Manoj Sinha: Rahi Masoom Raza’s legacy continues to inspire India’s youth to dream big
At a three day international seminar in Srinagar, LG Sinha calls Rahi’s philosophy a guiding force for unity, equality, and progress in modern India.
Srinagar, November 1: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that celebrated writer and poet Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza’s legacy continues to inspire generations to dream and realize their true potential. Speaking at the inaugural session of a three day international seminar on Rahi’s life and works at the University of Kashmir, Sinha described Rahi’s message as one of self realization, purpose, and harmony.
“Rahi Masoom Raza’s greatest contribution lies in awakening people to their inner strength and purpose. His ideals must move beyond seminars and reach the masses, forming an invisible infrastructure for India’s progressive society,” Sinha said, adding that Rahi’s writings promote unity, equality, and collective growth, especially among marginalized communities.
The event was jointly organized by IDEA Communications, the University of Kashmir, Majlis Fakhr-e-Bahrain, and J&K Bank. The inaugural session was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Nilofar Khan, with Professor Naveen Chand Lohani (Uttarakhand Open University) and Brij Mohan Sharma (Chief Secretary, Department of Culture, J&K) as special guests. Renowned Bollywood lyricist Sameer Anjaan delivered the keynote address.
LG Sinha said the seminar aims to generate new ideas inspired by Rahi’s vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). “This Amrit Manthan will bring new reflections and new pathways for society,” he remarked.
During the event, several eminent personalities including Urdu poet Dr. Noor Amrohvi, editor Ajit Singh, educationist Vijay Dhar, and Urdu scholar Professor Muhammad Zaman Azurdah were honored for their literary and social contributions.
Professor Nilofar Khan emphasized that writers like Rahi remind us that literature not only mirrors society but also guides it.
In his address, Sameer Anjaan praised Rahi’s emotional depth, saying his words “connect directly with people’s hearts.” Professor Lohani added that Rahi’s literature “respects emotions, not boundaries,” and remains deeply relevant today.
Asif Azmi, Director of IDEA Communications, announced that the seminar marks the beginning of Rahi Masoom Raza’s centenary celebrations, which will continue through 2026.
Over 40 scholars from India and abroad, including participants from Qatar, the USA, and leading Indian universities, will present research papers on Rahi’s literary and cultural impact.
As part of the celebration, a Mushaira and poetic symposium will be held on November 2 at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, featuring poets from India, Qatar, and the USA.
