When I think of Prof. Majrooh Rashid, I see a figure who embodies the spirit of truth and literary excellence, and I feel deeply fortunate to call him both a contemporary and a friend. His journey in Kashmiri literature has been anything but ordinary—it has been a testament to his unwavering commitment to intellectual rigor, authenticity, and the essence of poetic expression.

Prof. Rashid’s latest collection of English poetry, 'Snow Flames', is yet another powerful contribution to the literary world. Its title evokes the fragile yet resilient beauty of snowflakes, serving as a poetic reflection of Kashmir’s situation—where serenity often battles turbulence. His poems delve into themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the complexities of human emotions. His reach as a poet transcends borders, with works featured in esteemed anthologies like "Words Waltz' and reputed online magazines nationally and internationally.
I vividly remember an event that marked a turning point in his life. It was at a university-level symposium on "Shaikh-ul-Alam: Akh Bod Shair Kine Ryush." We both had the privilege to present our views on Shaikh-ul-Alam as a poet. My argument was followed by his, and while he established his points with brilliance, his emotional burst at the end remains unforgettable. He passionately declared, "I swear by the Holy Prophet PBUH, believe in me, Shaikh-ul-Alam is a great poet!" The audience burst into laughter, inadvertently undermining the merit of his argument. It was a humbling moment for him, yet it shaped his resolve to control his emotions—a feat he has largely achieved despite occasional lapses, driven by his disdain for hypocrisy.
His debut book, '' Asri Shairi,'' was a bold undertaking that applied rigorous analytical methods to our literary heritage. He meticulously traced the influences of world-renowned poets on the works of Kashmiri stalwarts, unveiling connections that were both enlightening and provocative. Unfortunately, instead of being celebrated for his groundbreaking work, he faced resistance and paid a heavy price in the competitive race of his career. Yet, this did not deter him. His commitment to sincere critique remained steadfast, and he continued to elevate the discourse on Kashmiri literature with his insights and wisdom.
I recall a poignant moment when one of his critics—someone deeply hurt by Rashid's blunt analysis—later reconciled with him by making him(Rashid ) to write a full-fledged appreciation of his poetry. The for turned friend and admiror. This reconciliation was a testament to the transformative power of time and understanding, and it reaffirmed the value of Rashid’s work in the eyes of those who once opposed him. And in these lines it seems Rashid captures life’s that colour and emotion when he says ;
"Life, how can I thank you?
You obliged me all through
By enriching my spirit
With a phenomenal pain
That never let me down
Stood always by my side
When all others turned their back on me.''
Unfortunately he has not published his papers written in Kashmiri , read in different seminars or presented on Radio Kashmir Srinagar. I know the depth and value of those papers as most of them I have listened to in seminars and presented on Radio Kashmir . The response generated was tremendous, from our listeners.
When I think of Prof. Majrooh Rashid’s literary contributions, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for his brilliance and boldness. His book ''My Readings'' stands out as a testament to his keen intellect and vast literary knowledge. Covering luminaries like Lal Ded to Rafiq Raaz, and Prof. Farooq Fayaz, this work ventures beyond mere critique—it bridges generations of Kashmiri voices, offering a fresh and thought-provoking perspective.
I vividly remember attending one of his presentations, where he explored the emotions portrayed by Kashmiri female poets, from the timeless wisdom of Lal Ded to the modern romantic expressions of Naseem Shifayi. At one point, he said, with his usual candor, "She is the only Kashmiri woman poet who loved, kissed, and then confessed." That statement startled the audience, not because it was provocative but because it was profoundly true keeping in mind the style and in-depth portrayal of human emotions by her . It encapsulated not just Shifayi's poetry but also the courage and authenticity that Prof. Rashid admires and champions in literature. His words were honest and unflinching, sparking an engaging dialogue that lingered long after the presentation ended.
What sets Prof. Rashid apart is his fearless approach to literary analysis. He doesn’t just praise; he probes, critiques, and challenges—always with the intention of elevating the discourse. ''My Readings'' reflects this trait, inviting readers to delve deeper into the works of iconic Kashmiri poets and writers. His observations don’t just inform; they provoke thought and encourage engagement, making his work a cornerstone of Kashmiri literary critique.
When I reflect on his journey, I see a man dedicated not only to understanding literature but to presenting it in its rawest, most authentic form. Through his bold critiques and evocative insights, Prof. Rashid continues to be an enduring influence in the world of Kashmiri literature. His legacy inspires not only writers and poets but also readers who wish to uncover the depths of truth within words.
His multilingual talents extend further, as his Urdu poems stand as remarkable pieces of emotional depth and philosophical musings. In works like "Qalandar ke Sath Ek Sham', he paints a vivid tapestry of introspection and nature’s quietude:
"Pichli rut ka khawb nayara
Ankhon mein they uljhay chand
Khamoshi mein bheega chehra
Sar par jami barfaili dhoop.''
In another Urdu poem, Rashid poignantly captures the fleeting nature of cherished dreams and the inevitability of change:
"daikho beta zid na kar
yeh khawab ke kyard tum
Muqafal hi rehne do
Woh Rashim jiski narmiyan
Tumhain aziz thien kabhi
Woh asman mei udgayain
Woh asman ki hogayien.''
His English poetry, meanwhile, resonates profoundly with themes of pain and gratitude for resilience. One excerpt stands out:
"ln the rainbow,
practicing all its colours
on the walls of heart
and rinse the soul
cleaved to the dust
with its moist shining hues.''
you find yourself in the inner chamber
where the evil eye has no access,
and while you dance all night long,
just the two of you together.
His work reflects the changing seasons, both in life and nature. Prof. Rashid eloquently paints Kashmir’s essence:
'' It is mid-spring,
the sun flirting
with the snow-clad peaks,
the ants
returning, in a line
from their winter colony.''
Prof. Rashid’s journey reminds us of the infancy of criticism in our literary culture—a journey marked by resistance and resilience. He has shown that once a piece of work is shared with the world, it belongs to the readers as much as it does to the writer. Now, as he steps forward with this new collection, I hope he is free from the pressures that once hindered his boldness and continues his journey of elevating Kashmiri literature. His legacy is not just a personal narrative; it is a chapter in the larger story of Kashmiri literature—one that inspires, challenges, and enriches all who encounter it. He should immediately come up with his Kashmiri collections in prose and poetry to avoid a pertinent question about his ignoring the mother tongue Kashmiri which gave him all the name, fame ,bread and butter.

Email:---------------------------shamshadkralwari@gmail.com