Speaker for exploring hidden works of poets, litterateurs

Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone today stressed upon Cultural Academy to explore hidden talent and works of poets, writers and intellectuals of the state so that their contribution finds proper place in the state’s cultural discourse. Mr. Lone was addressing at a function, organized by J&K Cultural Academy to celebrate 5^th anniversary of Ghulam Mohammad Fazil at Tagore Hall, here. The day is observed to pay tributes to this legendary poet of the soil. The function was attended by Member Legislative Council, Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Taing, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Riyaz Punjabi, Secretary, Cultural Academy, Mr. Zaffar Iqbal Manahas, Retired Chief Justice J&K High Court Mr. Bashir Ahmad Khan, Director Doordarshan , Mr. Rafiq Masoodi, Mr. Zee Shan Fazil and eminent scholars from all over the valley. Mr. Lone highlighted the contribution of late Fazil in literature, art and poetry, describing him as a prolific writer and modern thinker. “His writings enlighten the readers and explain contemporary social, economic and literary life patterns of Kashmiris”, he observed. He congratulated the academy authorities for conducting the function, asking them to organize more such functions of other great poets and litterateurs of the state. Mr. Lone exhorted Zee Shan Fazil- son of the senior Fazil to carry forward the mission of his father as the Speaker spotted a poet in him as well. On the occasion, Fazil Memoral Trust Award, 2009 was presented to Prof. Rehman Rahi, Dr. Aga Ashraf Ali, Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Taing and Prof. Riyaz Punjabi. A booklet ‘Fallkins of paradise’ written by Syed Zee Shan Fazil was also released at the function. Earlier, Secretary Cultural Academy presented welcome address highlighting the activities of the academy.