‘Gathri Lafzon Ki’ by renowned writer Khalid Hussain released at University of Jammu

Jammu, 12 August 2026: The Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, organised a book release function for ‘Gathri Lafzon Ki’, a collection of articles authored by renowned Urdu and Punjabi fiction writer Khalid Hussain, at the Gyan Chand Jain Seminar Hall, Department of Urdu, University of Jammu.

The function was presided over by Prof. Quduss Jawaid, former Head, Department of Urdu, University of Kashmir, while Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Suhail Kazmi, renowned journalist, was also present in the presidium.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, appreciated the Department of Urdu for organising the literary event and acknowledged the significant contribution of Khalid Hussain to the literary and cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised the importance of literature in preserving cultural memory, strengthening social bonds and creating a deeper understanding of human values. He also appreciated the Department’s efforts in promoting Urdu literature and providing a platform for meaningful literary and intellectual dialogue.

Prof. Rai also emphasised the need to reimagine language and literature education by moving beyond conventional classroom teaching towards interdisciplinary, activity-based and employment-oriented learning. He stressed that literature departments must engage meaningfully with technology, Artificial Intelligence, data analysis, Mathematics and Statistics to open new avenues of research and employment for students. 

Underscoring the importance of communication skills, regular student presentations and cross-disciplinary credit-based courses, he said universities must prepare not only the small percentage of students who pursue research, but more importantly the 95 per cent who enter the wider world of work. He also announced the establishment of a Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialects and Emotional Intelligence, envisioned as an interdisciplinary research platform integrating language and culture with data, IT, AI, photography and filmmaking.

In his presidential remarks, Prof. Quduss Jawaid spoke at length about the literary significance of Khalid Hussain’s writings. He appreciated the author’s distinctive narrative style and his ability to transform observations of everyday life into meaningful literary reflections. He noted that Gathri Lafzon Ki brings together a range of thoughts and experiences that demonstrate the richness of the author’s literary sensibility.

The author, Khalid Hussain, is widely recognised for his contribution to Urdu and Punjabi fiction. His writings are known for their sensitivity towards human relationships, social realities and the cultural ethos of Jammu and Kashmir. The newly released book, Gathri Lafzon Ki, brings together his articles and reflections and offers readers an insight into his intellectual and literary concerns.

Suhail Kazmi, while speaking on the occasion, underlined the relationship between literature, journalism and society. He observed that writers such as Khalid Hussain have played an important role in documenting the social and cultural realities of Jammu and Kashmir through their creative and critical writings.

Earlier, Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, Head, Department of Urdu, University of Jammu in his welcome address highlighted the significance of Khalid Hussain’s contribution to Urdu and Punjabi literature. In his welcome address, he observed that the publication of Gathri Lafzon Ki represents an important addition to contemporary literary discourse and reflects the author’s deep engagement with society, culture, language and human experience.

The function witnessed the presence of several eminent literary and academic personalities, including Aseer Akhtarwari, Javaid Rahi, Dr. Liyaqat Jafari, Prof. Baljeet Kaur, Dr. Parteem, Dr. Harinder Singh, Prof. Asad Ullah Wani, Dr. Chaman Lal , Dr. Farhat Shamim , Dr. Parshotam Paul Singh, Dr. Javaid Ahmad , Dr. Jug Mohan Singh and other distinguished guests, scholars, faculty members and students.

The presence of students and research scholars from the Departments of Urdu and Punjabi added an academic and interactive dimension to the programme. The gathering reflected the shared literary and cultural space between Urdu and Punjabi and highlighted the role of universities in nurturing dialogue between different languages and literary traditions.

Dr. Abdul Rashid Manhas served as the Moderator of the programme and conducted the proceedings in a scholarly and engaging manner. He introduced the speakers and coordinated the various segments of the event.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Mohammad Reyaz Ahmad, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, the presiding dignitary, members of the presidium, the author, distinguished guests, faculty members, scholars and students for their participation and contribution to the success of the event.

The book release function provided a vibrant platform for literary interaction and reaffirmed the commitment of the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, towards promoting Urdu literature, encouraging contemporary writers and creating opportunities for meaningful academic and cultural exchange.

The event concluded on a cordial note, with the participants appreciating the literary contribution of Khalid Hussain and expressing hope that Gathri Lafzon Ki would receive wide readership and stimulate further discussion on contemporary Urdu and Punjabi literary traditions.