Nidae Kashmir
Rayees Ahmad Kumar
rayeeskumar31@gmail.com
Chenab valley of Jammu Kashmir is nestled amidst towering mountains, pristine vast meadows and crystal clear water bodies. It’s beauty is resplendent, enticing both local and nonlocal populace. The literary brilliance of this region has been radiating since ages. Having produced legendary poets, litteratuers, artists, vocalists and intellectuals, it is indubitably evident that this fertile land has been divinely blessed. Rasa Jawdani, Gh Nabi Dolwal, Bashir Bhadarwahi, Raashid Jahangir and Wali Mohd Aseer Kishtwari are some of it’s literary giants, whose pen has been painting emotional and cultural themes for decades. In contemporary times also, we see newer faces depicting literary prowess through their poetry and prose writings.
Among such decent literary figures stands one Altaf Kishtwari.
Born in 1963 to an illiterate but humble father who had been an ironsmith by profession, Altaf Kishtwari has served as a police cop and during his service tenure, he has composed hundreds of poems, Ghazals etc which came to limelight in the form of collection “Seher Surag” only after his superannuation in 2023. This poetry collection spanning 364 pages is published by Tafheem Publications Rajouri.
It’s cover is adorably designed and dedicated by the author to his mother, spouse, three sons and the lone daughter.
While writing a detailed note on the Ghazals of Altaf Kishtwari, Prof Kawsar Mazhari of Jamia Millia Islamia university, commends the literary adeptness of poet.
According to him, Altaf Kishtwari uses beautiful imagery to uncover what he has felt and endured in life through his poetry.
Ahmad Tawseef, the beloved son of Altaf has written an insightful essay about the literary brilliance of his father. He has enumerated the virtues of a litterateur, from being a farsighted human to the one influencing reader’s mind and heart.
According to Tawseef, a writer’s focal point never remains an individual rather he always intends to address the society.
He further reiterates that a litterateur unlike other people, feels societal ills and evils intensely and he aspires to revolutionize the downtrodden society through his writings.
He proclaims that his father isn’t lacking any skill or virtue, which a seasoned or well versed poet is owning. Despite frail and infirm family background, he hasn’t let his literary works to get spoiled.
Altaf Kishtwari while deliberating upon his literary journey, reveals his initial interests towards drawings and paintings followed by writing poetry to give vent to his thoughts and emotions. Initially he would receive mandatory and requisite tips about poetry from accomplished and adept poets of Pirpanchal region while being posted there. In his note, he has expressed his gratitude to all who assisted him in one or the other way to compile this collection. As a devoted Muslim, Altaf Kishtwari has firstly written the two poems praising God (Hamud) and Prophet saw(Naat) in this book followed by a manqabat about Baba Fariddudin ra.
It reflects his faith and devotion towards Allah, Prophet saw and sufi saints like Baba Farid ra.
Altaf Kishtwari’s style of composing poetic items is unique and his word usage is a testament to his memory power and poetic prowess.
It seems that he thinks multiple times before incorporating a word or phrase in couplets. Lafzoon ko tolne ke tu awzan hai alag, Naswar kaise tulain wo samaan hai alag.
Through this handsome couplet, he tries to make a reader understand that words which a speaker speaks during interaction aren’t like things which we utilize in daily lives.
In fact their weighting and measures too are different. Dour huye hu jab se tum is duniya se, Har pal bas mere hi saye lagte hu.
This one of a prettiest ghazal has been meticulously and arduously crafted to eulogize poet’s beloved. According to poet his beloved, who no more now is accompanying him seems to entice his flower garden, acting like a shadow to relieve him from scorching heat, garnishing the flower vases of his room and even gossiping with him as he always stays closer to his heart.
Dil idhar hai magar udhar tu hai, Aankh meri hai nazar tu hai. This couplet of a seductively composed and bewitchingly crafted ghazal reflects the pain of poet as he is vehemently missing his beloved. Gaza main aaj bi safak amun ka dushman, Diye hayat ke har roz hi bujata hai. From last many months we have been witnessing the devastation of Gaza at the hands of Israel and no one caring about the agony of these depressed people, acting merely as mute spectators. Poet has deeply felt the pain and painted on paper. Aag main phir se utar kar kya karon, Shahar se tere guzar kar kya karon. Using simplest words, the poet has prioritised his message and thought to be easily comprehended by a reader. Ye koyal kaisa nagma ga rahi hai, Mere dil ko buhut tadpa rahi hai.
Through the imageries of dove, birds, roofs etc poet has skillfully composed the verses of ghazal. Pathar zamane bar ke yahan seh raha hoon main, Ik sach hi hai ki jisko abi keh raha hoon main. In this egocentric world, finding an altruistic person is quite arduous.
One who always speaks truth and is a candour often endures the pain and sufferings caused by the society. Same has been elegantly pictured in this couplet.
Hai azil se hi yahan likhi hui hijrat apni, Ik nagar se hame ab aur nagar jana hai.
Death is an ultimate reality and no one even atheists can’t deny this universal truth.
This world is mortal and we are dwelling temporarily here but our everlasting abode lies somewhere else. Tir mara galat nishane par, Wo shikari shikar hi kab tha.
This couplet reflects the poetic adroitness and deftness of poet to weave adorable compositions. While going through the poetry of Altaf Kishtwari, it is evident that he has exhibited agony, melancholy, sadness, loneliness, pain and helplessness in his poetry.
This collection of a Hamud, Naat, Manqabat and 200 Ghazals is full of imageries. Kashmir’s culture and unique ways of living too have been mentioned through the poetry.
I congratulate the author for this splendid collection and suggest urdu enthusiasts to go through the pages of this book as it will enhance their poetic prowess and knowledge.
