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Zareef Ahmad Zareef

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Zareef Ahmad Zareef (born 17 April 1943) is a Kashmiri poet, writer, social activist and environmentalist. He is best known for his satirical poetry and efforts to highlight various social and political problems. He has been working for the preservation of the environment, culture and heritage of Kashmir.

Contents

Sheen poem by zareef ahmad zareef


Early life and education

Zareef Ahmed Zareef was born as Zareef Ahmed Shah in 1943 in the downtown area of Srinagar(aali kadal) to Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah and Mokhta Begum. His father owned an embroidery workshop, which was also a hub for hakeems, Sufis, poets, traders, and merchants, hence he was brought up in an environment that was full of wisdom and philosophy, which deeply influenced his personality and character. From childhood, he held the Sufi saint Khawja Habibullah Khatar in great esteem and visits his mausoleum regularly to pay obeisance. Zareef received his education from Islamia High School, Rajori Kadal. Being an enthusiast – a regular face in seminars, symposiums, debates and annual functions throughout his formative years. Receiving guidance from his teachers and noted writers Rehman Rahi and Satar Ahmed Shahid, eventually he found himself uttering the lines expressing personal feelings and thoughts on the stage. He soon developed the ambition to become a writer.

Government Service

In 1968, Zareef was appointed as scriptwriter in the Department of Information. Later he completed his honors degree in Kashmiri. While serving in the cultural unit of Department of Information he remained active in organising public shows, dramas, mushairas and features on an unparalleled scale in various parts of the state. His writings were instrumental in evoking greater response from the public which helped the department in achieving various goals. He retired from the department as assistant cultural officer.

Writing

Started public life as a poet and writer in 1969; Kashmiri being the medium. Style of writing remained mainly apprehensive and humorous. Thrust of the poetry has been to portray the social evils and exterminate them by arousing public consciousness. Imbalances in the society, plight of the weaker sections and environmental filth have remained the main theme of the writings without involving politics and slogan mongering.

Influence

It was Ghulam Ahmed Mir Abid, an unknown writer, who showed him to use his own imaginative powers and fine tuned his writing aptitude while Hakeeem Manzoor an eminent Urdu writer introduced him to the great beauty of verse and the profoundness of the literature.

Published works

Zareef has, so far, authored four (4) books:

  • Khabar Togme Wanun, 2007 (a compilation of essays reflecting eclectic issues and problems of our society.)
  • Taaran Garee, 2012 (a compilation of satirical poems)
  • Kath cha Taeti, 2014 (a compilation of social, political, cultural essays)
  • T'choenche poot, 2016 (a compilation of poems and prose for kids)

    • Other activities

    After retirement from the government service, Zareef’s services have been utilized in the numerous public, social and literary fields. He has been selected/chosen as:-

  • Chairman, Ahad Zargar Memorial Research Foundation, Kashmir.
  • Chairman, Valley Citizens Council, Kashmir (an organization looking after the common problems of the people).
  • Chairman, Sofi Ghulam Ahmad Memorial Trust, Srinagar (a trust which is devoted to the promotion of art, culture, music and literary movement).
  • Vice chairman, Care Concern Forum, Srinagar (an institution established to fight for the cause of women, destitute children and socially backward sections).
  • Advisory member, Chinar Development Committee, Department of Parks, Gardens and Floriculture J & K.
  • Advisory member, Kohi-Maran Coordination Committee, Srinagar.
  • Member, Program Advisory Committee, Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar.
  • Member, Program Advisory Committee, Radio Kashmir, Srinagar since 1989.
  • Member, Audition Committee, Radio Kashmir, Srinagar.
  • Writer and Member, Rajeev Gandhi Foundation, Kashmir Syllabus Committee.
  • general secretary, Editors and Writers Council, Kashmir.
  • Contributor to, M.A. Syllabus of Kashmir University [Kashmiri section].
  • Member, Advisory Board of Sahitya Academy, for Kashmiri.

    • Awards and appreciation

    Zareef has been awarded and appreciated for his works in different social, cultural, environmental and literary fields by various associations and organizations:

  • Institute of Objective Studies, Delhi in 2011, for his extraordinary services to public cause and common good.
  • MSF (Medicins Sans Frontieres) kashmir, for his services to society.
  • WHO (world health organisation) in 2012 for his services to society.
  • Ahad Zargar Memorial Award in 2010, for prominent works in literary field.

    • and various other awards from different govt. and non-govt. institutions like J&K Yateem foundation, Help Poor Voluntary Trust, department of Horticulture Kashmir, etc. He was also given the Green Citizen Award in 2011 by Rahim Greens (member of International association for voluntary effort) for his contribution in protecting the environment of kashmir.

    References

    Zareef Ahmad Zareef Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA


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