Srinagar, May 22 (Scoop News) –J&K Governor, N. N. Vohra, today emphasized the urgent need for creating a corpus for the promotion of philosophy, literature, writings and poetry of Shaikh-ul-Alam, a great multi-dimensional sufi-saint, social reformer and renowned spiritual personality of Kashmir.
The Governor said this while releasing “Shaikh-ul-Alam: Kashmir Revisited”, a book in English language written by Dr. Farooq Fayaz, at a function organized by the Adbi Markaz Kamraz in collaboration with the Allama Iqbal Library, Kashmir University, here today.
The Governor, who is Chancellor of the Kashmir University, advised the Vice Chancellor that an organized effort needs to be made for collecting poetry, literature or any other write-ups on Shaikh-ul-Alam, and documenting, preserving and translating these in various languages for the over all benefit of society. He observed that Shaikh-ul-Alam, also known as Nund Reshi, had believed in what he had preached, adding that Kashmir University can contribute in a big way in disseminating his message of peace, harmony and pluralism.
The Governor called upon the writers, intellectuals and academicians to contribute for restoring the pristine glory of Kashmir as a seat of knowledge and learning and bringing J&K on the literary map of the country.
The Governor congratulated Dr. Farooq Fayaz for writing a well-researched book on Shaikh-ul-Alam.
Referring to the excellent recitation of versus of Shaikh-ul-Alam by Miss Musarat, a 7th class student from Chrar-i-Sharief, on this occasion, the Governor suggested to the Vice Chancellor of the Kashmir University to arrange a scholarship for her. He announced a cash award of Rs. 10,000 for this young girl for the brilliant recitation of verses of Shaikh-ul-Alam.
Referring to the demand put forth by Dr. Shujaat Bukhari, General Secretary, Adbi Markaz Kamraz, regarding the autonomy of the J&K State Academy of Art, Culture and Languages not being violated, the Governor said that he would address the Chief Minister in this regard.
Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, said that the scholars can benefit from the Shaikh-ul-Alam Chair, set up at the University, by taking up research work on identified facets of the life and teachings of this poet-saint.
Dr. Farooq Fayaz, Director, Academic Staff College, University of Kashmir, and the author of the book, explained the aims and objects of writing this volume.
Dr. Mufti Mudassar, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Kashmir University, presented a critical review of the book on the occasion.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Aziz Hajini, President, Adbi Markaz Kamraz, gave details of the activities of his organization.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shujaat Bukhari, General Secretary, Adbi Markaz Kamraz, thanked the Governor for releasing the book and taking keen interest in the promotion of literary and cultural activities in the State.
Prof. Riyaz Rofai, Chief Librarian, Kashmir University, presented a Vote of Thanks.
Among those present on the occasion was Farooq Nazki, Media Consultant, J&K Government, Heads of Departments, Deans, Faculty members, intellectuals, writers, media persons, functionaries of the Adbi Markaz Kamraz and students.