Kargil, Dec 31: The two-day District-Level Multilingual Mushaira and Afsana Nigari sessions, organised by the Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (LAACL), Kargil, under the theme Losar-e-Dus-Dang, concluded successfully at the Academy Hall here today.
The second day’s literary session was chaired by senior Purgi/Balti poet Aga Syed Hadi Shah Aga, with Padma Shri awardee Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat, Special Officer Cultural Activities Muhammad Ali Tak, and senior poet Akhone Safdar Ali Safdar in the presidium.
Poets and writers from diverse linguistic backgrounds presented poetry and short stories in Purgi, Balti, Sheena Dardi, Broqskat Dardi and Urdu, reflecting themes of cultural identity, social realities, humour, spirituality, climate change, human struggle and contemporary challenges. The Afsana sessions explored hope, resilience and the triumph of life, while poets voiced concern over the fading presence of culture in daily life.
The programme also featured Rgyang-Lu folk songs by noted Purgi folk singer Fida Hussain Bajopa Silmoo, narrating Ladakh’s history, bravery, love and social issues, deeply resonating with the audience.
Earlier, Muhammad Ali Tak delivered the welcome address, describing Losar-e-Dus-Dang as a symbol of unity and cultural continuity. He said the Academy is working to document and publish literary works presented in vernacular languages.
In his Sadarati Khutba, Aga Syed Hadi Shah Aga stressed the importance of preserving mother tongues and local dialects to safeguard cultural identity and urged the younger generation to remain rooted in their linguistic heritage. He also called for similar literary initiatives in educational institutions.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Tsewang Rigzin, who appealed for collective celebration of Losar-e-Dus-Dang and highlighted culture as a unifying force. Writers, poets, students of Government Degree College Kargil and a large number of literary enthusiasts attended the programme.
