Prominent writer Ghulam Nabi Firaq passes away

Srinagar, December 17

Noted Kashmiri writer, poet and critic Ghulam Nabi Firaq passed away at his Nowshera residence here today after a prolonged illness. He was 94.

He was known as a prolific writer and voracious reader and had more than a dozen books of poetry, criticism, translations and collections of essays and articles in different literary publications to his credit. He was also known for his contribution to Urdu in the state during his days as a college teacher at Sri Pratap College, Srinagar and Science College, Jammu. Four of his books were released on the occasion while being felicitated by Radio Kashmir, Srinagar, on February 7, 2013, at his residence.

‘Firaq Sahib’ had been the recipient of a number of awards for his contribution to Kashmiri language and literature, which included the Sahitya Academy Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.

The academic circles, besides J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Radio Kashmir, Srinagar and Doordarshan, have condoled the demise of the prominent writer and paid rich tributes to him through different programmes.

Minister of Education Naeem Akhter also expressed grief on the demise of the veteran educationist, poet and writer. The minister termed Firaq’s a major loss to Kashmir’s literary and education scene. — TNS