‘Youm-e-Rasul Mir’ celebrated after three decades in south Kashmir on Indian Army’s initiative

The event will help the youth to connect with their roots, culture and Kashmiriyat and move forward with their heads held high, an Army officer said.

The festival organised by the 19 Rashtriya Rifles with support of the civil administration saw scintillating performances by popular singers, dancers and dramatists who highlighted the works of Rasul Mir, popularly known as “John Keats of Kashmir”.

Performances by schoolchildren, including group dance, added colour to the day-long event which was attended, among others, by General Officer Commanding of Victor Force Major General Rashim Bali.

Major General Bali expressed happiness over the large attendance in the festival.

“Rasul Mir was a legendary poet of Kashmir and was known as ‘imam-e-Ishqiya Shayari’ (the epitome of romantic poetry). This day used to be celebrated here (Dooru) earlier, but was stopped after the eruption of terrorism,” he said.

The Army officer said the situation is fast improving in Kashmir and “we are organising this festival to make a new beginning in the changing scenario”.

“The youth are the biggest catapult of this change and I am proud that the Kashmiri youth have a lot of potential and only need a chance…. The aim of organising this festival is to facilitate the youth to connect with their roots, culture and Kashmiriyat and move forward with their heads held high,” he said.

Maj Gen Bali exhorted the youth to distinguish between right and wrong and also remain alert against the elements who are out to mislead them.

“In the prevailing competitive times, only hard work and focus can lead the youth to success,” he said.

The Army officer lauded the civil administration for their support in organising the event and hailed the artistes who performed at the event, saying they saved their art despite the challenging situation and remained connected with their culture.

As a precursor to the main event, ‘Rasul Mir Marathon’ and ‘Rasul Mir Cyclothon’ were conducted by the Army in October and November last year.

Popular singers Rehana Akhtar, Showkat Sultanpuri, Moinuddin Shah and Shazia Bashir left the audience spellbound with their melodious voice by singing the famous songs written by the legendary poet and Habba Khatoon, also known as “the nightingale of Kashmir”.