SRINAGAR: A living legend, Sahitya Akademi awardee, a prominent poet and a broadcaster – Farooq Nazki – passed away on February 6 after a prolonged illness.
Born on February 14, 1940, he would have turned 84 next week.
A former Doordarshan and All India Radio Kashmir Srinagar Director, Farooq Nazki was the son of eminent Kashmiri poet and writer, Ghulam Rasool Nazki. The family hailed from Madar village in Bandipora district.
It was the senior Nazki, who initiated him into the world of literature.
Farooq Nazki started his career in 1960 as a journalist in “Zamindar” newspaper- which highlighted the problems of labour class. He started writing poetry in 1967. A multi-faceted personality, Nazki left an indelible mark in the field of writing and broadcasting ever since.
As the Director of Doordarshan and All India Radio Srinagar, he wielded a profound influence in shaping the media and communication landscape of the region.
He played a key role in promotion of Urdu and other local languages including Kashmiri and Dogri.
He conceptualized DD Kashir, a local channel while giving both the radio and the TV a new lease of life with popular shows like Zoona Dub, Haftroza, Sodhe-te Bodhe.
Widely regarded as a moving encyclopedia on Kashmir, his words of optimism are one of the few voices that offer some light at the end of the tunnel, as he eloquently puts it “Chhu Naavie vaaviy Nivaan Batheiss Kunn” (It is the storm alone that carries the boat to the safety of the bank).
Nazki won the Sahitya Academy award in Kashmiri language literature for his book of poetry, Naar Hyutun Kanzal Wanas (The Forests of Soot are on Fire) in 1995.
He has also won the state Cultural Academy Award for both that work and Lafz Lafz Noha.
Beyond the realms of broadcasting, Nazki’s literary prowess illuminated the hearts and minds of countless admirers.
His poetic expressions, particularly in the Kashmiri language, resonated with a rare authenticity, earning him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award in 1995 in Kashmiri literature for his book of poetry, ‘Naar Hyutun Kanzal Wanas’.
His other notable works included Kanzalwanus Naar Heutun, Mahjabeen and Sat Baran. He has also won the state Cultural Academy Award for Lafz Lafz Noha.
In one of his interviews, Nazki recalled his fondest childhood memories – of meeting Jigar Moradabadi when he was a teenager.
As the young Nazki entered the room where his father was entertaining the famous guest, he was asked if he knew, who the man was. On being introduced, he almost dropped the cup of kehwa and fumbled some lines.
He is survived by his wife, son, two daughters and several grand-children.
His death has been widely mourned by people from various spectrums of Jammu and Kashmir and outside.
He was known for not only his literary genius but also the warmth he exuded in personal relations. He was also known for his unflinching faith in communal harmony and brotherhood.
Politicians express grief
Several politicians including former chief ministers, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep sorrow at Nazki’s death.
In a statement, Azad said, ” His literary brilliance and media presence were unparalleled. His contribution in the field of broadcasting and literature will have an everlasting impact on our cultural and literary treasure.”
The Abdullahs recalled him for “his pre-eminent contribution to the fields of literature and broadcasting” and for “being one of the frontline Urdu poets of the country”. “He had also added new metaphors, Modernism and positivity to Kashmiri poetry through his subtle and deft use of words and ideas,” Omar Abdullah said.
Mehbooba Mufti recalled his words “as a beacon of light in the world of literature.”
Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone stated that Farooq Nazki’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the cultural and media landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. “A luminary in poetry, broadcasting and media, Farooq Nazki’s eloquent verses and steadfast commitment to his craft earned him widespread respect,” he observed.
Former Union Minister and Congress Leader Prof. Saifuddin Soz in a statement said, “Nazki’s demise represents not only a significant loss for the Kashmiri and Urdu languages but also a profound setback for Kashmir’s broader cultural heritage and values. He was a stalwart custodian of Kashmiri identity, and his profound tolerance epitomised the essence of him being a devout Muslim and a proud Kashmiri.”
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Ravinder Sharma and CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami also condoled his death.
Many Kashmiris from different walks of life took to the social media flooding Facebook and X with condolence messages and tributes for the departed writer. Glowing tributes in prose and poetry were paid.
Some poetic gems by Farooq Nazki in Urdu:
Gahri Neeli Shaam Ka Manzar
Gahri neeli shaam ka manzar likhna hai
Teri hi zulfon ka daftar likhna hai
Kai dinon se baat nahin ki apnon se
Aaj zaroori ḳhat apne ghar likhna hai
Shiddat par hai hare-bhare patton ki pyaas
Sahra sahr ḳhoon samundar likhna hai
Patthar par ham naam kisi ka likkhenge
Ainey par aazar aazar likhna hai
Chehra raushan khule hue sahra ki dhuup
Gahri ankhen gahra sagar likhna hai
Iss se aage kuchh likhne se qasir hun
Iss ke aage tujh ko badh kar likhna hai
(From Laz Lafz Noha)
Ajeeb rang sa cheron pe
Ajeeb rang sa cheron pe be-kasi ka hai
Chalo sambhal ke ye aalam rava-ravi ka hai
Kabhi na baat zamane ne dil laga ke suni
Yahi to ḳhaas sabab meri be-dili ka hai
Suna hai log vahan mujh se ḳhaar khate hain
Fasana aam Jahan meri bebasi ka hai
Mashwara Dene ki Koshish
Mashvara dene ki koshish to karo
Mere haq men koi sazish to karo
Jab kisi mahfil mein mera zikr ho
Chup raho itni navazish to karo
Mera kahna harf-e-aḳhir bhi nahin
Meri maano azmaish to karo
Khud-satai sheva-e-iblis hai
Nazr-e-haq harf-e-sataish to karo
Chaar-su zulmat ke pahre-dar hain
Rahmaton ki ham pe baarish to karo
Kashmiri poetry (with English translation):
Naar Heutun Kazalwanas,
Shor Woth Bahaar Ha.
Diluss Heutun Jigar Taeteoy
Kraekh Gai Zi Naar Ha.
(Kazalvun is on fire,
And the cry of arrival of spring too is here.
This heart too is on fire
With the fire cry all over.)
(From Naar Heutun Kazalwanas that won him the Sahitya Akademi award)\
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