Speakers Remember Him as a Sensitive Poet, Conscientious Writer, Visionary Filmmaker, and Ethical Journalist
By Jameel Ansari
Srinagar, November 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) today organised a solemn condolence-cum-tribute meeting at the Conference Hall of Tagore Hall, Srinagar, in memory of the eminent Kashmiri poet, short story writer, dramatist, journalist, and filmmaker, Late Fayaz Dilber. The event was marked by deep emotion and reverence as writers, poets, artists, and intellectuals gathered to celebrate his life and creative legacy.
The proceedings began with Fateh Khawani (prayers) for the eternal peace of the departed soul. The session was presided over by noted writer and scholar Prof. Majrooh Rashid, while Ideel Saleem, Additional Secretary of JKAACL, delivered the inaugural address.
In his remarks, Ideel Saleem reiterated the Academy’s unwavering commitment to honouring literary and creative luminaries who have significantly contributed to the promotion of Kashmiri language, literature, and culture. He described it as the Academy’s moral and institutional duty to preserve the memory of such figures through regular commemorative events and literary initiatives.
The presidium included Prof. Farooq Fayaz, Shabir Mujahid, Ayash Arif, Ideel Saleem, and Jawaid Iqbal. The event witnessed an impressive turnout of writers, poets, filmmakers, producers, journalists, and scholars whose presence lent grace and gravitas to the occasion.
Speakers from both the presidium and the audience fondly recalled Fayaz Dilber as a multidimensional creative force — a sensitive poet, a writer of conscience, a visionary filmmaker, and a journalist of rare integrity. They remembered him as “an institution in himself” who devoted his entire life to the pursuit of art, truth, and human values.
In his presidential address, Prof. Majrooh Rashid observed that Fayaz Dilber’s short stories vividly portray the beauty, struggle, and emotional depth of Kashmiri life. He noted that Dilber’s creative spectrum was expansive — encompassing journalism, theatre, and cinema — and his loss has left a deep void in the intellectual and cultural fabric of Kashmir.
Speakers highlighted that Fayaz Dilber’s writings represent a meaningful confluence of social consciousness and artistic expression, making him one of the most distinguished voices of modern Kashmiri prose.
Prominent personalities including Mohammad Amin Bhat, Imdad Saqi, Rahim Rehbar, Naushaad Ghayoor, Gulfam Barji, Prof. Bashar Bashir, Shamshad Kralawari, and Inayat Gul shared personal anecdotes and literary memories, paying heartfelt tributes to their departed friend and colleague.
The proceedings were ably conducted by Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Rather. In his vote of thanks, Jawaid Iqbal Khan, Editor (Kashmiri), expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed the Academy’s resolve to continue preserving and celebrating the creative legacies of Kashmir’s literary icons. He noted that Fayaz Dilber’s works embody a harmonious blend of Kashmiri temperament and universal human values, assuring that the Academy will keep his memory alive through upcoming publications and literary programmes.
