Poetry promotes unity, harmony, cultural exchange: Speaker LA

Jammu, Jan 29: “Poetry plays a vital role in promoting unity, harmony and cultural exchange in a multilingual nation like India”, stated Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather while addressing the prestigious All India Urdu Mushaira at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu, as chief guest.
The Mushaira was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) in which a galaxy of writers, poets and intellectuals representing diverse languages and regions from across the country participated.
The Speaker said that the primary objective of the Mushaira is to celebrate India’s rich diversity through the universal language of poetry, which serves as a bridge connecting people from varied backgrounds and regions.
Highlighting the role of Urdu poetry in fostering social harmony, brotherhood and cultural unity, the Speaker said that such events promote art and literature, strengthening the community’s cultural fabric and creating shared, joyous experiences.
Lauding the efforts of JKAACL, the Speaker said they offer a platform for both the established and emerging poets to present poetry that resonates with the public, often emphasizing love, humanity and unity.
Rather exhorted that the All India Urdu Mushaira has emerged as a significant cultural platform for nurturing literary excellence and strengthening the country’s composite cultural ethos.
The Mushaira was organized as part of the 77th Republic Day celebrations bringing together the renowned poets from Jammu and Kashmir as well as other States and Union Territories.
Eminent poets from across the country who enthralled the audience with their captivating poetic renditions were Moin Shadab (Delhi), Jyoti Azad (Gwalior), Imran Faiz (Nagpur), Ismail Nazar (Indore), Asrar Chanderi (Madhya Pradesh), Kaleem Kaiser (Gorakhpur), Mohan Muntazir (Nagpur), Dr. Ana Dehlavi (Delhi), Dr. Majid Deobandi (Delhi), and Khusbir Singh Shaad (Jalandhar).
Local poets also enriched the Mushaira with evocative and thought-provoking verses. Notable participants included Pritpal Singh Betaab (Jammu), Amir Sambri (Bhaderwah), Dr. Daleep Kumar Sharma (Jammu), Liyakat Ali Jaffri (Jammu), Ahmad Shinas (Jammu), Parvaiz Gulshan (Anantnag), Dr. Ahmad Manzoor (Baramulla), Dr. Nazir Azad (Pulwama) and Rukhsana Jabeen (Srinagar).
Each poet mesmerized the audience with soulful poetry, blending classical traditions with contemporary sensibilities and reaffirming the timeless relevance of Urdu literature.
Principal Secretary Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, presenting welcome address, said that the event underscored the importance of literary gatherings in fostering creativity, encouraging fresh ideas and preserving India’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage.
Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Lal Chand presented the vote of thanks.