Prof. Mohammad Zaman Azarda and Prof. Quddus Javed Applaud the Initiative
Zubair Qureshi | Kashmir Pen
Jammu, December 20, 2015:
The Fiction Writers’ Guild organized the inaugural session of its Jammu Chapter in Jammu city, which was attended by several senior writers, young literary figures, and individuals interested in literature. Prof. Mohammad Zaman Azarda and Prof. Quddus Javed appreciated this initiative of the Guild and particularly praised the foresight of the Patron-in-Chief, Vahshi Syed. According to them, this step will provide a new direction to fiction writers in the Jammu province.
At the outset, formally welcoming the guests, the President of the Guild, Engineer Shafi Ahmad, highlighted the need for and significance of establishing the Jammu Chapter of the Guild. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Guild administration for launching the Jammu Chapter.
During the session, three short stories were read out. Young writer Dr. Aashiq Aakash presented his short story “Ababeel Ki Naslein”, which was followed by an in-depth discussion, with participants sharing their views on its various aspects.
Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Wani read his short story titled “Aadhi Maut Ka Jashn”. Based on the theme of retirement, the story was well received by the audience, who shared their opinions and appreciation.
The third short story was presented by the Vice President of the Guild, Engineer Javed Shabbir, titled “Azad Kawey”. This story also prompted detailed discussion.
While expressing his views on the short stories, Prof. Quddus Javed remarked that we must realize that there is far more that we do not know than what we know. This realization, he said, would encourage writers to work harder on the various dimensions of fiction. On this occasion, writer Aslam Qureshi stated that the content of a short story is the most important element, and it is essential for the author to focus on it.
In his presidential address, Prof. Mohammad Zaman Azarda pointed out that there is no person who does not have a story within them; however, the best story is written by the writer who knows how to narrate it effectively. He further added that history bears witness to the fact that the most impactful literature has emerged as crisis literature.
At the conclusion, the Chief Host and Advisor of the Guild for Jammu province, Khalid Hussain, formally thanked the guests and remarked that writers should develop the capacity to accept criticism and be open to it. He also emphasized the need to produce powerful literature that resonates with the present times.
Among others who attended the session were Khurshid Kazmi, Dr. Rafia Mohi-ud-Din, Sardar Hardeep Singh Deep, Prof. Riyaz Ahmad, Wali Mohammad Aseer, Engineer Aslam Shahzad, Riyaz Ahmad, Prof. Asadullah Wani, and Sardar Janvarman Singh. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Niyaz Ahmad Butt.
