The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) organized a one-day seminar on July 31, 2025, at the Conference Hall of Tagore Hall, Srinagar, to commemorate the life, works, and enduring literary legacy of the eminent Kashmiri writer, researcher, and historian, Late Avtar Krishen Rehbar.
The seminar drew a distinguished gathering of scholars, poets, academicians, and literature enthusiasts who paid rich tributes to Rehbar’s immense contributions to Kashmiri language, literature, and cultural historiography.
The inaugural session was presided over by noted poet and veteran broadcaster Mr. Rafiq Raaz, while distinguished historian Prof. Farooq Fayaz graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The keynote address was delivered by acclaimed critic and academic Prof. Shad Ramzan, who provided deep insights into Rehbar’s multifaceted literary journey, his engagement with Kashmir’s linguistic and cultural traditions, and his pivotal role in enriching Kashmiri literary thought.
Prof. Naseem Shafaie, Sahitya Akademi Awardee, attended as Guest of Honour. Jawaid Iqbal, Editor (Kashmiri), hosted the session and presented the vote of thanks, highlighting the Academy’s ongoing literary initiatives and the significance of preserving the legacies of literary pioneers like Rehbar.
The proceedings were conducted with elegance and clarity by Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Rather, Assistant Editor (Kashmiri), who served as the anchor for the day.
The seminar featured research-oriented presentations by a distinguished panel of scholars and writers including Prof. M. Zaman Azurdah, Prof. Bashar Bashir, Prof. Aejaz Mohammad Sheikh, Prof. Shad Ramzan, Prof. Majrooh Rashid, Prof. Shafi Shouq, Prof. R. L. Talashi, Shamshad Kralwari, Shabnam Tilgami, Yousuf Jehangir, and Prof. Shafi Simbli. The papers explored various dimensions of Rehbar’s literary oeuvre—his editorial vision, his pioneering contributions to literary broadcasting at Radio Kashmir, and his research on folk literature and cultural history.
The first academic session was chaired by Prof. M. Zaman Azurdah, with Prof. Shafi Shouq as Chief Guest and celebrated writer G. R. Hasrat Gadda as Guest of Honour. The session focused on Rehbar’s historical lens, narrative style, and his unique role in bridging traditional and modern literary sensibilities.
The second session was presided over by noted poet and critic Prof. Bashar Bashir, with Prof. Majrooh Rashid as Chief Guest, and Prof. Rattan Lal Talashi and Manshoor Banihali as Guests of Honour. This session explored Rehbar’s poetic worldview, his interpretative methods, and his lasting influence on Kashmiri literary criticism.
The event was also attended by Ghulam Hassan Ghamgeen, Justice Nazir Fida, Mohammad Yousuf Shaheen, Shakeel ur Rehman, Imdad Saqi, Inayat Gul, Nisar Naseem, Mohammad Ayoub Mir Naeem, Mushtaq Ali Ahmad Khan, Rahim Rahbar, Dr.Satish Vimal, Engineer Shafi Ahmad, Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq, Bashir Chiragh, Abdul Rehman Bhat, Dildar Ashraf Shah, Seth Rafi, Feroz Ahmad Mahjoor, Neelofar Naz Nahvi, Nasir Mirza, and Saleem Saalik,Jameel Ansari, Aafia Qari, Ghulam Qadir, Abdur Rashid.
The seminar concluded with an open-floor discussion, where participants emphasized the need for renewed scholarly engagement with Rehbar’s legacy and reiterated the importance of documenting Kashmir’s intellectual and literary heritage. The event was widely appreciated for its academic depth, seamless execution, and heartfelt homage to one of the most influential figures in modern Kashmiri literature.
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