Jammu, April 07(Scoop News) -Mohammed Yousf Taing, a name in the literary horizon of Jammu and Kashmir,today
unfolded a mysterious aspect of the Kashmir history, related to the 4th Buddhist Council, held somewhere near Harwan in the city of Srinagar, during the rein of King Kanshika. Credited with having discovered the last resting place of poetess-queen Habba Khatoon in Biswak in Bihar, Taing stunned the K L Sehgal Hall by revealing that he was holding to his chest the whereabouts of a location where rarest copper plaques, with perhaps golden inscription, on Budhism were buried. He was perhaps referring to the manuscripts on the proceedings of the International Buddhist Council held in Srinagar, 2000 years ago.
Yousf Taing came face to face with his intellectual friends and colleagues in an interactive session, organised by the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Taing also dwelt on the initiatives taken by the Academy during his tenure for promotion of various languages of the State, particularly Urdu, his association with contemporary writers and above all the biography of legendary Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah- Aatish-e-Chinar.
Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, who was the chief guest of the first ever interactive programme organised by the Academy, wished Taing to pen the unknown aspects of the life of Sher-i-Kashmir. “We want posterity to know the Sher-i-Kashmir”, he said, adding that only Taing Sahib could do it.
Lauding the contribution of Taing in Art, Culture and Languages, Rather said that he is the only living writer and closest associate of Sher-i-Kashmir, who can highlight the unknown facts of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s life with most authenticity. Rather said though M.Y. Taing’s contribution in Culture, Art, and History is un-disputed but as a politician too he has proved his mettle as a true statesman who never compromises on principles. Taing highlights issue of public importance fearlessly in different fora, including State Legislature, without caring for consequences, as he always believes in truth. He said though Taing , has been conferred National Award of Padamshri, yet he is to get the recognition that he deserves for his outstanding contribution in various fields. He described Taing as a best performer with extraordinary qualities of head and heart.
Earlier, while replying to various questions, put forth by the participants comprising a galaxy of intellectuals, historians, critics, educationists and poets, Taing made some interesting revelations with regard to state’s literature, history, culture, ethos etc. He revealed that the ancestors of Shair-e-Mashrik, Dr. Sir Mohammad Iqbal where from the than Saproo village of South Kashmir, where from the Saproo dynasty hailed.
While welcoming the Chief Guest and the distinguished audience, the Secretary, Academy Zafar Iqbal Manhas recalled the contribution of Taing in making the Academy a vibrant culture and literary institution during his long tenure as its Secretary.