Journey of Urdu Short Story in Jammu and Kashmir: (English); Author: Deepak Budki

Journey of Urdu Short Story in Jammu and Kashmir: (English)

 Author: Deepak Budki

The short story has been walking in step with the march of times at all Indian levels. From the days of Prem Nath Pardesi, the father of Urdu short story in J&K to the present times the genre has passed through many stages in its development viz Classical, Romantic, Patriotic, Didactic, Realistic, Progressive, Psychological, Modernist and Post-Modernist. Prior to independence, short stories were written against feudalism, poverty and social customs. During the progressive period, the focus remained on the plight of peasants and lake dwellers who depended on tourists besides the landless labour who often had to seek employment outside the state in winter. Since J&K state (Now a Union territory with the exclusion of Ladakh) was the first state to promulgate laws giving land to the tiller, the progressives were left with no topics to dwell upon. However, the state had its own problems such as political instability, non-representative governments, bureaucratic red tape, illiteracy, corruption nepotism and unemployment. Unfortunately, in an atmosphere where democracy was not in full force, it was difficult for the writers, who were mostly dependent on government jobs due lack of other avenues, to express themselves on the aforesaid problems. They adopted symbolic and abstract forms of expression in tune with the modernist trend.

The J&K state is not a homogeneous unit but is what Lord Birdwood calls a ‘geographical monster’. The state has many regions with varied languages like Ladakh with Bodhi, Balti and Sheena, Jammu with Dogri, Pahari, Gojri and Punjabi, and Kashmir with Kashmiri languages spoken by as many kinds of people. Hence Urdu was introduced not only as a lingua franca but as an Official language by the then Dogra ruler and the situation remains unchanged to date. Accordingly, many poets and prose writers from amongst Kashmiris came to the fore and many of them even sought high positions in Mughal and Avadh courts. Unfortunately, the Kashmiri writers (expression includes people from other regions also) who remained confined to the state were not given the recognition due to them by the coterie in Delhi and Lucknow who held the hegemony on the Urdu world for example Prem Nath Pardesi, Hakim Manzoor, Pushkar Nath, Prof Hamdi Kashmiri, Veerinder Patwari, Noor Shah, Som Nath Zutshi, Bansi Nirdosh, Rafiq Raaz, Anand Lehar, Abdul Ghani Sheikh, Deepak Kanwal, Tarannum Reyaz and Deepak Budki. On the contrary, many Kashmiris who resided in Avadh, Delhi or Punjab shone like stars in Urdu literature for example Daya Shankar Naseem, Brij Narain Chakbast, Brijmohan Datatriya Kaifi, Kishan Prashad Koul, Pt Badri Nath Sudarshan, Agha Hashar Kashmiri, Sir Mohammad Iqbal, Sa’adat Hasan Manto, Prem Nath Dhar, Kashmiri Lal Zakir etc. Even Krishan Chander and his brother Mohinder Nath and Ramanand Sagar who were not born in J&K but spent most of their childhood and youth in the state attained great heights in the Urdu world.

Anyway, the situation in the literary scene of Kashmir saw a dramatic shift after the rising of militancy in 1990. Initially, there was a lull before the storm in the state but as the sediment settled down writers started to express themselves for and against the turbulence in Kashmir. The modernist writers retraced their steps and started writing realistic stories representing the factual situation in the state of post-militancy. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir has remained fluid ever since 1990; some highlight the plight of Kashmiri Muslims who have been facing the tyranny of both the state and the terrorists sponsored by the neighbouring state Pakistan, and some highlight the problems encountered by people residing near the LOC facing shower of bombs and shells every day from across the border besides destruction of their crops and property (Mazahmati Adab), some highlight the plight of Kashmiri Pandits who have fled the valley en masse due rise of militancy (Muhajri Adab), while some concentrate on psychological problems faced by innocent people due to the suffocating atmosphere in the state (Ghair Wabasta Adab). As if this was not enough the valley faced one of the worst earthquakes in 2008 and later the fury of floods in 2014 ravaged the valley and its inhabitants. This has resulted in the deconstruction of morality and ethics, claustrophobia, Xenophobia, fear of God, nature’s destructive capabilities and existentialism.

As far as short story writers are concerned there are many of them who have either died or rested their pen due to switch over to mother tongue or escaped to Bollywood or else due to venturing into greener pastures. Some names are recounted here: Prem Nath Pardesi, Prof Hamidi Kashmiri, Dr Brij Premi, Ramanand Sagar, Thakur Poonchi, Tej Bahadur Bhan, Makhmoor Hussain Badakshi, Shabnam Qayum, Hari Krishen Kaul, Amar Malmohi, Pushkar Nath, Brij Katyal, Kishori Manchanda, Ram Kumar Abrol, Mohan Yawar, Yash Saroj, O P Sharma Sarthi, Mohd Zaman Azurda, Bashir Shah, Shamsuddin Shamim, Jyoteshwar Pathik etc. In the following paragraphs, a brief resume is given of some important writers in the past and those who are currently active in the world of fiction in Jammu & Kashmir.

Prem Nath Pardesi: Full Name Madhusudhan Sadhu, adopted pen name ‘Raunaq’ initially and ‘Pardesi’ later. Born in Srinagar in 1909 and died on 9 Jan 1955. Journalist, poet, short story writer and drama writer (wrote dramas and features for the AIR). Due to the demise of his father left education after matriculation, joined his lawyer uncle as his agent and later got a job in State Excise and Customs department as Mahaldar due to which he was exposed to the life lived by the peasantry of Kashmir. When All India Radio was established in Srinagar he was appointed as Program Assistant there and he tried his pen on writing radio dramas successfully. By then he had already established himself as a popular and influential short story writer of J&K rather appropriately as the ‘Father of short story in J&K’. Since he was a government employee, he often wrote columns and articles by the pseudonym of Babu, Allai and Balak Ram Bari and his articles were published in Vitasta, Hamdard, Ranbir and Akhbare Aam Lahore. His literary life started in 1924 as a poet. After eight years Pardesi ventured into the field of short story writing through his maiden story, Suchi Prarthana, published in the daily Ranbir Jammu in April 1932 and achieved uncontested fame. His one story ‘Teke Batni’ was published in an annual number of Humayun Lahore (Jan 1946) and is regarded as his best story. He slowly graduated from romanticism and emotionalism to realism and depicted the life of poor Kashmiris in all its nakedness with an unmatched style and dexterity. He often used metaphors and symbols to drive his point home. Pardesi was part of the progressive writer’s association of J&K and the Cultural front besides which he also participated in political activity. His song ‘Hamla awar khabardar, Hum Kashmiri hain tayar’ rent the air during the tribal invasion of the state. Books published: Duniya Hamari, Sham-o-Sehar, Behte Chirag (stories), Chaurangi, Char Bete, Char Janbaz Bachche, Kirnein (For children), Pote (Novel) besides dozens of dramas written for AIR eg. Sang Tarash, Swami, Sangharsh etc.

Prem Nath Dhar: Born in Srinagar on 25 July 1914, died 6 Sept 1976.  Journalist and short story writer. Passed his secondary school at S P School Srinagar and later graduated from S P College Srinagar. Joined the freedom movement of J&K but in 1938 had to go to Lahore in search of a job where he met and interacted with known Urdu writers and intellectuals and was influenced by Marxist philosophy. Joined the National Conference of Sheikh Mohd Abdullah and was instrumental in giving shape to ‘Hal wala Jhanda’ of the National Conference. In the third decade of the twentieth century, Prem Nath shifted to Delhi and married a girl there. He was associated with English newspapers like The Hindustan Times and The Statesman after which he joined All India Radio (AIR) as editor of ‘The Indian Listener’ and later ‘Awaaz’. Later Prem Nath Dhar became a member of the Central Information Service and retired from there as DDG (Audiovisual publicity). In 1975 when Sheikh Abdullah took over the reins of power of the state again, Dhar became his press and publicity adviser equivalent to a Cabinet Minister. His thorough study of socialist thought brought him closer to Pardesi and the Progressive writers besides the freedom movement of Kashmir. Even in Delhi, he held meetings of Halqa-e-Arbab-e-Zauq in his residence at Sitaram Bazar where many famous writers used to meet. During this period, he started writing short stories and his first story Galat Fehmi was published in Adbi Duniya Lahore in 1945. The Editor Salahuddin prophesied that a Great writer has arrived on the horizon of Urdu short stories. Dhar often used human psychology as a tool and stream of consciousness as a technique in his stories. Books published: Kagaz ka Vasudev aur Deegar Afsane, Neeli Ankhein, Chinaron Ke Saye Mein (stories), Ghar Ki Baat (Novel in Hindi), Ze Gabar (Opera in Kashmiri).

Prof Hamdi Kashmiri: Actual Name Habibullah, born in Srinagar on 29 Jan 1932; poet, short story writer, novelist, and critic. Qualifications: MA (English) from J&K Univ, MA (Urdu) from Punjab Univ and English Teaching certificate for CIE. Was appointed as a teacher in English and later shifted to Urdu. Got his PhD in 1966 by writing a dissertation on ‘Jadeed Urdu Nazm aur Europi Asarat’. His knowledge of English literature opened a new vista of knowledge before him. Hamdi worked as an English Lecturer from 1954 to 59 at S P College Srinagar, then as Asstt Secretary, at Cultural Academy, J&K and remained associated with editing of the magazine Sheeraza, where after he shifted as faculty in the Urdu department, Kashmir University ending up as Vice Chancellor of the University and Chairman, Sheikhul Alam Chair. He had command over English, Urdu and Kashmiri. Though Hamdi started his career as a prose writer but ultimately shifted to writing poetry and criticism in which he invented a different technique called ‘Ikhtishafi Tanqeed’. His first short story was Thokrein published in the monthly Shuayein Delhi in 1951. Books: Wadi ke Phool, Sarab, Barf Mein Aag (stories), Baharon mein Sholay, Pighalte Khwab, Ajnabi Raaste, Bulandiyon Ke Khwab, Parchayon ka Shehar (novels), Anjuman-e- Aarzo (Travelogue) and about 27 books on literary criticism besides his poetry collections. His dramas, lyrics and book reviews were also broadcast from AIR. He was also briefly associated with Tameer and Jehat magazines. His stories focused on the natural climate of the valley, life in Kashmir, poverty and hunger, corrupt police and bureaucracy, poverty-ridden artists and honest hardworking teachers.

Pushkar Nath: Actual Name Pushkar Nath Tickoo, born 31 May 1934, died 19 Sept 2005; short story writer and drama writer especially for AIR. Graduated from J&K University and served in Accountant General Office in Jammu. He was part of the local chapter of Halqa-e-Arbab-e-Zauq along with other known writers and slowly drifted from progressive writings to modernism and frequently used symbolic and metaphorical expression. Pushkar Nath’s first story was penned down as a challenge thrown by Dr Brij Premi to him which was titled Aur Kahani Adhoori Reh Gayi. It was published in Biswin Sadi in Feb 1953. There continued a flow of masterpieces from his pen such as Maut Ke Saudagar, Parda Nishein, Dal Ke Basi, Aas Niraas, Galwan, Gali, Neele Amber Tale, Ababeel, Shahre Be Chirag etc. He dealt with psychological and behavioural aspects of human life, social and political problems, degeneration of ethical values, corruption and nepotism besides environmental issues. Most of his stories were focused on Kashmiri characters depicting their poverty, ignorance, illiteracy, and innocence and contained beautiful descriptions of the scenery of the valley which showed his keen observation power. Pushkar Nath also indulged in experiments of style and technique and often used stream-of-consciousness techniques in his stories. Books: Andhere Ujale, Dal Ke Basi, Ishq ka Chand Andhera republished later as Saat Rang Ke Sapne, Kaanch ki Duniya (Stories), Dasht-e-Tamanna (novel) besides around 70 radio dramas out of which one titled Sawan Jale Bhadon Jale got All India Akashwani Award.

Dr Brij Premi: Full Name Brij Kishen Aima, born in Srinagar on 24 Sept 1935, died on 20 Apr 1990 at Jammu; short story writer, columnist, Critic, Researcher and Expert on Manto. Educational Qualifications: MA (Hons), B Ed, Ph D. Joined as Teacher in State Govt and later worked as Reader at Kashmir University. His first story Aaqa was published in 1949 in the local paper Jyoti. He often wrote column Qashein in the daily Naujivan Srinagar with a pseudonym as Yugdeep. Brij Premi was very much influenced by Marxism and associated himself with the Progressive writer’s movement. His stories portrayed the plight of poor Kashmiri peasants and laborers and he often tried to emulate the style of Krishen Chander. He has written more than 60 stories but many of them are not retrievable. His greatest contribution to Urdu literature was thought provoking thesis written on Sa’adat Hassan Manto which was later published in the form of the book, Sa’adat Hassan Manto - Hayat aur Karname. Books: Sapnon Ki Shaam (stories), Harf-e-Justjo, Jalwa-e-Sadrang, Kashmir ke Mazameen, Zauq-e-Nazar, Jammu wa Kashmir mein Urdu Adab Ki Nish-o-numa, Chand Tehreerien, Manto Katha, Mabahis, Prem Nath Pardesi – Ahad, Shaks aur Funkar besides some books in Kashmiri.

Abdul Ghani Sheikh: Born 6 Mar 1936 in Leh; writes short stories, novels, essays, humour and satire, biography and books on the history of Ladakh. Qualifications: Matriculate, knows Urdu, English and Hindi. He worked with AIR in the Indian Information Service and retired from Delhi on 20 Nov 1991. Sheikh often visited foreign universities delivering lectures on the culture and civilization of Ladakh. His first story was published in Desh, Srinagar in 1958. Sheikh has written more than 70 short stories till now which are close to ground realities and represent the forsaken land and people of Ladakh. Many of his stories have been translated into Hindi, English, Telugu, Gujarati, and German. Books published: Zojila ke Us Paar, Doraha, Do Mulk Ek Kahani (Short Stories), Dil Hi To Hai, Woh Zamana (Novels), Sonam Narbu (Biography), Qalm, Qalmkar aur Kitab, Islam aur Science (Essays), Ladakh-Tehzeeb aur Saqafat, Ladakh 1947 ke Baad, Ladakh- Muhqiqon aur Sayahon ki Nazar mein, Ladakh ki Tareekh ke Aham Goshe (History) and Ladakh ki Sair, Kitabon ki Duniya, Gandhi ji aur Unka Falsafa (Monographs). A G Sheikh has also published a book in English titled Reflections on Ladakh, Tibet and Central Asia. Dr Raveena Agarwal has translated his short stories into English and compiled them under the title ‘Forsaking Paradise’.

Noor Shah: Born 9 July 1936 in Srinagar; writes short stories, dramas, articles for newspapers, diaries, bio-sketches and recollections. After graduation worked with the State Government and retired as CEO, J&K Energy Development Agency. Started writing in 1958 with a feminine pseudonym. Noor Shah is a veteran writer who has witnessed the literary and social upheavals of almost a quarter of a century which encompass revolutions, tragedies that befallen his community, separation from near and dear ones and human miseries that engulfed his land of late. In most of his writings, he is romantic and in search of ‘Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram’. He is not only impressed by the feminine beauty but also by the nature that abounds the land he is born in. In many of his stories, he has delved into the abnormal sexual behaviour of his characters also. Of late Noor Shah switched over from his romantic writings to reflect the ground realities of Kashmir showing the tragedies met by Kashmiris day in and day out. His books are as follows: Be Ghat ki Nav, Veerane ke Phool, Man ka Angan Udhas Udhas, Ek Raat ki Malika, Geele Pathron ki Mehak, Be Samar Such, Aasman, Lahu aur Phool (short stories), Neeli Jheel ke Saye, Payal ke Zakham (Novels), Aao So Jayein, Aadhi Raat ka Sooraj, Lamhe aur Zanjeerein (Novelletes), and Intekhab Adab Urdu, Riyasat Jammu wa Kashmir 1947-71- Ek Jayza, Band Kamre ki Khidki, Kahan Gaye Woh Log, and Riyasat Jammu wa Kashmir ke Afsana Nigar- Taruf, Fun aur Makalme. In addition, he has written about 60 dramas, 30 Geeton bhari Kahanian for AIR and some tele-serials for Doordarshan.

Veerinder Patwari: Born 11 Sept 1940 in Sopore; writes short stories, novels, dramas, poetry, and TV scripts. He is basically a civil engineer who retired from the State Government service. He writes in Urdu, Hindi and English, started writing in 1965 and has written around 270 short stories. Patwari is a modernist, who uses symbols, metaphors and mythical anecdotes to adorn his writings. He has been much influenced by Hindu mythology and aesthetics which he quotes frequently in his stories. Most of his stories are based on Karma, the tug of war between virtue and vice besides action and fate. Unfortunately, he faced a crippling accident that rendered him into a vegetative existence besides the death of his young daughter. The pain of his existence is portrayed in his writings besides the social and community problems, especially migration from the valley. A number of stories like Saza, Dastak and Dushman are related to terrorism in the valley. Many symbols like skulls, skeletons, Hangul and dog depict the terror and fear of affected people. Despite the pain, he yearns for peace and seeks for ‘the Olive leaves.’ Books written by him: Farishte Khamosh Hain, Doosri Kiran, Bechain Lamhon ka Tanha Safar, Awaz Sargoshiyon Ki, Ek Adhoori Kahani, Ufaq, Dayire, Lala Rukh (Short Stories), Aakhri Din, Insaan (Dramas) and Kab Bhor Hogi (Hindi Poems). Veerinder Patwari has written 13 radio dramas, 6 stage dramas, 7 television dramas, 6 telefilms and 4 teleserials.

Dr Zahooruddin: Born in 1942 in Jammu, died recently; short story writer, researcher and critic. Qualifications; Postgraduate in English and Urdu & PhD. He retired as Prof and HOD of the Urdu Department of Jammu University. Dr Zahooruddin was a modernist who instead of writing on social topics made the sub-conscious and unconscious mind as his field of search for topics resulting in psychological, existentialist, surrealist and expressionist stories. He used symbolism, metaphors and stream of consciousness as his tools and technique. In his symbolic stories, one finds the confusion and pain of present times, the meaninglessness of existence, changing values and the breakdown of values of life. He chooses his topics after great thought and has given some creditable stories like Najat, Badruh, Dure Shewar, Bagwala and Cannibals to the Urdu literature. His books are Talafi, Cannibals, Aakhri Keel (stories) and Jammu Khite mein Urdu Zaban-o-adab ka Irteqa (essays). His articles were broadcast from AIR Jammu as well.

Shehzada Bismil: Actual name Ghulam Qadir Khan; born on 13 Sept 1942 in Srinagar; writes short stories, essays and columns in newspapers. After matriculation, he joined as a clerk at University and later retired as Joint Director of the Board of Secondary Education. Bismil started writing around 1970. His first collection of short stories, Raqs-e-Bismil was published in 1985. He has portrayed village life in his stories which are full of romance besides depicting the psychological problems of the characters. He often uses Kashmiri words, idioms, similes and anecdotes in his writings. His stories portray the problems of women, the breaking of relationships, and natural catastrophes which visited Kashmir besides the militancy. Books: Raqs-e-Bismil, Khushboo ki Maut (stories).

Deepak Kanwal: Actual Name Daya Krishen Kaul; born 19 Jan 1944 in Budgam Kashmir; writes short stories, novels, TV scripts and biographies. After his matriculation, he was employed by J&K State Road Transport Corporation and retired from there only. He was also associated with AIR and Doordarshan Srinagar. Kanwal migrated in 1990 due to militancy where he was supported by famous film actor Dilip Kumar. Nowadays he is associated with Jawahar Films and Television as a freelancer. His first short story was published in Chitra film weekly and thereafter another story Yeh Kis Ka Lahu Hai was published in Hamara Adab Srinagar special number. Deepak Kanwal’s stories portray optimism, communal harmony, humanism and purposiveness. They also depict the pain of loss of roots, problems of the downtrodden and human emotional conflicts. Books: Barf Ki Aag, Pamposh (stories), Kashmkash, Tamasha, Naya Safar, Tarang, Durdana, Hum Tere Hogaye, Sanam Tum Mil gaye, Salam Din Ka House-boat (novels) and Dilip Sahab (biography).

Umar Majeed: Proper name Abdul Majeed Mir; born in 1944 in Srinagar, died on 23 Dec 2008; wrote short stories and newspaper columns. After graduation he served as a teacher in Tyndal Biscoe Memorial School, Amirakadal wherefrom he retired as Headmaster. His first story titled Ek Bhooda Wulur ke Kinare was published in 1965 in local daily Aftab. He used to write columns in the same paper under the titles, Khayal Apna Apna and Kashmir Nama which gained popularity among readers. Umar was highly influenced by modernism and used symbols and metaphors in his writings too but never gave up descriptive narration. Later in his life, he was witness to many fatalities due to militancy which he diligently narrated in his short stories as much as some occurrences affected his mental condition as well. Umar Majeed portrayed militancy, state terrorism, domestic violence, sexual offences, marital discord, inferiority complex, loss of values due to consumerism, marginalization of old people and defects of the present educational system in his short stories. Many of his stories like Meri Gali Ka Gham, Shehar Ka Ighwa, Mohammad Shamim ko Kashmir Jana Hai, Murda Chinar, Gumshuda Jannat and Watan are masterpieces that flowed from his pen. Books: Ujalon Ke Ghao, Umar Majeed Ke Afsane (stories) and Ye Basti Ye Log, Dard ka Darya (Novels).

Khalid Hussain: Born on 1 April 1945 in Udhampur; writes short stories and essays. Did his BA (Hons) and Diploma in Journalism and joined Kashmir Administrative Service where he held important assignments. He is a polyglot and writes in Urdu and Punjabi both due to which he is popular on both sides of the LOC. His first Punjabi story titled Thandi Kangdi was published by Amrita Pritam in Naag Mani while his first Urdu story titled Koi Batlao Ki Hum Batlayein Kya was published in Guftagu edited by Sardar Jafri. He has written about 150 stories in Punjabi and 60 stories in Urdu, some of which have been translated into English, Hindi, Malayalam and Telugu. Under the influence of modernism, he too uses symbols, metaphors and classical anecdotes in his writings though do not indulge in abstraction and unrealistic narrative. His stories contain the pain of partition, the gloom of present times, terrorism in modern society, and exploitation of women besides subjects dealing with human psychology and sexual behaviour. Books: Thandi Kangdi ka Dhuan, Ishtiharon wali Haveli, Satisar Ka Sooraj (Urdu stories) and Te Jehlum wagda rehiya, Gori fasl de saudagar, Dhonge payiyan da dukh, Baldi Barf da Saik,(Punjabi stories) Mati Kudm karendi Yaar (Autobiography) Gawachi Jhanjhar di Check (novelette), Noori Reshman (Biography of The Prophet), Khalid Hussain da Katha Jagat, Mere Rang de Akhar and Ishq Malangi.

O P Shakir: Actual name Om Prakash ‘Shakir’; born 4 Oct 1946 in Songal, Doda; writes short stories, dramas and poetry. After BEC he joined the Education Department of J&K state in 1971 which enabled him to know village life closely. In 1968 he wrote his first drama Badla which was staged at RRL, Jammu and his association with drama and stage continued thereafter. Many of his dramas were broadcast by AIR. Shakir often acted in his own dramas and also acted in films titled Qurbani and Karamchari. His short stories reflect the social and political inadequacies of society, criticize the laws of the land which do not deliver justice and attempt to reestablish morality and human relations. Books: Mausame Sarma ki Pehli Baarish, Jeeta Hun Main (stories/ novelette) and Hadees-e-Dil (poetry).

Vehshi Sayyed: Proper name Mohammad Syed Tramboo; born on 16 Nov 1946 in Srinagar. Did his postgraduation in Urdu from Kashmir University and then joined his ancestral profession of business and Hotel Management. Was in charge of the college magazine Pratap and later started his own magazine, Nagina. At the same time, local newspaper Aftab published his short stories. His first short story published outside the state was in Shair Mumbai titled Jamood ka Jinaza. Initially, he wrote about romance, psychological and social problems and encompassed poor and deprived classes in big cities especially Mumbai where he spent most of his time. At a later stage i.e. post-1990, his short stories concerned Kashmiri people and the problems they were facing in a terror-infested state. Books: Sadak Ja Rahi Hai, Kanware Alfaz ka Jazeera, Khwab Haqeeqat, Mazi aur Haal-1&2, Aasman Meri Muthi Mein (stories) and Pathar Pathar Ayeena (novelettes).

K D Maini: Full Name: Khushdev Maini; born in Gundi gaon, Surankot, Poonch on 11 Oct 1947. He did his postgraduation in Mathematics and is well-versed in Urdu, Pahari and English languages. Maini joined KAS and retired as Additional Secretary of the J&K State Government. He showed a special interest in History, Geography and Sufi culture and wrote many books on these subjects mostly pertaining to Poonch and Rajauri. Many of his stories like Chand, Irfan, Pehla Pathar, and Dhok ki Raat became popular among the readers. Books: Author of 21 books in different languages, Chaddar, Guppan (urdu stories), Brutan, Ramzan, Udekan, Tichkaran (Pahari stories), Chand ke sath (Urdu poetry), Sangan (Pahari poetry), Jootiyan (Humour), Mata’ae Fikr-o-Danish Darbar Baba Sahab ji-Tareekh ki Roshni mein (Research), Poonch ki Tareekh, Rajauri ki Tareekh, Shahdra Shareef ki Tareekh, Qabailon ki Tareekh (Urdu/Hindi History) and Poonch the Battlefield of Kashmir, a book of history written in English. In addition, he wrote 275 dramas and documentaries for AIR, 19 TV serials, and 152 documentaries for DD Kashir channel, Doordarshan Jammu and Srinagar besides Apna Channel England.

Dr Ashok Patwari: Born in Sopore on 2 Oct 1948; writes short stories and dramas. Obtained MBBS, MD and DCH degrees and thereafter practised as a Doctor. He is well-versed in English, Urdu and Hindi. His first short story appeared in 1968. Ashok Patwari is a progressive writer, concerned about the poor, downtrodden and working class and therefore his stories are about poverty, unemployment and exploitation of the poor besides concern for their future. At times he uses humour and satire in a subtle way. Being a doctor, he has a grasp of human behaviour and psychology and deals with such subjects among his varied characters. He often uses symbols as a means to achieve an end and not an end in themselves as the modernists do. Patwari has written around 75 stories in English too. Books: Kuch Lamhe Kuch Saye (urdu stories), Behta Pani, Racecourse ke Ghode (Hindi stories). Many of his dramas were broadcast from AIR Jammu and Urdu Service.

Balraj Bakshi: Actual name Balraj Kumar Bakshi; born in Nagrota, Udhampur on 10 Dec 1949, though his ancestors were originally from Poonch (POK). After getting his BSc degree he joined journalism and worked as a scriptwriter, Producer and Director for Doordarshan. Polyglot, knows Urdu, Hindi, English, Dogri, Pahari and Punjabi. His first story was published in Shair Mumbai in 1969 captioned Chandi ka Duan. Thereafter he faced writer’s block and after so many years he came out with a collection of short stories titled Ek Boond Zindagi. Balraj Bakshi remained under the influence of Modernism for a long but later realized its futility and returned to social realism often peppered with satire. His satire is mostly directed against society, traditions and customs, politics and bureaucracy. Balraj has faced rootlessness due to partition, and the inhuman attitude of government agencies towards refugees. Some of his outstanding stories are Death Certificate, Mukti, Zich, and Allamia. Books: Ek Boond Zindagi (stories), Mere Gunah Sabhi (Poetry) Rushhaat (Criticism) and Watan Fry (Dramas).

Deepak Budki: Full Name is Deepak Kumar Budki; born in Srinagar on 15 Feb 1950; writes short stories, book reviews, critical and research-based essays and autobiography. Obtained MSc (Botany) and B Ed degrees from Kashmir University besides Adib-e-Mahir from Jamia Urdu Aligarh. During service graduated from National Defense College, New Delhi and also became an Associate of the Insurance Institute of India, Mumbai. Joined as Manager, Kashmir Govt Arts Emporium in 1971 and later qualified for Indian Postal Service in 1976 wherefrom he retired as Member Postal Services Board. Budki was on deputation to Army Postal Services for about 9 years attaining a rank of Lt Col. First story published in daily Hamdard Srinagar titled Salma. Deepak Budki has written by now around 140 short stories, 60 critical and research-based articles and more than 250 book reviews. He knows Urdu, Hindi, English and Kashmiri. His stories have been translated into Hindi, English, Telugu, Marathi, Kashmiri and Pahari. He is progressive and realistic in approach though sometimes uses symbolic expression as a means to an end. Budki has written stories on migration and loss of roots, human sexual and psychological behaviour besides social and political topics. Some of his widely acclaimed stories are Ek Nihate Makan Ka Rape, Ghonsla, Adhoori Kahani, Zebra Crossing par Khada Aadmi, Doctor Aunty, Dog House, Ab Main Wahan Nahi Rehta and Jadon ki Talash. Books published: Adhoore Chehre, Chinar ke Panje, Zebra Crossing Par Khada Aadmi, Reza Reza Hayat, Ruh Ka Karb, Ab Main Wahan Nahi Rehta, Jadon Ki Talash (stories), Muthi Bhar Ret (Mini Stories), Asri Tehreerein, Asri Shaoor, Asri Taqaze, Asri Tanazur, Asri Naqoosh, Adabi Mubahise, Asri Zaviye, Jammu wa Kashmir ka Asri Adab (Critical Essays and Book Reviews), Urdu Ke Ghair Muslim Afsana Nigar (Research-based) and Lauhe Hayat (Autobiography).

Sheikh Bashir Ahmad: Born on 9 Mar 1950 in Srinagar; short story writer. After graduation worked in the State Education Department and retired from there. The first Story was published in Daily Chinar Srinagar in 1969 and is titled Aur Us Ne Apni Maut ka Jawaz Talash Kar liya. His writings are close to ground realities, writing about social and political problems Kashmiris are facing besides the fallout of migration of a section of the society. He, however, turns didactic at times. Books: Band Muthi se Bhaga Parinda, Sheeshe Ki Deewar, Kali Ki Be-Kali, Dil Ka Ayeena (stories).

Anand Lehar: Full Name is Shyam Sunder Anand; born in Poonch on 2 Jul 1951, died last year. Obtained degrees of BSc, BA (Urdu) and LLB and was practising in J&K High Court and Supreme Court. Lehar used to participate in Dramas, Debates and Cultural Programs in College. He made his debut with a progressive story titled Pathar Ke Aansoo in 1972 in a college magazine but was later influenced by modernism and used abstract and symbolic language in his later stories besides mythological characters and anecdotes. Anand Lehar often highlighted the futility of existence, individual agony, class tensions and economic inequality in his stories. He also portrayed the strife of people living in border areas, their rootlessness, tensions between two neighbouring nations, and craved peace and tranquillity. Some important stories are, Sarhad Ke Us paar, Gori, Zindagi, Tandoor, Jism, Ab Thana Chal pade ga, Fire Brigade and Gawahon ka Byopari. Books: Sarhad Ke Us Paar, Inhiraaf, Court Martial, Batwara, Agli Eid Se Pehle, Sarhadon ke Beech, Yehi Such Hai, Mujh Se Kaha Hota and Namdev.

Wajida Tabassum Gorku: Born in Srinagar on 1 Nov 1952; short story writer, poet and social worker. She obtained her MA in Urdu and Kashmiri degrees besides a diploma in computers. Served in Doordarshan wherefrom she retired as Administrative Officer. Gorku was also associated with supplements for women of daily Aftab Srinagar and later edited Al Ateeq weekly. She participated in Mushaiaras and wrote scripts for Tele-films, Serials and dramas for Doordarshan, Srinagar. Wajida’s stories revolve around love, social and political problems, existential problems and problems of Kashmiris in present trying circumstances. Books: Dolti Nayya, Dil Aaj bhi Rota Hai, Mere Aangan Mein (Stories).

Ghulam Nabi Shahid: Born in Srinagar on 15 Dec 1952; passed his matriculation and diploma from ITI. Got motivated to write due death of a Hindu friend of his. The first story published was Kitne Jhande in the daily Aftab in 1973. In the initial stages, he was romantic and realistic, and his aesthetic treatment of his topic was interesting. Later both thorough observation and study brought maturity to his writings which came closer to stark realities. His stories in Ailan Jari Hai depict the post-militancy phase of Kashmir, the travails of common citizens, the daily occurrence of bomb blasts, exchanges of fire, police searches, interrogations, custody killings and missing persons. The story Aajadi included in the aforesaid book is one of his masterpieces. Shahid is also associated with AIR and DD. Books: Mitti Ke Diye (Jointly published) and Ailan Jari Hai.

Zahid Mukhtar: Born in Anantnag on 15 Jan 1956. Poet, short story writer and journalist. Graduated from Kashmir University. He edited Weekly Al Mukhtar and later Lafz Lafz. In Zahid’s stories, one finds a portrayal of poverty and corruption in Kashmir besides the exploitation of women. Some important short stories are Jehlum ka Teesra Kinara, Aangan,  Sooraj ka Pehla Andhera, Lamhe ka Safar, Nimrod etc. Books: Jehlum Ka Teesra Kinara, Tehreerein, Sooraj Ka Pehla Andhera (Stories), Khushbu Ka Safar (novel), Ibteda, Sulagte Chinar (Poetry) and Tembri Hallam (Kashmiri Poetry).

Zinfer Khokhar: Born in Mendhar, Poonch on 19 Dec 1957. Qualification: MA, B Ed. She worked in State Education Department. Zinfer is a bold feminine voice of an Urdu short story from a remote area of J&K near LOC i.e. Rajouri. She minces no words to express her anguish against terrorism and daily skirmishes and firing across the LOC since she witnesses the horror of bombing and devastation around her every day. Zinfer’s writings include migration, rootlessness, and destruction caused to houses and crops due to firing from across the border coupled with militancy. She finds that the maximum burden of this inhuman violence is borne by women folk. She also writes about the bad condition of women, their poverty, illiteracy and defective education system. Her use of humour and satire is her hallmark. Some important stories are, Khwabon ke Us Paar, Tashweesh, Ghar, Badi Bahu, Riyayat, Darba, Second Hand, Panch Sau Rupaiye and Kanch ki Salakh. Books published: Khwabon Ke Us Paar, Kaanch Ki Salakh, Ibrat.

Dr Neelofar Naaz Nehvi: Full Name is Neelofar Naaz Nehvi Qadri; she was born in Srinagar in 1958. Educational Qualifications are MA (Persian), PhD. She retired as Associate Professor and Head, Persian Deptt. Women’s College, Srinagar. Neelofar wrote her first story immediately after her matriculation titled Jawan Budha. She deals with social, political and economic problems facing society and focuses on the psychology of children. She has also dealt with the condition of Old people and the exploitation of women. Dr Neelofar has written a few stories on the conditions prevailing in Kashmir due to militancy. Some important stories are, Kashmakash, Ek aur Begunah, Iqrar, Andheri Subah, Kale Saye, Gun Man, Birthday, Qahar, Sakoot and Parvarish. Books: Chinar Ke Barfeele Saye, Khamosh Aasman, Chand Mere Rozan Par (Urdu Stories), Ghani Kashmiri- Hayat aur Shayir, Farsi ki Taraf Pehla Qadam, Farsi Ki Taraf Doosra Qadam, Shahar Hai Noor (Persian Books).

Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Wani: Born in Bahuta, Doda on 3 Mar 1960. Qualification: MA, B Ed, Ph D, D Litt. He started his literary career with short story writing and later turned to Critical and research-based essays as well. He does not hold allegiance to any school of thought and has his own style and diction but is influenced by his religious and moral beliefs. He is concerned with present-day permissiveness in society, degradation of morality, individual dishonesty and collective destructive attitude. Panch Saal Ka Ban Baas, Andar Ki Batein and Chehra Chupaye Log are some of his important stories. Books: Hazaron Gham, Meetha Zehar, Andar Ke Batein (Stories), Taqseem Ke Baad Urdu Novel Mein Tehzeebi Buhran, Ayeena Dar Ayeena, Aitbar-o-Ma’ayar, Urdu Adab Mein Taneesiayat, Shaoor-e-Baseerat (Criticism).

Tarannum Reyaz: Born in 1963 in Srinagar; he poet, short story writer, novelist, editor and translator. Education: MA, M Ed. Associated with Electronic media. She is concerned with individual life as also the community life. She is an optimist and a feminist who speaks loudly against male chauvinism. On one side she writes about the pain experienced by her people in Kashmir while on the other she also portrays life in metropolitan cities. Tarannum’s stories depict contemporary life, problems faced by women, especially mothers, the tragedy of Kashmir, incompatibility in modern marital life, aloofness and strangeness in big cities etc. She also uses symbols for furthering her thought as is seen in the stories Yemberzal, Mujasma and Yeh Tang Zameen. Books: Yeh Tang Zameen, Ababeelein Laut Ayein Gi, Yemberzal, Mera Rakhte Safar (stories), Moorti, Barf Ashna Parinde, Farebe Khitai Gul (Novels), Purani Kitabon Ki Khushbo (Poetry), Biswin Sadi Mein Khwatein Ka Urdu Adab (Edited), Gosain Bagh Ka Bhoot, House Boat Par Billi, Sehra Hamari Aankh Mein (Translations) and Chashm Naqshe Qadam (Criticism).

Dr Riyaz Tawheedi: Full Name Riyaz Ahmed Bhat; born in Handwara on 1 Dec 1973. Short story writer and critic. Education: MA(Urdu), M Phil, PhD. He works as a Lecturer in State Education Department. His first short story was titled Qatl, Qatil aur Maqtool which was published in Kashmir Uzma in 2005. He is influenced by the famous poet-philosopher Dr Mohd Iqbal. Riyaz’s stories mostly focus on turbulent Kashmir, state persecution and freedom besides reacting to Islamophobia. He also uses symbols in Safed Hathi, Depression, Teesri Jange Azeem se Qabl and mythology in Kashmir Nawaz. Some important stories are, Maan, Masloob Dhadkanein, Naka Bandi, Babool Ke Kante etc. Books: Kale Pedon Ka Jungle, Kale Devon Ka Saya (stories), Jahane Iqbal-Tehqeeq-o-Tanqeed, Doctor Khalifa Abdul Hakim bahaisyate Iqbal Shinas (Criticism).

Apart from the above-mentioned short story writers, there are many others who have also contributed to this genre at some or the other time. The names are as follows: Hassan Sahu, Farooq Renzu, Rajinder Patwari, Girdhari Lal Khayal, Talib Hussain Rind, Jan Mohammad Azad, Raja Nazir Bonyari, Jaswant Minhas, Prof Mohammad Asadullah Wani, Dr Nazir Mushtaq, Mushtaq Mehdi, Abdul Rashid Rahgeer, Mushtaq Ahmed Wani Keni, Iqbal Nazish, Ashraf Asari, Mansoor Ahmed Mansoor, Mohammad Shafi Ayaz, Raja Yusuf, Shafiq Masood, Parvez Manoos, Dr Syeda Nikhat Farooq Nazr, Issar Kashmiri, Maqbool Sahil, Pushkar Nath Peer Kashmiri, Tariq Shabnam, Shafi Sagar, Manoj Sheeri, Junaid Jazib, Umar Farhat, Mirza Jan Waqar, Shami Shair, Kewal Pandit, Ilyas Muzmir, Misbahi Shabir, Bilqees Muzzafar, Zubair Qureshi, Adil Naseer, Nasir Zameer, Suhail Salim and Mudassir Rashid Feroz.

The aforesaid list also contains a number of short story writers who belong to the new generation. Their subjects, technique, style and language have shown a lot of improvement as compared to their predecessors. This is because the world has turned into a global village and they have not only been exposed to local problems but to global problems as well. Exposure to Western literature has also broadened their vision. However, social media have made them adapt to yet another reality and that is a paucity of time with the readers and paucity of space on the social media. So, they have introduced a shorter version of the genre short story which is called Afsancha or Mini Story. This genre has attracted many a writer from the new generation. Another marked trend that is perceptible is that due to the migration of Kashmiri Pandits out of the valley in 1990, the community has lost its roots as also associated with the Urdu language. It may not be an exaggeration that the last generation of Kashmiri Pandits that knew and wrote in Urdu is ours and hereafter you may not find any writers coming out of this community who along with the Kayasths have contributed a lot to the Urdu literature in the past.

 

                                                   ***********