Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's Literary Odyssey

Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's Literary Odyssey

A Voyage Through Words And Healing Hands 

Dr. BASHARAT KHAN

Amidst the hallowed corridors of literary history, there dwell narratives etched in the annals of time, resonating across epochs and inviting us to journey through the vast landscapes of the human spirit. Within this melodic fusion of prose and poetry, the legacy of these literary luminaries stands as an enduring anthem, a timeless celebration of the limitless power intrinsic to the written word.

Dr. Nazir Mushtaq stands as a beacon, his narrative journey transcending both the healing touch of medicine and the transformative power of words.

Born in the scenic beauty of Panipora Zaloora in Sopore, Kashmir, in 1951, Dr. Nazir Mushtaq unfolds a tale seamlessly blending academia with the delicate threads of his literary pursuits.

His educational odyssey, from the revered Markazi Darasgah Islami Nawab Bazar, Srinagar, to the esteemed halls of Government Medical College for his MBBS and MD degrees, sets the stage for an extraordinary literary voyage. Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's narrative tapestry extends beyond the medical realm, embracing the presidency of the Jammu and Kashmir Fiction Writers Guild, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural and literary landscape.

As a maestro of fiction, his written expressions navigate novels, short stories, and insightful medical treatises. Rooted in profound engagement with the written word, Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's literary endeavors mirror keen observations of contemporary societal nuances. His leadership at the helm of Government Medical College, Srinagar, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to both medicine and literature.

The literary odyssey gracefully extends into television dramas, where Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's scripts not only captivate but deeply resonate. Honored with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award and entrusted with leadership roles in various literary associations, he remains a guiding force shaping and redefining the literary landscape.

His journey, commencing in the 8th standard as an essayist with the nationally acclaimed piece "Jinhein Din Mein Panch Bar Pukara Jata Hein," illustrates the enduring impact of his words.

In the medical domain, Dr. Mushtaq seamlessly integrates medical acumen with a passion for storytelling. As a life member of the Indian Medical Association and the Indian Medical Public Health Administration, his literary journey commenced with the essay "Jinhein Din Mein Panch Bar Pukara Jata Hein," finding a place in Kids Magazine Noor.

The genesis of his prolific fiction career dates back to the inaugural short story, "Badnaseeb," published in daily Aftab in 1970.

Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's literary spectrum extends beyond the written word to radio, television, stage plays, and more. Noteworthy works include the novel "Paigam" and screenplay for "Mera Dost Mera Dushman," alongside tele serials like "Zanjeer," "Dadgah," and "Kaash." and three super hit films for TV, mach Wapsee, Hakim Saab.

In the field of journalism, Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's columns in Daily Kashmir Uzma showcase not only his satirical prowess but also his versatility. Significant contributions to medical journalism shine in the pages of his book "Sihat Kamil," serving as a guiding light for aspiring writers and translation of international book " India's Vaccine Growth Story by Sajan Singh Yadav into Kashmiri Language. 

His collection of 100 short stories, "Tinkey" (Straws), stands as a masterpiece.

In the enchanting realm of literary brilliance, Dr. Reyaz Tawheedi Kashmiri eloquently delves into the captivating tapestry of Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's short story collection, "Tinkey" (Straws), in his Urdu column Tinkey Ak Mutalah.

"Within this literary sanctuary, Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's narratives, adorned with humor and subtle wit, traverse the intricate landscapes of social, economic, and psychological dimensions. Each story within "Tinkey" serves as a radiant brushstroke on the canvas of artistic brilliance, celebrating unsung heroes while delicately addressing the shadows in society's darker corners. This collection emerges as a captivating portrayal of integrity, a testament to Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's commitment to unveiling the positive tapestry of society."

The fusion of artistic flair with profound messages elevates "Tinkey" beyond mere storytelling; it becomes a symphony of reflections on the human experience.The overall impact on the creative mind is an undeniable cascade of positivity, transcending the ordinary and standing as a testament to literature's enduring power.

Professor Muhammad Aslam Bhat also sheds light on "Tinkey" (Straws)  and describes Dr. Nazir Mushtaq, an esteemed practicing physician in Kashmir, unveiling "Tinkey" (Straws), a collection of 100 captivating micro-short stories (afsanche) in Urdu. Renowned for his literary acumen and passion for Urdu, Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's tales navigate societal shifts and existential challenges in Kashmir.

In "Tinkey," his narratives serve as a poignant reminder of the evolving Kashmiri society, questioning entrenched values. The collection encapsulates the perspectives of both the older generation, rooted in tradition, and the younger generation witnessing societal transformations.

For the connoisseurs of literature, it brings me immense joy to unveil a brief narrative authored by the  Dr. Nazir Mushtaq in Urdu  "Kash." This short story has been deftly translated into English with eloquence by the erudite Professor Muhammad Aslam.

کاش

ڈاکٹر نذیر مشتاق

رات کے دو بجے تک پرائیویٹ کلینک میں مریضوں کے درمیان گھرے رہنے کے بعد وہ گھر میں داخل ہوا۔ بیوی نے مسکراتے ہوئے اس کا استقبال کیا اور جب تک اس نے کپڑے بدلے تب تک بیوی نے ڈائنگ ٹیبل مختلف قسم کے پکوانوں سے سجایا۔ 

دونوں بیڑ روم میں داخل ہوئے۔  ڈاکٹر جمیل جلد ہی نیند کی دیوی کے ساتھ عشق کرنے لگے  اور ان کی بیوی نجمہ کھلی آنکھوں سے خواب دیکھنے لگی۔ 

صبح چھ بجے ڈاکٹر جمیل جاگے نہا دھو کر کلینک جانے کی تیاری کرنے لگے پرائیویٹ کلینک پر گیارہ بجے تک مریضوں کا علاج کرتے رہے اور پھر بارہ بجے سرکاری اسٹیٹ اسپتال پہنچے۔ اپنے دفتر میں داخل ہوئے ہی چپراسی سے کہا "دروازے پر تالا چڑھاو ۔ کوئی میرے بارے میں پوچھے تو کہنا'صاحب میٹنگ میں ہے۔"۔اندر سے کنڑی چڑھوائی اور فون آف موڑ پر رکھ کے نینڈ کی دیوی سے پیار کرنے لگے۔ 

دن کے دو بجے اسٹیٹ اسپتال کے قریب ایک حادثے میں ایک نوجوان شدید زخمی ہو گیا ۔ اسے چند افراد اسی اسپتال میں لے آیے ۔ سب ڈاکٹر اندر مختلف وارڑز میں کووڈ مریضوں کے ساتھ مشغول تھے۔ ڈاکٹر جمیل کا فون  آف تھا ۔ چپراسی نے ادھر ادھر دیکھ کر قفل کھولا اور ڈاکٹر جمیل سے التجا کی کہ وہ ایمرجنسی مریض کی جان بچائے مگر ڈاکٹر جمیل نے اونچی آواز میں کہا دفع ہوجاؤ۔ میں بہت تھک گیا ہوں۔ مجھے آرام کرنے دو۔کسی اور ڈاکٹر کو ڈھونڈو۔ چار بجے وہ پرائیویٹ کلینک پر پہنچا ا س نے فون آن کیا ۔ فون بج اٹھا۔ 

اس کا بھائی کہہ رہا تھا:

"بھائی صاحب'وہ پھوٹ پھوٹ کر رونے لگا۔  بھائی صاحب ہمارا سلیم آج دن کے دو بجے اسٹیٹ اسپتال کے پاس ایک حادثہ میں۔۔۔۔۔ کسی ڈاکٹر نے اس کا علاج نہیں کیا ۔ آپ کسی ‌میٹنگ میں مصروف تھے۔ آپکا فون آف تھا کاش آپ اسپتال میں ہوتے۔اب آپ جلدی آیے بھابھی بے ہوش ہو گئی ہے۔  آخر اس کا اکلوتا جوان بیٹا۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔ڈاکٹر جمیل کو ایسا لگا کہ اس کے دماغ کی کوی خون ‌کی نالی پھٹ گیی اور وہ ہمیشہ کے لیے گونگا ہو گیا  ۔

WOULD THAT!

At 2 in the night, he entered his home after being thronged with patients at his private clinic.The wife welcomed him with a smile. While he was changing dress, she set the table with different dishes. 

Both went to their bedroom. Dr Jameel immediately sunk into sleep and his wife,

 Najma, spent the night in dreaming with her eyes open. He got up at 6 in the morning,had a shower and got ready for the clinic. After seeing the patients at his private clinic up to 11, he reached the Government State Hospital by 12. Immediately after entering his office room, he told his peon, 

"Lock the room. If anybody asks about me, tell them that Sir us in a meeting."

He bolted the door from inside, put his phone on switched off mode and sank into a deep sleep. 

At 2, an accident took place near the State Hospital in which a young man was badly injured.

 A few people brought to this hospital. All the doctors were busy with Covid patients in different wards. Dr Jameel's phone was switched off. The peon looked here and there, opened the lock and begged Dr Jameel to save the life of an emergency patient.

 Dr Jameel restored,

"Get lost. Let me sleep. I'm tired. Find out some other doctor."

At 4, he reached his private clinic. He switched on his phone. It rang. His brother was saying,

"Brother [He started crying], Brother, in an accident at 2 today, our Saleem______. No doctor treated him. You were busy in some meeting. Your phone was off. Would that you were there at the hospital. Please come quickly now. Bhabi has fainted. After all, her only youthful son______."

Dr Jameel felt as if a carotid artery of his had ruptured, and that he had become dumb for good!"

Dr. Nazir Mushtaq adeptly addresses a spectrum of societal issues, from corruption to cultural shifts, through vibrant characters and compelling situations. The stories invite contemplation on the evolving dynamics of Kashmiri society, impacting individuals across professions and backgrounds.

Enhanced by its aesthetic appeal, coupled with Dr. Nazir Mushtaq's storytelling finesse, "Tinkey" emerges as a mirror reflecting the intricacies of a society in transition. Categorized as 'straws,' these stories illuminate the fragments breaking apart in Kashmiri society, providing a compelling exploration of its diverse themes.

Acknowledged for his literary prowess, Dr. Nazir Mushtaq has been honored as the Best Scriptwriter seven times and bestowed with a Lifetime Award for his literary endeavors. His leadership as the President of the Jammu Kashmir Fiction Writers' Guild further solidifies his influence in literary circles.

Beyond the realms of literature, Dr. Nazir Mushtaq dons diverse roles, including a news translator at Radio Kashmir and DD Srinagar, a translator from Persian to English in Iran, and a comparer at DD Srinagar. 

His enduring commitment to Urdu literature and medical journalism resonates, earning him widespread acclaim and a trail of accolades throughout his illustrious and enduring career.

Dr Basharat is a writer, critic, columnist and blogger. He can be reached here.