A Poet Shaped by Tradition, Carving His Own Path
Shamshad
Kralwari
In the ever-evolving realm of Urdu and Kashmiri poetry, Ali Shaida has emerged as a profound literary figure–
“Kitni mehnat se banaya hai tabeeboun ne ise, neend aaye ya na…”
(Doctors have worked hard to create this; whether sleep comes or not…)
-a poet who does not merely echo tradition but engages with it, refines it, and ultimately reshapes it. His striking verses, steeped in philosophical depth and cultural resonance, bridge the wisdom of the great classical masters with the realities of contemporary existence. Shaida’s poetry has been recognized for introducing new themes and subjects, serving as a beacon for emerging poets and writers.His literary presence on platforms like Facebook and public readings further solidifies his influence in contemporary poetry.
“Jaan jo jism odhay baithi hai khud kisi ki Qaba Samajhta houN
Boond ban kar jo aankh se tapke lab pe aayi dua samajhta houN”
(. I consider the soul that sits wrapped in the body as someone’s cloak. I consider myself a drop that fell from the eye onto the lips as a prayer, having spent my entire life here.)
What sets Shaida apart is his rigorous engagement with poetic heritage. He is not just a creator—he is a student of poetry, deeply influenced by luminaries such as Mir Taqi Mir ,Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, , Sauda, Mehjoor, and Rasool Mir besides the poets of sufi order. His study of literary critique, particularly the works of Shamsur Rahman Farooqi, has sharpened his understanding of poetic structure, linguistic innovation, and thematic exploration. Yet, he does not confine himself to their shadows—he absorbs their wisdom and redefines it on his own terms.
A Poet in Conversation with the Masters;
Shaida’s poetic journey mirrors the timeless dilemmas of existential thought—the longing for meaning, the struggle against fate, and the search for self-definition. He too interrogates the burdens of human desire and says
“Zamane ki bandishon mein qaid rehna hai abhi laazim.”
(Being trapped in the constraints of time is still necessary.)
His melancholic reflections resonate deeply with Mir Taqi Mir, whose poetry is rich with sorrowful self-exploration:
“Dukhiyā sab sansār hai, sājan sab sansār.”
(The whole world is sorrowful, beloved, the whole world.)
Yet, Shaida’s engagement with Iqbal gives his verses an intellectual vigor, where philosophy and poetry intertwine—much like Iqbal’s call for spiritual awakening:
“Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle,
Khuda bande se khud poochhay, bata teri raza kya hai?”
Shaida, in contrast, frames human existence as a more fragile pursuit—one bound not just by ambition but by the inescapable weight of time.
A Voice for Kashmiri Identity;
Shaida’s poetry is not merely an intellectual exercise—it is also a cultural colourfulness, woven into the fabric of Kashmiri literary traditions. Like Mehjoor and Rasool Mir, his poetry speaks to the landscapes, the people, and the memories of his homeland. His verses, such as those in ”Najad Wanik Pot Aalaw” and ”Dard ki Deleez Tak”, preserve the linguistic beauty and emotional depth of Kashmiri poetry, ensuring that its voice continues to echo across generations.
Shaida calls for poetic transformation, urging the younger generation to engage with literary tradition not as a relic but as a living force.
The Necessity of Studying Masters
What makes Ali Shaida’s poetic journey unique is his understanding that true artistic vibrancy stems from studying great poets before forging one’s own path. He does not simply emulate the classical masters—he sometimes challenges their legacy, reshapes their motifs, and introduces fresh perspectives. His engagement with Farooqi’s literary critique has given him a refined understanding of form, symbolism, and historical depth, ensuring that his poetry remains both intellectually rigorous and emotionally evocative.
By absorbing the legacy ,Shaida does not confine himself to tradition—he expands it, making poetry a bridge between past and future. His verses serve as a testament to the necessity of engaging with literary giants, proving that poetry thrives when it is both studied and reinvented.
Thus Ali Shaida’s poetry stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. His verses interrogate existence, preserve culture, and refine language, ensuring that Urdu and Kashmiri poetry remain dynamic, relevant, and intellectually enriching.
- On Existence and Mortality;
“Zindagi ek sawal hai, jawab sirf khamoshi mein chhupa hai.”(“Life is a question, and the answer is hidden only in silence.”) - On Creation and Destruction;
“Har lafz ek aag hai, jo dil ke andar jalti hai.” (“Every word is a fire that burns within the heart.”) - On Wisdom and Reflection;
“Ilm ka dariya beh raha hai, magar hum sirf boondon se guzar rahe hain.”
(“The river of knowledge flows, yet we pass only through its droplets.)
He is not merely a poet of nostalgia—he is a poet of engagement, transformation, and evolution. While carving his own path, Shaida ensures that poetry remains not just a relic of history but a living, breathing force in contemporary literature.
khol kar Naqshidaan ke dhagae
“Zarah zarah zara samajhta houN.
( Knowing the key of the designer
, I know all the threads of his design thus I consider everything as a tiny particle.).
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