Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,DD :Jammu and Kashmir Fiction Writers’ Guild (FWG), conducted its 332nd session, Saturday here at Hera Manzil, Abi Guzar, Lal Chowk, Srinagar. The event, , brought together a distinguished gathering of fiction writers, critics, and literature enthusiasts.
The session was presided over by noted columnist and Senior faculty at EMMRC University of Kashmir Mr. Ajaz-ul-Haque, who shared his thought provoking insights into the evolving landscape of fiction and the importance of language in literary narratives. His address emphasized the need to preserve literary aesthetics in modern storytelling.
In his presidential address Ajaz-ul-Haque stressed the pivotal role of language in short story writing, describing it as the very soul of a narrative. He said that a short story doesn’t survive on plot alone, its true strength lies in the quality of its language. He emphasized that language must breathe, carry subtle emotions, and create imagery that lingers, long after the story ends. He said that a writer must go beyond plain communication and aim for language texture that sets the tone, mood, and depth. Mr Ajaz stressed that each word in a short story must carry weight, as there is no space for waste. He emphasized that language is not just a vehicle for storytelling but a character in itself shaping the readers experience and defining the story’s artistic merit.
Language is the engine that drives the story said Ajaz ,adding that even a word, a metaphor, a phrase can be used as a little storyteller.
Talking about the importance of beginning in short stories Ajaz said that the beginning has to be like a kick in the gut. A reader must feel like being abducted by the author in the first line.
Peerzada Abdal Mahjoor, acclaimed broadcaster and Editor , graced the occasion as the Guest of honour. In his address, he reflected on the craft of storytelling, highlighting its roots in oral traditions and the need for contemporary writers to retain emotional depth and cultural resonance in their work.
Abdaal Mehjoor emphasized that storytelling is not just about events, but about how they are told. A good story, he said, doesn’t just narrate, it breathes, pauses, and sings.”
He stressed the importance of tone, rhythm, and encouraged young writers to to listen deeply to their surroundings, and to write with sincerity and soul.
Mehjoor further said that stories are bridges between hearts, and that a storyteller must know both the art of observation and the music of words.
The session featured short story readings by well known literary figures including Er. Shafi Ahmad, who read out his Urdu short story : Aur Aayena toot gaya ” Mr. Shamshaad Kralwari, narrated a short story in kashmiri ” Badam kul rood phoelan : and Mr. Mushtaque Barq , read out his short story “Scream” in English. Each participant presented original pieces of fiction, followed by critical discussions and interactive exchanges with the audience and the guests.
The guild members who participated in the discussion included Majrooh Rashid ,Shahnawaz bhat ,Suhail Salim ,Rashid rahgeer ,Gulzar Ahmad ,Zameer Ahamad ,G m bhat ,Akhtar Mehraj ,Nasreen Malik ,Showkat Shafi ,Gh nabi shahid ,Mehvish rafeeq ,Munazah ,Mohd saqleen,Mouazam,Ashiq Raza,Iqbal Faheem,Shahnaz bhat ,Mr.Shakeeb,Mohd.yousuf Shaheen,Arshid Mushtaq ,Nelofar Naaz Nehvi ,Niyaz Ahmad Bhat,Nadeem Bashir ,Reyaz Masoor,Azam,Aysha Suhail,
Earlier Noted urdu fiction writer and General Secretary of Guild , Nasir Zameer welcomed the guests and participants of the event and Salim Salik , noted writer presented vote of thanks.
The proceedings were moderated by young scholar, critic and orator Mr. Tanveer Ajsi, who steered the session with clarity and ensured a vibrant and engaging discourse.
With a legacy of promoting creative expression and literary dialogue, the Fiction Writers’ Guild under the able patronage of known fiction writer Wehshi Sayeed continues to serve as an important platform for Kashmiri writers to share their voices and deepen the literary fabric of the region.DD
