Kashmiri writers disappointed at litfest cancellation

Several Kashmiri writers have expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the much-anticipated Harud literature festival in Srinagar. Twitter users have also registered their protest on the microblogging site.

Srinagar-based poet Naseem Shafaie feels that the festival offered a good opportunity for those writing in Dogri, Ladakhi and Kashmiri to display their talent. "I was looking forward to hear what writers from these regions think in today's time, especially since we don't get to read them in Kashmir. It's an opportunity lost for them," says Shafaie, whose first collection of poetry, Derche Machrith (Open Windows), was much appreciated.

Expressing disappointment over the cancellation of the litfest which was scheduled to be held next month, another Srinagar-based author and academic Neerja Mattoo said that "If Waheed Mirza (The Collaborator) and Sanjay Kak (Until my freedom has come) could release their books in Srinagar, surely those who write in Kashmiri, Dogri and Ladakhi should have had the freedom to showcase their literary talent before writers of international repute. That they have been deprived of this opportunity is a shame."

Full report here Times of India 

Tarannum’s Mera Rakht-e-Safar gets best book award

The prominent Urdu writer Tarannum Riyaz’s book, Mera Rakht-e-Safar has bagged the best book award for the year 2009-10 announced by the JK Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, a spokesman of the Academy said in a statement.

He said besides Tarannum, books of eight other writers in different languages bagged the awards. In Kashmiri, the award has gone to Yim Maine Sokhan, a collection of poetry and short stories by Amin Kamil. Ved Rahi’s book on Lal Ded has been declared as the best book in Dogri language.

In English, Dr Farooq Fayaz’s Kashmiri Folklore has bagged the prize, while Rang Rutan Gulzar of Sabir Mirza and Jaan-e-Gazal of Jan Muhammad Hakeem have bagged the award in Pahari and Gojri languages respectively, in Punjabi, Band Darwazey Da Birtand by Harbhajan Singh Sagar and in Hindi, Me Samunder Hi Ho Sakta Tha by Shyam Bihari and Gan Shar Sems Ki Melong by Tsering Chospal in Ladhakhi have bagged the prizes respectively.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs 51000, citations and shawls, the spokesman said.

Full report here Greater Kashmir

Dogri contributing significantly to Indian literature

Dogri, the language spoken by the Dogras living in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere is a living and vibrant language. As part of mainstream Indian regional languages, Dogri too is now contributing significantly to Indian literature.

The Dogri folk music and world-famous Basohli miniature paintings constitute proud cultural heritage of India. Besides, Dogras’ daring military deeds form a stirring chapter of Indian history. Not only their rich art and cultural heritage, their mother-tongue, Dogri is also flourishing and enriching Indian literature. The record of making rapid strides in its literature especially during the last six decades is noteworthy. During the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1857-1885), Dogri was the official language of the Jammu and Kashmir State and afterwards Urdu became the official language and medium of instruction.

In the past, Dogri alphabet were called “Ganamat” and later modified to “Namey Akkhar” during regime of Ranbir Singh. On recommendation of an official committee, Devnagari script for Dogri was adopted in 1955 and it was incorporated in the State Constitution in 1957.
 
Full report here Northern Voices Online

OBIT: Dogri writer dead

Famous Dogri writer Ramnath Shastri died in Jammu on march 8 after a brief illness. Shastri, 95, is survived by his wife and three sons.

Besides the Padma Shri, had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his contribution to Dogri literature and State Academy of Art, Culture and Languages award.