Syed Nissar H Gilani
As I reflect on my recently published article, “The Family of Distinction, Naqashbandis in Medicine,” I realized that I inadvertently overlooked several notable individuals who deserve recognition. I take this opportunity to acknowledge their remarkable achievements and extend the family’s illustrious legacy.
Dr. Syed Assad Naqashbandi, son of Dr. Ashraf Naqashbandi, was a brilliant orthopedic surgeon who tragically passed away at 40 while serving the state. He graduated with distinction from Calcutta University, leaving an indelible mark on the medical community. His younger brother, Prof. Saleem Naqashbandi, and Dr. Assad’s father-in-law, the late Chisti Sahab, a former Registrar of Kashmir University, add to the family’s legacy. Dr. Assad is survived by his wife, a brilliant medico, their talented daughter Amina Assad Naqashbandi, an architect and chief designer, and their promising son.
Another distinguished member is Dr. Khallid Naqashbandi, younger brother of the late Dr. Jha Ara Naqashbandi, who has established a successful medical practice in the UK. The sons of retired Judge Tariq Naqashbandi have also pursued careers in various branches of medicine abroad, further solidifying the family’s medical legacy.
The Naqashbandi family’s excellence extends beyond medicine to the realm of art. Syed Muzaffar Naqashbandi, Syed Aslam Naqashbandi, and Syed Suhail Naqashbandi, sons of the late Syed Shad Naqashbandi, have made significant contributions to the art world. Their art gallery at Buta Kadal, Srinagar, showcases their creative prowess, and their cousin, Yousuf Naqashbandi, is an award-winning artist.
One individual who deserves special mention is the late Syed Salam Shah Naqashbandi, a distinguished member of the family. Married to an English lady, he spent a significant part of his life in his palatial home in the downtown area of Khushah Sahab, Srinagar. I vividly remember visiting this magnificent house in 1953, when my aunt got married and we utilized the late Syed Salam Shah Naqashbandi’s palatial house, courtesy of our family connection – my grandfather, through my mother’s side, being a cousin of Syed Salam Shah Naqashbandi. The sprawling lawns, acres wide and meticulously maintained with a variety of flowers, were nothing short of paradise. The presence of a Volkswagen car and bodyguards in full attire added to the princely ambiance.
Syed Salam Shah Naqashbandi had two sons, Hissam and Nizam, and two daughters. One daughter married former Chief Secretary Peerzada Ahmed, and the other, Salima Naqashbandi, married Col. Qadir Needos, brother-in-law of Sheikh Abdullah. I had the privilege of meeting Salima Needos at her palatial house in the premises of the well-known Needos Hotel. She was known for her impeccable etiquette, vast knowledge of world affairs, and exceptional command of the English language, likely influenced by her English stepmother. Salima was an art lover and had decorated her house with antiques. She authored a book titled “Royal House,” which describes her father’s legacy as Dy. Governor and administrator during the Maharaja’s time and recounts stories about famine in Kashmir, where her father was responsible for distributing free rations among the subjects. The aid distributed during this period became known as “Salam Shah’s Tsouch” and remains a lasting legacy.
Sadly, the palatial house of Syed Salam Shah Naqashbandi no longer exists, and a significant portion of the sprawling lawns was acquired for the Nalla Mar road and the Khanayar police station.
I also wish to mention Dr. Seema, daughter of Dr. Jha Ara Naqashbandi, an up-and-coming medico in the UK, and Dr. Zahidha, the promising daughter of late Dr Judge Mubarak shah⁷ Naqashbandi. My apologies to Amina Assad for missing her father’s name in my previous article.
If, despite my best efforts, some important members of the Naqashbandi family have been inadvertently omitted, I humbly seek pardon.
As a member of this esteemed family through my late mother, I have had the privilege of understanding their values and traditions. I conclude with fond memories of late Syed Shah Niaz Naqashbandi, who excelled in forestry and retired as Chief Conservator of Forests.
“In conclusion, I would like to dedicate this piece to the loving memory of the late Syed Mohd Syed Naqashbandi ,former DG ,Radio and PTV and a distinguished member of the Naqasbandi family. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Aameen.
The writer is former Assistant Commissioner of Revenue Department.
