Minister for Jal Shakti, Forests, Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated a day long seminar on eminent Gujjar leader and freedom fighter ‘Late Faiz Hussain Inqalab’ at K L Saigal Hall here. The program was organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) and conducted in Gojri language.
Prominent writers and scholars from across Jammu & Kashmir participated in the event. Secretary JKAACL, Harvinder Kour; Chief Editor JKAACL, Dr. Javaid Rahi; Former MLC, Rahim Dad; noted writer Rashid Azam Inqalabi and Choudhary Mohammad Rashid, former Registrar of BGSB University Rajouri were present in the presidium of inaugural session.
Speaking on the occasion, Javed Rana stressed on the importance of language in preserving the identity of a community and lauded the efforts of Lt. Faiz Hussain Inqalab in promoting Gojri language and tribal culture.
He highlighted Inqalab’s crucial role in reforming the people of the twin border districts. He stated that his contributions to national integration and uniting different identities of the border regions in testing times against external threats will be remembered for all times to come.
The Minister appreciated JKAACL for holding this purposeful event in this capital city and stressed that more such events should be organised to connect people with their roots. Harvinder Kour, in her address, underlined the importance of Gojri as a significant language of J&K and reaffirmed JKAACL’s commitment to the preservation, propagation and documentation of the language.
She urged the younger generation to remember and connect with the legacy of heroes like Lt. Inqalab. Dr. Javaid Rahi, while speaking on the occasion, stated that the main objective of the seminar was to highlight the contributions of the legendary tribal leader.
He mentioned that JKAACL has already published a well-researched book on Lt. Inqalab’s life and work and announced plans for another publication following the conclusion of the seminar. Noted writer Ch. Rashid AzamInqalabi paid homage to Lt. Inqalab, stating that the best way to honor his legacy is to work towards upliftment of the poor, downtrodden and people living in far-flung areas.
Several scholars and researchers presented papers on Lt. Faiz Hussain Inqalab, including Dr. Ishtyaq Ahmed Masba, Dr. M.K. Waqar, Engineer Liaqat, Prof. Mohd Rashid, Dr.Liaqat Nair Professor BGSB University and Hussan Perwaz renowned broadcaster.
The seminar also featured musical tributes to the late leader, with performances by Ayaz Ahmed Saif, Anisa Kareem, Barkit Hussain, and Qammar Shabban, accompanied by Rakesh Anand on flute, Sayall Jasrotya on tabla and Rakesh Kumar on octopad.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mehmood Raiz while Shoukat Naseem of Gojri section conducted the proceedings.