SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) on Saturday released U-Turn and Other Stories, an English translation of a collection of Kashmiri short stories by noted writer Gauri Shankar Raina, at an impressive literary function held in the Academy’s Seminar Hall, Srinagar.
The book has been translated into English by Pankaj Bhan and represents a significant effort to bring contemporary Kashmiri literature to a wider national and international readership.
The event was attended by writers, artists, academics, broadcasters, translators, scholars, students and lovers of literature.
Padma Shri Prof. Shafi Shouq, eminent academic, poet, translator and literary critic, was the Chief Guest on the occasion, while Prof. Yasmeen Farooq, renowned educationist and Principal of Government Women’s College, M.A. Road, Srinagar, and Prof. Farooq Fayyaz, noted academic, writer and critic, were the Guests of Honour.
In his address, Prof. Shafi Shouq underscored the significance of translation as a powerful medium of cultural exchange and literary preservation. He observed that Kashmiri literature embodies a unique sensibility, emotional depth and cultural richness, and that translations such as U-Turn and Other Stories serve as bridges connecting diverse linguistic communities. He lauded both the author and the translator for ensuring that the essence of Kashmiri storytelling reaches a broader audience without compromising its authenticity.
Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Ideel Saleem outlined the Academy’s vision of creating a vibrant literary and cultural ecosystem through active engagement with writers, artists, scholars, students and youth. He reiterated the Academy’s resolve to strengthen literary activities, encourage translations and provide meaningful platforms for creative expression.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Farooq Fayyaz described the publication as a valuable addition to the corpus of Indian literature in translation. He noted that the stories offer a nuanced portrayal of Kashmiri society, capturing its landscapes, memories, aspirations and everyday realities through sensitive and compelling narratives. He appreciated the translator’s effort in retaining the cultural flavour, rhythm and emotional cadence of the original texts while rendering them accessible to English-language readers.
The author, Gauri Shankar Raina, reflected upon his long literary journey and his engagement with the social and cultural life of Kashmir. He remarked that the stories contained in the volume emerged from lived experiences, observations and memories that continue to shape the collective consciousness of the region. Expressing gratitude to the Academy, the translator, publishers, the Niyogi Books, New Delhi, and the literary fraternity, he hoped that the book would help introduce new readers to the richness and diversity of Kashmiri literature.
The programme also featured readings from selected stories by the author, which were warmly received by the audience. The readings provided listeners with a glimpse into the narrative style, thematic concerns and humanistic vision that distinguish Raina’s literary work.
Among those who attended the function were Prof. M. Zaman Azurda, Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi, Mushtaq Ali Ahmad Khan, Ahsan-ul-Haq Chishti, Nisar Naseem, Bhawani Bashir Yasir, Rashid Barki, Mushtaq Bala, Mohiuddin Reshi, Shafi Ahmad, Dildar Ashraf, Shakeel-ur-Rehman, Prof. Reyaz Rufaie, Prof. Ishaq Wani, Prof. Tariq Ahmad, besides a large number of writers, scholars, students and literary enthusiasts.
The event reflected JKAACL’s continued commitment to promoting literary excellence, fostering translation activities and preserving the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir through meaningful literary initiatives.