Renowned Kashmiri Writer Ghulam Hassan Taskeen Passes Away, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Literature and Education

Ghulam Hassan Taskeen, a celebrated Kashmiri writer and literary figure from Hajin, has passed away after a long illness on Sunday. Born in 1943, Taskeen made significant contributions to Kashmiri literature, not only as a prolific fiction writer but also as a translator and educator. His influence on Kashmiri literature remains profound and enduring.

Taskeen’s body of work includes anthologies of short stories, poems, and essays, which have been appreciated by readers and critics alike. One of the major highlights of his career was the translation of the renowned Persian poet Sheikh Saadi Shirazi’s Gulistan into Kashmiri. This translation, published in 1988 by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, was met with widespread acclaim, both from scholars and the general public.

Despite being born without a right arm, Taskeen’s dedication to literature, education, and his love for the Kashmiri language never diminished. He pursued higher education, obtaining a Master’s degree in both Kashmiri and Persian from Kashmir University. His commitment to teaching was recognised when he was honoured with the Best Teacher award in 1988.

In addition to his fiction, Taskeen also contributed significantly to translations and literary research. He authored a monograph on the Kashmiri Sufi poet Lal Aragami and translated the monograph of the esteemed Urdu poet Akhtar ul Iman from English, both of which were published by Sahitya Akademi. Taskeen also collaborated with Sona Ullah Niyazi and Prof. Mohi Ud Din Hajini to compile and co-edit the Kashmiri translation of Shahnama Firdousi by Wahab Parray, which was released by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages in 2015.

His poetic works also gained recognition beyond the realm of Kashmiri literature. One of his poignant poems was featured in Prof. Suvir Kaul’s highly acclaimed book, Of Graves and Gardens, adding another dimension to his literary legacy.

Taskeen’s passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to Kashmiri literature and his dedication to preserving and promoting the language will continue to inspire future generations.