Shabroz Malik
Srinagar March 17: A condolence meeting in memory of Advocate Naseem Akbar was organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages at the Conference Hall of Tagore Hall.
The meeting was presided over by former Secretary of the Academy, politician, and renowned Pahari language researcher, Zafar Iqbal Manhas and was attended by the distinguished guests, including Professor Jahangir Danish, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Masoodi, Raja Shahid Ali Shujaat, and Khawaja Mansoor Ahmad, while the Additional Secretary of the Cultural Academy, Adeel Saleem, hosted the proceedings.
The meet commenced with Fatiha prayers for the deceased Advocate Naseem Akbar, led by Khawaja Mansoor Ahmad. Welcoming the guests, Additional Secretary Adeel Saleem expressed his thoughts on the occasion, highlighting late advocate’s remarkable contributions to society.
Meanwhile, Mir Haider Nadeem recited an afsana, detailing the intellectual and literary contributions of the late Advocate Naseem Akbar.
Several distinguished speakers, including renowned journalist Sanam Ijaz, Sheikh Shabir Ahmad, Khurshid Manzoor, Iftikhar Ahmad (JKAS), Maulvi Shabir Shams, Khawaja Mansoor Ahmad, Raja Shahid Ali Shujaat, Dr. Jahangir Danish, and Dr. Abdul Hafeez Masoodi, paid heartfelt tributes to the departed soul while shedding light on various aspects of his life.
In his presidential address, former Secretary of the Cultural Academy Zafar Iqbal Manhas shared his personal association with the late Advocate Naseem Akbar and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.
He also announced that a special issue of “Shams Bari,” a trilingual literary journal, would soon be published in Advocate Naseem Akbar’s memory, a decision that was warmly welcomed by the audience. He urged Pahari and Urdu writers to contribute articles for this special edition to ensure its timely publication.
The condolence meeting witnessed the presence of numerous writers and poets from both the Pahari and Urdu literary circles, along with some members of the deceased’s family.
The event was moderated by Muhammad Ayub Mir (Naeem Karnahi), the Editor of the Pahari Department and Cultural Officer, who also delivered a vote of thanks to the esteemed guests and attendees, marking the conclusion of the program.
