Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi is a renowned figure in Jammu and Kashmir, known for his multifaceted personality as a broadcaster, administrator, literary figure, and philanthropist. Dr. Masoodi has headed various cultural institutions, including Vividh Bharati, Radio Kashmir, Doordarshan, and the Cultural Academy. He served as the Additional Director General of Doordarshan and Directorate General of Development Communication Division in New Delhi. He has translated notable works, such as Bhisham Sahni’s “Tamas” and Vishnu Prabhakar’s “Ardh Narishwar”, into Kashmiri. His own book, “Panun Dod Panin Dag” (My Pain, My Affliction), is a collection of Kashmiri poems that have been translated into various languages. Recently he has come up with a new book, Bey Pie Talash, which was released in Tagore Hall Srinagar, during a grand literary event, conducted under the aegies of Adbi Markaz Kamraz of which he is the patron. Bey Pie Talash, another collection of 138 prose poems- articulately composed, spanning 218 pages, and published by Taj Printing Service, Delhi. Boasting an adorable cover page designed by the duo Javaid Iqbal and Jameel Ansari, Dr Masoodi has dedicated this collection to his beloved mother, Muntazir, Umaia, Ashwaq, Nihad, Niyusha, and Amal Aashia. While writing it’s proem titled ‘Kaethi Manz Bawaan Kath’ noted academician and poet Prof Shad Ramzan, gives an insightful and detailed historical background of Kashmiri poetic literature from Lala Ded, Sheikh-ul-Alam, Nadim, Mehjoor, Rahi, Firaq, Kamil and Aazim to contemporary poets, besides commenting on some meticulously crafted poems of Dr Masoodi found in this book. In it’s foreword, Prof Nazir Azad has highlighted the literary prowess of author, the depth and profundity vivid in his poems, encompassing varied themes and subjects. Author has brilliantly opened the account of his poems in this collection, by an articulately composed one, praising, exalting and revering Almighty. According to author, in blue skies, greeneries, light of the sun etc Almighty’s presence is perceptible. Luckiest and fortunate are the ones, reciting glorious Quran at predawn times, shedding tears while reading to purify their souls – it is reflected in second one about glorious Quran. Another beautiful one in praise and admiration of dear Prohphet pbuh, depicts authors devotion and faith. According to him, none would have understood monotheism, living in mutual brotherhood, loving and caring each other, had dear Prohphet pbuh not been sent as
mercy for all. As an ardent believer and staunch devotee of Ahl al-Bayt, Dr Masoodi has composed poems about martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain ra, The Tragedy of Karbala, depicting how even after centuries, their sacred martyrdom continues to inspire generations. Author has beseechingly requested in an imploring tone, in another poem about Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom ra, calling for his eternal guidance and praying for his well-being. Author’s spiritual faith with the revered saint is unshakable, apparent through the chosen words of the poem. Author is again imploring Almighty in a poem, to forgive his previous sins through repentance, like Adam and Eve repented after being thrown away from heaven. Kahin Chuna Alaw Bozan, through this poem, a reader gets astonished, how deep silence makes a mother to forget her children, infants don’t seek their mothers, and even the wind has kept itself restricted in an unreachable deep cave. Zindagi akh tueka tapuk, Dr Masoodi has composed this one, in context of an accidental episode happened on 29-06-2016 at Trehgam chowk. Infact, the tragedies take seconds to happen and shatter the dreams of hundreds, turn splendid structures into rubble and forcing even kings to stay as beggars. Yei zihea zahn, in this poem, author seems to be haunted by childhood memories, when he would keep his black and white photo in an album. He craves for those black and white days. Taraqi, this poem composed by Dr Masoodi reflects, how our children, grandchildren speak fluent English and play multiple computer games but Alas, in our homes, Kashmiri – which is our recognition, possessing richest literature of globe, is dying due to stepmotherly attitude. It can’t be called a progress, but devastation. Saed saib ni daedi tal, at the revered shrines of sufi saints, no human looks like a foe, every person seems to be wrapped in velvety attires and their faces washed by zam zam waters. This is what author has felt at the shrine of Syed sahab. However it is ambiguous, whether it is shrine of Syed Sahab Sonwar Or any other shrine because hundreds of God fearing saints coming from Siminan and Hamadan cities belonged to Syed dynasty. Atha chi talismi asan, indeed every hand is magical, some turn pebbles into rubies, while some others play with charcoal pieces. In the same way, some persons are skilled in one art, while others too are blessed with some other prowess. Hasad, according to author, envy gets it’s birth from a black heart, however it isn’t necessary that he has a black face too. Envy is often viewed as a negative trait because it can lead to resentment, bitterness, and strained relationships. It can also hinder personal growth and happiness. Dardrai, this poem reflects inner human feeling, which recognizes one’s pain when tears are shed while hardly fears the torrential rains which also, at times wreck huge havoc. Rasool Mir, to celebrate the founding father of Kashmiri ghazal, this poem measures the literary and poetic hight of Rasool Mir- the household name of Kashmir. Bey pie Talash, title poem of the book- author himself is surprised over, what he is searching for, in each lane, street, house, blazing fires and blooming roses. Almost every reader while going through this poem, feels bewildered, what the author is truly searching for. Abaji, through this meticulously crafted poem, author has paid glowing tributes to his father, who has passed almost five decades ago. Calculating his pious virtues and praying for his eternal peace, is the main content of this poem. Mouj Kashiri rath wandai, using chosen and calculated smiles and metaphors, author has succeeded in highlighting the deplorable state of Kashmir, which one’s was thriving through all means. Khata, to err is human, this is what the author has tried to teach through this poem, however after committing mistakes and sins, it is imperative to seek repentance. Myoun Sarmayi, the pains, afflictions and episodes which author has encountered have found their voices in the form of poems which are his total assets. Three literary icons of valley, Farooq Nazki, Shehnaz Rashid and Ayoub Sabir have described Dr Masoodi as skillful litterateur, who knows how to craft impressive poetry items. After going through these masterfully creative poems, it is evident that, Rafiq Masoodi is a renowned Kashmiri poet known for his thought-provoking and emotionally charged poetry. This collection explores themes of grief, faith, memory, and the human spirit, offering a poignant reflection of Kashmir’s experiences. Masoodi’s poetry is characterized by its quietude, emotional integrity, and refined use of metaphor. I recommend every literature lover to go through this masterpiece.
Writer is a columnist based in Qazigund Kashmir.
