Kargil/ Dec. 26: Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (LAACL), Kargil organized a Day Long District Level Shina Dardi Cultural and Literary Meet cum Book Release Function at Language Center New Academy Complex Kargil here on Saturday.

Executive Councillor for Works and Information Mubarak Shah Nagvi who is also the Councillor of Upper Drass Constituency was the chief guest on the occasion while the writers and poets who sat in the presidium included State Awardee poet and writer Ghulam Ahmad Khan Jawan, Ajaz Hussain Munshi, Ghulam Nabi Zeeya and Balti poet Bashir Ahmad Wafa.

The meet comprised of different sessions of poetic compositions, short story recital and presentation of research-oriented papers by the senior as well as budding poets, Afsana Nigars and writers while folk singers presented folk songs.

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Two books comprised of short fictions in Urdu titled Baraf Paray and Idraak by writer Muhammad Shafi Sagar and Muhammad Shabir Misbahi respectively were released in the event where more than 40 Shina/Dardi writers, poets and scholars were invited to participate.

In the paper presentation session Raza Amjad Badgami presented a research paper on Shina Dardi culture and literature, while as the poets who rendered their poetic compositions included Arif Hussain Ladakhi, Fida Ali Fida, Muhammad Yaseen Ansari, Muhammad Asgar Aasi, Ghulam Qadir Zaki and Ghulam Ahmad Khan Jawan.   

Speaking on the occasion EC Mubarak Shah Nagvi while hailing the efforts of LAACL Kargil for having organized the day long cultural and literary event said that the gathering would undoubtedly prove an ideal occasion to the men of letters in this language belonging to different parts of Kargil district to know each other’s literary pursuits from close quarters, and to generate discussion and devise strategies for further development of the language.

Meanwhile, solo folk singers and musicians including Ahsan Ali, Fatima Nissa, Tsering Namgyal, Muhammad Ilyas and Stanzin Laktso presented lively Shina Dardi folk music and songs on the occasion.

Earlier, Special Officer for Cultural Activities Muhammad Ali Tak while delivering the welcome speech spoke about the aims and objectives of the daylong event and threw light on the various initiatives being taken by LAACL Kargil towards the promotion and preservation of the multi-ethnic and linguistic traditions in the district. The programme concluded with vote of thanks by President Dard Sheen Development Organization, Kargil Muhammad Amin Polo.