On Chahrum, Farooq Nazki remembered by people from all walks of life

Srinagar, Feb 10: People from all walks of life participated in Chahrum of noted poet and broadcaster Farooq Nazki at his ancestral graveyard at Malkha in Downtown.

After battling various health issues, including lung and kidney complications for the past four years, Nazki passed away on February 6.

Facing health challenges, Nazki had relocated to Katra to live with his son, a doctor working in a specialised Narayana hospital there. He breathed his last at Katra.

Nazki was a prominent figure in the literary and cultural circles and his journey through life was marked by profound contributions to literature, broadcasting, and Kashmiri culture. Talking to Greater Kashmir, Naeem Akhtar, who is nephew of Farooq Nazki said that a Fateh Khwani was held at the graveyard at 11 am, followed by a condolence meeting at Nazki’s residence at Shivpora.

People in large numbers reached Malkha for the Fateh Khwani and later participated in the condolence meeting at Nazki’s residence.

From an average student in the eyes of his father to becoming the Director of Doordarshan and AIR Srinagar from 1986 to 1997, Nazki’s trajectory was nothing short of extraordinary.

A multifaceted personality, Nazki served as the Editor of Daily Mazdoor from 1960, leaving an indelible mark on journalism.

Nazki’s eloquent and evocative poetry, capturing the essence of Kashmir’s beauty and pain, earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1995 for ‘Nar Heton Kanzal Vanas’.

Former Finance Minister of J&K Haseeb Drabu who is also Nazki’s son-in-law, said a diverse group of individuals came together to pay homage to him.

“People associated with various cultural forums, including Adbi Markaz Kamraz and film-making, alongside writers and other artists, visited Farooq Nazki’s residence to express their condolences,” Drabu told Greater Kashmir.

The gathering of people at the graveyard recalled the contribution of Nazki in the literary world and in revolutionising TV programmes.

Meanwhile, as a special tribute to Farooq Nazki, a film festival inaugurated at Tagore Hall in Srinagar on Saturday was dedicated to him.

Even in the face of health challenges in his later years, he remained active in cultural and literary organisations, leaving an enduring legacy. “His legacy lives on in the hearts of those touched by his words, and his contributions continue to shape the cultural landscape of Kashmir,” remarked an artist.