Rare Koranic manuscripts on display

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 28

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today inaugurated an exhibition of rare Koranic manuscripts on the lawns of the Tagore Hall here.

An official said that some of the rare Koranic manuscripts were being displayed at the three-day exhibition organised by the Cultural Academy in association with the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Directorate of Libraries and private collectors — Meeras Mahal Sopore and Qazi brothers.

Later, Mehbooba, who is also the president of the Cultural Academy, presented the awards for best books to local writers.

She said the award money for best local language book given by the Cultural Academy would be increased from present Rs 51,000 to Rs 1 lakh. She also called for safeguarding local languages from the onslaught of modernity.

The Chief Minister called for preserving and promoting local languages which constitute a part and parcel of the state’s distinct cultural identity and heritage. “The government alone can’t do much in growth and development of local languages and culture in the state,” she said.

The Dogri language award was conferred on Om Goswami for his book “Rang Bakhrey Bakhrey” while for the Gojri, the best book award was presented to Sheikh Azad Ahmad Azad for his book “Tatloos.”

For the Kashmiri language, the award went to Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq for his book “Aakh” and for Ladakhi, the award was given to Khanpo Konchok Phandey. Similarly for Pahari, Nisar Rahi got award for his book “Tundh” and for Punjabi the award went to Rajinder Singh Rajan. In Urdu language, the best book award was given to Shyam Sunder Anand Lehar.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Finance and Culture Haseeb Drabu said the government was in the process of formulating the maiden Cultural Policy which would take care of the issues related to the preservation and promotion of the state’s unique culture.