Jammu,
The Department of English, Central University of Jammu (CUJ), organised Young Writers’ Festival in collaboration with Sahitya Akademi today.

In all, 30 writers of eight north Indian languages participated in the event which was inaugurated on November 29. The festival began with a welcome address by S Rajmohan, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, who said the Akademi had a history of uniting diverse cultural and literary traditions of the nation.

It was followed by introductory remarks by Prof Lalit Mangotra, Convener, Dogri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi. He highlighted the systematic and efficient working schedule of the Akademi and also talked about the opportunities it provided to writers throughout the country.

Prof Deepsheekha Kotwal, Dean, School of Languages, CUJ, delivered the keynote address to introduce the audience to the writers and their craft.

Kotwal was also quick to talk about the significance of pen against the contemporary swords of violence, and to show the role of writers in healing such horrible scenarios of life through a syncretic approach.

Prof Mohd Zaman Azurdah, Convener, Kashmir Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, gave the presidential address wherein he highlighted the significance of regional languages.