Charar-i-Sharief, October 22: A comprehensive biography of Kashmir’s revered Sufi saint and poet Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), popularly known as Sheikh-ul-Alam, titled *Apostle of Light*, was unveiled by Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi at a literary event organised by Kashmir Markaz Adab-o-Saqafat at the courtyard of the shrine of Sheikh-ul-Alam in Charar-i-Sharief.

The book, authored by Baba Ghulam Nabi Adfar, was released in the presence of writers, scholars and literary figures who highlighted the importance of documenting the life, teachings and spiritual legacy of Sheikh-ul-Alam for future generations.

The programme began with an inaugural address by the author, Ghulam Nabi Adfar, who welcomed the guests and thanked them for attending the event. Speaking about his work, Adfar said the book seeks to bring together different aspects of Sheikh-ul-Alam’s life and legacy. He also spoke about the book’s future reach and its potential to encourage further research into the saint’s life and teachings.

Farooq Wani, Editor-in-Chief of Brighter Kashmir, said Sheikh-ul-Alam remained one of the most prominent spiritual figures in Kashmir, but his life and contributions required greater research and documentation. He said a deeper understanding of the saint’s life could help younger generations connect with Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Wani added that Sheikh-ul-Alam’s influence extended beyond India and that his poetry and teachings continued to attract wider attention. Referring to the popular Kashmiri verse associated with the saint, “Ann poshi teli yeli wan poshi,” he highlighted the enduring relevance of his message.

Wani also urged Dr Andrabi to establish a dedicated library preserving the teachings, writings and research on Sheikh-ul-Alam. He said such an initiative would provide young people and future researchers with access to the saint’s intellectual and spiritual legacy.

Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, who formally unveiled the book, called for greater recognition of Kashmir’s Awliya and spiritual scholars. She said society should remember, celebrate and study these revered figures, whose lives and teachings continue to offer guidance. Describing the teachings of Sheikh-ul-Alam as a source of direction for society, she stressed the importance of passing this spiritual heritage on to future generations.

During the programme, speakers discussed the significance of the newly released biography and the need to promote wider engagement with Sheikh-ul-Alam’s life and literary contributions.

Mr Talib highlighted important aspects of the saint’s life and discussed the book’s contribution to understanding his legacy. Satish Vimal focused on engaging younger audiences with the teachings of Awliya, suggesting that podcasts, short videos and social media reels could help present their message in formats accessible to today’s generation.

G. N. Khaki, in his concluding address, reflected on the importance of Kashmir’s spiritual tradition and the legacy of Sheikh-ul-Alam, drawing references to Baghdad while discussing the broader spiritual connections associated with the saintly tradition.

The programme was hosted by Inayat Gul, Secretary of Kashmir Markaz Adab-o-Saqafat, the organisation that arranged the event. Writers and scholars, including G. N. Khaki, Talib and Satish Vimal, were present on the occasion.

The gathering highlighted the importance of literary research, preservation of spiritual heritage and the use of contemporary platforms to introduce Kashmir’s revered spiritual figures to younger generations.