Cultural-lingual ties will strengthen peace between India-Pakistan

Srinagar, Aug 11 (UNI) Cultural and lingual ties across the border, needs to be strengthened in order to have long lasting peace between India and Pakistan.

This was stated by internationally acclaimed writer from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) Prof Sabir Afaqi in a special function organised in his honour by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages here.

Prof Afaqi and prominent poet Mukhlis Vajdani from PoK were on a cultural and educational tour to state.

The function was presided over by Mohammad Yousuf Teing, former Director General, Culture, while Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Taj Mohi-ud-Din was chief guest on the occasion.

Mr Taj in his speech described the event as a milestone in building the ties between India and Pakistan, as it will encourage cultural exchange between the two countries.

Secretary Cultural Academy Dr Rafeeq Masoodi said it is the endeavour of the Academy to organise a function in the honour of Prof Afaqi and Mr Vajdani who have contributed a lot to Urdu and Gojri literature, besides, have authored several books on various aspects of Art, Culture and Languages of State.

Two papers about the life and contribution of Prof Afaqi and Mukhlis Vajdani were read out on the occasion by Mohammad Amin Qamar and Naseem Poonchi.

Mr Mohammad Yousuf Teing in his presidential address highlighted the contribution of both the legendry writers, especially Prof Afaqi, and described him as the doyen and the pioneer of cultural history of J and K.

Mr Teing appreciated the Academy for organising such meaningful and purposeful functions.

The academy also released urdu translation of Sanskrit Classic '' Neelmat Puraan'' which has been rendered into urdu by noted scholar Arjun Dev Majboor.

UNI