Srinagar, November 1, 2025 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday paid rich tributes to noted writer and poet Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza, saying his work continues to inspire generations to dream big and realize their true potential.
Speaking at the inaugural session of a three-day international seminar on Rahi’s literary and social legacy at the University of Kashmir, the LG described Rahi’s message as “the art of living life with purpose and the essence of self-realization.”
“Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza’s thoughts are an invisible infrastructure for India’s progressive society,” Sinha said, emphasizing that his ideals must transcend seminars and reach the larger public. He added that Rahi’s philosophy promotes unity, equality, and collective growth, especially empowering marginalized communities.
The event is jointly organized by IDEA Communications, University of Kashmir, Majlis Fakhr-e-Bahrain, and J&K Bank.
The inaugural session was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Nilofar Khan, with Professor Naveen Chand Lohani (Uttarakhand Open University) and Brij Mohan Sharma (Chief Secretary, Department of Culture, J&K) as special guests.
Renowned Bollywood lyricist Sameer Anjaan delivered the keynote address, recalling how Rahi’s words “connected directly with people’s hearts.”
The LG described the seminar as an “Amrit Manthan of ideas”, aimed at generating new reflections and pathways inspired by Rahi’s vision for a developed India.
During the event, Urdu poet Dr. Noor Amrohvi, editor Ajit Singh, educationist Vijay Dhar, and scholar Professor Muhammad Zaman Azurdah were felicitated for their contributions to literature and society.
Professor Nilofar Khan highlighted that writers like Rahi not only mirror society but guide it.
Professor Lohani noted that Rahi’s writings “respect emotions, not boundaries,” remaining timeless in their relevance.
Asif Azmi, Director of IDEA Communications, announced that the seminar marks the beginning of Rahi Masoom Raza’s centenary celebrations, to continue through 2026.
Over 40 scholars from India and abroad, including participants from Qatar, the USA, and top Indian universities, are presenting research papers on Rahi’s literary, cultural, and philosophical influence.
A Mushaira and poetic symposium will be held on November 2 at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, featuring poets from India, Qatar, and the USA.
