Srinagar, November 15: To celebrate the linguistic and cultural richness of Prof Rehman Rahi’s poetry and its resonance beyond Kashmiri literature, the University of Kashmir Thursday, organized a book reading session and panel discussion here. The varsity’s Department of Urdu, organized the event on ‘Intikhab-i-Kalam-i-Rahi’, a collection of Rahi’s poetry translated into Urdu by acclaimed poet and translator, Dr Satish Vimal. Reflecting on his translation journey, Dr Satish Vimal described the experience of capturing Rahi’s intricate themes and language.
Former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof Nazir Ahmad Malik, said translating Rahi’s poetry is no easy feat and that Dr Vimal has done a commendable job, skillfully bridging language and culture.
Convener, Kashmiri Board, Sahitya Akademi, Prof Shaad Ramzan, elaborated on the difficulty of translating metaphors in poetry.
Outlining the session’s purpose, Head, Department of Urdu, Prof Aejaz Mohammad Sheikh, said: “We designed the event to include both recitation and discussion of Rahi’s translated poems, allowing participants to deeply engage with the essence of his work.”
Senior faculty, Department of English, KU, Prof Mufti Mudasir Farooqi, discussed the role of translation as a bridge between cultures.
Faculty, Media Education Research Centre (MERC), Dr Rashid Maqbool, recited four of Rahi’s original Kashmiri poems capturing the lyrical beauty of Rahi’s voice in his native language.
A panel discussion included reflections on Rahi’s themes of love, existentialism, and identity, emphasising the importance of preserving his work through translation for future generations.
Senior faculty, Department of Urdu, Dr Mushtaq Haider, conducted the proceedings of the event, with Prof Aejaz Mohammad Sheikh proposed the formal vote of thanks.
