Srinagar: Noted poet and writer, and former secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Aziz Hajini passed away here after a brief illness, family sources said on Sunday. He was 64.
Hajini passed away late on Saturday night, the family sources said. He was laid to rest on Sunday morning here.
Hajini, who hailed from Hajin Sonawari area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, was a noted figure in literary circles, and had authored several books. He had also been the Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages; Coordinator, Centre for Sheikh-ul-Aalam Studies, University of Kashmir, and OSD Culture, School Education department.
The late writer-academic, who had the distinction of having won both Translation and Main awards of Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, served in J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages as Secretary for nearly four years till March, 2019.
Several organisations, political parties and leaders have expressed condolences over Hajini’s demise.
Secretary, Culture and Tourism, Sarmad Hafeez expressed profound grief over the passing away of eminent scholar and termed it as a great loss to the Kashmiri language.
He said that Dr. Hajini’s contribution to Kashmiri language and literature was immense and his death has created a void in the literary society of J&K.
Expressing deep sorrow over his demise, Academy’s Secretary, Additional Secretary, Central and other senior functionaries conveyed heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
National Conference president, and Member Parliament Dr Farooq Abdullah and vice-president Omar Abdullah also expressed grief over the demise of Dr. Aziz Hajni.
In his condolence message, senior Abdullah said, “To my profound sorrow and shock, heard the sad news of passing away of ace litterateur, and a staunch advocate of Kashmiri language Dr. Aziz Hajni. With his roots in Kashmiri literature, he played a role in bringing the contemporary sensibility to Kashmiri poetry. He represented the loftiest ideals of the poetic traditions of Kashmir with utmost respect for local values and traditions.
“A scholar, a critic-par excellence and a legendary writer his labor for introduction of Kashmiri language in schools is unparallel. I pay my tributes to him. I pray to almighty to grant him highest echelons in Jannat and forbearance to the bereaved family, admirers and his friends to bear the inconsolable loss,” he said.
“Received the news of Hajni Sahib’s sad demise with shock and sorrow. A Doyen of Kashmiri literature, his demise has created a void in the literary circles of Kashmir, which will be unattainable to fill for the years to come. An ardent advocate of Kashmiri language, his absence will be felt ominously in academic, and literary quarters, I pay my earnest tributes to him and pray to almighty to grant him highest stations in Jannat,” said Omar Abdullah.
NC general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, additional general secretary Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, and other swenior leaders also expressed grief over the demise
“Dr Aziz Hajini’s demise has a left a big void in the literary circles of J&K. Hajini Sb, a noted writer & former Secretary Cultural Academy was also the author of numerous acclaimed books. His absence in Art & culture circuit will be deeply felt. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wrote on Twitter.
“May Allah (SWT) bestow the departed soul place in Jannah and perseverance to the bereaved family for this irreparable loss,” the People’s Conference said.
Terming him a compassionate man of great conviction, CPI(M) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami said that Dr Aziz Hajni was known for his works in the field of Kashmiri literature.
While expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, Tarigami said that his death has created a void in the Kashmiri literature which is very difficult to fill.
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari described Dr. Hajini as an epitome of humility, intellect and compassion.
Bukhari lauded his contribution as the convenor of Sahitya Akademi for New Delhi’s Northern Regional Board besides other official assignments.
“His demise has left a huge void in Kashmir’s literary and intellectual strata. His contribution towards cultural renaissance especially with regards to reviving the spirit of Kashmiriyat during his stint as Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages will be remembered for times to come,” Bukhari observed.
