Srinagar, Nov 25: The Department of Kashmiri, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the IMFA, on Tuesday began a two-day national seminar on “Prof. Rehman Rahi’s Contribution to Kashmiri Literature” at the Main Campus.
Designed as both an academic and cultural tribute, the seminar reflects on the life and work of Prof. Rehman Rahi—the Valley’s most celebrated poet, critic, translator, and the only Kashmiri recipient of the Jnanpith Award.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan said Rahi’s legacy underscores how literature shapes cultural memory and continues to inspire generations. Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada said the seminar encourages renewed scholarly engagement with Kashmiri literature.
Former Head of the Department Prof. Shafi Shauq highlighted Rahi’s role in transforming modern Kashmiri poetry and expanding its intellectual depth, while IMFA Principal Dr. Habibullah Shah stressed the importance of such academic collaborations in strengthening cultural scholarship.
Earlier, HoD Prof. Aadil Amin Kak welcomed participants and reiterated the department’s commitment to promoting Kashmiri language and literature.
The event features paper presentations, panel discussions, and an exhibition on Rahi’s literary journey. Two publications—Anhaar, the department’s annual research journal, and the Kashmiri translation of the Nilamata Purana—were released on the occasion.
Proceedings were conducted by Dr. Shafqat Altaf, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Nusrat Bashir. The inaugural session saw participation from faculty, scholars, students, and delegates from various institutions.
