AWANTIPORA: The Habba Khatoon Centre for Kashmiri Language and Literature at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with the Young Dramatists Society and the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, organized a grand celebration to mark International Mother Tongue Day on the university campus.
The event commenced with an inaugural session held at the Conference Hall. Dr. Afshana delivered the welcome address and extended greetings to the distinguished guests. Felicitations were presented to the invited dignitaries, followed by insightful remarks from Prof. Afroz Ahmad Bisati, Dean SOH & SS, and Prof. A.H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs at IUST, who emphasized the importance of conserving mother languages.
Guest of Honour Prof. Majrooh Rashid and Chief Guest Prof. Shafi Shauq delivered compelling speeches highlighting the role of language in shaping cultural identity and heritage, as well as its significance in passing traditions to future generations. During the event, Prof. Shafi Shauq, Prof. Rashid Majrooh, Dr. Syed Iftikhar Ahmad (JKAACL), and Dr. Irshad Shamsi (AS College) were felicitated with awards recognizing their valuable contributions to Kashmiri language, literature, and culture.
The session concluded with a presidential address by Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of IUST, who stressed the urgent need to preserve and promote the Kashmiri mother tongue. A vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Masroor Muzaffar.
Following the inaugural program, a Kashmiri literary session was held, chaired by Prof. Shafi Shauq. The session featured special lectures, short story presentations, and poetry recitations by renowned writers, poets, and scholars. Notably, Sheikh Shuja performed Ladishah, a traditional Kashmiri art form, written by Zarif Ahmad Zarif and Sheikh Mohammad Hanief.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the mother tongue and safeguarding Kashmir’s rich literary heritage. The event saw enthusiastic participation from academicians, students, writers, and language enthusiasts, making it a meaningful and successful celebration of linguistic and cultural identity.