Nigeeni Cultural Foundation, a Srinagar based cultural group working for the promotion of Kashmiri literature and language, on Tuesday released a collection of poems titled Khushbo ye Saba (Fragrance of Saba) by late Dr Ghulam Qadir alias Dr Saba Kashmiri.
Dr Saba Kashmiri was a noted Srinagar based doctor and poet whose life was cut short in the nineties due to cancer. Dr Saba Kashmiri had received awards for his work in Saudi Arabia and earned accolades and award from an Iranian diplomat in India.
The collection of poems titled Khushbo ye Saba, published posthumously, carries poems by the late doctor and is a tribute to his work. The poetry collection carries ghazals, nazams, naats and other poetic forms written by Dr Saba Kashmiri.
The function, which saw good attendance of people, was presided over by well-known literary figures of Kashmir, that included noted broadcaster Abdul Ahad Farhad, Hasrat Gada, Himayun Kaisar and Zeeshan Fazili. Editor Asian Mail Rasheed Rahil was the anchor of the function.
Dr Saba Kashmiri's family was also present on the occasion.
On the occasion, Abdul Ahad Farhad said that Dr Saba Kashmiri was a simple human being with a kind disposition. “Whoever would meet him would form a relationship with him,” he said.
While talking about the importance of Kashmiri language and literature, Abdul Ahad Farhad said that “the Kashmiri poems in the collection are a reflection of how the late Dr Saba Kashmiri valued his native language.”
Farhad insisted on the cultivation and promotion of the Kashmiri language.
“In Saba’s poetry, he draws attention to the Kashmiri language and it is that kind of poetry which demands to sung,” Farhad said.
On the occasion, Dr Saba Kashmiri’s sister Niloofar also paid glowing tributes to his late brother saying that Dr Saba was not just a dedicated doctor but a humble human being who had a deep love for Kashmiri literature.
“This book has been brought out as a tribute for his life and his love of poetry,” she said.The book will be available at Kitab Ghar, Maulana Azad Road Srinagar and TFC Books Srinagar.