Srinagar
Report by: Mohammad Yousuf Shaheen
The Jammu & Kashmir Fiction Writers Guild (J&KFWG) continues its mission to bring together prominent and emerging writers of Kashmiri, English, Urdu, Punjabi, Pahari, and other regional languages onto a single platform for literary exchange. In line with this vision, the Guild held its 336th literary session on August 2, 2025, at its headquarters located at Heera Central Market, Abi Guzar, Lal Chowk, Srinagar, starting at 2:30 PM.
This ongoing literary journey, initiated several years ago, has now firmly established itself as a regular and cherished feature of Kashmir’s intellectual and creative calendar.
The session was presided over by noted writer and former Head of the Department of Media Education Research at Kashmir University, Prof. Naseer Mirza, while the guest of honour was well-known physician and fiction writer Dr. Sophia Tabassum.
The focus of the sitting was on Kashmiri short stories, along with the reading and discussion of a chapter from an English novel.
The session opened with Mr. Nasir Zameer, General Secretary of the Guild, delivering the welcome address and introductory remarks. The session was anchored by Suhail Salim, a young writer and editor of the tri-monthly literary magazine Koh-e-Maran.
Renowned fiction writer Dr. Shehzada Saleem presented his Kashmiri short story titled “Munh Batni Kukur” (“The Dog That Spoke”), which was well-received by the audience. Members present offered insightful critiques and reflections on the narrative.
Following that, Mr. Masood Shadab read his story “Lakh Mot Go Anh Gut” (“One Death, One Settlement”), which also invited lively discussion and appreciation from Guild members.
Although Mr. Habib Hamraz was scheduled to read his Urdu short story, unavoidable circumstances prevented his participation.
Subsequently, Mr. Athar Mudasir read a chapter from his upcoming English novel titled:
“Beyond Darkness Lies Eden Garden: An Intergalactic Saga of Mankind,”
which sparked a thoughtful discussion.
Guest of honour Dr. Sophia Tabassum shared her thoughts on the stories presented, excerpts from the novel, and the overall contributions of the Guild. She praised the Guild’s efforts in nurturing literary expression across languages and communities.
President Prof. Naseer Mirza concluded the session with remarks on the presented works and the value of such platforms in sustaining literary dialogue. He also commended the participating writers for their commitment and creativity.
The vote of thanks was presented by Mr. Nasir Zameer, General Secretary and a distinguished writer, who expressed gratitude to all attendees and contributors.
Prominent participants in the session included:
• Er. Mohammad Shafi
• Dr. Abdul Majeed Bhaderwah
• Dr. Nighat Nazar
• Dr. Sujan Kour Bali
• Ms. Masooda Rajpuri
• Ms. Tasneem Akhtar
• Ms. Rehana Shajar
• Mr. Shakeel ur Rahman
• Mr. Akhtar Mehraj
• Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Shaheen
• Mr. Mudasir Ahmad
• Mr. Safeer Ahmad
• Mr. Aqib Bashir
• Mr. Sameer Ahmad Magray
• Mr. Rashid Mohammad Mir
Media Coordinator:
Zubair Qureshi
