Kashmir, a land known for its breathtaking beauty, has long been a source of inspiration for poets, writers, and mystics alike. With snow-dusted mountains, emerald-green valleys, and tranquil lakes that mirror the sky, this paradise on earth has an allure that inspires even the simplest soul to seek poetry. In this enchanting landscape, where every corner whispers tales of beauty and mysticism, stands Nawaz Kashmiri, a poet, writer, and entrepreneur hailing from Zagipora, Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India. His words are infused with the spirit of Kashmir, and his journey through literature captures both the splendor and mystic depth of his homeland.
Nawaz Kashmiri is deeply influenced by the rich spiritual and mystic tradition of his native place. He often writes about eternal subjects surrounding love, desire, and spiritual seeking in many of his stories inspired by Sufi mysticism. His poetry takes us on a devotional tour across cultivated and wild lands, searching for how the human body carries itself in concert with the sacred form.
His work reflects the unique mystic heritage of Kashmir—a tradition steeped in spirituality and introspection. His writings evoke timeless themes of love, longing, and spiritual seeking, mirroring the ethos of Sufi mysticism that has long been an integral part of Kashmiri culture. With a deep reverence for life and the divine, his poetry weaves together tales of devotion, exploring how the human soul connects with the sacred and journeys toward self-discovery and transcendence.
In Divine Melodies, Nawaz Kashmiri guides readers on an intimate journey through the landscapes of the heart and spirit. Each poem is a stepping stone toward an understanding of life, love, and the divine, mirroring the landscapes of Kashmir itself—places of awe, beauty, and quiet revelation. From the heartfelt devotion expressed in “My Love to Divine” to the homage paid to spiritual guides in “Sheikhul Aalam (R.A),” each piece captures the spirit of self-discovery and the profound beauty of surrender to the divine. Titles like “Beyond the Glitter” and “Love Within” urge readers to look past the superficial, revealing the deeper beauty that lies within.
Nawaz’s poetry, like a Kashmiri valley in spring, unfolds with a delicate yet resilient beauty. “The Gentle Heart” touches upon the tenderness of love, while “The Law of Nature” speaks of eternal truths that unite us all. His reflections on relationships, identity, and the universal emotions that bind us are a reminder of our shared humanity. The phrase, “I Am Here to Love, Not to Leave,” strikes a universal chord, speaking to anyone who has experienced the transformative power of love, reminding us that true love transcends the physical and connects us to a divine purpose.
In Divine Melodies, Nawaz also explores the shadows of heartbreak, captured in “A Night of Shadows,” while “Eternal Embrace” offers a glimpse into the solace found in faith and connection. His words guide readers to reflect on their own journeys, with each poem serving as a quiet reminder of resilience, inner beauty, and the divine’s gentle presence. Pieces like “Candle and Butterfly” paint vivid imagery, inviting readers to embrace life’s dualities and see strength in vulnerability. His reverence for the sacred and the mundane shines through poems such as “Resilience in Her Eyes” and “Whispers of the Beloved,” inspiring readers to search within and recognize their own connection to the divine.
Nawaz Kashmiri holds a BBA and MBA in education and has employed nearly 50 people in Kashmir, escaping from the eyes of peacekeepers. His ability to stand on his feet proves that when God closes one door, He opens another. Each poem in Divine Melodies serves as both a window into Kashmiri heritage and a mirror that reflects universal truths. Nawaz’s ability to distill complex emotions into simple yet profound lines allows readers to see fragments of their own souls mirrored in his verses. Pieces such as “Canvas of Dreams” and “Silent Closeness” delve into the delicate interplay of hope and quiet introspection, capturing those moments when we find ourselves yearning for connection, yet at peace in solitude.
This collection is not only a poetic journey but also a deeply personal tribute to the people who have shaped Nawaz’s life. In his Acknowledgements, Nawaz extends his heartfelt gratitude to his father, Nazir Ahmad Rather, for his unwavering support and integrity—a foundation upon which Nawaz has built his life and work. His father’s values of hard work and humility shine through in Nawaz’s verses. He also honors his spiritual mentor, Ali Mohammad Sheerazi, whose teachings have been a guiding light on Nawaz’s spiritual path. The depth of his mentor’s wisdom and love for the divine has inspired the essence of Divine Melodies, helping Nawaz hear the sacred tunes that resonate within his soul.
Furthermore, Nawaz acknowledges his mother, Shameema, and his brothers, Yaqoob Nazir and Bilal Nazir, whose love and encouragement have been instrumental in his life. Each of them has played a unique role in shaping him into who he is today. Nawaz cherishes the bond they share as a family, a relationship rooted in love, strength, and resilience—a source of constant inspiration reflected in his writing. Lastly, he extends his gratitude to his readers, inviting them to share in the journey of Divine Melodies, a collection that resonates with the timeless beauty of Kashmir’s spirit.
Reading Divine Melodies has been a journey in itself, and it is my good fortune to have the chance to write the preface for this extraordinary collection. Through this book, Nawaz Kashmiri gifts us more than a collection of poems; he presents a mirror reflecting our deepest truths and a call to recognize the sacredness in every moment. His collection is both a deeply personal exploration and an invitation to readers to embark on their own journeys of spiritual introspection, seeking harmony within and without.
As I write this preface, I am honored to be part of this journey and to share this extraordinary collection with readers. In Divine Melodies, Nawaz Kashmiri gives us not only poetry but a chance to discover our own connection to the divine, to see our innermost truths reflected in his words, and to awaken to the beauty that surrounds us in every moment.
This review hopes to provide readers a glimpse into the profound experience that Divine Melodies offers. As Nawaz Kashmiri’s work becomes available on digital platforms, I encourage everyone to embrace his words and dive into the heartfelt verses that resonate with timeless beauty. His poetry reminds us that beneath the surface of life lies a spiritual depth waiting to be discovered—a call to awaken, to love, and to recognize the divine in all things.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon is a renowned Motivational Speaker and an Associate Editor of the weekly publication ‘Education Quill, can be mailed at akhoon.aubaid@gmail.com
