Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 17: The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) has inaugurated the much-awaited 7-Day Multi-Lingual Short Story Festival at its premises in Jammu. This pioneering festival is a significant endeavor by JKAACL, hosting writers from languages such as Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi, Gojri, Pahari, and Kashmiri, who will present their short stories. The event will showcase established senior writers alongside budding young talents from J&K. The festival, which began with Dogri language writers sharing their short stories, will run until August 23, 2023, daily from 10:30 a.m. and is open to all.
The Conference was inaugurated by Padma Dr. Jitender Udhampuri, who lit the lamp in the presence of Padma Shri -Mohan Singh, Dr. Om Goswami, and Bharat Singh, Secretary of JKAACL.
Bharat Singh, Secretary of JKAACL, extended a warm welcome to the literary experts, expressing his delight in witnessing a significant audience, especially youth from universities, engaging with the Dogri language. He highlighted the importance of public interest over self-interest, emphasizing that the flourishing of society requires such collective endeavors.
Dr. Om Goswami, the Guest of Honour, praised JKAACL's efforts in promoting the literature and culture of J&K. He expressed concern about discontinued schemes for the development of arts and culture, urging authorities to revive these initiatives.
The chief guest, Padma Shri Mohan Singh, lauded Padma Shri Dr. Jitender Udhampuri and Dr. Om Goswami for their significant contributions to Dogri literature. He thanked the Secretary of JKAACL for initiating such activities. In his presidential address, Padma Shri Dr. Jitender Udhampuri highlighted the festival's role in facilitating diverse language exploration and learning.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Shahnawaz, Editor cum Cultural Officer of JKAACL. This session was conducted by Reeta Khadyal, Assistant Editor of JKAACL.
Following the inauguration, short stories were presented. Authors such as Santosh Sangra, Inderjit Kesar, Sunita Bhadwal, Raj Rahi, Saroj Bala, Krishan Sharma, Rajeshwar Singh Raju, Shiv Dev Sushil, and Jagdeep Dubey showcased their narratives. The session was conducted by Pawan Verma. |
