HAJIN : The fifth death anniversary of renowned Kashmiri literary figure, critic, writer and language activist Dr Aziz Hajini was observed here on Saturday with a commemorative programme featuring a literary gathering and an engaging quiz competition for school students.
The programme was organized by the Wahab Cultural Society (WCS), Hajin, in collaboration with the Department of School Education, Bandipora, to pay tribute to Dr Hajini and highlight his enduring contribution to the promotion and preservation of the Kashmiri language and cultural heritage.
The event witnessed the participation of hundreds of school students, teachers, educationists, writers and members of civil society, who recalled the literary icon’s multifaceted contribution to education, literature and cultural activism.
Dr Hajini, who served as Secretary of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and as President of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, was remembered for his association with several prominent educational and literary institutions, including the J&K Board of School Education, Directorate of School Education Kashmir, University of Kashmir and Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi.
The programme began with a welcome address by Nazir Javed, Patron of the Wahab Cultural Society, Hajin. Renowned writer and poet Shahbaz Haqbari delivered the keynote address, highlighting Dr Hajini’s contributions to literature, education and public life.
The presidential chair was occupied by Shakit Shafi, President of Halqa-e-Adab Sonawari, while Arshid Ahmad Lone, Senior JKAS Officer and Chief Accounts Officer of Kashmir Power Development Corporation, attended the programme as Chief Guest. The presidium also included the Chief Education Officer, Bandipora, and Zonal Education Officer, Hajin.
Engineer Farhan Manzoor Shah, Provincial Secretary of JKEEGA and Additional Secretary of the NIT Alumni Association, and Azhar Hajini, son of the late literary figure, noted broadcaster, television presenter and Media Secretary of Halqa-e-Adab Sonawari, were also present.
A key attraction of the programme was the Dr Aziz Hajini Quiz, aimed at familiarizing younger generations with Kashmiri literature, culture and their literary heritage. Students from five schools of Hajin participated in the competition with enthusiasm and displayed impressive knowledge and competitive spirit.
Majeed Majazi, General Secretary of the Wahab Cultural Society, conducted the quiz as Quiz Master, keeping the participants and audience engaged throughout the competition.
Middle School Shahigund and MS Gulshan Abad Hajin jointly secured the first position, while MS Parray Mohallah bagged the second position. MS Balshibal secured the third position.
Several prominent members of civil society, including Dr Riyaz-ul-Hassan, President of the Wahab Cultural Society, Haji Gh Nabi Dar, Sagar Sarfaraz, Mohammad Yaqoob Parey and Mehraj-ud-Din Parey, besides educationists, writers and literary enthusiasts, attended the gathering.
The programme concluded with a collective resolve among literary organizations and educationists to carry forward Dr Aziz Hajini’s mission of promoting the Kashmiri language, nurturing young talent and strengthening cultural awareness among the younger generation.
