JU organises a Multilingual Shakespeare Recital

Jammu, June 10: The Literary Club, under the umbrella of Utsaah — the club consortium of the University of Jammu — organised a Multilingual Shakespeare Recital today at the Seminar Hall of Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium, Main Campus. The event featured dramatic and poetic recitations of William Shakespeare’s famous sonnets in several languages spoken across Jammu division.

The programme began with a welcome address by Prof. Sadaf Shah, Coordinator of the Literary Club, who warmly greeted the audience and expressed her happiness at being part of such a meaningful event. She shared how initiatives like these celebrate legendary literary figures and help nurture a love for literature and the arts among young people. She also highlighted that the sonnets had been translated and recited in the many languages spoken across the Jammu division, including Dogri, Gojri, Pahari, Punjabi, Bhaderwahi, Hindi, and Urdu.

The chief guest for the event, Padma Shri Prof. Lalit Mangotra — a well-known writer and President of Dogri Sanstha Jammu — addressed the gathering. He spoke about the positive impact of such literary activities on young minds and appreciated the effort made by the participants in translating and reciting Shakespeare’s sonnets in multiple languages.

Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, also attended the event and expressed her joy at witnessing the performances. She praised the participants and encouraged the Literary Club to keep organising such engaging events for the university community.

Prof. Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare appreciated the initiative, calling it a culturally rich experience that supports students’ academic and personal growth. He assured full support from the Department of Students’ Welfare for such future activities.

The highlight of the programme was the recitation of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18: “Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?” in various languages. The sonnet, known for its beauty, emotion, and deep reflections on love and time, was brought to life in heartfelt and diverse renditions. Some standout performances were by Anam Preet Kour, Vivek Sharma, Mahlaqua, Harsh, Yasrab Ali, Ajaz Ahmed, Vijay Dhar, Divya Anmol, Ajay Singh, and Shiena Singh.

Ms. Ifra Kak, Cultural Officer at the Department of Students’ Welfare, guided the dramatic performances and delivered the official vote of thanks. She expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

Certificates were distributed to all the participants at the end of the programme. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr. Ravinder Koul, Prof. Shashi Prabha, Prof. Pritam Singh, club coordinators of Utsaah, mentors of the Design Your Degree Programme, Dr. Bhagwati Devi, Mr. Sumeet Sharma, and others. The programme was hosted by Shiena Singh and Divya Anmol, and the overall organisation was managed by the dedicated members of the Literary Club.