JAMEEL ANSARI
Srinagar, January 9, 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages organised a one-day seminar in memory of the Gyanpeeth Awardi, renowned Kashmiri poet, critic, researcher and intellectual Prof. Rehman Rahi at the Conference Hall of Tagore Hall, Srinagar.
The seminar aimed to highlight the multifaceted literary, intellectual and linguistic contributions of this towering figure of Kashmiri language and literature, who through his creative insight not only provided new intellectual directions to Kashmiri literature but also aligned it with contemporary sensibilities.
The seminar was organised with the understanding that Prof. Rehman Rahi’s literary legacy is not merely a heritage of the past but continues to hold profound relevance in present-day intellectual and cultural discourses.
The seminar commenced with a welcome address by the Editor Sheeraza Kashmiri of the Cultural Academy, Javid Iqbal Khan, who shed detailed light on the multidimensional personality of Prof. Rehman Rahi. He stated that Rahi was an architect of literature who, through a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, imparted new dimensions to Kashmiri poetry. He further remarked that Prof. Rahi’s poetry, critical thought and linguistic services provided intellectual stability to Kashmiri literature and earned it recognition at the global level.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Bashar Bashir, former Head of the Sheikh-ul-Aalam Chair, University of Kashmir. In his presidential address, he said that Prof. Rehman Rahi is an authentic and powerful reference point in Kashmiri literature, whose creative works reflect artistic maturity, intellectual refinement and cultural consciousness. He added that Prof. Rahi’s literary contributions serve as a guiding light for future generations.
On the occasion, noted short story writer and former Head of the News, All India Radio Srinagar, Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq, speaking as the Chief Guest, stated that Prof. Rehman Rahi provided intellectual support to the Kashmiri language during a sensitive historical phase and played a vital role in preserving language and literature. He said that Rahi’s literary corpus remains highly significant for contemporary academic and literary discussions.
The keynote address was delivered by renowned writer, poet and short story writer Shahid Dalnavi, who elaborated on the intellectual, symbolic and cultural dimensions of Prof. Rehman Rahi’s poetry. He remarked that Prof. Rahi endowed Kashmiri poetry with philosophical depth and symbolic richness.
The second session of the seminar was presided over by Prof. Bashar Bashir. Eminent short story writer Mohi-ud-Din Rishi attended the session as the Chief Guest, while noted writer and poet Fayaz Tilgami was present as Guest of Honour. While sharing their views, all three dignitaries paid rich tributes to Prof. Rehman Rahi’s literary, educational and intellectual services, describing him as the conscience of Kashmiri literature.
Research-oriented papers on Prof. Rehman Rahi were presented by Shabir Ahmad Ganaie, Dr Qaiser Ahmad Malik, Mushtaq Ahmad Kumar, Lone Imtiyaz, and Gulshan Badrani and, who critically examined various aspects of Prof. Rahi’s poetry, criticism and linguistic contributions. Speakers emphasised that Rehman Rahi built a strong bridge between tradition and modernity, enriched Kashmiri poetry with intellectual depth and preserved the aesthetic elegance of the language.
At the conclusion of the seminar, Maqbool Sajid, Research Assistant (Kashmiri) of the Academy, presented the vote of thanks. The proceedings of the seminar were conducted by Javid Iqbal Khan, Editor Sheeraza Kashmiri. A large number of writers, poets and scholars attended the seminar
