Srinagar: A one-day symposium on “The Direction and Pace of Contemporary Kashmiri Fiction” was held in Srinagar on Saturday, jointly organized by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, and the Fiction Writers’ Guild. The event brought together noted scholars, writers, poets, and teachers from across Kashmir for a series of insightful discussions on the evolution and emerging trends in Kashmiri fiction.
The inaugural session was chaired by eminent poet, writer, and linguist Professor Shafi Shouq, with Professor Gulshan Majeed, renowned poet and translator, as the Chief Guest. Wahshi Saeed, Patron of the Fiction Writers’ Guild, attended as the Guest of Honour, while Professor Shad Ramzan, Convener of the Kashmiri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, and noted broadcaster Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq also formed part of the presidium.
In his welcome address, Professor Shad Ramzan emphasized the Sahitya Akademi’s pivotal role in promoting regional languages and literature, adding that more such literary programmes will be organized to enrich the Kashmiri language and its creative heritage.
Delivering the keynote address, Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq traced the evolution of Kashmiri fiction from its classical roots to contemporary times, analyzing the challenges and opportunities facing modern writers. Wahshi Saeed, in his remarks, commended the Fiction Writers’ Guild for sustaining the creative legacy of Kashmiri fiction, while Professor Gulshan Majeed reflected on new thematic and stylistic directions emerging in the genre.
In his presidential address, Professor Shafi Shouq described the Kashmiri language and literature as “the true custodians of the Valley’s cultural identity.”
The first panel session, chaired by Professor Ayaz Rasool Nazki, featured Rahim Rahbar and Engineer Shafi Ahmad in the presidium. Panelists Dr. Shafqat Altaf, Shamshad Kralwari, and Dr. Nilofer Naz Nahvi presented detailed analyses of the contemporary literary landscape, with Mohammad Saleem Saalik moderating the discussion.
The valedictory session was chaired by Professor Majrooh Rashid, joined by Mohiuddin Reshi and Dr. Nazir Mushtaq. The session featured short story readings by Dr. Ashraf Zia, Yousuf Jahangir, and Mahfuza Nabi, followed by concluding observations from the chair and dignitaries. A vote of thanks was delivered by Nasir Zameer, General Secretary of the Fiction Writers’ Guild.
Among the prominent participants were Mohammad Amin Bhat (President, Adbi Markaz Kamraz & Member, Sahitya Akademi), Professor Shafiqa Parveen, Professor Hameeda Naeem, Dr. Tariq Abdullah Khawar, Dr. Ahmad Manzoor, Tasneem Akhtar, Mushtaq Kaini, Dr. Shehzada Saleem, Dr. Zameer Ahmad, and several other literary figures.
A large number of students also attended the symposium, including Mohammad Saqlain, Sania, Zoya, and Faizan Ahmad, reflecting the growing interest of the younger generation in Kashmiri fiction and literature.
