Rayees Ahmad Kumar
North Kashmir’s Bandipora district is famous for three things, Ilm-Knowledge, Adab-Literature and Aab-Water. The blessed soil of this district has given birth to a number of intellectuals, Litterateurs, educationists, authors, poets and social reformers.
Tariq Shabnam, a young literary sensation and noted Urdu fiction writer too belongs to Bandipora. Hailing from the Ajas village, Tariq Shabnam has authored a couple of short story collections, which were highly praised and commended in literary circles.
Recently he came up with a new book, titled Bandipora ki Aham Shakhsiyaat, published by famous GNK Publications. Spanning 91 pages, this book is compiled by Haji Gh Rasool Rather Kohi. Boasting an alluring cover page with photographs of the literary icons of Bandipora, this book sketches the life and achievements of thirteen renowned litterateurs of Bandipora district. Tariq Shabnam has dedicated this compilation to his beloved parents.
While writing a brief summary of the book, Dr Riyaz Tawhidi-internationally acclaimed critic and well-known short story writer, has appreciated the efforts of Tariq Shabnam and Gh Rasool Rather Kohi for coming up with a treasure trove of information about the local litterateurs, who’s contribution to promote language and literature is unparalleled, who otherwise would be unknown to the young generation.
Raja Yousuf, noted fiction writer has too commended both Tariq Shabnam and Gh Rasool for writing this book about literary giants of Bandipora. In it’s proem, Gh Rasool Rather writes about his endeavors to collect articles about the literary figures of Bandipora or who contributed for the society. Gh Rasool Rather besides being the patron of Wullar Urdu Adbi Forum, is an enthusiastic litterateur and a retired BDO. He expresses his heartfelt gratitude to all those who helped him in compiling this collection.
Pir Gh Hassan Shah Khoihami- Born at Gamro village, Pir Hassan Shah is credited to have authored famous Tawarikhi Hassan, an authentic history of Kashmir in Persian, translated into urdu by Dr Sarif Hussain. According to Tariq Shabnam, his grandfather was also a learned scholar besides a Persian poet. His whole family were in allegiance to Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom ra. It was Pir Hassan Shah, who helped Sir Walter Lawrence, the land settlement commissioner of JK to write The Valley of Kashmir, translated into Urdu by Gh Nabi Khayal.
About his life and achievements, Tariq Shabnam has painted an eleqount Picture. Prof Mohiuddin Hajini – He was a celebrated poet, litterateur, social worker, educationist and a reformer from Hajin Bandipora. Tariq Shabnam has eleqountly tried to enlighten readers about his contributions and literary prowess which is reflected through his books. His Kashmiri drama, Greas sund Ghara Peasant’s Home got so popular that it was published on multiple platforms. He was drawn to literature from his early schooling years and in all major languages like Urdu, English, Persian and Kashmiri, he proved his mettle by writing some award winning books.
From laying the foundation of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, a vibrant and oldest literary forum of Jammu Kashmir, spending a greater part of his life in prison and then his contributions being acknowledged by honoring meritorious scholars and authors through Khilati Mohiuddin Hajini and Mohiuddin Hajini gold medal award, are some brightest aspects of his life which Tariq Shabnam has unwrapped in this article.
Prof Rashid Nazki -The Nazki dynasty of Bandipora has ever been at forefront in enriching the literary landscape of valley. It’s profound literary stars include Mir Gh Rasool Nazki, Farooq Nazki, Ayaz Rasool Nazki and Prof Rashid Nazki, who’s contribution to promote literature is unparalleled. He was among the founding members of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, an ace poet of Kashmiri and Persian besides a good translator. His translative masterpiece of Qasida Burda Sharif of Hazrat Sharfuddin Bosri of Egypt into Kashmiri is famous across the whole Kashmir.
Prof Bashir Ahmad Nehvi, ex-director Iqbal Institute of Culture and philosophy too has admitted his literary prowess and is all praise to him. Mohd Ahsan Ahsan – Mehtab Manzoor has written a thought provoking and meticulous article about Mohd Ahsan Ahsan, according to him, Mohd Ahsan was among the founding members of AMK and his style of writing both prose and poetry in Kashmiri is multidimensional as well as unique. His contribution to Kashmiri language and literature is noteworthy.
Gh Nabi Jan – A well-known Socio-political figure, Gh Nabi Jan’s contribution for the upliftment of society is still remembered by the local people. According to Gh Rasool Rather Kohi, after qualifying BA degree, he embraced the job of contractor. He was many times choosen as leader of his association, joining mainstream politics led him to land in jail also. Later he was officially recognized as freedom fighter. He served as chairman of the Jammu Kashmir awkaf trust from 1962-65 as well.
Dr Aziz Hajini -Tariq Shabnam’s extensive article about Dr Aziz Hajini has made this compilation a special and extraordinary one. Dr Hajini’s works and contributions will continue to inspire generations. As secretary of JKAACL, he has been instrumental in getting maximum number of books published regardless of language and as editor and editor-in-chief of multiple magazines and journals, his unwavering dedication to preserve Kashmiri language is a living example. He served as deputy director academics JKBOSE, research officer at erstwhile SIEK and members of advisory boards of various literary organisations. He also served as president of AMK thrice, convenor of Sahitya Academy and editor of Sheeraza. He is the recipient of first gold medal from Kashmir university and in 1976 topped the essay competition organized by Adbi Markaz Kamraz.
As poet, he is celebrated across whole Jammu & Kashmir, his poems and other poetry items reflect his commitment to give space to societal ill health and is style has always been unique, modern and revolutionary. Er Mohd Yousuf Rather -It is through this book that, I knew the actual cause of naming Jahangir chowk to Batamaloo road as Er Mohd Yousuf Rather Avenue. He was an engineering genius, who excelled in his profession, did lot of developmental services, reached to Chief Engineer’s position, often referred to as Hero of R&B and lost his life in 2004 at Kapran verinag in an explosion.
Siyad Kashmiri – Tariq Shabnam’s school teacher, Ab Samad Lone aka Siyad Kashmiri was an academician who retired as Headmaster besides an unsung poet. Simple living and high thinking were his inborn principles. There are few other articles about Gh Ahmad aka Ama, Ab Khaliq Bhat, Ataullah Bhat and Moulana Gulzar Ahmad Lone, which have been fastidiously composed by author, intending to make public enlightened about their contributions. Tariq Shabnam and Gh Rasool Kohi deserve accolades and sincere praise for editing and composing this marvelous collection which truly depicts their best literary service.
(The author hails from Qazigund and can be reached at [email protected])
