JKAACL releases poetic collection Saffron Winds by Sanjay Pandita
Literary figures hail collection as a significant contribution to contemporary Kashmiri English poetry
SRINAGAR, JUNE 17 (PTK): The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) on Wednesday released Saffron Winds, a collection of poems in English authored by noted writer, columnist and literary figure Sanjay Pandita, at an impressive function held at the Academy’s Seminar Hall in Srinagar.
The event was attended by eminent writers, poets, scholars, academicians and literary enthusiasts from across the Valley. Renowned writer, academician and Convenor of the Sahitya Akademi Advisory Board for Kashmiri, Prof. Shad Ramzan, presided over the function, while distinguished poet, writer and translator Dr. Satish Vimal was the Chief Guest. The programme was also attended by Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Ideel Saleem, and Editor, JKAACL, Dr. Abid Ahmad.
The book was formally reviewed by noted academic and literary critic Prof. Basharat Bhat.
In his address, Prof. Shad Ramzan described Saffron Winds as a significant contribution to contemporary Kashmiri literary sensibility articulated through the medium of English poetry. He observed that the collection embodies a distinctive poetic voice marked by emotional depth, aesthetic refinement and cultural rootedness. Referring to the poet’s engagement with memory, identity and displacement, he remarked that the poems successfully capture the beauty, pain and resilience associated with Kashmir and its people.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Satish Vimal described Saffron Winds as a poignant and evocative collection that transforms memory, longing and belonging into compelling poetry. He said that through refined poetic language, Sanjay Pandita preserves the cultural soul of Kashmir while speaking to universal human experiences. He added that the poems are marked by sincerity of emotion and artistic restraint, allowing readers to journey through landscapes of exile, remembrance and hope.
Presenting a detailed review, Prof. Basharat Bhat termed Saffron Winds a valuable addition to the growing corpus of Indian English literature. He observed that the collection portrays Kashmir in its entirety—its landscapes, collective memories, aspirations, social realities and cultural ethos—through a sensitive and compelling poetic idiom. He also commended the author for retaining the cultural flavour, rhythm and emotional cadence of Kashmiri expression in his English compositions.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Pandita reflected on his literary journey and his deep engagement with the social and cultural life of Kashmir. He said the poems in the volume emerged from lived experiences, observations and memories that continue to shape the collective consciousness of the Kashmiri Pandit community. He emphasized the role of literature in preserving memory, fostering dialogue and bridging emotional distances created by historical circumstances. The author also expressed gratitude to JKAACL for facilitating the publication and providing a platform for meaningful literary engagement.
Additional Secretary JKAACL Ideel Saleem highlighted the Academy’s vision of nurturing a vibrant literary and cultural ecosystem through active engagement with writers, artists, scholars, students and youth. He reiterated the Academy’s commitment to promoting literature in various languages of Jammu and Kashmir and creating meaningful opportunities for creative expression, literary discourse and cultural exchange.
The event witnessed active participation from prominent literary and cultural personalities, including Prof. Mohammad Amin, Bashir Dada, Bashir Arif, Mushtaque Ali Ahmad Khan, Abdal Mehjoor, Shamshad Kralwari, Prof. Farooq Fayyaz, Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi, Waheed Jeelani, Dr. Mushtaq Bhat, Dr. Shahida Shabnum, Prof. Naseem Shafaie, Rasheed Nizami, Muneer Mir, Dr. Ahsan-ul-Haq Magray, Prof. Ayaz Rasool Nazki, Rasheed Barki, Qaisar Nizami, Dr. Shabnum Ashai, Arvind Shah, besides several writers, poets, scholars and students.
The release of Saffron Winds marked another significant literary event organised by JKAACL, reflecting the Academy’s continued commitment to promoting literary excellence, encouraging creative writing and preserving the rich linguistic, literary and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir through meaningful literary and cultural initiatives.(PTK)
