By Asrar Amin
Dr. Shahida Shabnum, a distinguished scholar, poet, and educator, stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of Kashmiri literature. Hailing from the picturesque district of Kupwara, she has made significant contributions to the literary and academic spheres, carving an enduring legacy. Her journey, marked by determination and passion, underscores her profound impact on Kashmiri culture, language, and literature.
Dr. Shahida Shabnum began her academic journey in her native Kupwara district, where she completed her primary education. Demonstrating exceptional promise, she went on to complete her higher secondary education at Amira Kadal Higher Secondary School in Srinagar, achieving outstanding marks. This academic success paved the way for her admission to Women’s College, Nowakadal, where she pursued her Bachelor of Arts degree.
Her academic pursuits did not stop there. Dr. Shabnum later joined the University of Kashmir, where she completed her Master of Arts (M.A.) in Kashmiri language, an M.Phil., and ultimately a Ph.D. in Kashmiri literature. In 2008, she qualified for the National Eligibility Test (NET), a testament to her dedication and intellectual prowess. During her time at Nowakadal, she began exploring her passion for writing under the mentorship of Professor Naseem Shafaie, an esteemed scholar who guided her early forays into the literary world.
Dr. Shabnum’s literary journey began during her M.A. studies when she published her first collection of fiction, Nabidbor. This work was launched in the prestigious Kashmiri Department of the University of Kashmir, within the auditorium of Iqbal Library. Her commitment to Kashmiri literature earned her three gold medals for securing the top position in her field. She also received the “Adbi Mehfil” Outstanding Certificate, a recognition of her role as General Secretary of this esteemed literary organization for two years.
Her literary portfolio expanded with the publication of several works. In 2002, she released Watchukh Wath, a collection of nazams, followed by Traish Te Sehraw in 2014, a collection of ghazals. Her prose work Zain Panie Mandchyes, published in 2015, further cemented her reputation as a literary powerhouse. Dr. Shabnum’s work reflects a deep connection to Kashmiri culture and heritage, making her a celebrated figure in the region’s literary landscape.
Dr. Shabnum’s creative endeavors are rooted in a rich familial legacy. Her father, a police officer, was also a writer of several Naat Shareefs, instilling in her a love for spirituality and poetic expression. She draws inspiration from iconic poets such as Professor Naseem Shafaie, Dr. Aziz Hajini, Ali Mohammad Shahbaz, Shams Faqeer, and Ahmad Batwari, whose works have profoundly influenced her style and vision.
Apart from her published collections, Dr. Shabnum has also authored Anqa, a biographical work on poets, released in 2015. For over 16 years, she has been dedicated to a comprehensive project exploring the lives and contributions of Kashmiri Sufi poets, including Lal Ded and Sheikh-ul-Alam.
Her work in translation showcases her versatility and commitment to cultural exchange. In 2019, she translated “Moomnou Ki Mayain” by Professor Dr. Tahir, followed by the translation of “Jahan Tak Zindagi Hai ” by Khushbir Singh Shaad in 2021, which was launched at Jammu University. In 2023, she published “Kasheeri Phyurus Ande Andi”, unveiled at Aligarh Muslim University.
Currently, Dr. Shabnum is working on several ambitious projects. These include “Girdi Aab”, a collection of short stories, and “Su Zolukh Zindie”, a novel she has been meticulously crafting for over 20 years. She has also completed two bilingual books, “Mulaqati Shabnum”, in Kashmiri and Urdu. Her translation of the holy book of Hadith, Sahih Bukhari, into Kashmiri marks another milestone in her illustrious career.
Dr. Shabnum’s remarkable achievements have been acknowledged through numerous awards. In 2011, she received the Sanskriti National Award for Literature. In 2024, she was honored with the Sharif Shahbaz Award. Additionally, the Cultural Forum of Kupwara presented her with the “Daughter of Soil” Award, recognizing her profound contributions to her native district.
Dr. Shabnum’s professional journey is as illustrious as her literary career. She began her teaching career in the Department of School Education, J&K, in 2009, transitioning to the Department of Higher Education in 2016. Currently, she is posted at the Government Degree College Handwara, where she serves in the Department of Kashmiri. Her roles have included convening cultural activities, organizing seminars, and mentoring students, showcasing her dedication to education and cultural preservation.
Dr. Shahida Shabnum’s life and work embody the spirit of dedication, creativity, and perseverance. From her humble beginnings in Kupwara to her position as a celebrated scholar and writer, her journey serves as an inspiration to many. Through her writings, translations, and academic contributions, she continues to enrich Kashmiri literature and culture, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
Her work is a testament to the power of language and literature in bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding. As she
forges ahead with her ongoing projects, Dr. Shabnum remains a guiding light for aspiring writers and scholars, reinforcing the timeless beauty of Kashmiri language and literature.
Authour Asrar Amin can be reached @ asraramin@gmail.com
