JK Fiction Writers Guild holds day long Creative Writing Workshop With My New School Dragmullah
By : Zubair Qureshi
Srinagar May 2 : In an inspiring literary initiative, the Fiction Writers Guild organized a two-day creative writing workshop at My New School in Dragmullah, Kupwara. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 50 selected students from classes 8th , 9th and 10th all eager to explore the world of storytelling.
The workshop aimed to rekindle a love for short story writing among young learners, especially in an era where digital distractions and the overuse of AI tools are believed to be diminishing original creative expression.
A panel of short story writers and educators led the sessions. Among them were Shafi Ahmad, author and President Guild , , Dr Mushtaq Baraq author, Acadamic , Dr Rafia Wali, short story writer , and Naseer Zameer , author and General secretary fiction writers Guild and Showkat Shafi , columnist,acadamic and Vice President Guild
Dr. Mushtaq A. Baraq, who conducted the workshop introduced the prompts at the beginning of the workshop “From Thought to Text: Crafting Stories Together” workshop, setting a reflective and imaginative tone. The day long workshop was designed to guide participants from raw ideas to finished stories through a structured yet creative process.
In an “Author’s Circle,” volunteers read their stories aloud. Each reading was followed by affirming feedback from peers and resource persons .
Noted urdu short story writer Nasir Zameer and Dr Rafia Wali took separate sessions with students who chose to write their stories in urdu. Nasir Zameer read out a story entitled is ” jehanay kharab may ” from his acclaimed Short story collection Kakzi Lashkar Ka Sipahi.
Students participated in vibrant sessions with resource persons on character building, plot development, dialogue writing, and story structure and polishing the story . They were guided to transform everyday observations into compelling narratives.
“This is not just about writing; it’s about reclaiming the imagination,” said Shafi Ahmad,President Guld emphasizing the human essence of storytelling in contrast to AI-generated content.
Thrilled to see the talent of students , exclaimed Dr Mushtaq A Barq , His feelings were echoed by Nasir Zameer and Dr Rafia wali , showkat shafi and shafi ahmad as well.
Workshops like these are crucial. In a time when technology often substitutes thinking, encouraging young minds to write stories helps them reflect, empathize, and think critically.
The group leaders amomg students read their first short stories aloud, ranging from personal tales to fantasy. Their creativity and originality stood out, proving that the spark of storytelling is very much alive.
Dr Baraq talked about the strengths and lacune of each story written and read out by participants
Chairman MNS Sajad Ahmad wani an Principal MNS Fazal Ahmad were all praise for guild for holding such events . They presented a special momento to Guild which was recieved by President Guild and seperate monentos and appreciation certificate to each resource person.
Fiction writers guild presented participation certificates to all 50 participants on the occasion.
JKFWG belives that short stories are concise, emotionally powerful, and excellent tools for self-expression in today’s fast-paced world.
The Fiction Writers Guild continues to work across Jammu & Kashmir, especially in under-represented areas, to nurture young voices and promote literary culture through community engagement and mentoring.
By encouraging students to express themselves authentically, the Guild is building more than writer but also shaping thoughtful, expressive citizens of tomorrow.
The Dragmullah workshop stands as a testament to what happens when guidance, imagination, and opportunity come together and a reminder that, in the hands of the young, the future of storytelling is bright.
The Fiction Writers Guild owes its spirit and success to the unwavering support and visionary guidance of our esteemed Patron, Wahshi Syeed. His deep belief in the power of storytelling and his commitment to nurturing young voices have been the cornerstone of every workshop we hold.
Said Zubair Qureshi media FWG in a statement
