Omar for greater Indo-Pak inter-society contacts

Jammu; Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Saturday called for greater Indo-Pak inter-society contacts terming it essentially required for improving relations between the two neighbours.
“The government efforts in this direction will only bear fruit when the societies of the two Nations contribute positively and willingly and get widely involved in this stupendous task”, he said adding that the civil societies have all the more important role to play to achieve this cherished goal.
The Chief Minister was addressing 2-days Jashan-e-Faiz organized by Jammu Civil Society for Art and Literature in collaboration with Indian Council for Cultural Rehabilitation, New Delhi (ICCR) and Jammu University here in connection with centenary celebrations of Faiz Ahmad Faiz’s birth anniversary.
Omar Abdullah said that the participation and visit by poets, literary persons, artists and other such people from one country to another would give forward push to the cultivation of more friendly relations between the two neighbours.
The Chief Minister said that the regular contacts between the members of civil societies of the two countries would also help to remove the doubts from the hearts and cultivate friendly and cordial atmosphere to live in peace and harmony.
“If Jashan-e-Faiz would facilitate this trend, it would be a great tribute to the world famous Urdu poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz who had great relations with Jammu and Kashmir and its people”, he said adding that late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah stood witness to the Nikkah’ of Faiz Ahmad Faiz.
Omar Abdullah appreciated the initiative of Jammu Civil Society for Art and Literature in this regard and expressed hope that it would provide further opportunities of exchange of literary personalities, poets and artists between the two countries in future. “Government would extent full support in this regard”, he added.
The Chief Minister expressed the hope that the celebration of Jashan-e-Faiz would inculcate the interest in new generation to study the works of famous poets and give boost to literary activities in the State. He asked the society to make such events permanent schedule in their calendar of social activities.
Poets and artists from Pakistan and all over the country are participating in 2-days Jahsan-e-Faiz during which they would recite their poetic works and present artistic skills.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the function by lighting the traditional lamp. Chairman, Legislative Council, Ministers, Legislators, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, dignitaries from administration, civil society, media and other walks of life besides a large gathering of poetry lovers and fans of Faiz Ahmad Faiz were present on the occasion.
Ch. Masood Ahmad, former Vice Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University delivered welcome address while the President of the Society and former high ranking civil service officer Aslam Qureshi presented memento to the Chief Minister.
The Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Varun Sahani presided over the function.
Legislator and former Minister Ajat Shatru Singh read the message sent by Dr. Karan Singh who is President of ICCR highlighting the work and personality of Faiz Ahmad Faiz.