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Women’s
Writers Meet
The Women’s Writers Meet,
conceptualized by Ather Zia, was the first Samanbal
organized. This workshop sought to provide a platform for women writers based in
Jammu, Kashmir and New Delhi to present their writings and discuss their
sensitivities. At one level, it brought together writers from different faiths,
and at another, it brought together the different languages - Kashmiri, Hindi,
Urdu and English - spoken by the Kashmiris. Held on the 2nd and 3rd
October of 2003 at a venue overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake, the workshop
also endeavoured to be a meeting point for different generations of writers to
nurture mutual respect and understanding between them. The poetry and prose
presented during the workshop were weaved in and around the conflict in Kashmir.
Themes included human rights abuses by security forces, tragic lives of
half-widows, the inhumane face of militancy as well as the cracks in the
syncretic tradition of the Kashmiris and the anguish of Kashmiri Pandits who
were forced to leave the Valley. Noted creative writers including Ms Ruksana
Jabeeen, Ms. Qurrat-ul-Ain, Ms. Kshama Kaul, Mrs. Bimla Raina, Ms. Naseem Shifai
and Ms. Chandrakanta were present at the Meet.
A majority of the
participants were not caught in their own grief but acknowledged the others’
pains as well. The workshop brought
forth the mutual concerns of and respect for each other of the Muslims and
Hindus, who are often posited as conflicting and irreconcilable communities. The
Meet provided space for differing perceptions to be aired in a receptive
environment. In this regard, the discussion between the two generations was
particularly valuable. In a certain sense, the two generations have experienced
conflict differently. As a senior poet pointed out how, for instance, they did
not have to be surrounded by bombs and grenades in their childhood and youth
like the present generation. In a related discussion on
changing contexts, it was observed that traditionally women did not have a
platform to articulate their creative work. Their literary instincts would be
stifled in the midst of their domestic and familial obligations. An event such
as Women’s Writers Meet gave women, especially new entrants to the field, the
opportunity to freely express themselves. The
enthusiasm that the workshop generated was palpable. It was noted that much can
indeed be achieved by sitting together and discussing different experiences.
Many young participants also took this opportunity to hone their skills and
learn from those who have been in the field for a longer period of time. There
was a suggestion to prepare a glossary of words to keep alive the Kashmiri words
that are dying. The participants decided to keep in touch and also meet
informally. Ather Zia is currently engaged in preparing an anthology of the
poetry and prose that were presented. The process would be sustained through
making the Women Writers’ Meet an annual event.
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Breaking the Silence: Women in Kashmir Roundtable Workshops
in Kashmir and New Delhi Women
Writer’s Meet Women in Dialogue: Envisioning the Road Ahead in Jammu and Kashmir Exploring Peace Journalism: A Workshop
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