A Passionate Journey into Literature and Translation
Assadullah Asad, a 65-year-old scholar from Borwah village in Budgam, Kashmir, found his true calling in literature after retiring from the Planning and Statistics Department in 2008. He dedicated himself to translating Persian poetry and other significant literary works into Kashmiri, ensuring their accessibility to the local community.
Bringing Japji Sahib to Kashmiri Readers
One of Asad’s most notable contributions is his translation of Guru Nanak’s Japji Sahib into Kashmiri, a project that earned him immense appreciation from the Sikh community. On January 5, the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, he was honored in Srinagar for his efforts in fostering Sikh-Muslim unity. Asad believes that the teachings in Japji Sahib resonate deeply with peace and harmony, reinforcing the long-standing bond between Sikhs and Muslims in the Valley.
The Journey of Translation and Recognition
Asad first encountered a century-old Urdu translation of Japji Sahib, which inspired him to undertake the task of rendering it into Kashmiri verse. His self-published work, funded entirely by his personal savings of Rs 70,000, is now available in bookstalls. The Sikh community has expressed interest in launching the book at Golden Temple, Amritsar, and even former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has received a copy of the translation.
A Career Rooted in Public Service
Before delving into literature, Asad had a long career in government service. He worked as a contractual teacher in the 1960s, served in the Revenue Department from 1973 to 1982, and spent the remainder of his professional life as a statistical officer in the Planning and Statistics Department until his retirement in 2008. Despite his engagement with numbers, he always nurtured a love for words, writing daily in his diary and waiting for the right time to pursue his literary aspirations.
- Literary Contributions Beyond Japji Sahib
- Post-retirement, Asad published several books, including:
- Sozi Jigeer (Inner Voice) – His debut poetry collection.
- Laove Heath Gulale (Wet Tulips) – A collection of Kashmiri ghazals.
- Dukh Te Daag (Miseries and Scars) – A poetry book reflecting Kashmir’s socio-political landscape.
- Pas Che Bayad Kard (What Should Then Be Done, O People of the East) – A Kashmiri translation of Allama Iqbal’s famous Persian work.
- Naqsh-e-Faryadi – A 500-page Urdu poetry collection.
- Ghazliyat-i-Ameer Khusrow, Koshur Tarjame – The first Kashmiri translation of Amir Khusrow’s Persian verses.
Reviving Persian Literature in Kashmir
Asad is deeply concerned about the declining interest in Persian literature among Kashmiri youth. He recalls how Persian was once widely taught in schools and laments its diminishing presence. He holds the government and policymakers responsible for this decline, as Persian is a crucial part of Kashmir’s cultural and literary heritage.
Challenges and Self-Publication
Despite submitting a translated work to the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, Asad faced bureaucratic hurdles, leading him to self-publish his books. He continues to finance his literary projects, determined to make classic works available in Kashmiri.
Current and Future Projects
Currently, Asad is translating the Shrukhs (verses) of Sheikh-ul-Alam, the patron saint of Kashmiris, into Persian. This marks the first time a Kashmiri writer is undertaking such a project, which he hopes to complete by the end of the year.
The Decline of Book Reading Culture
Asad expresses concern over the declining culture of book reading, as modern distractions like social media take precedence. However, he remains optimistic, believing that books remain the best source of knowledge and wisdom.
A Legacy of Literature and Brotherhood
Through his translations, Assadullah Asad has not only enriched Kashmiri literature but also strengthened the bonds between different communities. His dedication to preserving Persian and Kashmiri literary heritage continues to inspire scholars and readers alike. His work ensures that future generations can access and appreciate the timeless wisdom embedded in classic texts.
By Majid Maqbool
Journalist and Editor, Srinagar, Kashmir
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