Noor Shah: Urdu Fiction Ka Roshan Sitara۔ Tariq Shabnum

Noor Shah:

Urdu Fiction Ka Roshan Sitara

Tariq Shabnum 

Author 

tariqs709@gmail.com

Noor Shah: A Luminous Star in the Galaxy of Urdu Fiction

Translated By

Asrar Amin

asraramin@gmail.com

The verdant valley of Kashmir, a land renowned for its breathtaking beauty and cultural grace, has also been the cradle of countless literary luminaries who have illuminated the sky of Urdu literature with their brilliance. Among these radiant figures, one name shines with particular distinction Noor Shah, a writer whose creative light has guided readers and writers alike for more than six decades.

To describe Noor Shah merely as a fiction writer would be to confine an ocean within a jar. He is, in every sense, a cultivator of words  a tireless craftsman who, like a devoted farmer, has ploughed the fertile soil of Urdu literature with the plough of his pen, sowing seeds of human emotion, social reality, and artistic truth. His name evokes respect not only in Jammu and Kashmir but across the Indian subcontinent, where his works are read, discussed, and cherished by lovers of Urdu fiction.

It is said that when the great Urdu novelist Asmat Chughtai was once asked what she knew of Kashmir, she replied, “I know Kashmir through Noor Shah.” Likewise, the celebrated fiction writer Krishan Chander confessed that although he had never set foot in Kashmir, he had seen it vividly through the stories of Noor Shah and Hamidi Kashmiri. Such acknowledgments from stalwarts of Urdu literature speak volumes about the depth and distinction of Noor Shah’s contribution. Even today, any conversation on contemporary Urdu literature in Kashmir feels incomplete without a mention of his name.

Noor Shah’s illustrious literary journey spans more than sixty years  a rare and remarkable achievement. During this time, he has nurtured multiple forms of creative expression, including short stories, novels, novellas, radio plays, and critical essays. Each of his works bears testimony to his profound understanding of human nature and his sensitive engagement with the sociopolitical fabric of his homeland.

Born in 1936 in Dalgate, a picturesque locality nestled on the banks of the serene Dal Lake in Srinagar, Noor Shah grew up in a family where scholarship and culture flourished. From an early age, he was drawn toward books and literary gatherings, which ignited his passion for writing. His formal literary debut came in 1959 when his first short story, “Gulab Ka Phool” (The Rose Flower), was published in the prestigious literary magazine Biswin Sadi (The Twentieth Century). That publication marked the beginning of a lifelong romance between Noor Shah and the world of Urdu letters a relationship that continues to inspire generations.

Since then, Noor Shah has published nine acclaimed short story collections, including "Be Ghaat Ki Naav", "Veerane Ke Phool", "Man Ka Aangan Udaas Udaas", "Ek Raat Ki Malika", "Gile Patharon Ki Mehek", "Be Samar Sach", "Aasman Phool Aur Lahoo", "Kashmir Kahani", and "Ek Mamooli Aadmi". Each of these works explores unique emotional and social terrains, presenting a rich diversity of themes and techniques. His fiction often moves fluidly between realism and symbolism, capturing the complexities of Kashmiri life with honesty and grace.

In addition to his short stories, Noor Shah has authored several novels and novellas, including "Neeli Jheel Kaale Saaye", "Payal Ki Zanjeer", "Aao So Jaayein', "Aadhi Raat Ka Sooraj", "Lamhe Aur Zanjirein", and "Band Kamre Ki Khidki". His non fiction works include the research volume "Jammu Kashmir ke Urdu Afsana Nigaar Taaruf", "Fun aur Mukalma" and a collection of literary sketches titled "Kahan Gaye Ye Log?". Beyond these, he is currently compiling his memoirs under the working title "Yaadein" (Memories) an intimate chronicle of his life and times.

Noor Shah’s creative versatility extends far beyond fiction. Over the years, he has written nearly one hundred radio and television plays and serials, many of which have been broadcast by Radio Kashmir Srinagar, Radio Jammu, Doordarshan Srinagar, and All India Radio’s Urdu Service. These works  ranging from domestic dramas to social satires resonated deeply with listeners for their warmth, wit, and realism.

Even while serving in senior government positions, Noor Shah never allowed his administrative duties to eclipse his literary devotion. During his tenure in the Department of Rural Development, he launched a magazine titled "Dehaat Sudhaar" (Rural Reform), which became widely popular across Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, the eminent Punjabi and Urdu fiction writer Khalid Hussain was also associated with this publication for a considerable period. Later, when Noor Shah moved to the Department of Science and Technology, his commitment to literature remained steadfast.

His lifelong dedication to Urdu literature has earned him numerous awards and honors, both from government institutions and independent literary bodies. Yet, those who know Noor Shah closely affirm that his true reward lies in the affection of his readers and the respect of his peers.

Beyond his personal literary achievements, Noor Shah has been an ardent advocate for the promotion of the Urdu language in Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout his career, he has been associated with several literary and cultural organizations, including the Jammu and Kashmir Writers’ Society, the Urdu Coordination Committee (University of Kashmir), the Urdu Committee (Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education), and the World Urdu Press, New Delhi.

He also served on the Advisory Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Fiction Writers’ Guild and actively participated in the Kashmir Cultural Conference. After his retirement from government service, Noor Shah, along with several like minded literary figures including the late Umar Majeed, Sheen Meem Ahmad, Jan Mohammad Azad, Dr. Ashraf Aasari, Shabir Matji, and Nazir Ahmad Nazir established the Jammu and Kashmir Urdu Academy, an organization dedicated to the promotion of Urdu language and literature.

Under his leadership, the Academy launched an eponymous literary journal, Urdu Academy, which he continues to edit. Over time, many distinguished writers and scholars such as Javed Matji, Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Wajiha Ahmad Andrabi, Hasan Sahoo, Dr. Riyaz Tawhidi, Riyaz Khawar, Mohammad Aslam Khateeb, Syed Mubashir Rifa’i, Mushtaq Kaini, Nasser Zameer, and Abdul Rashid Rahgeer  joined hands with him in this noble mission.

He has also been associated with Nageena International, the well known magazine edited by Wahshi Saeed from Srinagar, and has served as guest editor for the Kashmir Number of Mumbai’s reputed monthly Taryaq.

Despite his relentless efforts, Noor Shah has often expressed disappointment over the lack of meaningful governmental support for Urdu in Jammu and Kashmir. In a recent interview, he candidly remarked: “We have always been disappointed with the government in this regard. The support we expected has never been extended. The role of the authorities has remained limited to hollow promises and token gestures, while the story of their unfulfilled commitments continues endlessly.”

Those who have met Noor Shah speak not only of his literary excellence but also of his gentle temperament and humane spirit. Soft spoken, humble, and approachable, he treats everyone  from seasoned scholars to budding writers with equal warmth and sincerity. His generosity of heart extends beyond literature; he is ever willing to help others, especially the young and aspiring writers whom he mentors with patience and encouragement.

To many of his protégés, Noor Shah is not merely a teacher but a living institution. He believes that literature is a moral calling, one that demands both sensitivity and courage. By guiding new voices in fiction and sharing insights into narrative technique and thematic depth, he has shaped a new generation of Urdu writers who continue to carry forward his legacy.

Themes, Vision, and Craft

A careful reading of Noor Shah’s fiction reveals the breadth of his observation and the depth of his thought. His stories are marked by realism and compassion, enriched with sociocultural insight and psychological nuance. Whether addressing love and longing, poverty and corruption, or the gendered struggles of women in patriarchal society, his narratives consistently reflect the conscience of a humane writer deeply invested in truth.

  The renowned critic Professor Hamidi Kashmiri once wrote about Noor Shah’s art: “A successful short story writer avoids unnecessary explanation and verbosity  he leaves much to the imagination of the reader. Noor Shah’s stories exemplify this virtue. They require no elaborate exposition or dramatic climax; their strength lies in subtlety and suggestion. This marks a refreshing evolution in the craft of Urdu fiction.”

Over the years, much has been written about Noor Shah’s contributions to Urdu fiction. Recently, young Kashmiri writer Iqbal Lone published a book titled Noor Shah: Fikr Aur Fiction (Noor Shah: Thought and Fiction), a critical study of his literary philosophy and technique. Moreover, several scholars across Indian universities have undertaken M.Phil. and Ph.D. research on his works, attesting to their academic and artistic importance.

Noor Shah’s writing possesses the rhythm of a mountain stream and the mystical allure of a moonlit journey. His prose flows effortlessly  at times tender and lyrical, at times piercing and provocative. In every story, he reminds us that literature is not merely an act of imagination but also a moral responsibility  to bear witness, to empathize, and to inspire.

As he continues to work on his memoirs, Noor Shah remains an enduring symbol of creative integrity and linguistic devotion. His pen has illuminated not only the pages of Urdu literature but also the conscience of an entire generation.

May the Almighty grant him continued health, strength, and the light to keep guiding us with his words. “When he speaks, every word breathes fragrance 

for only he can utter speech that smells of Urdu.”