“Chenab Valley had produced towering urdu writers, politicians and intellectuals, it is the 2nd largest valley of Jammu and Kashmir state after Ladakh, which has a number of power projects to its credit . It has produced internationally reputed scholars & Politicians like Rasa Javedani, Sheikh Abdul Rehman, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ghulam Rasool Goni, Kamgar Kishtwari and others who have rendered tremendous service in their respective fields”. These views were expressed by the illustrious speakers in the Book Release function organized by the department of Urdu, University of Jammu in the Prof. Gian Chand Jain seminar hall of the department of Urdu in collaboration with Qasmi Kutub Khana Talab Khatikan Jammu.
The book titled “Urdu language and literature in the Chenab Valley” was released by the Minister of Haj and Aquaf Farooq Andrabi. The book has been compiled and edited by the Head of the department of Urdu, University of Jammu Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik. The noted scholars of the state M Y Taing was the Guest of Honour on the occasion while Jammu University Vice Chancellor Prof. R.D. Sharma presided over the book release function. The book release function was attended by students, scholars, faculty members and a number of writers from Chenab Valley.
Speaking on the occasion Farooq Andrabi congratulated Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik for bringing out a book on the Urdu writers of Chenab valley. He described the Chenab valley a land of intellectuals. Appreciating the beauty of people of Chenab valley Andrabi said that people of the valley are not only beautiful but also a symbol of communal harmony and National Integration. He said that present Government is committed to promote not only the developmental activities in the state but also the art and literature of the state. He describe Chenab valley the mother of urdu language, where urdu is promoting even now a days. He further said that he would discuss the issue of Urdu Language with the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in this connection an Urdu Council will be setup in the state for the promotion of the language. He too discusses the visionary approach of Mufti Mohd Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti.
M Y Taing in his speech describe Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik not only a good organizer but also a writer par excellence who has authored above two dozens of books. The present book titled “Urdu language and Literature in the Chenab Valley” is a historic book in the sense that it covers all the aspects of Urdu language and literature which has written in the Chenab valley. He demanded that book should be introduced in the colleges of Chenab Valley. Describing Urdu a link language of the three regions of the state. M.Y. Taing demanded to restore the official status of the language. He demanded immediate setting up of Urdu council in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Highlighting the role of Urdu department in promoting the Urdu language Taing said that Urdu department is playing a magnificent role in promoting the language by organizing seminars, conferences and literary meets and for the this Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik need a letter of appreciation.
The Vice Chancellor of Jammu University Prof. R.D Sharma congratulated Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik for his new book he highlighted the academic activities being done by the Urdu department and describe Urdu department as one of the biggest department of the Jammu University. Urdu department is not only providing MA and Research to the students but also started learn Urdu certificate course for those students who does not know even the alphabets of Urdu languages. Hundreds of non-urdu knowing students are being benefitted by the course. The department is also going to start the Urdu Journalism course very soon. He appreciated the efforts of Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik for making the department of Urdu the identity of Jammu University and a hub of cultural and literary activities.
Two critical papers were read on the book, Brij Nath Betab a well known Broadcaster and Dr Ayaz Rasool Nazqi in their detail papers describe Prof. Shohab a prolific writer of Urdu. They too describe the dynamism of Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik. They said that Prof. Shohab is not only a towering Urdu writer but also a man having secular bent of mind. He loves Urdu language from the core of his heart and is working throughout the India for its upliftment. Chenab valley is lucky enough to have Prof. Shohab as son of the soil.
Earlier in his welcome address Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik inform that while compiling the book he has paid back the debit of his mother land. He said that Chenab valley has always being neglected by the successive state governments. He describes Bhaderwah the land of intellectuals and poets and also the Kerla of Jammu and Kashmir. Though Chenab Valley is producing lot of power but sill its areas are not getting the power properly. Its roads are in bad condition, due to which yearly hundreds of people die because of accidents in the road informed Prof. Shohab. He said that government should give special attention towards Chenab valley as it has a large potential of income for the Government. The office of the Urdu council should be open in the Chenab valley demanded Prof. Shohab. He further demanded that Urdu writer of the valley be given their due by the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
The proceeding of the program was conducted by Dr. Mohd Reyaz Ahmed, Associate Professor of the department while vote of thanks was presented by Dr A R Manhas, Assistant Professor of the Urdu department, University of Jammu.