Srinagar: A two-day translation workshop of children’s books into Kashmiri was organized by the National Book Trust (NBT) , India in collaboration with Amar Singh College on 16- 17 November.
In his presidential address, Prof Qayum Hussain, Vice-Chancellor Cluster University Srinagar (CUS) appreciated the role of NBT in promoting and preserving the Kashmiri language through translation and publishing.
“India is a mosaic of languages and dialects, and NBT contributes immensely towards their preservation and promotion,” he said.
Referring to the Abdul Ahad Azad Chair at the Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree College, Prof Hussain said the CUS plans to establish this chair as a centre of promotion and conservation for Kashmiri literature and culture.
Speaking on the theme of the workshop, Dwijendra Kumar, Nodal Officer NBT said that the workshops like this one are important for Kashmiri language and literature.
. “ At least drafts of 15 translated books in Kashmiri were approved in the two-day workshop; I hope it will encourage more publishers to publish books in Kashmiri for children,” he maintained.
Asserting that it was the responsibility of the NBT to provide books for children in their mother tongue, Kumar said children have a right to have access to quality books at affordable prices in their mother tongue.
Underscoring the need to encourage translators particularly in local languages, Dr Deeba Sarmad, Dean Humanities of CUS in her keynote address delved on the nuances of the craft of translation.
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof Bashir Ahmad Rather, Principal A S College emphasized the need to apply technology in the art of translation.
“NBT is a pioneer in promoting this art and the College appreciates its efforts like those of this workshop,” he said.
Prof Khusrheed Ahmad Mir, Registrar CUS also spoke on the occasion.
The workshop had two technical sessions conducted by renowned experts of Kashmiri language and literature including Ghulam Nabi Atish, Dr Majroh Rashid and Dr Mehfooza Jan.
The workshop was attended by students and faculty of Kashmir division colleges.
