October 28, 2021
2 mins read

MoS Lekhi kicks off first-ever Lit Fest in J&K

Inaugurating the literary festival, Lekhi praised the efforts of the J&K administration for organising a festival of this kind and said that such festivals inspire youth to explore their inherent creativity and also attract literati from across the country…reports Asian Lite News.

The first-ever literary festival in J&K was inaugurated on Wednesday by Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi at ski resort Gulmarg.

The literary festival, organised by the Union Territory administration, has brought many literary personalities from across the country to mark the 75 years of independence, and is part of the ‘Iconic Week Celebrations’ under the Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM).

In this festival, known writers, emerging poets and intellectuals will discuss and analyse several aspects of literary traditions.

Inaugurating the literary festival, Lekhi praised the efforts of the J&K administration for organising a festival of this kind and said that such festivals inspire youth to explore their inherent creativity and also attract literati from across the country.

She emphasised that literary festivals provide a platform to the budding writers and young enthusiasts to express their ideas and feelings.

Kashmir has been a seat of learning and culture since ancient times and maintained that these literary festivals can play a part in maintaining that harmony and co-existence, she said, adding that such festivals definitely protect our culture, heritage and also play a role in celebrating ‘Unity in Diversity’.

In the morning session moderated by writer Arjun Gaind, famous writers Kanchana Banerjee, Anuja Chandramouli, Koral Dasgupta, and Neil D’Silva participated.

In another session moderated by Siddhartha Gigoo, meant for the budding writers from Jammu and Kashmir, four young poets and writers, Anushka Dhar, Manpreet Kour, Mahpara Khan and famous Urdu poet and DC Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad (IAS) participated.

In this session, Asad who is a recipient of Rashtriya Gaurav Award, 2019 for his book “Barf Zaar”, presented some of the famous couplets from his book.

In another session, in conversation with Geetika Kohli, celebrated poet and famous Bollywood lyricist Irshad Kamil threw light on his literary journey.

Kohli’s songs have appeared in famous Bollywood movies like “Sultan”, “Jab We Met”, “Highway” and “Love Aaj Kal”.

Other sessions with themes “Writing and Reporting in a Fractured World”, and on mythology, romance, memoir, history, fantasy, and folklore were also held.

In the afternoon session, Indra Basu had conversation with Dolly Thakur on the theme, “Many Languages of Belonging”.

ALSO READ-India, Spain cement ties as MoS Lekhi concludes 4-day visit

READ MORE-Lekhi addresses members of international community in Geneva

Previous Story

India flags concern over China’s move to pass boundary law

Next Story

US announces additional aid to Afghanistan

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan FM Due in Bangladesh

During his visit Dar will hold discussions with the Foreign Affairs Advisor Towhid Hossain and also call on Muhammad Yunus…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

Balochistan: Where the State Makes People Disappear

The victims include students, journalists, and peaceful protesters, many of whom were abducted from cities such as Karachi and Islamabad….reports Asian Lite News A human rights organisation on Monday revealed that 785

Monsoon Havoc in Pakistan

Since June 26, torrential rains have killed at least 299 people—including 140 children—and injured 715 in Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News Since June 26, torrential monsoon rains have devastated Pakistan, killing at least

Bangladesh’s Dark Turn

With the Awami League outlawed and absent from the electoral fray, a vacuum has emerged — one that has not necessarily been filled with stability….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s political landscape has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Amarnath Yatra cancelled due to Covid

The meeting was informed that shrine board has put in

Govt reserves MBBS, BDS seats for ‘terror victims’ kin in Jammu

If the parents or students themselves have been injured or