Saifi Sopori: An extraordinary individual

As I sit down to write this tribute to my dear Chachu, Saifi Sopori, on the occasion of his 8th death anniversary, I am overwhelmed with emotions. His passing on October 19, 2017, left a void in my life that can never be filled. Today, I want to share my cherished memories of this extraordinary individual who not only shaped my life but also left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone he touched.

I hated him then

I still remember the day he took me to school for the first time. I was just five years old, and he enrolled me in school, despite my resistance. That moment has stayed with me forever, and I realize now that it was a defining moment in my life. His unwavering commitment to education and his passion for learning inspired me to pursue my dreams.

Literary Legacy

Chachu was a prolific writer, poet, and translator who penned poetry and books on various subjects in Urdu, Persian, and Kashmiri. His literary works are a testament to his mastery over languages and his deep understanding of the human condition. His poetic collection, “Sehra Sehra,” is a masterpiece that showcases his skill and craftsmanship.

Service & Sacrifice

Beyond his literary pursuits, Chachu dedicated his life to serving others. As a Tehsil Education Officer and later as Joint Director of Non-Formal Education, he worked tirelessly to promote education and cultural preservation in Jammu and Kashmir. His selflessness and kindness inspired countless individuals, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Living Memories

I recall the last time I met him, just three days before his passing away. He asked me about the day, and when I told him it was Sunday, he counted the days until Thursday, the day he breathed his last. That moment is etched in my memory forever, a poignant reminder of his sharp mind and spirit.

That Incident

The incident that still resonates with me is when he took me to school at the age of five. I remember he asked the teacher, Pir Shams ud Din Shah e Gaffar, to enroll me. I did not like him at that time because he was taking away my freedom to play with my friends Qayum (now Dr. A Q Shah, a renowned surgeon), Shabir (now Shabir Ahmad Shabir, an acclaimed scholar and writer), and many others. But now, I realize that he had an X-ray and MRI machine fitted in his eyes, and he did a full-body scan of little me, and here I am now, humbled by his greatness.

An Organisation in Himself

Saifi Sopori was indeed an organisation in himself, a true luminary who left an indelible mark on the literary and educational landscape of Kashmir. He was a proud Soporian, and his love for Sopore was evident in the way he added it to his pen name, Saifi Sopori. He would often say:

Merey Sopore ko kuch na kehna

Sopore jo mera shehar thehra

Don’t you dare undermine my Sopore,

Sopore my city of dreams.

The People He Wanted to Meet

He wanted to meet some of the finest minds and literary figures of our time, including Bashir Dada, Shahnaz Rasheed, Aziz Hajini, Rukhsana Jabin, Shehzad Manzur, and Wahid Jilani. I managed to get some of them to visit him, and we celebrated his 94th birthday together. We sang his poetry, and he enjoyed every moment of it. Before our departure, he told me, “Masoodi, you made my day. I feel the warmth of your love for me, though outside it’s minus, and perhaps it’s snowing too.”

Farewell, Dear Chachu

As we commemorate his 8th death anniversary, I recall every moment from our ancestral place Hatishah to Dangiwacha to Model Town to Al-Noor Colony Sopore of my Love - Chachu, with lots of prayers for him in a heavy heart. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us to pursue our dreams and make a difference in the world. Love you Chachu...

Dr Rafeeq Masoodi IBS (Rtd) is former

Sec. Cultural Academy & ADG, Doordarshan, Srinagar