Literary and cultural guardianship

Amidst the timeless beauty of Kashmir’s valleys, where tradition and history converge, resides Peerzada Abdal Mahjoor—a man dedicated to preserving the essence of Kashmir’s culture and heritage. Born on May 20, 1951, in the charming village of Mitrigam in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, Mahjoor is more than a scholar or cultural enthusiast; he embodies a storied legacy of literary prowess, deep cultural roots, and an unyielding commitment to his homeland.

His grandfather, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Mahjoor, Shayir-e-Kashmir, remains celebrated for his stirring and progressive poetry that resonates with patriotism and humanism. The legacy was further enriched by his father, Mohammad Amin—fondly remembered as Ibn-e-Mahjoor—a respected historian, numismatist, and archaeologist. This illustrious heritage fostered an environment of enlightenment that shaped Peerzada Abdal’s life and educational journey.

Defying the conventions of his era, Mahjoor, encouraged by his family’s forward-thinking values, pursued studies in Hindi and Sanskrit—a rarity among his contemporaries. His educational path, spanning Mitrigam, Murran, and Pulwama, led him to become the first Muslim in his region to attain a postgraduate degree in Hindi. Mahjoor’s academic accomplishments include Master’s degrees in both Hindi and Kashmiri from the University of Kashmir, with a Bachelor’s degree covering Hindi, Sanskrit, English Literature, and History—a testament to his passion for language and knowledge.

However, Mahjoor’s contributions extend beyond academics. His career as a journalist, spanning over thirty years, includes a decade with the BBC Hindi Service in London. Returning to Kashmir, he joined All India Radio Srinagar, where he produced a range of programs in culture, current affairs, and literature. His notable show “Shehrbeen” became a household name, affectionately known by listeners as “Ghar Ghar Ki Awaz,” for its insightful coverage of everyday issues and connection with the community.

Mahjoor’s influence went global through his freelance journalism with BBC World Service, crafting news and cultural programs that resonated beyond borders. His time in London saw him immerse himself in art and history at the British Museum Society, where he spent nine years exploring global antiquities and creating documentaries on cultural treasures, including the legacy of Shakespeare and other historical landmarks.

An accomplished translator, Mahjoor has adapted over 200 radio plays into Kashmiri, Urdu, and Hindi for Radio Kashmir Srinagar, preserving narratives that speak to his people. He is also the translator of “Baharistan-e-Shahi,” an invaluable Persian chronicle on Kashmir’s medieval past. These translations are a reflection of his commitment to ensuring Kashmir’s heritage remains alive for generations to come.

Driven by a love for his culture, Mahjoor founded the J&K Mahjoor Foundation, an NGO dedicated to advancing Kashmiri language and literature. As Chief Editor of the Kashmiri literary magazine “Gaash,” he provides a platform for both established and emerging voices in Kashmiri literature. His work has been widely recognized, earning him the State Government Award in 2010 and the State Legislature Award in 2007 for his impactful journalism, particularly for his work on “Shehrbeen.”

In addition to his journalistic accolades, Mahjoor has edited and compiled the works of his grandfather, including the books “Patwari,” “Hayaat-e-Raheem” (a biography of a revered Sufi saint), and the forthcoming “Kulyaat-e-Mahjoor” (a poetic collection). Through these volumes, he brings the beloved words of Shayir-e-Kashmir to new generations, preserving their spirit and relevance.

Continuing his family’s legacy of historical exploration, Mahjoor is now championing a significant archaeological endeavor inspired by the work of his grandfather and father. He has taken up the mission of uncovering the location of the 4th Buddhist Conference, believed to have been held under the Kushan King Kanishka in the 2nd century AD, to preserve sacred texts on copper plates. His father’s relentless efforts led him to identify a potential site in Kashmir where these historical relics are believed to rest beneath a vihara.

Now, Peerzada Abdal Mahjoor prepares to unveil this cultural treasure to the world through an upcoming press conference, calling on the government to support an excavation that could bring Kashmir’s ancient history to light. His aim is to secure the backing needed to reveal relics of unparalleled significance, inviting the world to witness this chapter of Kashmir’s heritage.

Peerzada Abdal Mahjoor is a bridge between the past and the future, a custodian of Kashmir’s cultural and literary legacy. His life’s work stands as a reminder of the importance of cherishing and preserving one’s roots while embracing new possibilities. Through his dedication to language, history, and heritage, Mahjoor inspires a future where Kashmir’s rich legacy endures and thrives in the hearts of generations to come.

Peerzada Masarat Shah, associate editor of an English newspapers Heavenmail and Editor of urdu weekly newspaper Barwaqat