Hajin: A poignant event unfolded in the serene town of Hajin as various authors, scholars and bureaucrats from across Kashmir convened to pay glowing tributes to the late Dr. Aziz Hajini on the occasion of his second death anniversary. Organized jointly by Halqa Adab Sonwari and Wahab Cultural Society, the event was held at Higher Secondary Hajin to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Aziz Hajini, a national awardee writer, critic, and former secretary of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
The speakers on the occasion threw light on different dimensions of Dr. Hajini’s multifaceted personality, especially his strong commitment towards the cause of Kashmiri language. Hajini’s son Azhar Hajini while referring to one of his late father’s couplet about mother tongue said that the biggest tribute to him would certainly be to love the cause he has lived for till his last breath.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Quran by Molvi Bilal Ahmad, followed by Sagar Sarfaraz’s moving rendition of Naat. Alhaj Gh Nabi Dar, a senior member of Halqa Adab Sonwari, presided over the congregational Fateh khawni.
In the first session, the eminent scholar and writer, Prof. Shad Ramzan, who also serves as the convener of the Kashmiri Advisory Board at Sahitya Akademi New Delhi, presided over the session. Notable figures like Dr. Rafiq Masoodi, Mohd. Amin Bhat, and Sannaulah Niyaz graced the session. Shakir Shafi delivered the welcome address, reminiscing about the contributions of Dr. Hajini and Mohd Ahsan Ahsan with heartfelt emotion. President Adbi Markaz Kamraz, Mohd Amin Bhat, in his keynote address titled “Aziz Hajini: The Patron of Our Literary Traditions” shed light on Dr. Hajini’s invaluable services to the Kashmiri language, emphasizing that his contribution is irreplaceable.
Prof. Zaman Azurdah presided over the second session, with District Commissioner Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmed Rana, as the chief guest and Dr. Hajini’s son, Azhar Hajini, was also present.
The event witnessed the launch of various books, including “Wanaiy yo Seer Assar” by Asmat Aziz, Shakir Shafi’s translation work “Aabeena Khana,” and a poetry collection titled “Gare Aziyat” by Faisal Ayub. Dr. Gulzar Ahmad and Dr. Qaisar-ul-Haq provided insightful reviews of the two works.
In a significant recognition, the well-known Sufi poet, Shah Mustafa Alvi Gulgani, was honored with the Khilat e Hajini and Syed Insha received the prestigious Hajni Gold Medal for securing the first position in BA Kashmiri Language.
Dr. Owais Rana, in his address, referred to Hajin as the “Land of Scholars.” Speaking about the contributions of Late Hajini he added, “Unwavering commitment to the preservation and promotion of the Kashmiri language. He was aptly referred to as the undying flame of the linguistic movement.”
Prof. Azurda, while recalling his association with Hajin and Aziz Hajini paid heartfelt tributes to him. Azhar Hajini extended gratitude to the guests in a thanksgiving speech.
The evening was further enriched by the soulful performance of Dr. Hajini’s poetry by the renowned Kashmiri singer, Waheed Jeelani. The event concluded on a poetic note with a Mushayira presided over by revered humours poet Sabir Ayoub, with Akash Ali, Mohd Mir, and Amir Aziz among the esteemed guests present in the presidium.
The program culminated with a vote of thanks delivered by Majeed Majazi, marking a fitting tribute to the memory of Dr. Aziz Hajini, the guardian of Kashmiri language and tradition.

GOWHAR MAQBOOL