Adbi Markaz Kamraz (AMK), also known as Adbee Markaz Kamraz Jammu and Kashmir (AMKJK), is the oldest and largest cultural and literary organisation in Jammu and Kashmir. It is focused on promoting and preserving Kashmiri culture, literature, art, and language.[1][2][3]
Sponsored by the government of Jammu and Kashmir, it is headquartered in the Baramullah district of the Kashmir Valley.[4] It comprises 22 to 24 registered literary and cultural organizations in the valley responsible for literary activities such as promoting research, arranging meetings, and publishing books by Kashmiri writers.[5][6][7][8]
In 2012, it organised the Kashmir Literature Festival, the first-ever literary festival focused on internationalizing the Kashmiri language and addressing the issues responsible for its decline in the state. It was inspired by similar events in Jaipur and Karachi.[9] Later that year, it established one of its branch offices for literary activities in Delhi aimed at highlighting and promoting the Kashmiri language for Kashmiris in the National Capital Region (NCR).[10]
Base units
In 2015, the organisation proposed establishing its headquarters in London and New York City to promote and safeguard the Kashmiri language abroad.[11] It has also been engaged with the state government to introduce regional languages in the curriculum recognised by the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education.[12]
Journals
Adbi Markaz Kamraz publishes a biannual academic journal called Praave, also spelled Prav or Prave, which highlights the work of the organization and the associated individuals.[13]
Composition
| Name | Designation | Term | Template:Abbr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amin Bhat | President | 2021–present | [14] |
| Farooq Shaheen | Secretary | 2021–present | [15] |
| Majeed Majaz | Treasurer | Template:N/a | [16] |
| Jameel Ansari | Media Secretary | 2021–present |
Awards established
It has established various literary awards such as Shehjar-e-Adab Lolab, Khilat-e-Hanfi Sopori, and Sharaf-e-Kamraz, which, according to the organisation, is one of the most prestigious awards in the region.[17] These awards are presented to writers and educationists in recognition of their contribution to the Kashmiri language and literature annually.[18][19]
Digitalisation initiatives
In 2023, Adbi Markaz Kamraz launched an online campaign advocating for the inclusion of the Kashmiri language in Google and Android translation tools, as well as the development of a dedicated keyboard. While Microsoft already offers this option, it remains in its early stages and requires further improvement.
Notes
References
- ↑ Mehbooba becomes first MP to take oath in Kashmiri, wins praise of cultural groups in Valley. Hindustan Times(June 6, 2014).
- ↑ Who was Shujaat Bukhari? Veteran journalist killed a day before Eid in Kashmir(June 14, 2018).
- ↑ Finally, a lit fest for Kashmir. Daily News and Analysis(April 18, 2012).
- ↑ DC Baramulla inaugurates head office building of Adbee Markaz Kamraz(27 December 2020).
- ↑ Dr Hajini Takes Over as Secretary Cultural Academy(June 27, 2015).
- ↑ Hajini is new Secy JKAACL. Rising Kashmir. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
- ↑ Shahnaz Rashid's book of poems released, Service, Tribune News. Tribuneindia News Service.
- ↑ Kashmir to have first international lit fest. Hindustan Times(April 17, 2012).
- ↑ Kashmir to have first ever international literary fest. Zee News(April 17, 2012).
- ↑ AMK Establishes Unit In Delhi(December 13, 2012).
- ↑ AMK to go global, to set up units in London and New York : Bukhari. KNS(September 2, 2015).
- ↑ Adbee Markaz Kamraz discusses growth of Kashmiri language with CM. 5 Dariya News.
- ↑ AMK releases special issue of "Prav". Greater Kashmir(December 7, 2015).
- ↑ https://kashmirlife.net/amin-bhat-is-adbi-markaz-president-258162/
- ↑ https://kashmirlife.net/amin-bhat-is-adbi-markaz-president-258162/
- ↑ https://kashmirlife.net/amin-bhat-is-adbi-markaz-president-258162/
- ↑ Adbee Markaz Kamraz announces annual awards. Greater Kashmir. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
- ↑ Srinagar DC, Mirwaiz to get award for promoting Kashmiri language. The Tribune India. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
- ↑ 2day Kashmiri conference concludes - Scoop News Jammu Kashmir. Scoop News. Retrieved 20 September 2025.