Srinagar, Feb 7: Noted poet, writer and former Director Door Darshan, Farooq Nazki, who passed away on February 6, was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard at Kathi Darwaza in Rainawari today.
People from different walks of life participated in his Nimaz-e-Jinaza at Ziyarat Syed Sahib (RA) at Sonwar. The funeral prayers were led by his nephew, Naeem Akhtar.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, Naeem Akhtar said the congregational Fateh Khawani of Nazki would be held on Saturday, February 10 at 11 am at his ancestral graveyard at Kathi Darwaza which will be followed by a condolence meet at his Shivpora residence.
Nazki had been battling various health issues, including lung and kidney complications, for the past four years. He breathed his last on February 6 at Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra.
Facing health challenges, Nazki relocated to Katra to live with his son, a doctor working at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra.
Known for his thought-provoking and deep postmodern writings in both Urdu and Kashmiri, Nazki was a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award.
Nazki’s demise has been mourned by a cross-section of the civil society, with people in literary circles terming it a void difficult to fill.
The death of the veteran Kashmiri poet and broadcaster ended a glorious period of literature in Kashmir.
Nazki’s uncle, Prof. Rashid Nazki, a poet, author of several books, and the first Ph.D. in the Kashmiri language and literature.
Farooq Nazki was the third Sahitya Akademi awardee from the family after his father Mir Ghulam Rasool Nazki and uncle Prof Rashid Nazki while his brother Iqbal Nazki is the 4th such awardee from the same family.
The mourners recalled his contribution in the literary world and said his literary works were unparalleled.
“Nazki sahab was a highly accomplished personality, and there is no doubt that his contribution in various matters was truly unique,” said former Director News AIR, Mushtaq Ahmad Tantray.
He said Farooq Nazki was a prominent Urdu and Kashmiri poet possessing a deep understanding of literature.
“His work is absolutely unparalleled, and his departure is a significant loss. It is a matter of concern that the mission he initiated should now be carried forward, and we should be mindful of advancing our culture,” Tantray said.
He said Nazki’s departure is a moment of sorrow, “but the path he treaded should be continued and his achievements should be recognised and appreciated.”
A senior journalist, Imdad Saqi while recalling his contribution said Nazki was not just a poet, director, producer, critic, and writer, but above all, a good human being.
“Farooq Nazki and my connection goes back to almost 40 years. I remember in 1973 when I was in college, I had a strong interest in acting. When I gave my first audition, I got selected and the first show that I did on TV was produced and directed by Farooq Nazki sahab,” Saqi said.
He said Farooq Nazki was like Raj Kapoor of Kashmir, where he had a significant influence on TV technology and programs.
Meanwhile, to mourn the demise of Farooq Nazki, Literary Forum Bandipora held a condolence meeting on Wednesday afternoon to pay the tributes. Participants prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and endurance to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
A brief condolence meeting was also held at the office of the Adbee Markaz Kamraz J&K under the Chairmanship of President Muhmmad Amin Bhat.
“He will be remembered for his pre-eminent contribution as a poet and as a critic enriching Kashmiri language and literature in a profound manner. With his memorable and postmodern poetry, he has left an indelible mark on the hearts of people. Today the literary world of Kashmir has suffered a great loss,” said Amin Bhat President AMK JK.