The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district has launched the Lal Ded Literary Society, a literary club aimed at preserving and promoting the region’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage.
Named after the revered 14th-century Kashmiri mystic poet Lalleshwari, or Lal Ded, the club was inaugurated by IUST Vice Chancellor Professor Shakil A. Romshoo on Monday.
Speaking at the launch event, Professor Romshoo said that the Lal Ded Literary Society is part of a broader initiative at IUST to create spaces for cultural, environmental, and traditional engagement among students.
“We have formed various clubs here at IUST, such as the Alpine Club and the Traditional Knowledge Club, to foster connection with tradition, culture, and the environment,” he said. “The Lal Ded Literary Society is now a vital part of this ecosystem, and we already have a large number of students registered as members.”
The club’s focus will be to celebrate and conserve the unique cultural identity of Kashmir.
During the inauguration, Professor Romshoo noted that Kashmir lacks a dedicated space for cultural engagement similar to Delhi’s Anandgram, which serves as a creative hub for artists and literary enthusiasts.
He said that Government of Jammu and Kashmir has allocated 200 kanals of land to IUST at Larmoh, which is around 6 kilometers from the main campus.
He said that a portion of this land, Larmoh will be reserved for the development of a “Literary Village.”
“We will soon submit a proposal to the Ministry of Culture Government of India and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir,” Romshoo said , adding that within the next two years dedicated spaces will be provided to artists, writers, and others involved in language, literature, and cultural activities.
IUST launches ‘Lal Ded Literary Society’ to promote heritage
