Tawheed Parvaiz Bhat
In the picturesque village of Kaloosa Bandipora, nestled in the heart of Kashmir, resides a man whose life is a testament to resilience, passion, and the transformative power of art. Bashir Ahmed Ganaie, popularly known by his pen name Bashir Rahat, is a poet, dramatist, and social commentator whose work reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir and the struggles of its people.
Born into an artisan family renowned for crafting the famous Kangri (a traditional fire pot used in Kashmir), Bashir’s early life was marked by financial hardship and challenging family conditions. Despite these adversities, he pursued his education with unwavering determination, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Education (M.Ed.). His academic journey was not just a personal achievement but also a stepping stone toward his true calling—literature and drama.
From a young age, Bashir was deeply drawn to poetry and the performing arts. His love for Urdu classical music, inspired by legends like Jagjit Singh, Ghulam Ali, Mehdi Hassan, Chandan Das, Pankaj Udhas, Abida Parveen, and Noor Jehan, nurtured a poetic sensibility within him. However, it was during a training session in 2010 that his life took a transformative turn. The session, led by Mr. Ghulam Nabi Zahid, a retired master and renowned poet of the Kashmiri language, ignited a profound passion for Kashmiri literature in Bashir’s heart. From that day forward, he dedicated himself to the preservation and promotion of his mother tongue.
Today, Bashir Rahat boasts an impressive literary portfolio. He has written approximately 30 ghazals, 6 dramas (which have been performed at district headquarters on various occasions), 3 short stories, and 6 articles addressing pressing social issues such as suicide, the exorbitant costs of weddings, and water scarcity due to mismanagement. His works have been published in Sangarmal, a prominent Kashmiri newspaper, earning him recognition as a voice of reason and creativity in the valley.
Bashir’s literary journey has been shaped under the mentorship of two towering figures in Kashmiri literature: Dr. Reyaz Ul Hassan, a young and dynamic scholar of the Kashmiri language, and Ghulam Nabi Zahid, the retired master who first inspired him. Bashir often credits Dr. Reyaz Ul Hassan as the guiding force behind his literary endeavours, describing him as the “main character” in his journey of self-expression and artistic growth.
Bashir’s writings are not just a reflection of his personal experiences but also a mirror to the societal challenges faced by the people of Kashmir. Through his poetry, dramas, and articles, he addresses issues that resonate deeply with his audience, urging them to reflect and act. His work is a blend of tradition and modernity, rooted in the cultural ethos of Kashmir yet relevant to contemporary concerns.
As Bashir Rahat continues to write and inspire, his story serves as a reminder that art can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances. His journey from an artisan’s son to a celebrated literary figure is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and the enduring beauty of the Kashmiri language.
For those who wish to explore his work, Bashir’s writings are a treasure trove of emotion, wisdom, and social commentary. His contributions to Kashmiri literature are not just a personal achievement but a gift to the cultural legacy of Kashmir.
