Noor Shah’s Writings: Perspectives from Litterateurs and Critics

Noor Shah’s Writings: 

Perspectives from Litterateurs and Critics

 Dr. Basharat Khan

Among the distinguished contemporary fiction writers of Kashmir, Noor Shah stands out as a figure of considerable importance. For nearly a decade, he has devoted himself to the art of storytelling, consistently crafting works that resonate with readers. His short stories have garnered acclaim for their depth and originality, securing him a notable position in the literary landscape. The recognition of his work extends beyond regional boundaries, earning praise at the national level for its innovation and narrative prowess.

This article seeks to provide an overview of Noor Shah’s contributions through the insights of several renowned fiction writers and critics. These perspectives will elucidate the impact of Noor Shah’s work on the literary community, highlighting his unique voice and the significance of his narratives in the broader context of contemporary literature.

Noor Muhammad Shah, widely known by his pen name Noor Shah, was born in Dalgate Durgjan, Srinagar, on July 19, 1936. He is a remarkable blend of literary brilliance and dedicated public service. His writing, much like the gentle yet steadfast flow of the Jhelum River, has left an indelible mark on the art of storytelling.

With a Bachelor's degree as his formal education, Noor Shah embarked on a distinguished career in government, holding key positions such as Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development and Director of Science and Technology. However, it was his deep-seated passion for literature that truly defined him. As a committed advocate for Urdu, he played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the language, notably as President of the Jammu and Kashmir Urdu Academy and through his editorial work with various prestigious publications.

Noor Shah’s literary output, comprising novels, short stories, and radio dramas, showcases his profound understanding of human nature. His works, including Veeranay ke Phool and Neeli Jheel, Kaale Saaye, resonate far beyond Kashmir’s borders, exploring universal themes of love, loss, and existential reflection. Translated into multiple languages, his stories have carried the essence of his homeland to a global audience.

Dr. Fareed Parbati praises Noor Shah’s literary contributions:

"In my view, Noor Shah distinguishes himself among contemporary Urdu writers with his vibrant and engaging work, marked by keen observations and an engaging narrative style. His short stories demonstrate artistic precision and evolution, adhering to the fundamental objectives of literary creation. He excels in portraying harsh realities of life, eroded values, and personal conflicts with exceptional storytelling skill. His plots, drawn from everyday life, are presented with remarkable creativity and coherence, often achieving a level of refinement that resembles poetic prose."

Professor Quddus Javid as well known critic and scholar comments:

"In narratology, a story must fulfill its narrative role independently of its stylistic attributes: whether romantic, realist, straightforward, or symbolic. This principle is particularly relevant for writers who embody their narratives, using their stories to experience and reflect upon life and time. Today, short stories and novels hold a significant place in social discourse. Noor Shah’s extensive fifty-year career, blending romanticism with realism, exemplifies this notion. While he might not recall the exact number of his stories, his contributions, including early works for Bazicha-e-Sukhan, hold significant artistic value beyond mere stylistic exercises."

Professor Shakeel U Rehman  observes:

"Noor Shah’s writing is celebrated for its masterful integration of theme and technique. It offers a profound exploration of romanticism, skillfully connecting characters with their environments to create lasting impressions. His nuanced portrayal of sensuality and values is particularly evident in stories like "Khushboo Ka Safar" and "Aakhri Din Ki Talash," which provide deep insights into female psychology. Furthermore, his engagement with tragedies of life is powerfully demonstrated in stories such as "Woh Ek Shakhs Tha" and "Zameen Khulegi Zuban," where he captures the depth of human experience with exceptional sensitivity and depth."

Professor Hamidi Kashmiri lauds Noor Shah as a distinguished fiction writer, whose works, such as the notable collection "Be-Samar Sach," showcase a distinctive creative vision. Despite a period of seclusion, he maintained his productivity, underscoring his dedication to literary innovation and personal expression in the face of changing narrative techniques.

Mohammad Yousuf Taing describes Noor Shah as an exceptional Urdu short story writer, celebrated for his fluid and engaging narrative style. M Y Taing praises his skill in creating vivid, nuanced portraits of real people, capturing their essence with remarkable precision. He lauds Noor Shah's work as both illuminating and enriching, acknowledging the wide admiration he has earned throughout his career.

 Deepak Budki remarks:

"Noor Shah’s literary journey, spanning over fifty years, reflects his deep engagement with human experiences and societal upheavals. His early works, characterized by romantic and aesthetic ideals, captivated readers with their idealism. However, the political turbulence in Kashmir led him to adopt a more realistic portrayal of suffering. His works, including "Kahan Gaye Woh Log" blend personal recollections with literary critique, balancing romanticism with realism. His efforts in preserving Kashmiri literary traditions are both significant and enduring."

Dr. Reyaz Tawheedi notes:

" Noor Shah’s collection "Kashmir Kahani" offers a poignant portrayal of the Kashmiri people’s suffering through decades of conflict. Stories such as "Yehi Sach Hai" and "Udaan" vividly capture the omnipresence of death and loss in the region. Characters like Salman, who symbolize the tragic fate of many lost to violence, reflect the painful reality of countless Disappearances. His  evocative imagery and portrayal of human suffering honor the resilience of people, establishing him as a major contemporary voice in Urdu literature."

The JK Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages has published a special August 2024 issue of Sheeraza Urdu, dedicated to Noor Shah. This edition highlights his substantial impact on Urdu literature, featuring in-depth analyses by veteran writers and critics.

Salim Salik editor Sheeraza Urdu remarks:

"The history of Urdu short stories in Jammu and Kashmir spans nearly a century. Despite this, the contributions have often been overlooked by the broader literary world. Claims that Jammu and Kashmir has not produced significant writers are inaccurate and diminish serious discourse. The works of prominent figures like Prem Nath Pardesi, Prem Nath Dar, Thakur Punchhi, Pushkar Nath, Umar Majid, and Noor Shah refute these claims. Recognizing their contributions is essential.

This Special Sheeraza Number celebrates Noor Shah, whose 65-year career blends romanticism with realism. His extensive oeuvre includes short stories, plays, and novels, alongside significant contributions to literary journalism and mentorship in Jammu and Kashmir."

Thus, it is apparent that critics and reviewers have not only praised Noor Shah’s short story writing but have also affirmed his notable literary standing. His stories, which deftly combine romantic themes with a nuanced exploration of social and environmental issues, captivate readers and offer them a compelling and engaging experience.

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