JAMMU: A two day international seminar titled “Jagan Nath Azad ki Iqbal Shanasi” commenced at the University of Jammu, highlighting the literary contributions of Professor Jagan Nath Azad, a stalwart of Urdu literature.
The event, being organised by the Department of Urdu in collaboration with the Himalayan Trust, brought together luminaries from the world of Urdu literature.
Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, inaugurated the session while Professor Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor of University of Jammu, presided over the event.
The seminar focused on Azad’s deep engagement with Iqbal’s poetry and his efforts towards promotion of Urdu literature across cultural and national boundaries.
In his address, the Deputy CM lauded Professor Azad’s legacy as a scholar who bridged divides through his profound works. He remarked, “Professor Azad’s roots in Jammu and his literary career at this university has left an indelible mark on the global appreciation of Urdu literature.”
Choudhary emphasised the role of poets in fostering communal harmony, citing Iqbal’s verses “Sare jahan se achha, hindustan hamara” as emblematic of a secular ethos. He also referenced Guru Nanak’s lines “Ek noor se sab jag upjeya” to underline the universality of Indian thought.
Several distinguished individuals were honoured during the seminar. Dr Qudoos Javed, Dr TR Raina and Prof Asadullah Wani received Lifetime Achievement Awards, while Prof Shohab Malik, Head of the Urdu Department, was presented with the Faqr-e-Urdu Award.
Other notable awardees included Dr Taki Abdi, Khwaja Ikramuddin and JKAS officer Akhtar Qazi. The seminar also featured the release of several books on Urdu literature.