Budgam, Oct 2: Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) Day was observed at The Cardiff School, Charar-i-Sharief, with a literary gathering commemorating the spiritual and literary legacy of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), popularly known as Nund Rishi and Alamdar-e-Kashmir.

The programme also witnessed the release of ‘ناؤ تارس کیا دِمے’ (Naavi Taras Kya Demai), the final book of noted Kashmiri poet and writer Late Ghulam Ahmad Dilbar. The title carries the English rendering, “What shall I offer you for carrying me across the Bridge of Divinity?”
The gathering brought together writers, poets, scholars, educationists, religious scholars, media representatives and students, who paid tribute to Dilbar’s contribution to Kashmiri literature and discussed the need to preserve and promote the region’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
Prof. Dr. Gazanfar Ali, renowned doctor, writer and president of Markazi Adab Wa Sakafat Kashmir, was the chief guest. Hujatul Islam Maulana Ghulam Hussain Mattoo, G.N. Adfar, J&K Private Schools Association president Bilal Ahmad Bhat, General Secretary M. Syed Wani, Brighter Kashmir Editor Farooq Ahmad Wani, Sajad Hussain, Dr. Owais Mattoo, Hilal Ahmad Khan and other prominent personalities attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Farooq Wani highlighted the teachings of Alamdar-e-Kashmir, Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), describing him as a beacon of light and spiritual guidance for the entire world. He said he felt proud to stand among his own people in a place where he needed no introduction. Wani described Charar-i-Sharief as an epicentre of Kashmir’s cultural ethos and Sufi tradition, stressing the need to preserve and promote the timeless teachings of Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) for future generations.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Gazanfar Ali paid tribute to Late Ghulam Ahmad Dilbar and stressed the importance of introducing younger generations to Kashmir’s literary and spiritual traditions. He announced that he would provide books on Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) free of cost to J&K Private Schools Association schools for their libraries.
Maulana Ghulam Hussain Mattoo highlighted Sheikh-ul-Alam’s message of righteousness, humility, compassion and moral responsibility, stressing the role of educational institutions in nurturing these values.
Writer G.N. Adfar reflected on the literary contributions of Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) and Dilbar, calling for greater efforts to document, publish and promote Kashmiri literary works.
Bilal Ahmad Bhat welcomed the initiative and said the J&K Private Schools Association would work towards observing Sheikh-ul-Alam Day across its member schools to promote awareness of his teachings, Kashmiri literature and cultural heritage.
M. Syed Wani stressed that education should extend beyond textbooks and examinations and help students understand their history, literature and cultural roots. Hilal Ahmad Khan also called for regular literary and cultural programmes in schools.
Dr. Owais Mattoo, Director of Cardiff School and District President Budgam, welcomed the guests and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to connecting students with Kashmir’s literary, cultural and spiritual traditions. Students and teachers participated through speeches and presentations on Sheikh-ul-Alam’s life and teachings.
Iqbal Ahmad Mattoo, son of Late Ghulam Ahmad Dilbar, thanked the school management and Dr. Owais Mattoo for supporting the publication and release of his father’s final work.
The programme was anchored by Inayat Gul, General Secretary of Markazi Adab Wa Sakafat Kashmir, and concluded with a call to preserve Kashmir’s rich literary heritage and make the works of its writers accessible to future generations.