Kargil, July 16, 2025: The martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions remains a timeless symbol of truth, justice, and resistance against tyranny. It continues to inspire generations to never surrender before falsehood. This was highlighted by the Hon’ble Executive Councilor for Social Welfare, LAHDC Kargil, Aga Syed Mujtaba, during the District-Level Multilingual Hussaini Mushaira organized by the Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (LAACL), Kargil at the Academy Hall here today.
State Awardee poet Kacho Asfandyar Khan Faridoon was the Guest of Honour, while the session was presided over by renowned Balti poet and Padma Shri Awardee Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat. Noted Shina-Dardi poet Ghulam Ahmad Khan Jawan also graced the presidium.
In his address, Aga Syed Mujtaba praised LAACL Kargil for its consistent efforts in organizing literary events that preserve the district’s rich cultural and religious heritage. He emphasized the need to involve the younger generation in such programs to instill in them a deep respect for ancestral traditions and ethical values.
He further encouraged poets to express the values of sacrifice, justice, and resistance through their writings, drawing inspiration from the life and martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS). “The ultimate sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions will continue to guide humanity forever,” he remarked.
The Executive Councilor also stressed that culture is the true identity of any community and preserving language, dress, food, and traditional values is a shared responsibility in today’s fast-modernizing world.
Kacho Asfandyar Khan Faridoon, in his remarks, suggested that the Academy consider open-themed Mushairas to attract wider participation. He also advocated involving the general public in such events to spread awareness about the values Imam Hussain (AS) stood for. “Such small initiatives provide a platform for budding poets and help them grow in confidence and creativity,” he added.
Reiterating the everlasting significance of Karbala, Aga Syed Mujtaba said,
“Imam Hussain’s (AS) unwavering stand for truth and justice serves as a beacon of guidance for all of humanity. His message transcends time and remains deeply relevant in today’s world.”
He called upon poets and writers to use their literary expressions to reflect the eternal values of Karbala and reaffirmed LAHDC Kargil’s full support to LAACL in preserving and promoting the cultural ethos of the region.
The Mushaira featured more than 32 renowned and emerging poets representing various regional languages including Ladakhi, Balti, Purgi, Urdu, Shina-Dardi, and Brokskat-Dardi. Their poetic compositions paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs of Karbala, exploring themes of sacrifice, resistance, love, and faith.
In his presidential address, Padma Shri Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat lauded LAACL for continuing the tradition of religious poetry through such meaningful gatherings.
“In an era of moral challenges and social unrest, the message of Karbala reminds us of the eternal battle between truth and falsehood,” he stated.
Nazir Hussain, Deputy Secretary, LAACL Kargil, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the event: to honor the legacy of Karbala through multilingual poetry and to encourage the younger generation to express their creativity and religious reflections under the guidance of senior poets. “We are dedicated to nurturing our cultural roots and ensuring that our literary and spiritual heritage is preserved in its truest form for future generations,” he said.
Poets who recite on the occasion are Kachoo Isfandiyar Khan Faridoon (State Awardee – Purgi/Balti), Padma Shri Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat (Balti), Ghulam Ahmad Khan Jawan (State Awardee – Shina), Syed Hadi Shah Aga (Purgi), Gen Nawang Paljor (Ladakhi), Akhone Safdar Ali Safdar (Balti/Urdu), Akhone Ali Subour (Balti), Mohd Raza Amjad Badgami (Shina), Basheer Ahmad Wafa (Balti), Mohd Hussain Renuma (Purgi), Mohd Shafi Sagar (Shina), Ghulam Qadir Zaki (Shina), Nasiruddin Khaffee (Purgi), Mohd Yasin Ansari (Shina/Urdu), Ghulam Murtaza Advocate (Purgi/Urdu), Ashraf Ali Sagar (Balti/Urdu), Mohd Ali Ashur (Balti), Tsewang Rigzin (Purgi), Mohd Ali Khumar (Purgi), Sibte-Hassan Kaleem (Balti), Mohd Hussain Fayaz (Purgi), Feroz Rabbani (Shina/Urdu), Taqi Khan Nayab (Purgi), Mohd Ali Baba (Purgi), Fida Hussain Waziri (Purgi), Arif Hussain Ladakhi (Brokskat), Nissar Hussain Trespon (Purgi), Dr. Mohd Illyas Kargili (Purgi/Urdu), Mohd Baqir Rafeeq (Purgi/Urdu), Ali Asgar Rinchan (Balti/Urdu), Nawang Sharap (Brokskat), Kacho Ahmad Khan Najaat (Balti).
The event was eloquently anchored by renowned writer and poet Shujaat Ali Shujaat, and concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Tsewang Rigzin, Cultural Expert, LAACL Kargil.
The event attracted a large and diverse audience, including poets, writers, students, government officials, and literature lovers from across the district—celebrating unity in diversity and reaffirming devotion to the eternal message of Karbala.
On the occasion, a condolence meeting was also held at Acadmey Hall remembering Late Haji Ali Bhutto Nousheen, a Renowed Poet/ Writer and Educationist who left this world due to an accident at Kargil-Drass road yesterday late evening.
