Bansi Nirdosh: A Skilled Painter of ‘Kashmiriyat’
Bansi Nirdosh is a renowned and prolific Kashmiri writer known for his captivating storytelling skills. Born in 1930 in Srinagar (Kashmir), he began his literary career as an editor for the newspaper Naya Zamana. He later worked as a sub-editor for the daily Khidmat and also contributed to Akashwani, writing articles on social issues for the program ‘Halat-i-Hazira.’
Nirdosh’s literary prowess knows no bounds, encompassing various forms of writing. He has published three captivating collections of short stories and two compelling novels in Kashmiri. Notably, I had the honor of translating his remarkable novel “Akh Dour” into Hindi as “Ek Dour.” Nirdosh wrote in Hindi, Urdu, and Kashmiri. He wrote Radio plays, short stories, and novels and also did some translation work. His three collections of short stories BAAL MARAYO, ADAM CHHU YITHAAI BADNAAM, and GIRDAAB were published in quick succession. His stories like Love Marriage, Tulur, Myon Marun, Khotchun, Zafar Khan, Azli Gulam, Yi ti chu Akh Ehsaas, etc. are the unmatched treasure of Kashmiri literature.
Nirdosh’s radio plays DAAN-THAER (A Branch of Pomegranate Tree) and VAAV, NAAV TA DARIYAAV (wind, Boat and the River) are the most precious gems of plays ever written in Kashmiri literature.
Bansi Nirdosh’s art of storytelling has the power to transport readers to the enchanting landscapes of Kashmir, immersing them in the vibrant tapestry of cultural traditions that flourish in the region. With his evocative descriptions and lyrical prose, Nirdosh skillfully paints vivid pictures of Kashmiri life within the pages of his stories. His literary works beautifully depict the awe-inspiring landscapes, rich culture, and everyday existence of the people of Kashmir, firmly establishing him as a cherished writer both in the region and the literary world.
Nirdosh’s stories possess a unique blend of sensitivity and substance, resonating deeply with readers and offering profound insights into human relationships and the beauty of the human experience. Bansi Nirdosh’s literary creations eloquently portray the struggles faced by individuals and society in the face of adverse circumstances, revealing profound depths of human experience. His remarkable ability to vividly depict his surroundings has earned him the apt title of the “Skilled Painter of Kashmiriyat.”
Here, one cannot overlook the tragic tale of the displacement of Pandits/Hindus from the Kashmir Valley in the early 1990s. Hundreds of thousands of Pandits found themselves uprooted and homeless, seeking refuge within their own country. Among this displaced group/community were children, the elderly, the rich, the poor, and individuals from various backgrounds such as government employees, shopkeepers, agricultural laborers, literary figures, etc. In this lineage of illustrious writers, one unforgettable name stands out—the late Bansi Nirdosh, the famous Kashmiri storyteller. Despite being uprooted from his beloved homeland, he persisted in his writing until he breathed his last on August 21, 2001, in Jammu.
The writer is Former Fellow,IIAS,Rashtrapati Nivas,Shimla, Ex-Member,Hindi Salahkar Samiti,Ministry of Law & Justice, Govt. of India. He is alsosenior Fellow, Ministry of Culture, Govt.of India.
