Diplomat Correspondent
KALAKOTE:DD, In order to promote Tribal languages and literature, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages organized a one-day Gojri Cultural Conference at the Gujjar Bakarwal Hostel Kalakote, Rajouri.
The event witnessed the participation of over 50 writers, poets, and artists of Gojri language from across the Rajouri district.
The inaugural session of the conference was presided over by prominent Gojri author Mian Javed Nizami, while Prof M K Waqar, Tanveer Malik Additional Deputy Commissioner , and Dr Javaid Rahi, Chief Editor and Divisional Head, JKAACL Jammu, Gulzar Ahmed Gulzar Warden Gujjar Hostel shared the presidium.
Welcoming the participants, Dr Javaid Rahi stated that the primary objective of the conference was to assemble 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.
Prof M K Waqar, 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.
Mian Javed Nizami, in his presidential remarks, highlighted the contribution Hazarat Baba Ji Sahib Mian Abdullah Larvi (RA) and the Lar Darbar for 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.
Notable presenters included, Haji Abdul Haq, Master Ibraheem, Bashir Khaki, Kareem Darhalvi, Yaseen Naz, Tariq Fahim, Shokat Naseem, Mehmood Chouhan, among others.
A special segment of Gojri music performances was also held during the event, featuring soulful presentations by Sadaqat Bajran – a prominent singer.
The conference concluded with a Gojri Mushaira, jointly presided over by M.K. Waqar.DD