Bashir Aarif*
It is shocking for me to believe that my guiding force in the field of broadcasting, Farooq Nazki, left this world after a prolonged ailment.
A couple of months ago, I went to see him along with a friend Haleem Khan sahib at Narayana Hospital Katra. I saw him undergoing dialysis. But to my surprise, he talked to me as if everything was fine – with utmost strength, warmth and with no fear of death.
In a smiling tone, he said that he is not afraid of his death but worried about his friends and well-wishers, who love him. Alas, finally he accepted the eternal call and left us wailing on the fateful day of February 6, 2024.
Farooq Nazki sahib, as I know was a treasure of immense knowledge of world literature and had carved a special place among the literary luminaries of the sub-continent. A great poet, playwright, performing artiste and above all a great face in the crowd.
He, as a Television Producer/Director, created history by introducing innovative programmes. Srinagar Television centre owes a lot to his creative abilities. It was during 1972-73, when as producer of the then commissioned Srinagar TV centre, he introduced a number of innovative programmes which became house hold lot and the viewership was tremendous.
Farooq Nazki, as an able administrator left behind a great legacy. Born on February 14, 1940, in the quaint village of Maddar in the Bandipora district of north Kashmir, Nazki’s journey through life was marked by qualitative contributions to literature, broadcasting, and Kashmiri culture.
Nazki acquired early education in Gamroo village, his maternal home, and later enrolled in a government school at Nadihal in Bandipora where his maternal uncle Masood Ahmad was posted.
Ahmad would take him along wherever he was posted.
Under the guidance of his teacher Ahmadullah Afandi, he imbibed the scout spirit, embodying a responsiveness and discipline reminiscent of his parents’ influence.
Despite his father’s reservations, Nazki’s intellectual prowess became evident during his school days.
His bond with childhood friends Mansoor Ahmad Fazli and Manzoor Fazli remained etched in his soul.
During his school days, Prof Mujeed from Jamia Millia Islamia came with his team to the school when Nazki was in the 3rd standard. Prof Mujeeb had brought a team to select students based on their IQ, offering scholarships at Jamia Millia Islamia.
His father did not allow him to go although his mother was not averse to the suggestion and that his father had cited high fees as a reason, which was Rs 4 to Rs 6 per month.
Mansoor Ahmad Fazli was one of his closest friends and Vijay Dhar was his friend from the days of childhood.
Nazki termed Dhar an honest man with a high intellectual order.
Though people associated with Nazki would call him very intelligent in his school days, he considered himself an average student.
During his school days, his non-Muslim friend Rajnath would always bring food for him from his home, and they both shared a deep bond.
Relocating to Srinagar in 1948, Nazki’s family settled on Exchange Road.
From an average student in the eyes of his father to becoming the Director of Doordarshan and AIR Srinagar, the posts that he held from 1986 to 1997, Nazki’s trajectory was nothing short of extraordinary.
A multi-faceted personality, Nazki also served as the Editor of Daily Mazdoor from 1960, leaving an indelible mark on journalism through his writings.
He played pivotal roles as media advisor to Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, showcasing his dedication to public service.
His presidency at Bazm-e-Adab, literary assistant role at JKAACL, and tenure as the Editor of Daily Mazdoor underscored his commitment to nurturing literary talent.
Nazki’s eloquent and evocative poetry, capturing the essence of Kashmir’s beauty and pain, earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1995 for ‘Nar Heton Kanzal Vanas’.
In his 8th grade, Nazki wrote an article in the Jamia Millia Islamia’s magazine ‘Mera Parcha’ under the leadership of Dr Zakir Hussain.
After passing the 10th standard, he contributed writings to various newspapers including Khidmat, and Delhi’s well-known newspapers Ashiana, Mastana, Jogay, and Hafta Rozah.
After graduating from SP College, he became the president of the Literary Forum and worked as a literary assistant in JKAACL for some time.
When Nazki received a CDG Fellowship, the journey to Germany enriched his knowledge of literature, thought, and perspectives.
He also received the State Cultural Academy Award for his work and the Noor-ul-Lugha Award for his contributions to both Kashmiri and Urdu languages.
For his participation in the media, he was honoured with the Asia ’82 Award for Best Media Controller in addition to the Jammu and Kashmir Award for Best Electronic Media Management.
In the Urdu language, his works include ‘Akhir-e-Khwaab Se Pehle’ and ‘Yeh Dhuan Sa Kahan Se Uth Raha Hai’ among others.
In the Kashmiri language, Nazki wrote ‘Masnavi Meh Jabeen’.
In the realm of broadcasting, Nazki’s resonant voice and eloquence made him a recognisable figure, playing a pivotal role in bringing Kashmiri literature to a wider audience.
“Who can forget his memorable comic role of Rama Lala of Radio Kashmir’s Zoona Dab feature?”
Farooq Nazki, a towering genius in the field of media and literature had carved a unique space for himself.
Initially in the early sixties, he joined as a news reader with Radio Kashmir Srinagar and later he was appointed as an assistant producer. On the basis of his abilities and efficiency as a programme manager, he was appointed as a producer in Srinagar Television Center in the year 1972.
Thereafter he never looked back and created a number of innovative programmes, which had a huge viewership across the valley.
He rose to the position of Station Director and was posted to Radio Kashmir Jammu. In 1989, he was shifted from Jammu to Srinagar to head of Radio Kashmir, Srinagar.
A recipient of Sahitya Academy award for his poetry collection “Nar Heotun Kazal Vanas” speaks of his great poetic abilities.
Owing to his deteriorating health, Farooq sahab was living with his son, Dr Suhail Nazki, a medical doctor working in Narayana hospital, Katra.
A couple of days before his death, he was shifted to the hospital, after he developed some serious complication. Unfortunately, he slipped in to coma and breathed his last on that fateful day unfortunately.
Farooq sahib is survived by two daughters and a son. All were by his bed side when the end came.
Farooq Nazki sahib served as Director Doordarshan, Srinagar and also as Director Central Production Centre, New Delhi.
He retired from service as Director on February 28, 1998. He also served as media advisor to Dr Farooq Abdullah, when the former was the chief minister.
A treasure of knowledge, wisdom and great oratory skills, Nazki sahib will remain around though not physically, but his memories will definitely prove a guiding factor for his admirers.
*The author is the former Deputy Director General of AIR and can be reached at: bashiraarif586@gmail.com
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