Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, DD, To promote tribal languages and literature, the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages organized a one-day Gojri Writers’ Conference at the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), Jammu. The event witnessed the participation of over 100 writers, poets, and artists of Gojri language from across the Union Territory.
The inaugural session of the conference was presided over by prominent Gojri author Ghani Ghayoor, while Arshad Chowdhary, Chairman of GDCT Jammu, and Dr. Javaid Rahi, Chief Editor and Divisional Head, JKAACL Jammu, shared the presidium.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Javaid Rahi stated that the primary objective of the conference was to provide a vibrant platform for Gojri writers to share their creative experiences and guide the younger generation in developing modern Gojri literature. He emphasized the need to preserve both written and oral traditions of the Gojri language and urged writers to actively participate in documenting the culture and history of the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities.
Arshad Chowdhary, in his address, underlined the richness of Gojri literary and musical traditions. He commended the consistent contributions of Gujjar writers in promoting the art, craft, and literature of the community.
Ghani Ghayoor, in his presidential remarks, highlighted the crucial role played by institutions like JKAACL, All India Radio, and Doordarshan in the promotion of Gojri language and literature. He reiterated the long-standing demand for the inclusion of Gojri in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
A book “Sooch” in Gojri by Hafiz Ur Rehman Nadeem Bhati was also released on the occasion.
The paper reading session of the conference focused on themes related to migratory culture and Gojri literature, with discussions presided over by renowned Gojri writer Bashir Lohar and Dr. Javaid Rahi. Notable presenters included Rana Abrar, Bilal Zamzam, Fatia Firdouse, Jan Mohammad Hakeem, Tariq Fahim, Shokat Naseem, Mehmood Chouhan, Shrief Marhoti, among others.
A special segment of Gojri music performances was also held during the event, featuring soulful presentations by Bashir Mastana, Zulekha, Asiya Poswal, and Yusouf Arman.
The conference concluded with a Union Territory-level Gojri Mushaira, jointly presided over by Jan Mohammad Hakeem and Hassan Khakaan Sajad. Prominent poets including Basharat Nazak, Naseem Gulabgari, Bilal Zamzam, and several others presented their poetic works, enriching the literary ambiance of the gathering.DD