Srinagar July 14: The Department of Kashmiri, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi organised a two-day Kashmiri seminar on “Mirza Ghulam Hassan Beg Arif”, an eminent Kashmiri poet and writer which started here at the Main Campus KU on Tuesday.
The event, as per a statement, aims to revisit the literary contributions of Mirza Ghulam Hassan Beg Arif and provide a platform for scholarly discussions on his poetry, prose and lasting influence on Kashmiri language and literature. It also seeks to encourage critical engagement with Kashmir’s literary heritage and introduce younger generations to the works of one of the region’s distinguished literary figures.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said that universities have a vital role in preserving and promoting regional languages and literary traditions.
“Our literary heritage is an invaluable cultural resource that deserves sustained academic attention. Seminars such as these help strengthen research on Kashmiri literature while inspiring students to engage with the rich intellectual legacy of our language,” she said.
Convenor, Kashmiri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, Prof. Shad Ramzan, highlighted the importance of Mirza Beg Arif’s contribution to Kashmiri literature and called for continued scholarly engagement with the works of classical and modern Kashmiri writers.
Dr. Satish Vimal, Professor of Practice, KU, spoke about the relevance of revisiting the works of literary figures whose writings continue to shape Kashmir’s cultural landscape and emphasized the need to make such literary traditions accessible to younger readers through academic and cultural initiatives.
Earlier, Head, Department of Kashmiri, KU, Prof. Aejaz Mohammed Sheikh, welcomed the guests and said that the event has brought together scholars, writers and researchers to examine the life, literary contributions and lasting relevance of Mirza Ghulam Hassan Beg Arif through informed academic discussions.
The two-day seminar includes keynote lectures, technical sessions, paper presentations and interactive discussions focusing on different aspects of Mirza Beg Arif’s literary legacy and his contribution to Kashmiri language and literature.
The event proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Dr. Gulzar Ahmed Rather and vote of thanks was delivered by Majeed Majazi, members of Kashmiri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi.
