Ganderbal, Mar 13: In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Department of Urdu, Central University of Kashmir (CUK), in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, (JKAACL) organised a seminar ‘Jammu Kashmir Ka Nissaie Urdu Adab’ (Women’s Role in Promoting Urdu Literature of Jammu and Kashmir) at the university’s Green Campus on Thursday.
A statement of CUK issued here said that the seminar highlighted the invaluable contributions of eminent women poets and writers, including Dr Taranum Riyaz, Prof Ayesha Mastoora, Abida Ahmad, Syeda Nasreen Naqash, Shafiqa Parveen, Wajidah Tabassum, Shabnum Ashai, and others, whose literary works have played a pivotal role in shaping and enriching Urdu literature in the region.
Delivering the keynote address, former Director of All India Radio, Srinagar, Rukhsana Jabeen lauded the immense literary contributions of women in Jammu and Kashmir.
She emphasised that their works have not only enriched the region’s literary landscape but also paved the way for future generations of writers and poets.
“Their writings serve as a bridge between the past and the present, preserving the essence of Urdu literature while addressing contemporary themes like identity, feminism, and Kashmir’s unique socio-political milieu,” Jabeen said.
Prominent fiction writer Nilofar Naaz Nahvi underscored the often overlooked yet significant role of Kashmiri women in Urdu literature.
“Women poets, fiction writers, literary critics, and journalists have vividly portrayed the socio-political, cultural, and personal dimensions of life in Kashmir,” she said.
In her address, Kausar Rasool highlighted how women writers have skillfully encapsulated the emotions, experiences, and cultural ethos of Kashmir through their works.
Head of the Department of Urdu, Prof Irfan Aalam hailed the seminar as a landmark event in recognising the literary contributions of women.
“By bringing together scholars, writers, and poets, this seminar has taken an essential step toward bridging the gap in literary recognition and ensuring that the voices of women in Urdu literature are heard and preserved for future generations,” he said.
Editor of Shiraz and Urdu, Saleem Salik acknowledged the immense contributions of women poets and scholars, noting that their works remain underrepresented.
“This seminar, through academic discussions, paper presentations, and poetic symposiums, has offered an in-depth exploration of their literary contributions, struggles, aspirations, and achievements,” he said.
