Chalant Art group Banihal remembers Janbaz Kishtwari

Banihal, Dec 6: In a heartfelt tribute to one of the most iconic cultural figures of the Chenab Valley, the Chalant Art Group Banihal organised a two-day literary and musical programme to commemorate the 35th death anniversary of renowned poet, musician and cultural pioneer Ghulam Nabi Doolwal, popularly known as Janbaz Kishtwari.

The main commemorative function, Youm-e-Janbaz, was held on Thursday at the Government Model Higher Secondary School, Banihal, where a large gathering of students, teachers, writers, intellectuals, poets, musicians and art lovers from across Banihal came together to honour the legacy of the departed artist.

Besides the host organization, the event was attended by members of several literary and cultural bodies including Literary and Art Club Banihal, Bambrun Bagh Kashur, Bazm-e-Adab Mahoo-Mangit, Abdul Rahim Ama Foundation and Chalant Forum Banihal.

In his welcome address, Bahar Ahmed Mir, president of Chalant Forum Banihal, highlighted the historic role of Janbaz Kishtwari in preserving and promoting the unique cultural identity of Kishtwar and the Chenab valley through his poetry and music. He said that Janbaz was not only an artist, but a cultural movement in himself.

The programme was presided over by MA Kamgar, in-charge Principal of Model Higher Secondary School, Banihal, who described Janbaz Kishtwari as “a magnificent and timeless artist of the Chenab Valley, whose services to literature and music in the Jammu region would be remembered forever.”

Manzoor Kamgar added, “Even today, Janbaz Kishtwari’s soulful voice, powerful poetry and the distinct Chalant style of music continue to live on in the hearts of the people and are being revisited and performed by the younger generation.”

The chief guests, Mohammad Yousuf Bambur and Bilal Ahmad Tantrey, also paid rich tributes to the legendary poet and acknowledged his immense contribution towards uplifting regional language, folk traditions and social awareness through art.

Students of the institution presented well-researched papers on the life, struggles and literary journey of Janbaz Kishtwari, in which Mohammad Safwan Sohil and Musib Amin were particularly appreciated for their thoughtful presentations.

The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Bahar Ahmed Bahar, and the event concluded with a special prayer for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

On the second day, a special Chalant musical mehfil was organised, which continued late into the night and created a deeply emotional and nostalgic atmosphere. The session was presided over by noted writer and scholar Dr Khalid Rasool.

Prominent Chalant artists including Bahar Ahmed Bahar, Abdul Waheed Mutrib, Ghulam Nabi Bohru, Shakeel Ahmad Wagay and Bahar Ahmed Mir enchanted the audience by presenting selected verses of Janbaz Kishtwari in their soulful voices, accompanied by traditional musical instruments, bringing the legend back to life through melody and verse.

Speakers on the occasion recalled that Janbaz Kishtwari, born in 1925 in Dool Hasti, Kishtwar, passed away in 1990, leaving behind a rich and unforgettable legacy.

Through his poetry, he beautifully depicted the culture, traditions, natural beauty and everyday struggles of his homeland, while also courageously highlighting social injustice, deprivation and harsh realities of the times.

His simple yet deeply impactful style of expression, rooted in the emotions of the common people, earned him a permanent and honoured place in the literary history of Jammu and Kashmir.

During his lifetime, his poetry and songs were frequently aired on Radio Kashmir Srinagar, through which millions came to know and admire his unique voice.

With the spread of the internet and smartphones, his poetry and musical heritage have now reached the younger generation, ensuring that his message, art and spirit continue to inspire people even today.