal memories and historical records.
Reflecting on the emotional journey behind the book, Sakeena Itoo said that writing the biography of a person with whom one shares a deep emotional bond was one of the most difficult literary exercises. She recalled that many forgotten anecdotes were revived through her mother’s recollections, which helped reconstruct significant episodes of her father’s life.
The Minister also shared that several personal letters written by her father while he was away from home for studies became invaluable source material, offering intimate insights into his ideals, thoughts and unwavering commitment to the people.
She observed that he worked tirelessly to expand educational opportunities, improve healthcare facilities and promote inclusive development across the region.
Expressing concern over the declining culture of reading, the Minister urged the younger generation to rediscover the habit of reading books, particularly biographies that preserve the lives and contributions of selfless leaders. She said young readers would discover valuable lessons in courage, sacrifice, public service and ethical leadership through such works.
In her presidential address, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan congratulated Sakina Itoo on producing a work of lasting literary and historical value despite her demanding responsibilities as Minister. She described the biography as an extraordinary accomplishment.
She observed that documenting the life of a distinguished public figure while simultaneously discharging multiple public responsibilities was a remarkable achievement worthy of appreciation.
Prof. Khan also highlighted the rich academic and literary legacy of the Department of Urdu, observing that generations of its faculty members had made immense contributions to the intellectual and cultural landscape of Kashmir and the country.
Referring to Durr-e-Naayaab, she said the biography presents a compelling account of late Wali Mohammad Itoo’s public life, grassroots engagement and commitment to the welfare of the people. She added that the work provides readers with a deeper understanding of the region’s social ethos, cultural values and traditions of public service.
The Vice-Chancellor further remarked that while reading the biography, she realised how profoundly the author’s own personality had been shaped by the ideals and values of her late father. She said the book vividly captures the qualities of humility, dedication and compassion that defined his life and expressed confidence that it would inspire young readers to embrace integrity, selfless leadership and service to society.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal and Dean, School of Arts, Languages and Literature, Prof. Aijaz Mohammad Sheikh shared their views on the book and appreciated the author’s efforts in documenting the life and contributions of late Wali Mohammad Itoo.
The speakers observed that Durr-e-Naayaab successfully combines personal narrative with historical documentation, enabling readers to understand the values, vision and leadership qualities that characterised late Wali Mohammad Itoo’s public life.
Earlier, Head, Department of Urdu, Prof. Irfan Ahmad Malik, delivered the welcome address and welcomed the dignitaries, guests and participants. He highlighted the Department’s continued commitment to promoting Urdu language and literature through academic and literary initiatives.
A review of Durr-e-Naayaab was presented during the programme, followed by a panel discussion that explored the literary, historical and social dimensions of the biography.
The programme later featured a review of the book and an engaging panel discussion on its literary, historical and socio-political relevance.
