Srinagar, Sep 28: Young author Nareen Bilal was felicitated at a gathering attended by prominent personalities from the literary, social and cultural spheres, celebrating her emerging contribution to contemporary writing.

The event was attended by Farooq Wani, Chief Editor of Brighter Kashmir; Farooq Renzu Shah; Bashir Ahmad Kanu, Chairman of Shah Re Khass Traders and Chambers; Samiya Ji, Shamima Shah, Noor-ul-Amin, Ashiq Ahmad, Bhupinder Singh, Yaqoob Dunoo, Sajjad Ahmad Sholla, President of Save Lives Foundation, Shameema Raina, J&K Pradesh Mahila Congress President, Waseem Khan, Irfan, Shokia Qureshi, PDP spokesperson, Gulal Kashmiri, Syed Tajamul, Saima Zargar, Shaheena Rather, Abida Ji and others.
Expressing gratitude, Nareen thanked Sajjad Ahmad Sholla, Yaqoob Dunoo and Farhan Kitab for organising the gathering and celebrating her literary journey.
Nareen said her journey began in Class 7, when writing became a way to express her thoughts, emotions and observations. By Class 9, she had published her first book through Leiper Publications.
Although she initially wanted to write in Urdu, she said the publisher suggested Roman Urdu to make the work more accessible to Gen Z and younger readers. She accepted the suggestion, giving her debut a contemporary reach.
Now 19 and studying in Class 12, Nareen said her writing has evolved with her experiences, thoughts and maturity.
She is currently working on her next book, “Bond Beyond Blood,” which she hopes to publish soon. She has also contributed an article titled “Beauty Behind Bars” to Yumberzal Magazine, exploring the experiences and perspective of a young girl.
Reflecting on her journey, Nareen said her first book represents the innocence of the child who began writing years ago, while Bond Beyond Blood reflects the writer she is becoming today.
“I am still learning, growing and finding my voice as a writer,” she said, expressing gratitude for the support, guidance and encouragement of the literary and cultural community.
The gathering highlighted the growing recognition of young literary voices and the importance of nurturing emerging writers through encouragement, mentorship and meaningful platforms.