JKAACL Celebrates International Women’s Day at Tagore Hall
Srinagar: In a vibrant celebration of International Women’s Day, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) hosted a distinguished literary event at the Conference Hall of Tagore Hall, Srinagar honoring the invaluable contributions of women in the literary and cultural landscape of the region. The event was presided over by Rukhsana Jabeen, former head of All India Radio, Srinagar. The presidium also included Ideel Saleem, Additional Secretary Kashmir, JKAACL; Prof. Mahfooza Jan, former head of the Kashmiri Department, Kashmir University; and Hamida Shah Akhtar, former Zonal Education Officer. The event celebrated the powerful role of women in shaping the cultural and literary heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event began with a warm welcome by Additional Secretary Ideel Saleem, who highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day and emphasized the JKAACL’s unwavering commitment to recognizing and celebrating the vital role of women in literature, culture, and society. In her presidential address, Rukhsana Jabeen illuminated the transformative power of women’s participation in all spheres of life, particularly within the world of literature. “Women have been the torchbearers of change, their voices have the power to inspire, challenge, and transform societies,” she remarked, acknowledging the profound impact of women on both local and global narratives.
Mahfooza Jan, in her keynote address, explored the historical and cultural significance of International Women’s Day and how it resonates within the literary traditions of Kashmir. She drew attention to the myriad contributions of Kashmiri women to literature, poetry, and storytelling with some remaining unsung or underappreciated in mainstream discourse. Mahfooza Jan’s address resonated deeply with the audience, underlining how the voices of women, especially in Kashmir, have not only shaped literary culture but also stood as symbol of resilience, endurance, and empowerment, often emerging through tough times.
The event’s centerpiece was the Mushaira, a poetic symposium that brought together an impressive array of Kashmiri women poets who shared verses dedicated to the theme of women’s empowerment. These poets included Rukhsana Jabeen, Ruhi Jan, Haleema Qadri, Shaista Akhtar, Shabina Ara, Rehana Kosar, Atiqa parveen, Nikhat Nazar, Fatima Ji, Saba Shaheen, Zarina Ghazi, Hamida Shah Akhtar, Nilofer Naz Nahvi, Shagufta Zahid, Ulfat Roshan, and Ishrat Khurshid. Through their poignant poetry, these women conveyed the resilience, strength, and creativity that women have consistently demonstrated in their lives and their art. Each verse was a testament to the power of women’s voices, their courage in defying adversity, and their unyielding contributions to the preservation and evolution of Kashmiri literature and culture.
Kashmiri women have long been at the heart of the region’s literary traditions. From the medieval era to contemporary times, women in Kashmir have used literature as a means to resist oppression, challenge social norms, and express the intricacies of the human experience. Whether through poetry, short stories, or folk tales, their narratives have been instrumental in keeping the cultural fabric of Kashmir intact. In modern times, women continue to shape the literary landscape in Jammu & Kashmir.
Women writers, poets, and storytellers have consistently played a vital role in documenting and narrating the emotional and psychological experiences of individuals reflecting on personal and collective struggles. These works have not only contributed to literary culture but also helped in fostering dialogue on societal change.
The event was also marked by a strong sense of unity, as women from various fields—including literature, education, and culture—came together to celebrate the power of women’s voices in shaping the future. The proceedings were skillfully conducted by Shabina Ara. Ideel Saleem, Additional Secretary, JKAACL expressed gratitude to all participants and attendees for their contribution to the event.
