Demise of Farooq Nazki widely condoled

Srinagar, Feb 6: The demise of Farooq Nazki, a prominent poet and broadcaster, who passed away at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Super Speciality Hospital, Katra, Jammu, has been widely condoled.

Nazki, who breathed his last after a prolonged illness, was son of veteran Kashmiri poet Mir Ghulam Rasool Nazki, and the maternal uncle of PDP leader Naeem Akhtar. He was also the brother of retired justice Bilal Nazki, Ayaz Rasool Nazki, Iqbal Nazki, late Tariq Nazki, and Syed Wiqar Nazki.

In his message, National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah said, "Heard about Nazki sahib's passing with profound grief and sorrow. He will be remembered for his pre-eminent contribution to the fields of literature and broadcasting in a profound manner. Today the literary circles of Kashmir have suffered a great loss. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace. My condolences to his loved ones in this hour of grief.”

Omar Abdullah said, "I am saddened to hear about the passing of eminent writer-broadcaster Farooq Nazki sahib. My sincere condolences and sympathies to his family & numerous admirers. A Well known name in the contemporary literary world of Kashmir, Nazki sahib had established himself amongst the front line urdu poets of the country. He had also added new metaphors, Modernism and positivity to Kashmiri poetry through his subtle and deft use of words and ideas."

Chairman DPAP, Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of the living legend Farooq Nazki Sahib. His literary brilliance and media presence were unparalleled. His contribution in the field of broadcasting and literature will have an everlasting impact on our cultural and literary treasure." He added that "Nazki Sahib was personally known to me, and we had the pleasure to read his poetry. “His words were not only profound but also reflective of the richness of our cultural heritage. His passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who knew him.My wife Shamim Azad joins me in condoling the demise of this great son of the soil. At this difficult time, Azad extends his heartfelt condolences to Farooq Nazki's family, friends, and admirers,”he said. He prayed for peace for the departed soul and offers support to his grieving loved ones.

PDP President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also condoled the demise of Farooq Nazki.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of Faruq Nazki. His words were a beacon of light in the world of literature. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace," JKPDP wrote on its official X handle.

Apni Party President Syed Mohammed Altaf Bukhari also mourned the loss, describing Farooq Nazki as a prolific poet, broadcaster, and media personality.

"Farooq Nazki sahab was a prolific poet, broadcaster, and media personality. His significant contributions to Kashmiri literature leave an indelible mark. A great intellectual, his legacy will endure. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah," Bukhari wrote in X.

In his message, former finance minister Haseeb Drabu said that the passing away of a 'Qalander' is not to be mourned; his fulfilling life is to be celebrated.

"For he has left this station after enriching it in many ways. A societal loss which is a personal bereavement. RIP Mir Mohammed Farooq Nazki (1940 - 2024)," Drabu shared on X.

Senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana in his condolence message said it was sad to know about the demise of Jenab Farooq Nazki Sahib a tall literary figure of J&K. "I had the privilege of working with Nazki Sb very closely and it was a great learning experience. My Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayers that his soul RIP in heaven," Rana wrote on X.

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) expressed profound grief over the passing away of Farooq Nazki and expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathies with family and friends of the deceased.

Pradesh Congress Committee Spokesperson termed the passing away of Farooq Nazki a great loss to the people of J&K and Nazki will always be remembered for his acumen, head and heart qualities.

Former Union Minister and Congress Leader Prof Saifuddin Soz expressed his profound grief and sorrow at the passing of Farooq Nazki and termed the deceased as a revered poet and broadcaster.

In his heartfelt condolence message, Prof. Soz expressed deep shock and sorrow at the passing of Farooq Nazki.

“Nazki's demise represents not only a significant loss for the Kashmiri and Urdu languages but also a profound setback for Kashmir's broader cultural heritage and values. He was a stalwart custodian of Kashmiri identity, and his profound tolerance epitomised the essence of him being a devout Muslim and a proud Kashmiri," Prof. Soz in his statement said.

Prof Soz praised his unwavering dedication to tolerance and brotherhood, which served as a guiding beacon during challenging times. Soz also prayed for peace for the departed soul and extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers during this difficult period.

Chairman Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen expressed his sorrow over the demise of Farooq Nazki. The PDF Chairman has prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul of Farooq Nazki.

Zafar Iqbal Manhas, vice president Apni Party expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the passing of Farooq Nazki.

“Nazki's demise represents not only a significant loss for the Kashmiri and Urdu languages but also a profound setback for Kashmir's broader cultural heritage and values. He was a stalwart custodian of Kashmiri identity," he said.

Dr Rafeeq Masoodi, former secretary Cultural Academy and Patron Adbi Markaz Kamraz also condoled the demise of Farooq Nazki. "It is a personal loss to me. He taught me broadcasting and what I am today is because of the late Farooq Nazki sahab," he said.

Senior journalist Ahmed Ali Fayyaz also condoled the demise of Farooq Nazki. "Kashmir's high profile poet Farooq Nazki, who was a Sahitya Akademi awardee and retired as Deputy Director General of Doordarshan, sadly passed away at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Super Speciality Hospital Katra, Jammu, after a prolonged illness today. Inna lillah wa inna lillaihi rajioon. May his soul rest in peace. Our heartfelt condolences to all members of the bereaved family," he wrote on his X handle.

Literary Forum Bandipora (LFB) also condoled the demise of Dr Farooq Nazki and paid tribute to the late nazki and recalled his contribution to Kashmir and Urdu literature.

Patron LFB Mubashir Saleem Nazki, said his passing has created a vacuum in the literary secretum that will be hard to be compensated for.

Mubashir said that Farooq Nazki represents the post-modern tradition of Urdu as well as Kashmiri poetry. "He creates poetry with a unique style and diction," Mubashir said.

The Department of Kashmiri at University of Kashmir also held a condolence meeting on Tuesday to mourn the sad demise of Farooq Nazki.

The condolence meeting was held in the office Head department of Kashmiri, Prof. Mehfooza Jan.

"Farooq Nazki inspired and influenced generations through his creative and critical presentations. He was indeed the epitome of knowledge and scholarship," Prof. Jan said.

Chairman J&K Civil Society Forum and former EJAC president Abdul Qayoom wani expressed grief and sorrow on the demise of Farooq Nazki.

Wani said that the deceased was a great son of the soil and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family members.

Patron of Jamait Hamdani Moulana Riyaz Hamdani and publicity secretary Mir GA Saqi also condoled Nazki's demise and remembered his immense contribution to Kashmir's literature.

Ahad Zargar Memorial Research Foundation (AZMRF) also condoled the demise of noted poet Farooq Nazki. AZMRF held a condolence meeting led by Khurshid Ahmad Zargar at Narwara in Downtown and highlighted the contribution of Farooq Nazki in development of Kashmir poetry and literature. "His demise has created a deep void in the society and Kashmiri literature," Zargar said.

Mansbal Dramatics Safapora also condoled the demise of Farooq Nazki and termed him as a brilliant poet, broadcaster, and a visionary person.

"His contributions to the domains of broadcasting, art, and culture will live on. In addition to his wit and sense of humor, Nazki's oratory prowess will live on for long," they said.