Vehshi Syed: The Voice Of Social Narratives In Kashmir

Vehshi Syed: 

The Voice Of Social Narratives In Kashmir 

Dr Basharat Khan 

Muhammad Syed Trambo, popularly known by his pen name Vehshi Syed,as a remarkable figure in literary world of Kashmir. Born on 16 November 1946 in Naid Kadal, Srinagar, he grew up in a culturally rich environment that fostered a profound love for his heritage, language, and literature. His parents, Muhammad Abdullah Trambo and Sarah Trambo, played pivotal roles in shaping his early life, guiding him with wisdom and care that would eventually allow him to emerge as one of Kashmir’s most revered literary icons.

His formal education began at Biscoe School and S.P. College, culminating in his academic journey at Kashmir University, which laid a strong foundation for his literary pursuits. During these years, he was mentored by eminent scholars such as Professor Abdul Qadir Sarwari, Professor Shakeel Rehman, and Professor Kashmiri, whose guidance deepened his understanding of both his native Kashmiri language and Urdu, the latter becoming his primary medium of creative expression.

His literary career began with the publication of his debut story in the Daily Aftab Srinagar. However, it was his landmark work, Jamood Ka Janaza, published in Shair magazine in 1976, that solidified his place in the larger realm of Urdu literature. This work, along with his extensive body of subsequent writings; novels, short stories, and critical essays; cemented his literary stature. His novels, such as Nazr-e-Bunyadi, Pathar Pathar Aaina, and Ajab Zindagi Ghazab Maut, delve deeply into the complexities of human nature and society, blending raw reality with metaphorical and symbolic landscapes.

His short story collections "Kunware Alfaaz Ka Jazeera" and "Aasman Meri Muthi Mein" continue to captivate readers, grounding them in the realities of life with   unique narrative style. His short story collections, such as "Main Haal Aur Maazi," "Arastu Ki Wapsi" "Sheeshay Ka Samandar" and "Aakhir Kab Tak" showcase his versatile storytelling abilities, exploring both present and past with remarkable depth, clarity, and literary finesse.

Vehshi Syed's work has been the subject of numerous critical studies, with scholars seeking to unravel his narrative techniques and thematic concerns. His impact resonates within academic circles, inspiring M.Phil. and Ph.D. scholars at prestigious institutions like Jammu University, Hyderabad University, and Panjab University, Patiala.

The reach of his work extends far beyond the Urdu-speaking world. His stories, which resonate with universal themes of human experience, have been translated into several languages, ensuring that his literary brilliance reaches a global audience. "How That Abode Would Be" a collection of short stories translated into English by Mushtaq Barq, and translations of his works into Kashmiri by Rasheed Kanaspuri and into Hindi by Jawed Anwar, highlight the broad resonance of his themes across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Moreover to his literary achievements, Vehshi Syed has made significant contributions to the literary community. As Chief Editor of Nageena International and Patron for Life of the "Jammu and Kashmir Fiction Writers Guild," he has worked tirelessly to promote literary culture of Kashmir. His influence extends beyond the regional level, having served on the National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language. He has made his mark in the hospitality industry, serving as Chief Managing Director of Hotel Shahen-shah Palace in Kashmir, where he balances his business responsibilities with his lifelong dedication to literature.

His works have been featured in prestigious literary journals, including Shair (Mumbai), Beesween Sadi, Aalami Intikhab (Bhopal), and Mafahim. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Urdu Foundation Award, the Mohsin-e-Urdu Award, the Gulshan Raza Welfare Society Award, and the Sheikh-ul-Alam Educational Welfare Society Award. These recognitions, along with honors from the Jammu & Kashmir Fiction Writers Guild and the Inner Call Forum (Mumbai), reflect the lasting impact of his work on Urdu literature.

Vehshi Syed's contributions have also been formally recognized with awards, including the 23rd Abal-ded Cultural Forum Award and an honorary Ph.D. in Urdu Language and Literature from Northwest London University. His work has inspired a new generation of scholars, with students from universities like Jammu University and Hyderabad University now pursuing advanced degrees centered around his literary achievements.

The literary influences that shaped his work include some of the greatest names in Urdu literature, such as Premchand, Krishan Chander, Saadat Hasan Manto, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Their works contributed to his deep understanding of human emotions and societal realities, which he skillfully explores in his writing. His passion for reading, writing, and international travel further enriches his worldview and storytelling approach.

The renowned literary critic Shamsur Rahman Faruqi once remarked on his work:

“Vehshi Syed's stories stand out for their profound diversity in both subject and technique. Some of his work follows a simple, traditional narrative style, while others employ allegorical and symbolic methods, creating a layered experience for the reader. Through figures like Badshah, mystics, and mythic beings, he conveys deeper truths, yet his veils are light, allowing the reader to glimpse the essence behind them. His stories delve into human existence, exploring themes of oppression, the hunger for power, and the conscious choice of falsehood over truth. Works like Aasman Meri Muthi Mein resonate as tragic portraits of our times, capturing the emotional depth of human experience. His narratives make us more sensitive to life itself, offering stories that are not only relatable but also deeply real.”

Professor Hamidi Kashmiri, too, has commented on his fiction work, noting how it effectively expresses the psychological, intellectual, and ideological dimensions of the human condition. Among the distinguished voices in Urdu, Kashmiri, and Dogri fiction, Wahshi Sayed occupies a unique place. His early collections, such as Khawab Haqeeqat, Kunware Alfaaz Ka Jazeera, and Sadak Ja Rahi Hai, reveal his deep commitment to exploring complex themes through vivid characters and striking symbolism.

In his work, Aasman Meri Muthi Mein, Sayed addresses the complexities of contemporary life, the erosion of values, and the stark realities of governance and power. His stories, including Intazaar aur Main, Daulat, and Mulk Ka Akhri Badshah, engage readers with their thematic depth, transforming historical events into imaginative narratives that transcend time and place. His ability to reinterpret history allows readers to view these events in a new, fictional light, blurring the boundaries between reality and the surreal to create a multi-layered truth.

According to Deepak Budki, a renowned fiction writer of Jammu and Kashmir:

"Vehshi Syed started his writing career in the late sixties when Urdu literature was under the spell of Modernism. He used 'Sahil' as his pen name. Being a businessman, he moved to Mumbai, where he continued writing short stories that depicted life in the metropolis. However, over time, he became engrossed in work and stopped writing. The turmoil in Kashmir in the 90s infused fresh energy into his pen, and since then, he has written many short stories, alongside some novels. Compared to his earlier abstract expressions, he is now much more realistic and down-to-earth, producing some gems. Besides, he has been a patron of the literary movement in Kashmir as well as of the literary magazine, The Nagina."

Dr. Reyaz Tawheedi Kashmiri, a well-known fiction writer and critic, describes Vehshi Syed as a well known figure in Urdu literature, a man whose profound passion for language and storytelling permeates every aspect of his work. His dedication to Urdu transcends academia; it is a lifelong devotion that he fulfills with heart, mind, and spirit. As a cornerstone of the Kashmir Writers Guild, Vehshi Syed is not only a writer but also a nurturer of literary culture, enriching the community by organizing literary gatherings and seminars. His renowned works, such as Sadak Ja Rahi Hai, Kunware Alfaaz Ka Jazeera, Nawab Haqiqat, and Patthar Patthar Aaina, stand as monuments to his love for the literary pursuits, earning him accolades from universities and literary circles across the nation.

His narratives are remarkable for their blend of historical determinism and political allegory. His story Samri, for instance, stands out as a story where symbolism resonates even more powerfully than the plot itself, inviting readers to engage in deep reflection. Through characters that recall historical figures like Hitler, he offers a cautionary exploration of ambition, deception, and tyranny. His stories echo the tone of ancient parables, addressing timeless struggles with identity, power, and human frailty. With a deft hand, he crafts characters that embody the psychological egotism of those who misuse influence—from tyrants of the past to contemporary demagogues.

His narratives are imbued with a glimmer of hope and hint at a yearning for peace; a vision of white doves soaring beside the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. His work invites readers to ponder, to mourn, and, ultimately, to hope for a world touched by compassion and understanding, elevated by the lyrical beauty of his prose.

Vehshi Sayed’s literary legacy is immeasurable. His profound storytelling, keen insights into the human condition, and unwavering dedication to his craft have cemented his place as one of Kashmir’s literary treasures. With his works translated into multiple languages, his influence continues to resonate both in Kashmir and beyond, inspiring readers and scholars alike for generations to come.

Dr Basharat Khan is writer, columnist, critic and author of the book "Literary Beats" He can be reached at chogalwrit er76@gmail.com/devnalshispers.in