Zareef Ahmad Zareef

Zareef Ahmad Zareef (born 17 April 1943) is a Kashmiri poet, writer, social activist and environmentalist. He is best known for his satirical poetry and efforts to highlight various social and political problems. He is involved in the preservation of the environment, culture and heritage of Kashmir.

Early life and education

Zareef Ahmed Zareef was born as Zareef Ahmed Shah in 1943, in the downtown city of Srinagar (Aali Kadal) to Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din. His father owned an embroidery workshop, in a locality that was also a hub for Hakims, Sufis, poets, traders, and merchants. As a child, Zareef held the Sufi saint Khawja Habibullah Ataar in great esteem, and still visits his mausoleum regularly to pay obeisance. Zareef received his education from Islamia High School, Rajouri Kadal. He was an enthusiast and a regular face in seminars, symposiums, debates, and annual events throughout his formative years. He received guidance from his teachers and noted writer - especially Sattar Shahid - and eventually found himself uttering lines expressing personal feelings and thoughts on stage. He soon developed the ambition to become a poet.

Career

Government Service

In 1968, Zareef was appointed as a scriptwriter in the Department of Information. While serving in the cultural unit of the Department of Information he remained active in organizing public shows, dramas, mushairas and features on an unparalleled scale in various parts of the state. His writings were instrumental in evoking a greater response from the public which helped the department in achieving various goals. He retired from the department as an assistant cultural officer.

Writing

After retirement, Zareef started his life as a poet, with Kashmiri being the medium. His style of writing is mainly apprehensive and humorous. Much of the poetry portrays social evils, and Zareef aims to raise public awareness in order to address these issues. Imbalances in society, the plight of the weaker sections, and environmental filth have been some main themes of his writing.

Influence

It was Ghulam Ahmed Mir Abid, an unknown writer, who showed Zareef how to use his own imaginative powers and fine-tuned his writing aptitude. Hakeem Manzoor, an eminent Urdu writer, introduced Zareef to the great beauty of verse and the profoundness of literature.

Published works

Zareef has authored four (4) books:

• Khabar Togme Wanun, 2007 (a compilation of essays reflecting eclectic issues and problems of our society)
• Taaran Garee, 2012 (a compilation of satirical poems)
• Kath cha Taeti, 2014 (a compilation of social, political, and cultural essays)
• T'choenche poot, 2016 (a compilation of poems and prose for kids)

Other activities

After retirement from government service, Zareef's services have been utilized in numerous public, social, and literary fields. He has been selected/chosen as:-

• Chairman, Ahad Zargar Memorial Research Foundation, Kashmir.
• Chairman, Valley Citizens Council, Kashmir (an organization looking after the common problems of the people).
• Writer and Member, Rajeev Gandhi Foundation, Kashmir Syllabus Committee.

Awards and appreciation

• Zareef has been awarded and appreciated for his works in different social, cultural, environmental and literary fields by various associations and organizations:
• Sahitya Academy Award, for his book "T'choenche poot"
• Ahad Zargar Memorial Award in 2010, for prominent works in the literary field.
• He was also given the Green Citizen Award in 2011 by Rahim Greens (a member of the International Association for voluntary effort) for his contribution to protecting the environment of Kashmir.

External links

• Zareef Ahmad Zareef at The Kashmir Walla