Bandipora, June 29: The Ham Khayal Adbi Forum Bandipora organised a prestigious literary and spiritual gathering at the residence of renowned writer, poet and spiritual personality Faqeer Mohammad Akbar Sheikh in Sumlar Shokh Baba Sahib, Bandipora.
On the occasion, two significant Kashmiri poetry collections—Nai Hund Soz (Kulliyat-e-Hazrat Gulla Chhan RA) and Poshah Nalan, authored by Faqeer Mohammad Akbar Sheikh—were formally unveiled.
The event witnessed the participation of a large number of Islamic scholars, Sufi saints, poets, writers, intellectuals, literary figures and prominent members of civil society, making it a memorable celebration of Kashmir’s literary and spiritual heritage.
The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Maulvi Ghulam Nabi Lone. A soulful rendition of Naat-e-Rasool (SAW) was presented by Taliba Seerat Khurshid, whose melodious voice created a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The function was presided over by Haji Ghulam Mohammad Wani, while the presidential dais was shared by Faqeer Mohammad Akbar Sheikh, Maulvi Ghulam Nabi Lone, and Raghib Rashid. The proceedings were conducted by the Forum’s President, Gul Tanveer, who efficiently anchored the event.
Delivering the welcome address, Forum Secretary Wani Ashiq Hussain highlighted the literary, scholarly and spiritual contributions of Hazrat Gulla Chhan (RA) and Faqeer Mohammad Akbar Sheikh. He observed that the true identity of any nation lies in its cultural and literary heritage, making the preservation of the legacy of saints and poets a collective responsibility.
He described the poetry of Hazrat Gulla Chhan (RA) as a beautiful blend of divine love, devotion to the Holy Prophet (SAW), moral values and humanitarian ideals. He also appreciated the efforts of Ghulam Nabi Najjar, who painstakingly collected and compiled the scattered verses of Hazrat Gulla Chhan (RA) into Kulliyat-e-Hazrat Gulla Chhan (RA), describing it as a valuable contribution to Kashmiri literature. Likewise, he termed Poshah Nalan by Faqeer Mohammad Akbar Sheikh an important addition to contemporary Kashmiri poetry.
On the occasion, Gul Tanveer presented certificates of appreciation to Ghulam Nabi Najjar and Faqeer Mohammad Akbar Sheikh in recognition of their outstanding literary contributions. He remarked that honouring scholars and literary figures is, in itself, a service to culture and civilisation, and affirmed that the Forum would continue to recognise distinguished literary personalities in the future. The audience warmly applauded the gesture.
The second session featured a grand Mushaira (poetry symposium) in which Khawaja Tausif (Simlar), Ghulam Mohammad Wani Gulal (Nadihal), Abdul Rashid Wani (Simlar), Hijr Momin (Nadihal), Bilal Rehmani (Onagam), Maqbool Jaffar (Watapora), Altaf Ahmad Wani (Shokh Baba), Raghib Rashid (Nadihal), Gul Tanveer (Muslimabad) and Faqeer Mohammad Akbar Sheikh (Simlar) presented selections from their poetry. Their thought-provoking and spiritually uplifting verses were greatly appreciated by the audience.
Following the Mushaira, a Mehfil-e-Samaa (Sufi devotional musical gathering) was held, adding a further spiritual dimension to the event.
In his vote of thanks, Forum Media Secretary Bilal Rehmani expressed gratitude to all the distinguished guests, scholars, poets, organisers and media representatives for their participation. He expressed hope that such literary gatherings would continue in the future to further promote the Kashmiri language, literature and Sufi thought.
The programme concluded with a collective prayer for the exalted spiritual status of Hazrat Gulla Chhan (RA), the good health and well-being of Faqeer Mohammad Akbar Sheikh, the success and popularity of both books, the promotion of knowledge and literature in the Kashmir Valley, and lasting peace and harmony across Jammu and Kashmir and throughout the world.
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