By Mushtaque B Barq
Srinagar, August 4, 2024 — The Fiction Writers’ Guild (FWG) of Kashmir commemorated its 300th session and marked a decade of literary dedication, with a celebration attended by notable writers, critics, and literary enthusiasts. The event highlighted the Guild’s significant contribution to the region’s literary landscape, fostering a community of writers and critics who have cultivated a rich tradition of fiction writing and criticism.
Fayaz Dilber, a key speaker, provided an insightful overview of the theatre movement in Kashmir, tracing the roots and evolution of the Fiction Writers’ Guild since its inception in 1933. He praised the Guild’s resilience, emphasizing that despite many literary organizations fading into obscurity, FWG has remained active and relevant. He presented a summary of the Guild’s 300 sessions, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity in literary work and the Guild’s commitment to immediate feedback and constructive criticism during its meetings.
Dilber also proposed several suggestions for the Guild’s future activities, including organizing a literary fiction festival, raising awareness about copyright and intellectual rights, and implementing formal registration processes for literary works.
The celebration featured an open mic session led by Salim Salik, where members shared their experiences and reflections. Arshid Mushtaq spoke about his deep connection with the Guild, while Hina Khan noted the improvement in her reading and listening skills, attributing it to the constructive criticism encouraged at Guild sessions. Prof. Shafi Shoq emphasized fiction’s fundamental role in all genres of writing, while Hassan Anzar highlighted the shift from traditional to constructive criticism within the Guild.
Dolly Tikoo expressed how the Guild gave me a feeling of family, providing a space for cultural exchange and networking among writers. Amin Bhat acknowledged the Guild’s efforts in promoting young authors and providing a platform for women writers, while G N Bhat suggested expanding the Guild’s scope beyond fiction to explore new topics.
Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq compared the Guild to a modern-day “coffee house,” a place fostering Kashmiri literature. Taha Mughal described the Guild as a “life-saving activity,” and Rafia Wali likened it to a nurturing tree, under whose shade she wrote her first story.
Mushtaq Hyder praised the Guild for producing its own critics, while Reyaz Masroor reflected on his journey from guest to storyteller within the Guild, feeling loved and reshaped by the community. Mushtaque B Barq read out citations, celebrating the achievements of various members.
Rehman Rehber questioned the Guild’s role in elevating fiction writers and its overall impact on the production of fiction literature. Satish Vimal lauded the Guild’s consistency and dedication over the past ten years, describing it as nurturing and encouraging.
Shahzada Salim shared his personal commitment to the Guild, even attending sessions during challenging personal times. Roshan Khayal spoke about the valuable lessons learned at the Guild, particularly the importance of editing and public speaking. Manooj Shri highlighted the Guild as a platform where Hindu and Muslim writers unite, while Nirja Matoo expressed admiration for the Guild’s determination to foster young talent.
The event also honoured two distinguished literary figures with awards. The Shahzada Bismil Award was bestowed upon G N Shahid, a noted Urdu writer, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to literature. The Fiction Writers’ Guild 2024 Award was presented to Gulshan Majeed, a reputed historian and fiction writer, acknowledging his significant impact on the literary community.
The event concluded with a collective resolve to continue the Guild’s mission of promoting literary excellence and fostering a vibrant community of writers in Kashmir.
