Tousif Raza
There is a never-ending stream of great voices in Kashmiri literature that symbolise wisdom, spirituality, and empowerment. Among these geniuses, Dr. Shahida Shabnum stands out as a trailblazing mystic composer who has made a lasting impression on Kashmir’s literary environment.
Dr. Shahida Shabnum, a famous figure in Kashmiri literature, has made an indelible impression on the world with her enthralling and insightful works. Her poetry captures the heart of feminism, a heritage started by Lal Ded that lives on today. Our feminist writing, like a flowing river, has rejuvenated hearts for decades, and Dr. Shabnum is a treasured female voice in this rich literary legacy.
Dr. Shabnum’s impact goes beyond her literary works. I was fortunate enough to obtain a selection of her books after meeting her while she was a Kashmiri language instructor at her college. The interaction was powerful and enlightening, instilling a strong desire to go into her life and examine her poems as a woman. This event acted as a link between generations of female poets, building a network that transcends decades. Dr. Shabnum is rightly regarded as one of the most prominent modern writers, and her creative prowess has been recognised with important awards such as the Sanskriti Award. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the Government Degree College Dangiwacha Rafiabad in Baramulla, where she teaches Kashmiri. Her presence as an educator demonstrates her dedication to cultivating the next generation of literary voices.
Dr. Shabnum’s creative works encompass an amazing collection of over 23 publications, with a focus on women’s issues portrayed in both prose and poetry. Her beautiful verses are a conduit for spiritual contemplation, penetrating into the metaphysical universe. Her poetry transcends the superficialities of the worldly world and offers a glimpse into a higher awareness with great depth. “Tresh Te Sehra,” one of her renowned works, teaches priceless lessons about love while revealing the core of heavenly connections. It depicts love as a transformational force in which every moment leads to the removal of a hundred veils, prompting us to let go of the limits of worldly existence. She leads readers on a journey that transcends physical limits and awakens emotions through her powerful words:
Following a protracted separation
has agitated me Saqi
Shahida Shabnam’s poetry collection is the result of a long period of fasting and spiritual exploration. This extended journey has produced a concept and a path that welcomes us and allows others to light up our hearts by guiding us down a variety of spiritual, mystic, and metaphysical paths. Her poetry carries a message of spiritual discipline. She writes:
Shall ever the spots of the inner heart vanish
Shall ever the dark nights drift apart
Oh! Shabnum, apply soap not to crows
These fading frills shall I put on never
She expresses the depths of her reflection and the tenacity of the human soul in these remarkable words. They serve as a reminder of the arduous path to self-discovery, whereby internal wounds are still open and the gloom of difficulties in life endures. The use of crows as a symbol for Shabnam’s commitment to reject superficiality is apparent in her poetry. She displays her persistent dedication to sincerity and a greater spiritual calling by refusing to dress herself with dwindling frills. She inspires us to embrace our actual selves and set out on a revolutionary journey towards inner liberation through her poetry.
The poetry contained within “Tresh Te Sehra” offers a profound assurance of the soul’s unwavering spiritual serenity, even as it resides within the confines of the physical body. It serves as a testament to the emergence of the spiritual realm, guiding readers towards an eternal voyage of love and an appreciation for the aesthetic world. Readers often find themselves commenting that these verses are not merely poetry but rather a mystifying enigma concealed within their hearts. The poems within this book serve as a transformative gateway, initiating the spiritual journey and brimming with profound wisdom and spiritual experiences. Each verse becomes a sacred passage, inviting readers to delve deeper into their own souls and unravel the mysteries that lie within.
This remarkable collection serves as a profound lesson in spiritual treasures, reminding us not to be content with mere stories but to explore the paths traversed by others. It encourages us to unfold our own myth, forge our own unique journey, and discover the precious treasures of love and light that await us. Shahida’s poetry skillfully weaves together themes of self-respect, self-containment, and love. Allow these lines to resonate within you:
I’ve lost the beat of life why shouldn’t I cry?
lost my language and my voice why shouldn’t I cry?
These poignant verses encapsulate the complexities of the human experience, evoking a sense of raw vulnerability and the inevitability of shedding tears in the face of adversity. Shahida’s profound words remind us that it is through acknowledging our pain and embracing our emotions that we truly embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Shahida Shabnam’s poetry possesses a unique linguistic quality, characterized by a seamless and lucid expression that resonates with both the common readership and the intellectual class. While her verses flow smoothly, there are moments where she employs subtle language techniques, adding layers of depth and intrigue. This duality allows her poetry to engage a wide audience, making it accessible to all while captivating those who seek profound contemplation. Shahida’s ability to strike this balance showcases her skill as a poet and solidifies her position as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
In Shahida Shabnam’s poetry, the character of the Mujahid embarks on a captivating journey in search of enduring peace. Her verses traverse a wide spectrum of topics, encompassing the depths of human suffering, the sorrows of life, and the profound experience of love. With unparalleled skill, Shahida not only crafts her poetry but also masters the art of interpreting the prevailing persecution of the times. She fearlessly advocates for love, bridging the divide between opposing forces and establishing a profound connection between them. Her poetry becomes a powerful medium through which she confronts societal challenges and advocates for unity and compassion amidst tumultuous times.
As a reader, I have arrived at a resolute conviction that Shabnum is a poet who endeavors to beckon humanity towards its essence, a realm where unparalleled beauty and intoxicating fragrances await those who embark on the quest for eternal tranquility. Upon concluding the reading of Shabnam’s verses, one cannot help but be compelled to ask themselves, “When will I embark on that profound journey of self-discovery?”
Dr. Shahida’s mysticism is evident in the seamless blending of intuition and reason that creates a tapestry of profound significance. Her poetry does not have a didactic tone; rather, it allows readers to savour the intricate hard work.
Dr. Shahida modestly declines to serve as a preacher. Instead, she eloquently shares the lessons she has learned from living her own life. She effectively blends these findings into throbbing sentences that radiate an undeniable vibrancy without diving into analytical deconstruction. She takes a suggestive style, letting readers go on their own interpretive escapades. In another instance, she beautifully conveys:
You enter and pay attention to this inner
heart’s beat.
To free your mind from fear shall encourage you
Your inner flute will begin to resound on its own.
To free your mind from fear shall encourage you
Her innate introspection serves as a steadfast filter, discarding the superficial and embracing the essence of purity. Her unerring intellect acts as the yardstick, guiding her poetic expressions. Thus, “syr bhowum narus” becomes a codified embodiment of her emotions, transcending mere moral or ethical discourse. Her poetry delves deep into the realms of the human experience, exploring the intricacies of emotions, thoughts, and spirituality. It surpasses conventional notions of right and wrong, instead delving into the profound realm of personal truth and authenticity. Dr. Shahida’s poetic compositions resonate with a profound sense of individuality, urging readers to embrace their own unique journeys of self-discovery.
The Author Hails from Tangmarg and can be reached at tousifeqbal555@gmail.com
