CULTURE

Shah Basit Taking a significant step towards linguistic inclusivity, Microsoft has recently expanded its Translator capabilities, adding four additional languages, including Kashmiri. With this development, the total count now reaches 20 supported Indian languages, edging closer to covering all 22 officially recognized languages in the country. This expansion notably addresses the linguistic needs of nearly 95% of India’s diverse population. Users can now access translation services across various platforms, such as the Microsoft Translator app, Edge browser, Office 365, Bing Translator, and Azure AI Translator API, which is utilized by companies like Jio Haptik and Koo. Azure AI Translator enables seamless translation between the newly introduced languages and over 135 others,...

A specialized academy is set to be established to provide language courses in Kashmiri and Dogri at Delhi University, Ambedkar University Delhi, and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) in New Delhi, as reported by The Indian Express. This initiative is geared towards supporting the promotion and preservation of the languages and culture of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in light of the diaspora of J&K residents, mainly comprising displaced migrants now residing in New Delhi. The Delhi Development Authority has already issued directives to identify a suitable location for the establishment of a Kashmiri-Dogri Academy, according to the report. Citing an official, The Indian Express mentioned that L-G VK Saxena has chaired two meetings on the matter. The Arts, Cul...

Renowned senior theatre director and recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi award, Mushtaq Kak, passed away at the age of 62 at his residence. Having directed over 100 plays and appeared in numerous Hindi movies, he breathed his last following a prolonged illness. His demise in Srinagar was widely condoled by locals and the artistic community of Kashmir paid tribute to his impactful legacy. Mushtaq Kak's influence spanned the realms of theatre and cinema. Recognized for his directorial prowess in acclaimed productions like “Andha Yug,” “Malika,” and “Pratibimb,” he left an indelible mark in the theatrical world. His adaptability shone through in works adapted from renowned writers such as Saadat Hasan Manto, Anton Chekhov, and Vijay Tendulkar. Moreover, his prese...

Muslims and Sikhs came together to perform the last rites of Sikh women in Tral on Saturday. Silinder Kour wife of Kartar Singh resident of Gulbagh Tral died on Saturday following which Muslims made arrangements for her last rites. As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Singh’s family is the only Sikh family residing in Muslim dominated Gulbagh village and Muslims neighbours thronged to their residence as soon as the news about the death broke out. People from Sikh community from nearby Naner Tral also visited the bereaved family. They along with Muslims took the body on their back to Naner village where her last rites were performed. Singh’s neighbours not only took the body to Naner but they also ferried firewood to cremate the deceased. “Our religion teaches u...

In an effort to protect, foster, and disseminate the language, literature, and, by extension, the culture of Jammu Kashmir in the nation's capital, Delhi has initiated the creation of an institution for this purpose, with the backing of the administration of one of the country's newest Union Territories, as reported by the Indian Express. According to sources within the government as reported by the Indian Express, during the celebration of Ladakh and J&K's foundation day at Raj Niwas, the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena was apprised by representatives of the J&K diaspora in the city, primarily displaced migrants, that Delhi lacked a Kashmiri language school and had no institutional support for a language that was slowly diminishing. "The L-G assured them that initially, ...

Bazme Sher O Adab Shumali Kashmir held an esteemed 'Naatiyah Mushaira' on October 28, 2023, at the Girls High School auditorium in Sopore. Eminent poet Tanha Nizami presided over the event, with guests of honor Faiyaz Talgami and Rashid Parveen, Bazme Sher O Adab said in a press statement issued to The Kashmiriyat. The program opened with a Quran recitation by Peer Ali Mohammad, followed by a Naat recitation by student Muzammil from Said School. Yusuf Samim, President of Bazm e Sher o Adab north Kashmir, addressed the gathering, calling for the construction of a cultural hall in Sopore similar to Shervani Hall Baramulla to support cultural and Kashmiri language programs. Hasan Azhar hosted the event, featuring Naatiya poetry recitals by a lineup of poets. Muhammad Saeed Masoodi...

A huge display of faith and devotion was seen at the historic shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdur Qadir Jeelani popularly known as Dastgeer Sahab (RA) at his shrine in Srinagar’s Khanyar area on Friday as thousands of people including elderly and women paid obeisance at the shrine to seek blessings. The men of all ages besides women and children gathered at the revered shrine of Dastgeer Sahab (RA) in Khanyar to the annual Urs of the Sultanul Awliya ( the saint of all saints). On the occasion, the air was filled with an atmosphere of spirituality and unity as devotees, young and old, came together to offer Friday congregational prayers. The annual Urs of Peer-e-Dasgteer (RA) is observed on the 11th of Rabi-ul-Saani. For the past 11 days, Khatamat-ul-Moazamaat including Awraad-e-Qad...

Next time you see Kashmiri Wazwan becoming a household cuisine across India, don’t be surprised. A Kashmiri food technologist is taking the local cuisines of the valley to the India’s top cooking reality show Master Chef India. As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Rukhsar Saeed, a food technologist from Pampore has made it among the final 16 contestants of Master Chef India, which is being broadcasted on Sony Liv. In June, she auditioned for the show and after clearing several stages, she made it to the final 16. Rukhsar said that throughout the show will present the Kashmiri cuisines before the judges in order to promote the local food of the valley. “In Kashmiri, there are thousands of indigenous vegetables and spices. My cooking style is based on innovation ...

A Jammu and Kashmir-based film director has earned worldwide acclaim for his latest cinematic masterpiece, "Country of Blind." As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), after making critically acclaimed films including Lihaaf, Mantostaan and Identity Card, director Rahat Kazmi, who hails from Surankote Poonch, is back with “Country of Blind”. The film which is an adaptation of H.G. Wells “Country of Blind” is entirely shot in Kashmir and also features local artists including Hina Khan , Mir Sarwar, Shoib Shah, Anushka Sen , Inaamulhaq and Pradhuman Singh. The film which as per the makers is shot in both English and Hindi languages. is poised to be a cinematic gem that transcends borders and touches the hearts of viewers. “The majestic Himalayas serve as the setting for th...