Unparalleled legacy of Aziz Hajini
Even on his deathbed, Hajini was passionate about Kashmiri language and literature: Hajini’s son
Post by on Sunday, September 19, 2021
Most of us consider death to be a sad occasion. It is, without a question. Yet for many people, death also gives permanent satisfaction. The family of Aziz Hajini, a well-known poet and writer, says the large number of mourners at his FatihaKhawani stunned and inspired them.
"The number of people who took part was incalculable. It made me realise my father's importance. In the midst of my deep anguish, this provided me satisfaction," says Azhar, Hajini’s son.
"I am confident that my father will be cleansed of all sins," he says, adding that "pious individuals attended his funeral and prayed for his eternal peace."
According to his family, Hajini would stammer when he was sick, yet his faint voice announced his loud expression for Kashmiri language.
"Even when he was on his deathbed, he was passionate about Kashmiri language and literature," Azhar adds. "It displayed his affection for his home – Kashmir."
"My father has left an incomparable legacy behind him. I'd be lucky if I could match even a small portion of it "he declares while his family has been left in deep sorrow, his friends and former colleagues too expressed an emotional tribute.
Noted writer and president Adbee Markaz Kamraz Amin Bhat, who was close friend of Aziz Hajini says it's a personal loss to him. "My association with him was many decades old. His life was full of struggles and hard work," he says.
Bhat says Hajini was a focused poet and language activist who has contributed immensely to the language.
"Hajinisahab’s achievements were in tune with his talent and versatility. The loss of a lifetime friend cannot be explained in words," he adds.
Former bureaucrat Mohammad Shafi Pandit says it was a deep shock for him. "I lost a friend and a literary companion," he says adding "he was a language activist who dedicated his time for the protection and promotion of the Kashmiri language."
A well-known broadcaster Farooq Nazki termed Hajini as a poet of high repute who would express words with literary excellence.
"He was a versatile person having a great taste for poetry, writing and criticism. May Allah grant his soul the highest place in Jannah and provide courage to his family members too," Nazki says.
Actor and director AyashArif says Hajini's contribution in promotion of the Kashmiri Language can never be ignored.
"Hajinisahab was a brave administrator and an impressive poet," he says adding "his knowledge of Kashmiri literature was remarkable which is why he played a vital role in introducing Kashmiri in school syllabus.”
Hajini was considered a prolific Kashmiri writer, poet and critic. His last position was a convenor at Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi for its Northern Regional Board.
Earlier, he served as Assistant Professor and taught Kashmiri in Centre for Sheikh-ul Aalam Studies, University of Kashmir till he retired from the active services.
Later, he was appointed as the secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in 2015 by the PDP government. He served at the prestigious institution till 2019.
He was also elected as the president of the literary organization, Adbee Markaz Kamraz, Jammu and Kashmir. From 2008 to 2012, he served as convenor of Sahitya Akademy for Kashmiri languages. Prior to this, he served as a member of the Akademy from 1997 to 2002.
Hajini has authored more than twenty books in Kashmiri language, including poetry and criticism. In 2015, his book AaneKhane, a literary criticism covering Kashmiri literature and language was released by the then governor of Jammu and Kashmir NN Vohra. Later in 2016, the book earned him an Akademi Award in Kashmir.
He held many key positions in government and literary circles including a member of Sahitya Akademi as advisor and experts of various committees.
Hajini was also appointed as a member of the Indian Institute of Public Administration for New Delhi and a member of the National Book Trust in 2012. From 1998 to 2000, he was appointed as president of Kashmir Theater Association and between 1998 and 2008, he served as general secretary of the Adbi Markaz Kamraz. He also participated in literary seminars in US, the UAE and Canada.
Distinctions
Hajini has the distinction of being the first gold medalist in Kashmiri. He has translated Punjabi poet Waris Shah’s works into Kashmiri which has been published by Sahitya Akademi New Delhi. His work ‘PantchahanVariyan Hund KashurAdab’ and ‘KaashireNaat’ were also published by Sahitya Akademi New Delhi.
His work ‘PaerZaan’, a book on Kashmiri Script and ‘Noor-e-Nooran’, a collection of Kashmiri devotional poetry was published by KBD.
Hajini wrote ‘Vitasta Ki Saer’ in urdu language, besides hundreds of poetry, prose and translation works have been credited to him.
He also secured first position in a state-level essay writing competition, organized by Adbee Markaz Kamraz.
Awards
Hajini has won many prestigious awards for his works. He won Sahitya Akademi (National Akademi of Letter) New Delhi prestigious main Best Book award for Aane-Khane for the year 2015 and ShahityaAkademi (National Akademi of Letters) New Delhi Award for best translation in Kashmiri for the year 2013.
In 2012, Hajini was given the title, ‘Mir-e-Karwan’ by KarwaniAdab Dab Ganderbal while MarazAdbi Sangam awarded him for outstanding contribution to Kashmiri language, literature and culture.
An Award of Honour was presented to him by JKBOSE for excellent contribution in development of textual material for teaching Kashmiri at school level. In 2010 he received Harmoukh Award which was presented by HarmoukhKashur Markaz Jammu & Kashmir.
In 2008, Hajini was awarded with Khilat-e-SheikhulAalam by the Department of Information, Jammu & Kashmir. He received a certificate of excellence for outstanding contribution to culture and academics, awarded by the J & K Education Department.
In 2004, he received Sharf-e-Saqafat award for outstanding contribution in the field of Culture which was awarded by Sangar Stage Kashmir and the Robe of Honor was presented to him by Halqu-e-Arbab-i-ZauqBaramullah.
