Srinagar, July 04: A grand function was held at Government Degree College Handwara to honour the 28th death anniversary of the renowned Kashmiri poet Ali Mohammad Shahbaz.
Participants at the event reflected on Shahbaz’s enduring legacy, with many stating that despite it being 28 years since his passing, it feels as though he left us just yesterday. This sentiment highlights Shahbaz’s lasting impact on Kashmiri literature and culture.
Shahbaz, who passed away on July 4, 1996, left behind a rich legacy of literary works that continue to resonate with literary enthusiasts and scholars, the speakers said, adding that his poetry, marked by its depth and eloquence, remains celebrated and cherished.
One of the participants, Butt, said that Shahbaz’s contributions to Kashmiri literature and his positive influence as an educator are still deeply felt within the valley. “His memories are still with us,” he said, adding that the timeless impact Shahbaz has had on those who knew him and admired his work.
Hurmat Khan, a teacher from Kukroosa, paid tribute to the poet by reflecting on his lasting influence. Khan said that Shahbaz’s written words keep his memory alive, describing him as a significant figure in the world of literature and a blessed teacher.
Hurmat shared some of Shahbaz’s famous verses, such as “Poshi Mateo Ninder Payme” and “Chaun Ghazal Gaivan Gaivan” to illustrate the poet’s towering presence in the world of poetry.
Ali Mohammad Shahbaz, known by his pen name Shahbaz, was a Kashmiri revolutionary poet, satirist, humanist, philanthropist, calligrapher, and teacher. His literary work vividly depicted and voiced the agony of the Kashmir conflict.
Born on May 1, 1939, in his ancestral village Shatgund Payeen (Langate) in Handwara town of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, Shahbaz received his primary education at Islamia Model School, Qalamabad, and completed high school in Handwara. He earned a master’s degree in the Kashmiri language.
Shahbaz was a teacher by profession and served as the Principal of Govt. Higher Secondary School Handwara until his death. His father, Gh Mohammad Qureshi, a cleric, passed away when Shahbaz was a teenager. Shahbaz began writing poetry at a very young age, heavily influenced by his teacher Shahlal Bahar, who was the Vice President of Adbee Markaz Kamraz and a member of both the Cultural Academy Srinagar and Sahitya Academy, New Delhi.
Every year, the anniversary of Ali Mohammad Shahbaz’s death is celebrated to pay tribute to his immense contributions to Kashmiri literature and culture. His work continues to inspire new generations of poets, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
