The News Craving
Srinagar:
Allegations have surfaced against the Sahitya Akademi Kashmir Advisory Board, with several writers accusing it of transforming into a fan club for former Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Abdul Rahim Rather.
The fresh controversy centers around the upcoming seminar scheduled to honor “Late Ghulam Nabi Gowhar” on July 22 at private educational institution, Life School, Charar-Sharief Budgam, organised by Sahita Akademi, a central government institution. Late Gowhar, besides being a novelist, retired as a judge and among his key works remains a book on the episode of the burning of the Charar-i-Sharief town during months of siege that ensued after the face off between militants and security forces in 1995.
Controversy over Guest of Honor Selection
The inclusion of Dr. Shugufta Rather, an associate professor of medicine at Government Medical College Srinagar, as the guest of honor at the event to be held on 22 July at Charar-i-Sharief has sparked criticism from other participants. They argued that Dr. Rather lacks credentials in literature or related fields, with “her designation as a social activist also questionable as she being a government employee.” The primary concern voiced by other invitees is that she being the daughter of Abdul Rahim Rather, which “transforms the literary event into a political forum,” said a writer, who is part of leading literary organisation in Central Kashmir.
Calls for Integrity and Accountability
Dr. Gazanfar Ali, a respected figure in both medical and literary circles, has expressed deep concerns over the politicization of the Sahitya Akademi advisory board. In a letter to the Akademi, he has called for immediate intervention to prevent further misuse of literary platforms for political gains.
“Dear sir, You’re holding a seminar on “Late Ghulam Nabi Gowhar” on 22nd July 2024 at Life School Charar–Sharief Budgam. The program copy of the event is attached.
The guest of honor is Dr Shugufta Rather, an associate professor of medicine in Government medical college Srinagar.It’s surprising inclusion as she has no credentials as a writer or for literary activities. She has been mentioned as a social activist.She has no social activities to her credit as she is a government employee.Her only credential is that she is daughter of Ex finance Minister Mr Abdul Rahim Rather of National Conference Party, who is constituency In Charge of Charari Sharief. It’s a saddening affair of your Kashmir advisory board which has been politicized for personal benefits,” Gazanfar said in the letter.
Several other writers have echoed these sentiments, demanding a thorough investigation into the allocation of funds and the board’s operational transparency.
Board Accusations and Political Links
Critics have specifically targeted Dr. Shad Ramzan, the convenor of the Kashmir Advisory Board, alleging his bias towards political figures like Abdul Rahim Rather. Ramzan’s previous involvement in literary functions featuring Rather has raised controversy over political favoritism within the advisory board.
In a Facebook post from 2023, Dr. Shugufta Rather had praised Dr. Shad Ramzan for his role in a literary event, highlighting political connections that, writers argue, further compromise the board’s impartiality.
Stakeholders within Kashmir’s literary community have sought preserving the integrity and purpose of forums like the Sahitya Akademi. Besides Ramzan as convenor, the other members of the board are: Dr. Mohd. Zaman Azurdah, Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Rather, Manshoor Banihali,
Majeed Majazi, Mohammad Amin Bhat, Dr. Rouf Ahmed Adil, Dr. Sohan Koul, Shabnum Tilgami and Dolly Tiku Arrwal. The members, as per information posted on Sahitya Akedmi, website, will hold the tenure between 2023-27.
Interestingly Charar-i-Sharief is seen as a key political constituency and has seen a good voting percentage in the past. The constituency is also prominent area that plays a significant outcome on Srinagar parliamentary seat.
