Abdul Quddir Kundria
In an age where divisive forces often overshadow the values of unity and compassion, the role of social and literary organizations in Jammu & Kashmir stands out like a ray of hope. These institutions, along with theatre platforms and cultural forums, have been working tirelessly to spread the fragrance of peace, love, literature, and brotherhood. Through their gatherings, performances, and initiatives, they are not only preserving culture but also creating bridges of understanding between communities.
Recently, Dogri Sanstha Jammu, in collaboration with Punjabi Sabha Jammu, organized a unique joint literary meet at the Dogri Sanstha premises. The program was conducted in both Dogri and Punjabi languages, celebrating the cultural richness of the region. Poets, poetesses, and writers presented poems, ghazals, and songs infused with patriotism. Every performance seemed to come straight from the heart, as if each poet was turning their feelings into a bouquet of words, whose fragrance filled the hall.
The audience responded warmly, showering heartfelt congratulations on the President of Dogri Sanstha Jammu, Padma Shri awardee Prof. Lalit Magotra, and his team, as well as Punjabi Sabha Jammu’s President, Dr. Baljit Singh Rana, and their members. The gathering was hailed as an event deserving limitless praise.
On another front, Adbi Kunj Jammu & Kashmir recently held a successful literary session that once again reminded everyone why it has become a beacon of cultural and emotional connection. Known for infusing every gathering with the spirit of harmony, Adbi Kunj’s events blend literary excellence with messages of love, unity, and national brotherhood.
This session also carried a moment of solemn remembrance. Under the joint banner of Adbi Kunj and Anjuman-e-Farogh-e-Urdu, a two-minute silence was observed for departed souls, including the sister-in-law of Ameen Banhali Sahib, victims of a tragic landslide in District Reasi (Thuro), JKAS officer and SDM Ramnagar, Mr. Rajinder Singh Rana, and his four-year-old son, as well as the young daughter of SSP Udhampur, Mr. Amod Kumar Nagpuri. Their memories were honored not only in Adbi Kunj but also in Dogri Sanstha Jammu and Punjabi Sabha Jammu gatherings.
Adbi Kunj Jammu & Kashmir, Dogri Sanstha Jammu, Punjabi Lok Sabha Jammu, Gujjar Desh Trust Jammu, Anjuman-e-Farogh-e-Urdu Jammu & Kashmir, and Ek Dogra Manch Jammu are all organizations deeply committed to the cause of literature and humanity. They are more than just meeting places for writers; they are platforms where humanity itself takes center stage. Their work is rooted in the belief that literature and art can break barriers, heal divisions, and inspire social progress.
What makes these institutions particularly remarkable is their openness. Anyone with a love for literature is welcomed with warmth and respect, regardless of background. This spirit of inclusivity is, in many ways, the true hallmark of genuine literary organizations.
One of Adbi Kunj’s most memorable recent gatherings was dedicated to the late Sham Talib Sahib, a celebrated writer and poet who served the organization for nearly fifty years. His leadership transformed the institution, making it a strong pillar of literature in the region. Under his guidance, the organization reached new heights, hosting countless events that enriched the cultural life of Jammu & Kashmir.
Many respected personalities have contributed to this journey, such as Arsh Om Dalmotra, Piyasa Anjuman, Sarbar Chouhan Habib, Santosh Nadan, Satthi K.R. Salgotra, Mohammad Baqar, Shashi Kumar Verma, and others who, through sincerity and vision, laid strong foundations for the organization’s future. Their combined efforts have turned it into a vibrant, purposeful body and a treasure of literature and brotherhood.
Today, the institution’s leadership includes Chairman Piyasa Anjuman, Vice Chairman Sarbar Chouhan Habib, President Arsh Om Dalmotra, Vice President Santosh Shah Nadan, General Secretary Sardar Manjit Singh Kamra, Satthi K.R. Salgotra, and Mohammad Baqar from Ladakh UT, along with members like Rajan Singh, Jitendra Jolly, and Shashi Kumar Verma. Backed by a team of sixty dedicated members, they are promoting literary activities with honesty and dedication while contributing towards national prosperity, social awareness, and guiding the youth.
In a recent event, the institution honored social and literary personality Abdul Quddir Kundria as session president, a decision widely appreciated as an example of unity and brotherhood. For more than 35 years, Kundria has been associated with numerous literary and social organizations including Adbi Kunj Jammu & Kashmir, Anjuman-e-Farogh-e-Urdu Jammu & Kashmir, Dogri Sanstha Jammu, Punjabi Sabha Jammu, Gujjar Desh Trust, KL Saigal Hall Writers’ Club, Dogra Manch Jammu, Nawi Dogri Sanstha Jammu, Bhaveshkrma Sabha Jammu, All J&K Backward Classes and All India Backward Classes Federation, and All Reserved Categories OBC/SC/ST Federations.
Theatre platforms in Jammu & Kashmir have also played a vital role in promoting social messages and human values. Groups like the J&K Cultural Academy, Natrang Theatre Group, Kala Sangam Jammu, Nat Manch Jammu, Bhraj Kala Manch Jammu, Rang Yug Manch, Dogra Manch Jammu, and Mandali Mitraan Di, along with many storytellers, have presented plays that resonate with audiences. Their performances blend entertainment with moral and social themes, ensuring theatre remains a meaningful cultural force.
Even in district headquarters, tehsils, and villages, these platforms are thriving. In Reasi district, villages like Kundra, Bhabbur, Dera Baba, Kanjali, Tanda, Mansu, and Chumbian have hosted performances where artists sing ballads, perform folk songs, and display their art with passion.
Reasi has produced many respected poets and writers who have carried the district’s name to all corners of India, including Gopal Krishan Komal, Mohammad Rashid Rai, Raj Kumar Rahi, Tariq Butt, Babu Bhatti, Bishan Das Gehria, and Abdul Quddir Kundria himself. Yet, many other talented poets from Reasi remain unrecognized by the administration.
The same can be said for Kathua, Udhampur, and Samba districts, where poets and theatre artists are tirelessly working to promote brotherhood, unity, and humanity. Numerous institutions here also await recognition and support from the authorities.
Attending literary gatherings, plays, and storytelling events brings a sense of spiritual peace. These occasions allow participants to immerse themselves in the world of literature and reflect on the deeper truths of humanity. When gatherings include readings from holy scriptures such as the Gita, Quran, Guru Granth Sahib, and Bible, they naturally foster peace, love, tolerance, and brotherhood.
However, it is also a fact that most of these organizations and artists work without significant financial backing from the government, often funding their activities from their own pockets. The lack of even ten percent of the needed financial support limits their ability to reach wider audiences or take their art to international stages. For the sake of preserving culture and promoting national unity, government support for these initiatives is essential.
These organizations are living examples of India’s cultural pluralism. They bring together people from different religions, languages, and traditions to share the common ground of literature and humanity. They provide intellectual nourishment for writers and instill social awareness among audiences. For the youth especially, such gatherings can be transformative, guiding them away from destructive habits and towards constructive engagement with art and culture.
One of the most commendable developments in recent years has been the collaboration between these organizations and district administrations, including the Jammu & Kashmir Police, to address the drug menace. By organizing special programs, plays, and awareness campaigns, they are guiding young people away from addiction and towards healthier, more meaningful lives. This partnership deserves the highest praise and offers a model that other regions could follow.
When literary and theatrical institutions work hand in hand with civil society and government agencies, they can effectively tackle challenges like drug abuse, moral decline, and social unrest. By engaging the youth in constructive cultural activities, they help lay the foundation for a more humane and civilized society.
In today’s turbulent times, supporting these organizations is more than a gesture, it is an investment in the moral and cultural strength of the nation. Participation in their events is not just an act of appreciation for literature or theatre, it is an expression of love for humanity and loyalty to the nation.
Our collective focus should be on nation-building. In areas where schools and colleges are still underdeveloped, we must work together to improve infrastructure and opportunities. With unity and brotherhood, we can strengthen peace, combat drug addiction, promote literature and culture, and contribute to a pure, healthy, and prosperous society. This is not merely a cultural duty, it is a moral imperative, and it is the true pride and glory of our nation.
(The writer is an eminent Dogri Poet/Writer of Jammu and Kashmir)