Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. - Late Ghulam Ahmad Dilbar’s final book ‘Naavi Taras Kya Demai’ released
- Prof. Dr. Gazanfar Ali calls for preservation of Kashmir’s Literary Heritage Announces free Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) books for private schools
- Students must connect with Kashmir’s rich legacy of sufi saints, poets & literary icons: Bilal Bhat
- Sheikh-ul-Alam’s (RA) teachings remain relevant for every generation: Hujat-ul-Islam Maulana Ghulam Hussain Mattoo
- Renowned writer G.N. Adfar pays literary tribute to Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), Ghulam Ahmad Dilbar
- “Education Must Remain Connected With Our Cultural Roots”: Dr. Owais Mattoo, Director Cardiff School
BUDGAM: Sheikh-ul-Alam (R.A) Day was celebrated at The Cardiff School, Charar-i-Sharief, Budgam, to commemorate the spiritual and literary legacy of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (R.A), the revered Sufi saint, mystic and Kashmiri poet popularly known as Nund Rishi and Alamdar-e-Kashmir. The occasion also witnessed the release of “Naavi Taras Kya Demai,” the final book by renowned Kashmiri poet and writer Late Ghulam Ahmad Dilbar, honouring his lasting contribution to Kashmiri language and literature.
The event brought together eminent literary personalities, scholars, educationists, religious scholars, media representatives, civil society members, teachers and students to reflect on the spiritual teachings of Sheikh-ul-Alam (R.A), the richness of Kashmiri language and literature and the enduring contribution of Late Ghulam Ahmad Dilbar to the region's literary heritage.
The programme highlighted the importance of preserving Kashmir's indigenous literary traditions and passing on its spiritual, cultural and intellectual legacy to future generations through educational institutions and literary platforms.
The event was graced by Prof. Dr. Gazanfar Ali, renowned doctor, writer and President of Markazi Adab Wa Sakafat Kashmir, as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honour included Hujatul Islam Maulana Ghulam Hussain Mattoo, President of Mutahari Sakafati Center Kashmir & Founder of Payam Educational Academy, renowned poet writer G.N. Adfar Bilal Ahmad Bhat, President of the (Regd.) Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (J&K-PSA); M. Syed Wani, General Secretary of J&K-PSA; Farooq Ahmad Wani, Editor-in-Chief of Brighter Kashmir; Sajad Hussain, Director of Payam Educational Academy; Dr. Owais Mattoo, Director of Cardiff School, District President Budgam and Director of Media and Communications, J&K-PSA; Hilal Ahmad Khan, District President J&K-PSA Shopian; Nazir Ahmad Mir, renowned sports personality; Sajad Hussain, Zonal President, B.K Pora and Inayat Gul, General Secretary of Markazi Adab Wa Sakafat Kashmir, Budgam, who hosted the programme.
Mohammad Iqbal Mattoo, son of Late Ghulam Ahmad Dilbar and the person associated with the publication of his father's final book, was also present. He acknowledged the support extended by Dr. Owais Mattoo and the management of Cardiff School in facilitating the book's release and ensuring that the literary work reached readers.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Gazanfar Ali paid rich tributes to Late Ghulam Ahmad Dilbar, describing the preservation of Kashmiri literary heritage as a collective responsibility. He stressed the need to encourage students to read the works of Kashmir's great poets, scholars and spiritual personalities so that they could develop a deeper understanding of their roots, language and cultural identity.
Emphasising the educational value of Kashmir's Sufi literary tradition, Prof. Gazanfar Ali announced that he would provide books on Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) free of cost to the J&K Private Schools Association for distribution among schools.
He observed that students should be familiar with the great personalities and intellectual traditions of their own land, alongside their knowledge of eminent personalities from other parts of the world. He underlined that making such literature available in school libraries would help younger generations appreciate the spiritual wisdom, moral teachings and literary excellence of Kashmir's revered figures.
His announcement was welcomed as an important initiative towards strengthening cultural education and encouraging reading habits among students.
Hujatul Islam Maulana Ghulam Hussain Mattoo, President of Mutahari Sakafati Center Kashmir and Founder of Payam Educational Academy, delivered a special address on the spiritual, moral and social philosophy of Sheikh-ul-Alam (R.A).
He highlighted the Sheikh-ul-Alam (R.A)'s extraordinary contribution to Kashmiri society through his poetry, spiritual teachings and emphasis on human values. He stressed that Sheikh-ul-Alam's message of righteousness, humility, compassion and moral responsibility continues to hold relevance in contemporary society.
He also emphasised the role of educational institutions in introducing students to the teachings of great spiritual personalities and nurturing character, ethical awareness and respect for cultural traditions.
Renowned writer G.N. Adfar presented an insightful literary appreciation of the works and enduring legacies of Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Alam (R.A) and Late Ghulam Ahmad Dilbar. He highlighted their profound contributions to Kashmiri language and literature, reflecting on the depth of their thought, richness of poetic expression and lasting influence on Kashmir’s spiritual, literary and cultural heritage.
He emphasised that literary gatherings and book-release ceremonies provide valuable opportunities to revisit the works of distinguished writers and preserve their contributions for future generations. He also stressed the need to document, publish and promote Kashmiri literary works so that they remain accessible to students, researchers and the wider reading community.
Bilal Ahmad Bhat, President of the (Regd.) Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association, appreciated Cardiff School for organising an event that brought together education, spirituality, literature and cultural awareness on a common platform.
He welcomed Prof. Dr. Gazanfar Ali's announcement to provide books on Sheikh-ul-Alam (R.A) free of cost to the Association's schools, describing the initiative as a meaningful step towards introducing students to Kashmir's spiritual and literary heritage.
Bhat stressed that schools must go beyond conventional classroom teaching to familiarise students with the great Sufi saints, poets, scholars and reformers who shaped Kashmir's intellectual and cultural identity.
He announced that the J&K Private Schools Association would work towards celebrating Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) Day at the state level across its member schools, with the objective of promoting awareness of the saint's teachings and encouraging students to engage with Kashmiri literature, poetry and history.
He further emphasised that educational institutions have an important responsibility to ensure that students remain connected with their linguistic and cultural roots while acquiring modern knowledge and skills.
M. Syed Wani, General Secretary of the (Regd.) J&K Private Schools Association, congratulated the Cardiff School management for organising a programme of considerable literary, academic and cultural significance.
He stressed that education should not remain confined to textbooks, examinations and classroom instruction, but should also provide students with opportunities to understand their history, literature, ethical traditions and cultural identity.
Wani expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dr. Owais Mattoo and the organising team, noting that such programmes help create an environment in which students can learn from scholars, writers and experienced personalities while developing respect for their heritage.
Hilal Ahmad Khan, District President of J&K-PSA Shopian, highlighted the collective responsibility of educators and educational institutions in preserving Kashmiri language, poetry and literature.
He emphasised that literary and cultural programmes should be organised regularly across districts to provide students with opportunities to appreciate the region's distinguished literary personalities.
On the occasion, Khan also recited lines of poetry as a tribute to Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) and Late Ghulam Ahmad Dilbar, adding a literary dimension to the commemorative gathering.
Dr. Owais Mattoo, Director of Cardiff School, District President Budgam and Director of Media and Communications, J&K-PSA, delivered the welcome address and extended a warm reception to the distinguished guests, scholars, writers and representatives of the education sector.
He reaffirmed the institution's commitment to providing quality education while ensuring that students remain connected with the moral, cultural and literary traditions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Mattoo appreciated the participation of the distinguished speakers and acknowledged the support of the guests, organisers and members of the literary fraternity in making the event meaningful. He also expressed gratitude to Iqbal Ahmad Mattoo for bringing his late father's final book to publication and celebrate the writer's contribution to Kashmiri literature.
He emphasised that educational institutions have a significant role in creating opportunities for students to engage with literature, poetry, spiritual thought and the contributions of eminent personalities from their own region.
Students and teachers of Cardiff School also participated enthusiastically in the programme, delivering speeches and sharing their understanding of Sheikh-ul-Alam's (R.A) spiritual teachings, poetry and contribution to Kashmiri society.
Their participation reflected the importance of introducing cultural and literary subjects at the school level and encouraging young learners to develop confidence in public speaking, literary appreciation and historical understanding.
The programme was anchored by Inayat Gul, General Secretary of Markazi Adab Wa Sakafat Kashmir, who professionally conducted the proceedings and coordinated the various segments of the event, ensuring a smooth and well-organised flow throughout the programme.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Owais Mattoo, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, literary personalities, educationists, media representatives, students, teachers and all those associated with the programme.
The gathering concluded on a note of appreciation for Kashmir's rich Sufi and literary traditions, with a shared emphasis on preserving the works of its distinguished personalities and ensuring that their teachings and contributions continue to inspire future generations.