SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 24: Collection of Kashmiri short stories titled ‘U Turn’, authored by noted Hindi, English, and Kashmiri writer and filmmaker Dr. Gauri Shankar Raina was released today at the conference hall of Directorate of J&K Tourism, here.
The literary event organized in this connection was presided over by well-known writer, Convener Kashmiri Advisory Board Sahitya Akademi, and Patron Adbee Markaz Kamraz, Dr. Aziz Hajini.
Secretary Sahitya Akademi, Dr k S Rao was the Chief Guest, while as Director Tourism Kashmir, Dr. G N Itoo graced the event as a guest of honor.
In his presidential address, Dr. Hajini said that the commendable contribution of writers from the Kashmiri Pandit community towards the Kashmiri language and literature is noteworthy and nobody can forget it as long as Kashmir and the Kashmiri language is concerned.
Hailing the outstanding contribution of Gauri Shankar Raina, Hajini said that the author has been working tirelessly to connect us with the Hindi literary world through his translations.
Secretary Sahitya Akademi, Dr. Rao while referring to the long and productive relationship of Dr. Raina with Sahitya Akademi said that he is a writer and filmmaker with a proper understanding of modern-day creative literature and sensibility.
Director Tourism, Dr. Itoo while congratulating the author thanked the organizers for organizing the event at the headquarter of the tourism department in Srinagar.
Expressing his gratitude to Dr. Hajini, Dr. Rao, Dr itoo, and all the scholars present on the occasion, Dr. Guari Shankar said that it is like a dream come true for him and he would never forget the love and respect that he received from the fellow Kashmiri writers.
The proceedings of the event were conducted by young Kashmiri poet, writer, and translator Shabnam Tilgami.
Among others, Dr. Anupam Tiwari Deputy Secretary Sahitya Akademi New Delhi, Gh Nabi Aatash, Prof M Z Azurda, Mushtaq A Mushtaq Tantry, Prof. Sheikh Muhammad Aijaz, Prof Bashar Bashir, Nadeen Singh Manhas designated Dy Director programmes DDK Srinagar, Dr. Gulzar A Rather, Dr. Shyista Ahmad, Dildar Ashraf, G N Shakir were present on the occasion.