Dr Muhmmad Amin Malik
Renowned writer and physician Dr. Javid Iqbal passed away in Srinagar on Thursday after a prolonged illness. The octogenarian was widely admired for his contributions to medicine, literature, academics, columnist and public thought. He consistently wrote in newspapers like Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir and other papers and engaged with social, cultural, political and literary issues around. Through his writings, scholarship, and professional service, he touched countless lives which earned him a distinct place in the intellectual life of J&K and beyond. He wrote books, columns and delivered lectures on varied issues. His demise was widely mourned across academic, literary, and social circles in the Valley. It marked the end of an illustrious chapter which left a void in the intellectual landscape of the region.
In the summer of 2010, Greater Kashmir carried a lively and widely discussed debate on the use of the title “Dr.” by both PhD holders and medical professionals. The issue generated considerable public interest and evolved into an engaging discourse marked by strong opinions by authors in a highly charged atmosphere. Medical professionals contended that the title “Dr.” was primarily the prerogative of physicians, while academics strongly defended its use by PhD holders, giving rise to spirited and sometimes heated exchanges. Academics, scientists, physicians, educationists, and public intellectuals joined the discussion through articles, rebuttals, and counter-rebuttals. Some write-ups were scholarly; others were laced with sarcasm, bitterness, and personal pride in a deeply polarized opinion. The controversy grew so intense that many feared it could spill beyond the pages of the newspaper and the people might come and exchange blows on streets.
I too entered the discussion with an article titled “The Doctor vs. Doctor Debate in Greater Kashmir,” published on 25 June 2010. Drawing upon historical facts, etymological evidence, and a few illuminating anecdotes. The article sought not to intensify the controversy but to clarify misconceptions surrounding the origin and use of the title “Doctor.” The write-up was widely appreciated for bringing historical perspective and balance to the debate and its closure. In the years that followed, colleagues and faculty members at the Universities would often refer to the article and ask me to elaborate more on the subject.
It was Dr. Javid Iqbal, then one of the Valley’s most respected columnists and public intellectuals, who responded to my write-up with a thoughtful rejoinder published in Greater Kashmir after a few days. He responded with criticism and disagreements to some of my observations but he was not hostile. He was in defense of the medical profession and admiration for teachers and academics. It was a pleasant surprise to me. Dr. Javid Iqbal was not responding to the write ups normally but the fact that he devoted an entire article to my arguments suggests that he considered my piece substantial and worthy of engagement. As a rule, a good public essay stimulates discussion and encourages others to engage with its ideas rather merely echoing conventional wisdom. Nevertheless, the very fact that a scholar of his stature considered my arguments worthy of a thoughtful response was, in itself, a memorable recognition. I regarded his engagement with my article as a mark of respect and a reflection of his openness to intellectual dialogue.
I vividly remember that after a few days, Dr. Javid Iqbal’s visit to Amar Singh College for a lecture where I was on faculty. Having in my mind the criticism of my write up, I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and courtesy with which he shook my hands. He generously praised my writings in the presence of faculty colleagues, a gesture that reflected both his graciousness and his respect for intellectual engagement. What I appreciated most was his magnanimity. Even after publicly challenging the views of my article, he regarded our differences as part of a healthy intellectual discourse rather than a personal attack.
In academic circles, one of the strongest compliments an article can receive is a detailed rebuttal from a respected scholar. By that measure, my article appeared to have made a significant impact. It was Dr. Javid Iqbal’s who recognised it. His wisdom and scholarship reflected the breadth of his knowledge and curiosity. Although medicine was his profession, he spoke with remarkable ease on diverse subjects, even touching upon concepts from quantum mechanics-an indication of his wide-ranging intellectual interests.
Dr. Javid Iqbal belonged to a distinguished academic family that has made significant contributions to education, scholarship, and public life in Kashmir. His brother, Sohail Iqbal, is an engineer by profession based in the UAE, while his sister, Prof Khalida Saif, retired as College Principal. The family traces its intellectual legacy to their father, the late Prof. Saif-ud-Din, former Principal of S.P. College, Srinagar, who was widely respected for his contributions to education and for shaping the future generations of students. Despite being an engineering professional, Sohail Iqbal possesses a scholarly disposition and a deep passion for hunting and exploration. In July 2013, Sohail Iqbal authored an article “The Hunting Trailblazers” in Greater Kashmir on Theodore Roosevelt’s expedition in Kashmir, which sparked further inquiry into the subject. Inspired by this, I went on to write a number of articles on the hunting expeditions of Western travellers and dignitaries in Kashmir. This also triggered the visit of Mr. Nick Fielding an Author, Researcher & Journalist from Oxford, England from who visited in March-2023 in Search of a Mystery European Hunter.
Carrying forward the rich legacy of his illustrious father, Dr. Javid Iqbal earned the respect and affection of colleagues, friends, and readers through his scholarship, humility, intellectual curiosity, and gracious personality. His life reflected a rare blend of professional excellence, literary accomplishment, and commitment to public discourse. What I admired most about Dr. Javid Iqbal was his intellectual alertness and willingness to engage with ideas. He was never a passive observer of public discourse. Whenever an issue of academic, social, or cultural significance arose, he responded thoughtfully and fearlessly, enriching the debate with his insights. Dr. Javid Iqbal will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments and writer but also for his commitment to ideas, dialogue, and public enlightenment. His legacy will continue to inspire scholars, writers, and readers for generations to come. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Dr. Muhammad Amin Malik can be reached at amin_malik_ku@hotmail.com
