Renowned Pahari, Urdu writer Raja Nazar Boniyari passes away

Baramulla, Feb 20: Renowned Pahari and Urdu writer Raja Abdul Qayoom Khan, known by his pen name Raja Nazar Boniyari, passed away after brief illness in a hospital in Mumbai today..

He was poet, storyteller, columnist, thinker, educationist, and historian. Family members of Raja Nazar Bonyari said that he was admitted in a Mumbai hospital few days back after he developed some health related complication. He was on a visit to Mumbai where one of his daughter is married.

Born and raised in the Trikanjan village of Boniyar in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Raja Nazar Boniyari displayed an early inclination towards writing. He pursued his education up to 12th grade in his native village and later joined GDC Baramulla in 1973 for a BA course. He furthered his academic pursuits with a masters in Urdu and B Ed from the University of Kashmir.

Having served for 43 years in the education sector, Raja Nazar Boniyari made substantial contributions to North Kashmir, holding various positions in different areas. His roles included serving as a teacher trainer at DIET Sopore and contributing to the Textbook Advisory Board of Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (J&KBOSE).

He authored 14 books, including six in Pahari and eight in Urdu. Raja Nazar Boniyari's literary journey began at a young age. His work, spanning fiction, articles, and contributions to newspapers, garnered him recognition.

His first book, "Dusra Adam," was translated into Russian in 1972. He was a keen learner of the languages and it is that quest that he went to Tashkant Russia in 1973 to learn Russian language but had to return on mother’s request.

Among the books he authored include Banj Maa Ka Beta, Yeh Kis Ki Lash Hai Mere Kafan Mai, Namal, Mithi Neech, Laelal De Banjare, and Seerat-ul- Numan.

He had also contributed his articles to the then newspapers in Srinagar. In 2021, his Urdu book titled Sharda Peeth (Safar Nama) was published and was appreciated across the world. It was released in Baramulla, Srinagar and New Delhi in separate events.

While his professional life was marked by achievements, Raja Nazar Boniyari also made significant contributions as an anchor and singer in DD Kashir and Radio Kashmir Srinagar. Known for his impactful programs, he remained a prominent figure in the Pahari community.

A keen figure in promoting the Pahari Language, Raja Nazar Bonyari would often express concern over the decline of local languages, particularly Pahari, he stressed for the need for language preservation.

The 73-year-old writer, who received numerous awards and honours from J&K Cultural Academy, was the president of the Baramulla Writers Guild. He was awarded in 2022 for his contribution to the Pahari language.

Noted author and columnist, Khaliq Parvaiz expressed deep grief on his demise describing it a huge loss to Urdu literature. He acknowledged Raja Nazar Boniyari's immense contributions to both Urdu and Pahari literature, ensuring his lasting legacy in the literary world.