Dr Neelofar Naaz Nehvi: The Storyteller That Explores Social Challenges With Subtlety

Dr Neelofar Naaz Nehvi:

The Voice That Explores Social Challenges With Subtlety

Dr Basharat Khan 

Dr Neelofar Naaz Navhi was born in 1958 in the renowned Nahvi family. Her birthplace lies in the area between Kalashpora and Khanqah-e-Moulla known as Neelgari bagh. She comes from a lineage of distinction; her grandfather, Maulvi Mohammad Yaseen Nahvi, was the General Secretary of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, while her father, Khwaja Mohammad Amin Nahvi, was a prominent advocate.

Neelofar Naaz earned her Bachelor’s degree in Arts and had a profound affinity for Urdu and Persian literature. She pursued a Master’s degree in Persian, followed by an MPhil, focusing her research on the life and poetry of the illustrious Persian poet Gani Kashmiri. After her marriage in 1985, she temporarily paused her academic journey. However, a few years later, she rekindled her passion for learning. Having received her MPhil degree in 1984, she resumed her professional career in 1993 as a government teacher after a substantial hiatus. In 1999, she was appointed as a professor in higher education through the Public Service Commission. In 2005, she was conferred a PhD for her dissertation title "Shahnama kashmir Tahqeeq aur Tadween" which explored the Shahnama-e-Kashmir authored by Abdul Wahab Shaeq.

Throughout her career, she has remained deeply sensitive to the challenges faced by students. Observing the difficulties of schoolchildren, she frequently penned essays and articles addressing their concerns, which were regularly published in newspapers. When she began teaching at the college level, she recognized the challenges faced by Persian students and responded by writing a pioneering book, Farsi Ki Taraf Pehla Qadam, to support their learning journey.

Her literary journey began in childhood, driven by a keen passion for writing short stories and essays. Her first story, "Sangdil khuda"  was published in Srinagar Times in 1983. This marked the beginning of a prolific writing career, with numerous stories and articles regularly appearing in the same publication.

Since 2002, she transitioned into writing books, creating a body of works such as Gani Kashmiri, Sheher-hai Noor, and Farsi Ki Taraf Doosra Qadam all of which were met with widespread acclaim. Her short story collection, Chinar Ke Barfeelay-Saye  published in 2013, further cemented her literary stature. 

She made regular contributions to Kashmir Uzma, a prominent Urdu daily, where she authored a column titled Meri Duniya, Mere Log. Through this column, she shared her insightful perspectives on various social and cultural issues, establishing a strong connection with her readers.

Moreover to her prowess in prose, Dr Neelofar Naaz Nevhi is also a poet. She has participated in literary gatherings in Srinagar and has graced the stage at All India Mushairas and Naat recitation events. Although she has amassed an extensive collection of ghazals and poems, a dedicated poetry volume is yet to be published.

Her contributions extend beyond literature to the academic field, where she has presented numerous research papers at seminars. Some of her notable topics include The Foundation of Persian Literature in Kashmir, Shahnameh Kashmir: A Critical Study, Shah Hamadan and Iran-e-Saghir, and Kashmir’s Contribution to Persian Language and Literature. Her scholarly articles have appeared in journals such as Approaches to Kashmir Studies, Shiraza, Danish, and Lafz Lafz.

Moreover, her writings, Short stories, essays, and academic papers have been featured in various national and international magazines.

She is a storyteller, poet, and scholar whose works bridge the past and present with unparalleled finesse. Her profound contributions include Gani Kashmiri: Hayat aur Shayari (Life and Poetry of Gani Kashmiri), a masterful exploration of the life and legacy of the Persian poet Gani Kashmiri. In this seminal work, Dr Neelofar Naaz brings to light the enigmatic life of Gani Kashmiri, a poet who wove resilience and rebellion into his Persian ghazals, critiquing the despotism of his era while offering solace to the Kashmiri soul.

Her meticulous research reconstructs life of Gani Kashmiri from the fragments of his poetry, offering a narrative rich with empathy and insight. From his origins in Rajouri Kadal to his poetic defiance of Mughal tyranny, his journey is meticulously chronicled, making this 188-page work a cornerstone of Kashmiri heritage studies. Scholars have hailed the book as a transformative piece of scholarship,

Through five meticulously structured chapters, she delves into the socio-political milieu of his time, painting a vivid picture of Mughal Kashmir under the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Her narrative interweaves history, poetry, and politics, bringing alive an era of artistic brilliance and political turbulence.

With Gani Kashmiri: Hayat aur Shayari, she not only immortalizes a poet but also establishes herself as a guardian of cultural and literary heritage of Kashmir , offering future generations a profound connection to their roots.

Veteran writer Mohd Yousuf Tang shares his thoughts on Neelofer Naz Qadri’s book, " Gani Kashmiri: Hayat aur Shayari," and its role in reviving the legacy of Gani Kashmiri:

"Gani Kashmiri holds a unique and distinguished place among the Persian literati of Kashmir, celebrated for the brilliance of his poetry and the enduring renown of his name.

To be associated with figures like Mirza Bedil, a poet of unmatched genius, is no small honour. His influence extends further, as literary greats such as Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib, and Allama Iqbal not only acknowledged his work but also expressed pride in his contributions.

Sadly, this towering poet’s stature has been unfairly diminished at times by baseless allegations and misplaced criticism. However, a shift is now evident, with scholars and readers alike revisiting his legacy with renewed interest and admiration.

Neelofer Naaz Nahvi's book is a significant contribution to this revival. Her insightful exploration of Gani’s poetry and meticulously researched narrative offer a fresh perspective on his life and works.

This work represents an important beginning for Gani Kashmiri scholarship, paving the way for a deeper appreciation of his enduring contributions to Persian literature."

Her another book " Farsi Ki Taraf Pehla Qadam" has become a highly regarded as a text book for beginners in the Persian language. First published in 2000 and later updated in 2008, this book serves as an essential guide for students and those new to Persian, covering fundamental vocabulary, grammar, and literary devices. 

Dr. Mohammad Siddiq Niazmand, in his preface to the book, highlights its importance in reviving and promoting Persian language and literature in Kashmir. With clear explanations and structured lessons on grammar, poetic forms, and literary techniques, Neelofar Naaz has created a valuable resource that bridges the gap between the past literary traditions and the contemporary need for Persian learning in the region."

“Achi Kahaniyan Ache Bachoon Ke Liye” is a translation from Persian to Urdu, with Dr. Neelofar Naaz Nahvi being the first to translate these 21 stories from Marzban Nama into Urdu.

Renowned poet and critic Gh. Nabi Aatish praises this exceptional translation work:

"Dr. Neelofar Naaz Nahvi is a seasoned writer and translator, well-versed in Persian language and literature. Having taught the subject in colleges for many years, her deep expertise in Persian inspired her to translate Qissah-ha-e-Khoob Bara-e-Bachah-ha-e-Khoob (Beautiful Stories for Beautiful Children) into Urdu. Through focused effort and precision, she completed this translation with remarkable skill.

Children’s literature has been largely overlooked by Kashmiri writers. The invaluable translation is in clear, simple Urdu, making it accessible and engaging to readers.

This book promises to entertain and enlighten not only young readers but also adults. It is hoped that she will continue her work by translating the remaining stories in the future."

Among her other notable works book "Sheher- hai noor " was published in 2010. This work, a poignant travelogue, chronicles her pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina and is dedicated not only to her life partner but also to all the companions who journeyed with her on the Hajj Pilgrimage.

Serving as both a memoir and a guide, the book offers a rich narrative of her spiritual experience. Professor Hamidi Kashmiri, in his introduction, writes:

“Dr. Neelofar Naaz’s travelogue radiates her deep love for the Prophet and her reverent affection for the Holy cities.. Through her vivid portrayal, the reader is transported to her moments of longing, sanctity, and devotion, encapsulating the profound emotional and spiritual fervor she felt throughout her pilgrimage.”

The book is replete with vivid depictions of sacred sites. It meticulously records each day of the Hajj from the 8th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, along with the rituals, prayers, and visits to secred sites such as the Holy Kaaba, the Maqaam-e-ibrahim, Hajr-e-Aswad, and the Safa-Marwah ,hills.

At the close, the book presents special prayers with translations, along with photographs that further enhance the emotional depth of the pilgrimage experience.

Dr Neelofar Naaz’s next work, Farsi Ki Taraf Doosra Qadam (Second Step Towards Persian), published in 2012, builds upon her previous book Farsi Ki Taraf Pehla Qadam (First Step Towards Persian). This volume is dedicated to those students who have a keen interest in learning the Persian language. Containing 26 lessons, it also introduces Persian essays, punctuation, and a collection of Persian proverbs. Among the 55 proverbs included, the author presents those common to Persian, Urdu, English, and Kashmiri, all carrying identical meanings across these languages. This cross-lingual exploration proves invaluable for both learners and educators. Besides, the book offers an in-depth discussion on Persian grammar, making it an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to master the language.

Neelofar Naaz's fifth book, Chinar Ke Barfili Saya, published in 2013, is a poignant collection of short stories that delve into human emotions and societal dynamics. Dedicated to her companion, who has shared both her joys and sorrows, this volume features 29 stories, five of which are particularly brief. The stories explore themes of love, loss, hope, and despair, offering a rich tapestry of everyday human experiences. Notable among them are Tum Nahi Aur Sahi, Nazli, Promotion, Ek Din Ki Hukumat, Talash, Waris, Shikast, Laadla, and many others.

Professor Hamidi Kashmiri, reflecting on Neelofar Naaz's narrative style, underscores her remarkable linguistic precision and her ability to elevate the ordinary into the realm of the sublime. Her storytelling, marked by its economy of words and purposeful direction, shuns unnecessary elaboration in favour of clarity and simplicity. Yet, beneath this unadorned surface, each story resonates with profound emotional depth. By focusing on seemingly trivial, domestic occurrences, she reveals the deeper truths of human existence, capturing the nuances of life with an elegant grace that engages the heart and mind alike.

"Khamosh Aasman" a collection of short stories, was published in 2015 and was released in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Art, Culture, and Languages Department. The book is dedicated to the women fiction writers who have enriched the literary landscape. The foreword is written by the renowned writer Noor Shah, a luminary in the world of fiction and the president of the Urdu Academy. In addition, Ashraf Aathari, a distinguished name in Urdu storytelling, has contributed an insightful essay titled Dr. Neelofar Naaz Ke Afsanay which is included in the volume.

This anthology comprises twenty-three stories, each offering a unique exploration of the human condition. The stories include Mish-Take, Teesri Beti Khota Aadmi, Azal,  Bakarian, Gumshuda Lamhe, Sukut, Palki, Mera Niyara Watan, Saazish, Maafi  Parchhaaiyan, Parwarish, Gussa, Nidar Aankhein, Seminar, Aulad, Bekhri, Farishta, Lakhte Jigar, Safed Khoon, Roti, and Chhat. 

Reflecting on this short story collection, Noor Shah remarks:

"Dr. Neelofar Naaz’s stories are a mirror to the soul of contemporary humanity. They reflect the shifting sands of our values and times. These narratives are imbued with both a quiet protest and the tender sweetness of love. Reading them is like journeying through an emotional landscape, where countless unseen images come to. Life in the mind's eye. The simplicity and clarity of the language further enhance the profound impact of these stories, making them accessible yet deeply evocative.”

"Rozen Pe Mere Chand," published in 2018, is an extraordinary collection of 30 Urdu short stories that reflects her literary brilliance. The collection captures the complexities of human emotions and experiences with remarkable brevity and finesse. Its title, inspired by one of her own poems included at the beginning of the book, sets a reflective and thought-provoking tone for the narratives that follow.

This rich tapestry of narratives, ranging from short stories to microfiction, delves deeply into social and cultural themes. Her storytelling is characterized by lucidity, concise expression, and an acute observation of nuances of life. Her stories evoke universal emotions while remaining deeply rooted in their cultural context, making the collection both relatable and compelling.

Renowned Urdu fiction writer Deepak Budki praises Dr. Neelofar Naaz’s work for its simplicity and fluency, noting her ability to create plots that are straightforward yet impactful.

"Her stories address pressing social and economic issues, often drawing characters from the familiar surroundings of everyday life.

For instance, "Camera" boldly exposes corruption while simultaneously appreciating technological and scientific advancements, shedding light on human tendency to misuse progress.

In Umeed she critiques the neglect of civic responsibilities, portraying the life-threatening consequences of traffic congestion. Her realist approach, grounded in keen observation rather than theoretical study, brings to life both the grimy slums of Delhi and the blood-soaked marketplaces of Kashmir.

Her profound empathy for the underprivileged is a hallmark of her work. She vividly contrasts the struggles of the impoverished with the privileges of the affluent, as seen in her portrayals of starving laborers, the aspirations of Harijan children in Mera Bharat Mahan, and the varied needs of rich and poor colleagues in Gift and Madad. Stories like Bhook explore hunger in its many dimensions, resonating with a powerful sense of purpose.

In the symbolic story Nirali Boli, she underscores the timeless truth that unity is strength. Her work masterfully combines realism and artistic craft, offering both a poignant critique of society and an empathetic exploration of the human condition."

Dr. Neelofar Naaz Nahvi's multifaceted contributions as a scholar, educator and writer is truly remarkable. Through her stories and research, she has enriched the literary world of Kashmir and made significant strides in the field of education.

Dr Basharat is writer, columnist, critic and author of the book "Literary Beats" He can be reached at chogalwriter76@gmail.com/Devnalshispers.in