Writing in Kashmiri feels like home; it allows me to express emotions and ideas with a depth and nuance that other languages may not capture as vividly,says Nighat Sahiba, a celebrated Kashmiri poet, in an interview with Rising Kashmir reporter Younus Rashid.
Excerpts:
You have made a name in Kashmiri poetry. Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to write in Kashmiri?
My journey as a poet, like anyone else’s, has been full of ups and downs. What has always drawn me to Kashmiri is my deep love and passion for the language. Its beauty, richness, and emotional depth resonate with me in a way that no other language does. Writing in Kashmiri feels like returning to my roots, serving as both a personal and creative anchor throughout my journey.
You’ve received significant recognition for your work , including many awards. Could you tell us more about these achievements and how they have shaped your journey as a poet?
Over the years, I have been fortunate to receive recognition for my work in Kashmiri, including the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar (2017), Mallika Sengupta National Award (2018), Kalaignar Porkizhi Award (2021), and Akbar Jaipuri Award (2014), among others. These accolades have been a source of encouragement and validation, strengthening my commitment to promoting the Kashmiri language through my writing.
Where are you originally from, and how many poetry collections have you published so far?
I was born in Anantnag and later married in Pampore, a town famous for its saffron and as the home of the legendary poet Habba Khatoon. Marriage did not change my literary pursuits—I continued writing and actively participating in literary events to promote Kashmiri. Zard Paneik Dair (Pile of Pallid Leaves) is my first collection, and my upcoming poetry collection is set to hit the stands soon. My work reflects my dedication to preserving and enriching Kashmiri literature. My roots and life experiences have deeply influenced my work, connecting me to the cultural and emotional essence of Kashmir, which I strive to capture in my poetry.
Writing in the mother tongue can be challenging, especially when readership is declining, what keeps you committed to preserving Kashmiri through your poetry?
Choosing a language for writing, especially poetry, is deeply personal. For me, Kashmiri was a natural choice—it’s the language of my heart, the one in which my thoughts flow most effortlessly. Writing in Kashmiri feels like home; it allows me to express my emotions and ideas with a sensitivity and nuance that other languages might not capture as vividly. Poetry, in particular, demands a delicate balance between craft and thought, and Kashmiri provides me with the cultural and emotional depth to achieve that balance.
Yes, there have been moments of discouragement, especially when I see the decline in readership or the diminishing use of Kashmiri in everyday life. It can feel like an uphill battle to preserve and promote a language that is so deeply tied to my identity. But what keeps me committed is the belief that language is not just a means of communication—it’s a vessel of culture, history, and identity. Through my poetry, I try my part to keep Kashmiri alive, to remind people of its beauty and richness, and to ensure that future generations can connect with their roots. Writing in Kashmiri is my way of honoring my heritage and contributing to its survival. It’s a responsibility I hold close to my heart, and that’s what drives me to keep going, even when the challenges seem overwhelming.
Many believe that the Kashmiri language is gradually fading, even parents prefer speaking to their children in other languages. Do you think Kashmiri can still be revived?
Speaking in other languages is not a crime—it’s often a necessity in today’s globalized world. However, the concern arises when this comes at the cost of neglecting our mother tongue. We must remember that multilingualism is a strength, but it shouldn’t overshadow the importance of preserving our roots. Teaching children Kashmiri first, and then as many languages as they wish, can create a balance. After all, a language isn’t just a tool for communication; it’s a repository of culture, identity, and history.
The gradual fading of Kashmiri is a reality, but I believe it can still be revived. This revival, however, isn’t the responsibility of writers and poets alone—it’s a collective duty.
Do you think younger poets and writers are showing interest in Kashmiri literature, or is the language losing its creative voice?
Yes, I believe younger poets and writers are showing interest in Kashmiri literature, and social media has played a significant role in this resurgence. Many Kashmiris, including those from science and other professional backgrounds, are actively engaging with the language and contributing to its preservation. Rather than discouraging them, we should appreciate their efforts and encourage more people to take part in keeping Kashmiri alive. No, I don’t feel Kashmiri is losing its creative voice.
With limited readership, how can Kashmiri poetry and literature be made more appealing to the new generation?
I don’t think Kashmiri poetry and literature have as limited a readership as we often assume. With around 7 million Kashmiri-speaking people, the potential audience is substantial. The real challenge lies in the lack of will to speak and preserve Kashmiri as a primary language. To make it more appealing to the new generation, we must continue creating Kashmiri literature rooted in merit. Good writing, whether poetry or prose, has the power to attract readers naturally. By focusing on crafting meaningful, relatable, and engaging content, Kashmiri literature can draw more people into its fold and inspire them to take pride in their linguistic heritage.
Apart from writers and poets, what role should society and institutions play in keeping the Kashmiri language alive?
Every Kashmiri, regardless of profession or position, must take part in preserving and promoting the language. Writers and poets can play a significant role by creating literature that resonates with people, by keeping the language alive through their words, and by inspiring others to take pride in their linguistic heritage. But the real change will come when every individual takes ownership of this effort, whether it’s by speaking Kashmiri at home, teaching it to the next generation, or simply celebrating its beauty in everyday life. Language thrives when it’s lived, not just written or read. Together, we can ensure that Kashmiri continues to flourish.
