Book Review: ‘Seher Surag’ (Poetry collection) by Altaf Kishtwari
By: Rayees Ahmad Kumar
Chenab valley of Jammu Kashmir is nestled amidst towering mountains, pristine vast meadows and crystal clear water bodies. Its beauty is resplendent, enticing both local and nonlocal populace.
The literary brilliance of this region has been radiating since ages. Having produced legendary poets, litteratuers, artists, vocalists and intellectuals, it is indubitably evident that this fertile land has been divinely blessed.
Rasa Jawdani, GhulamNabiDolwal, Bashir Bhadarwahi, Raashid Jahangir and Wali Mohammad AseerKishtwari are some of its literary giants, whose pen has been painting emotional and cultural themes for decades. In contemporary times also, we see newer faces depicting literary prowess through their poetry and prose writings.
Among such decent literary figures stands one AltafKishtwari. Born in 1963 to an illiterate but humble father who had been an ironsmith by profession, AltafKishtwari has served as a police cop and during his service tenure, he has composed hundreds of poems, Ghazalsetc which came to limelight in the form of collection “SeherSurag” only after his superannuation in 2023.
This poetry collection spanning 364 pages is published by Tafheem Publications Rajouri. Its cover is adorably designed and dedicated by the author to his mother, spouse, three sons and the lone daughter. While writing a detailed note on the Ghazals of AltafKishtwari, Prof KawsarMazhari of JamiaMilliaIslamiauniversity, commends the literary adeptness of poet.
According to him, AltafKishtwari uses beautiful imagery to uncover what he has felt and endured in life through his poetry. Ahmad Tawseef, the beloved son of Altaf has written an insightful essay about the literary brilliance of his father. He has enumerated the virtues of a litterateur, from being a farsighted human to the one influencing reader’s mind and heart.
According to Tawseef, a writer’s focal point never remains an individual rather he always intends to address the society. He further reiterates that a litterateur unlike other people, feels societal ills and evils intensely and he aspires to revolutionize the downtrodden society through his writings. He proclaims that his father isn’t lacking any skill or virtue, which a seasoned or well versed poet owns.
Despite frail and infirm family background, he hasn’t let his literary works to get spoiled. AltafKishtwari while deliberating upon his literary journey, reveals his initial interests towards drawings and paintings followed by writing poetry to give vent to his thoughts and emotions. Initially he would receive mandatory and requisite tips about poetry from accomplished and adept poets of Pirpanchal region while being posted there.
In his note, he has expressed his gratitude to all who assisted him in one or the other way to compile this collection. As a devoted Muslim, AltafKishtwari has firstly written the two poems praising God (Hamud) and Prophet-SAW(Naat) in this book followed by a manqabat about Baba Fariddudinra. It reflects his faith and devotion towards Allah, Prophet saw and sufi saints like Baba Faridra.AltafKishtwari’s style of composing poetic items is unique and his word usage is a testament to his memory power and poetic prowess. It seems that he thinks multiple times before incorporating a word or phrase in couplets.
Lafzoonkotolneketuawzanhaialag, Naswarkaisetulainwosamaanhaialag. Through this handsome couplet, he tries to make a reader understand that words which a speaker speaks during interaction aren’t like things which we utilize in daily lives. In fact their weighting and measures too are different. Dour huyehu jab se tum is duniya se, Har pal bas mere hi sayelagtehu.
This one of a prettiest ghazal has been meticulously and arduously crafted to eulogize poet’s beloved. According to poet his beloved, who no more now is accompanying him seems to entice his flower garden, acting like a shadow to relieve him from scorching heat, garnishing the flower vases of his room and even gossiping with him as he always stays closer to his heart.
Dilidharhaimagarudhartuhai, Aankhmerihainazartuhai. This couplet of a seductively composed and bewitchingly crafted ghazal reflects the pain of poet as he is vehemently missing his beloved. Gaza main aaj bi safakamunkadushman, Diyehayatkeharroz hi bujatahai. From last many months we have been witnessing the devastation of Gaza at the hands of Israel and no one caring about the agony of these depressed people, acting merely as mute spectators.
The poet has deeply felt the pain and painted on paper. Aag main phir se utarkarkyakaron, Shahar se tereguzarkarkyakaron. Using simplest words, the poet has prioritised his message and thought to be easily comprehended by a reader. Ye koyalkaisanagmagarahihai, Mere dilkobuhuttadparahihai.
Through the imageries of dove, birds, roofs etc poet has skillfully composed the verses of ghazal. Patharzamane bar keyahansehrahahoon main, Iksach hi haikijiskoabikehrahahoon main. In this egocentric world, finding an altruistic person is quite arduous. One who always speaks truth and is candour, often endures the pain and sufferings caused by the society. Same has been elegantly pictured in this couplet. Haiazil se hi yahanlikhihuihijratapni, Iknagar se hameabaurnagarjanahai.
Death is an ultimate reality and no one even atheist can’t deny this universal truth. This world is mortal and we are dwelling temporarily here but our everlasting abode lies somewhere else. Tirmaragalatnishane par, Woshikarishikar hi kabtha. This couplet reflects the poetic adroitness and deftness of poet to weave adorable compositions.
While going through the poetry of AltafKishtwari, it is evident that he has exhibited agony, melancholy, sadness, loneliness, pain and helplessness in his poetry. This collection of a Hamud, Naat, Manqabat and 200 Ghazals is full of imageries.
Kashmir’s culture and unique ways of living too have been mentioned through the poetry. I congratulate the author for this splendid collection and suggest Urduenthusiasts to go through the pages of this book as it will enhance their poetic prowess and knowledge.
(The author is a columnist hailing from Qazigund Kashmir)
