It is believed that in the year 1955, the first two Kashmiri short stories ‘Jawabi-Card’ and ‘YeliPholGaash’ written by Dina Nath Nadim and Som Nath Zutshi respectively,appeared in a single issue of Kong Posh (the Saffron Flower), the official cultural organ of the Kashmiri Progressive Writers Front. And, it was during this period that Kashmiri short story was born.Later a group of short story writers emerged on the scene and among them Akhtar Mohiuddin (1928–2001), stood tallest.
According to Ghulam Nabi Khayal, a veteran journalist and writer, “Akhtar’s mastery over an idiomatic language, finest treatment of the plots he conceived and the artistic turn given at the climax of his stories would make readers wonderstruck and forced them to come out with a thought-provoking reflection in their observations while commenting on his creative art.”
Akhtar Mohiuddin, also known as Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani, was a prominent figure in modern Kashmiri literature. Born on April 17, 1928, in Batmaloo, Srinagar, he emerged as one of the most accomplished short story writers of his time. His contributions to the Kashmiri literary scene were unparalleled.
Akhtar Mohi-ud-Din’s journey as a writer from 1951 to 1955 began in Urdu. However, he later shifted his focus to writing in Kashmiri, the language of his homeland. His literary prowess and unique storytelling style distinguished him among his contemporaries. Readers were captivated by his masterful command over idiomatic language, skillful treatment of plots, and the artistic approach with which he crafted the climaxes of his stories. His creative art evoked thought-provoking reflections in the minds of his readers.
In 1955, Akhtar Mohi-ud-Din published his first story collection titled “Satsangar.”(Collection of Seven Stories). This collection earned him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958, solidifying his place in the realm of literary excellence. He further received recognition for his talent when he won the second prize in an international short story competition. His contribution to literature was also acknowledged on a national level when he was awarded the Padma Shri, a prestigious civilian honor, in 1968. In 1969, he was honored with the Bangla Literature Conference Award.
Akhtar Mohi-ud-Din’s writing style is characterized by concise sentences, everyday expressions, idiomatic phrases, and well-structured sentence construction. His stories are known for their innovative descriptions, unique narrative styles, and captivating presentations. His literary efforts opened new avenues for future storytellers and enriched the Kashmiri storytelling tradition.
Akhtar Mohi-ud-Din published four story collections, two novels, a travelogue, and a collection of folk tales. His works left an indelible mark on Kashmiri literature, reflecting his exceptional talent and literary vision.
I have had the privilege of translating several of Akhtar Mohi-ud-Din’s stories into Hindi. Among them, “Anjaan Rishta” (Unknown Relationship), “Lal Rang Ki Shalwar” (The Red-Colored Trousers), and “Chooze Ki Maut” (Death of a Chick) are remarkable contributions to Kashmiri literature. These stories stand out for their unique style, profound substance, and the invaluable insights they offer to readers.
Akhtar beautifully portrays the profound connection between humans and nature in his masterpiece “Anjaan Rishta.” Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Kashmir’s natural splendor, the story delves into the philosophical and intimate relationship shared between mankind and the environment. Through his evocative descriptions, Akhtar transports readers to the enchanting landscapes of Kashmir, where the intertwined existence of humans and nature unfolds in a captivating narrative.
In “Lal Rang Ki Shalwar,” Akhtar explores the underlying inspiration behind the institution of marriage. Despite the inevitable limitations imposed by age and physical appearance, the story unveils a boundless reservoir of love and devotion between husband and wife. Through tender and heartfelt moments, Akhtar emphasizes that true affection transcends superficial attributes and endures through the test of time. “Chooze Ki Maut” serves as a satirical commentary, shedding light on the pervasive selfishness prevalent among both human and non-human characters. The ruthless demise of an innocent chick becomes a metaphorical representation of the callousness that permeates society. In this beautiful story, Akhtar’s wit and sharp observation skilfully expose the inherent flaws and vices that often overshadow compassion and empathy.
Within his collection of stories, “Dand Wazun” (The Brawl), “AapanHor Jang” (Aapa lost the Battle) and “AadamChhuAjabZaat” (Man is a Strange Creature) stand out as exemplary works that could seamlessly grace the pages of any world-class anthology of short stories. Akhtar’s masterful craftsmanship is evident in the meticulous construction of his plots and the compelling portrayal of his characters, leaving a lasting impression on readers. He successfully infuses his Kashmiri fiction with a universal appeal, elevating the local characters to resonate with a global readership.
In addition to his remarkable short stories, Akhtar ventured into the realm of novels. His debut Kashmiri novel, “Doad-Dag” (Sorrow and Pain), published in 1957, marked the inception of his exploration in long-form storytelling. This pioneering work received critical acclaim, establishing Akhtar as a talented novelist. He further demonstrated his literary prowess with “Zuvv Ta Zolaan,” another celebrated Kashmiri novel that garnered recognition within Kashmir’s literary circles.
Akhtar’s creative genius extended beyond prose, as he also penned over forty radio plays. These captivating audio dramas further showcased his versatility as a writer, capturing the imagination of listeners and weaving compelling narratives through the power of sound.
Even after his demise in 2001, Akhtar’s literary legacy continued to thrive. Two posthumously published collections of short stories, written prior to his passing away, serve as a testament to his enduring passion for writing. These works, crafted with Akhtar’s characteristic finesse and depth, serve as a poignant reminder of his lasting contribution to Kashmiri literature.
In summary, Akhtar Mohiuddin’s impact on Kashmiri literature earned him widespread recognition and acclaim. His works have been translated into multiple languages, allowing wider readership to appreciate the beauty and depth of his writing. Akhtar’s literary contributions have transcended borders and left an indelible mark on the world of storytelling. A wizard with the word, his evocative narratives, skilful characterizations, and thought-provoking themes, have enriched Kashmiri fiction, endowing it with international appeal and a universal resonance.
The writer is Former Fellow,IIAS,RashtrapatiNivas,Shimla, Ex-Member,Hindi Salahkar Samiti,Ministry of Law & Justice, Senior Fellow, Ministry of Culture, GOI
