Jammu, Aug 19: The writers of Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi, Gojri, Pahari and Kashmiri languages will present their short stories in the seven-day multilingual short story festival at JKAACL premises here. This is for the first time that such a big festival of short stories is being organised by Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
On the second and third day of the festival, Hindi and Gojri writers presented their short stories. The festival will feature senior writers along with young budding writers of J&K. Besides this, an exhibition of various publications of JKAACL in all languages was also displayed during the festival.
On the second day, a total of nine Hindi stories were read by prominent authors including young budding writers of Hindi. In the first session, Hardeep Singh Deep read his story ‘Shuraat’ followed by Kalpana Jasrotia’s ‘Mashq’. Maharaj Krishan Santoshi read his story ‘Hrin Mukt’ on the deep desire of an elderly Kashmiri Pandit to return back to his hometown and free his son from the debts of mortal rituals. Dr Om Goswami’s story ‘Antim Garib’ about changing scenarios of lower strata people according to changing political scenarios was much appreciated. Prof R L Shant read his story after giving his remarks on the stories read suggesting major aspects of story writing.
This session was chaired by Sahitya Academy awardee Prof R L Shant, Dr Om Goswami and Maharaj Krishan Santoshi.
In the second session, the stories read included Rajinder Kumar Narang’s ‘Status Symbol’, Kalpana Khajuria’s ‘Lal Chudian’. Prof Kiran Bakshi’s story ‘Gaon Ki Dehleez Par Sheher’ depicting the change brought about in villages due to modernisation was much appreciated.
Veteran writer Prof Ramkumar’s story on mocking the interview scheme ‘Kali Billi, Kala Chashma’ was the highlight of the session. The second session was chaired by Naresh Kumar Udaas and Prof Ashok Kumar. Both sessions were conducted by Ms. Bindya Raina Tikku. Ms. Reeta Khadyal, Assistant Editor, JKAACL presented the vote of thanks.
The third day of the festival featured Gojri short stories. The first session was chaired by Dr. M.K. Waqar, Ghulam Sawar Chouhan and Dr. Baljeet Singh Raina. The writers who presented their stories included Mohamad Aslam Khatana “AdhuroIlam”, Mr. Mukhtar Ahmad presented the story “Na Ghare Na Ghratey”, Ms. Zahida Kausar presented the story “Khanabadoshi’, Ms. Shazia Choudhary presented story “Nyazko Bakro”, Mr. Ishteyak Ahmad Misbah presented story “Ruyso” And Mr. Tayoub Raza presented story “Mero Khwab”.
In the second session, the writers who presented short stories were Dr. M.K. Waqar, Ghulam Sawar Chouhan and Manzoor Hussain. The session was chaired by Prof Lalit Mangotra, Prof Qaudoos Javaid and Prof. Maharaj Krishan.
Both sessions were conducted by Ms. Naseem Akhtar Choudhary. Dr. Shahnawaz, Editor Cum Cultural Officer Gojri presented the vote of thanks.
The festival started on 17th August and will continue till 23rd August 2023, daily from 10.30 am onwards and is open to all. On 20th August 2023, the writers of the Punjabi Language will present their short stories.
