Sopore, September 4, 2025: The Government Degree College for Women, Sopore, in collaboration with the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, organised a one-day Literary Forum to honour the late Mohiuddin Gowhar, a distinguished poet from Sopore. The event celebrated his contributions to Kashmiri literature and fostered avibrant discussion on poetry and its societal impact.The program began with the soulful rendition of the College Tarana, setting a reflective tone. The presidiumincluded Prof. Subeena Chiloo, Principal of the College; Dr. Shad Ramzan, renowned poet and Convener ofthe Kashmiri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi; Mr. M. Amin Bhat, President of Adbe Markaz Kamraz; andMuhtarama Begum Mehr, wife of the late poet.Prof. Zubair Syed Masoodi welcomed the dignitaries, presenting bouquets to Mr. Amin Bhat and Begum Mehr,while Prof. Chiloo honored Dr. Shad Ramzan with a memento for composing the College Tarana. Dr. SyedMurtaza Geelani, Head of the Department of Education, delivered a formal welcome address.Dr. Shad Ramzan, in his keynote, highlighted the significance of Kashmiri language and literature, focusing onMohiuddin Gowhar’s legacy. Scholars Hassan Azhar and Showkat Shafi presented papers exploring the poet’slife and works, enriching the audience’s understanding.A captivating poetry session, hosted by Shahnaz Rashid, featured recitations from Gowhar’s book, DoorPahan Dewarun Menz, which was warmly received. Mr. Amin Bhat shared insights on literature’s role in shapingsociety, adding depth to the event.In her presidential address, Prof. Subeena Chiloo thanked the Sahitya Akademi for choosing the college as thevenue and emphasized the importance of preserving literary heritage through figures like Gowhar. An opendiscussion on poetry followed, sparking creativity and engagement.Prof. Falak Naz delivered the vote of thanks, and Dr. Aadil Mohi Uddin, Head of the Department of Kashmiri,conducted the proceedings seamlessly. Notable literary figures, including Mir Tariq, Aejaz Masoodi, G. N.Masoodi, G. M. Mangwalpori, G. M. Tawheedi, Rashid Roshan, and Jawahar Ramzan, attended, enhancingthe event’s prestige.
