Eminent writer, columnist and former Sessions Judge, Ghulam Nabi Gowhar passed away on Monday night after a prolonged illness at his Kralpora residence in Budgam district. He was 84.
Gowhar had been suffering from kidney ailments for some time and breathed his last at his residence. A large number of people attended his funeral.
The celebrated writer has written more than two dozen books in Kashmiri, Urdu, and English. He has written novels, poetry, research articles and Kashmir mystic thoughts, proving his versatility and talent. His research articles about the Sufi saint Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) are still sought after by scholars.
His books include Mujrim, Meul, Gilnavith Kath, Gilnavith Kath, Arg-e-Ashud, Torch Bearer in Dark Circle, Hazratbal – The Central Stage of Kashmir Politics, Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali (Nund Rishi) RA, Military operation in Kashmir: insurgency at Charar-e-Sharief, among others. He has also edited complete works of Ghulam Nabi Aariz (1916-65) and also authored two volumes of a research work in Urdu on the 14th century Kashmiri poetry and Rishi mystic thought.
He received the Sahitya Akademi award in 1988 for his book “Paap Te Punye” (Vice and Virtue). He has also translated poems of Iqbal, constitution of India and a monograph on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee into Kashmiri.
Many leaders, writers, social organisations and senior citizens condoled his demise. Governor N.N. Vohra also expressed grief over his demise.
It is believed that Gowhar was the first Session Judge of Budgam district. “It is a massive loss for Kashmiri nation. He always remained a true guide and source of inspiration,” said G.N Adfar, president Markazi Adab-Kamraz Charar I sharief.
“It is difficult for me to sum up my association with GN Gowhar in a few minutes. We have been friends for the past more than fifty years. May he rest in peace,” said Prof. Mohammed Zaman Azurdah.
Secretary JKAACL, Dr. Aziz Hajini described Gowhar as a great lover of Kashmiri language. “He was a prominent Kashmiri writer whose contribution to the language will never be forgotten,” said Hajini.
JKAACL Vice President, Zafar Iqbal Manhas conveyed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) termed the loss as an irreparable one for the entire society. “Gowhar was a writer par excellence who illuminated us with his words for the last more than five decades,” said G N Var, president PSAJK. “As of now he was definitely one of the tallest personalities on the literary front in Kashmir and his death has created a huge vacuum.”
Governor expresses grief
Governor N N Vohra has expressed grief over the demise of Ghulam Nabi Gowhar, eminent columnist and author.
In a message, the Governor prayed for the departed soul resting in eternal peace.