A Reader's Reflections: Appreciating LitStream's Literary Excellence. Dr Rafeeq Masoodi IBS (R)

A Reader's Reflections: Appreciating LitStream's Literary Excellence

By Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi, IBS (R)

As a regular reader of LitStream, I eagerly anticipate each new edition, and the latest issue did not disappoint. The wealth of literary gems it presented was truly captivating, showcasing the richness and diversity of our literary heritage. In this article, I'd like to share my reflections on the various aspects of this publication that resonated with me.

A Captivating Article: Queen Habba Khatun

Prof. Aslam's exclusive write-up on Queen Habba Khatun, a historical figure recently making headlines, was particularly engaging. As someone with limited knowledge of literature and literary trends, I found the article informative and insightful, offering a delightful glimpse into her life and legacy. The author's meticulous research and thoughtful analysis brought this fascinating figure to life, and I appreciated the way the article contextualized her significance in our cultural heritage.

Poetry that Resonates

The poetry section was equally impressive, featuring the works of Dr. Tripathi and Ali Shaida. Their poems masterfully captured life's essence, resonating deeply with me. It's a testament to poetry's power to evoke emotions and connect with readers on a profound level. The poets' ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through simple yet powerful language is truly remarkable.

Translation: A Delicate Art

I appreciated the translation of Shabnum Sahab's Kashmiri afsana, although I felt it could have captured the original's essence more effectively. As someone who values the art of translation, I believe that a good translation should be a form of trans-creation or trans-cription, conveying the original's spirit rather than just literal meaning. Translation is a delicate art that requires a deep understanding of both languages and cultures.

Prof. Aslam's Notable Translation

In contrast, Prof. Aslam's translation of my own Kashmiri verses was outstanding. As Prof. Shouq aptly puts it, *"English version of Rafeeq Masoodi's Kashmiri verses by Prof. Aslam are very very near to original & if Prof. Aslam had not mentioned the para above all poems of Masoodi, they would look absolutely Original."* This speaks volumes about Prof. Aslam's skill as a translator, and I'm grateful for his efforts in bringing my work to a wider audience.

Appreciation and Encouragement

I'd like to extend my appreciation to the Editor, Chief, and all contributors of LitStream for their hard work and dedication to promoting literary excellence. It's heartening to see a platform that showcases our literary talent and provides a space for readers to engage with meaningful content. To the LitStream team, I say keep up the fantastic work! Your efforts are truly appreciated, and I look forward to reading future editions.

In conclusion, LitStream is a valuable resource for anyone interested in literature and poetry. I appreciate its commitment to showcasing the best of our literary heritage and look forward to seeing more issues in the future.

Greetings of the day, and best wishes for continued literary success!