Asif Malik
Kashmir’s literary and journalistic tradition has been shaped by persons whose work extended beyond their time. Among them, Ghulam Nabi Khayal held a distinctive place as a poet, translator, writer, and journalist. On the occasion of his second death anniversary, a commemorative event was organised at the Amar Singh Club in Srinagar by Wisdom First, an association devoted to the promotion of literature and journalism. The programme brought together writers, journalists, academics, cultural figures, and political representatives to reflect on Khayal’s life and influence.
The event was held under the title “Remembering Ghulam Nabi Khayal: A Voice of Thought, A tribute to a distinguished multilingual Writer, Author, Poet, and Journalist of South Asia.” It was structured as a formal tribute rather than a ceremonial gathering, and the tone throughout remained measured and reflective.
At the outset, Bilal Bashir Bhat, Director of Wisdom First and Editor of the Daily Srinagar Jang, welcomed the participants. He also conveyed messages on behalf of Khayal’s family members, including Kamran Khayal, Irfan Khayal, and Dr. Saba Khayal.
Following this, Khurshid Qureshi, President of Wisdom First, invited the panel to the stage. The proceedings were moderated by journalist Rameez Makhdoomi, who ensured an orderly and time-bound conduct of the session.
The gathering included individuals associated with literature, media, government institutions, and socio-political organisations. Among those present were Hasrat Gadda, Dr. Satish Vimal, Prof. Farooq Fayaz, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director Information, Saleem Pandit, President, Press Club Kashmir, Bashir Ahmad Bashir, noted cartoonist, Ehsan-ul-Haq Chishti, Deputy Director Information, Imdad Saqi, journalist, Shaukat Shafi, writer, Burhan Hussain, Cultural Officer, DIPR, Majid Pandit, Mudasir Amin, Shabir Ahmad Dar, from Press Information Bureau and Doordarshan, Shakeel Shaan, DIPR official, Javed Kakro, writer, Manzoor Zahoor Chishti, Sufi Media Service (representation).
From socio-political and civil society circles, the attendees included, Tahir Sayed (National Conference), Syed Tajamul (PDP), Manzoor Bhat (BJP), Imtiyaz Chishti (JKPC), Inam-un-Nabi (AIP), Firdous Baba, Jagmohan Singh Raina, social leader and JKAP member, Dr. Nawab Nasir, representing the Aam Aadmi Party.
Several media professionals also spoke during the event, including Muhammad Aslam Bhat (KNS), Sanam Ijaz (Voice TV), Nazim Nazir (Tameel-irshad).
The participation reflected the wide spectrum of individuals who had either worked with Khayal or remained influenced by his writings and public engagement.
His journalism, according to the speakers, was marked by consistency, clarity of thought, and refusal to compromise on editorial principles. His poetry and prose were described as reflective of the social and political landscape of his time, without departing from journalistic realism.
Participants noted that in an era where public discourse is frequently shaped by amplification, Khayal represented a generation that relied on depth, research, and linguistic command. His body of work in translation, original poetry, commentary, and reportage was viewed not as separate engagements but as part of a cohesive intellectual life.
His legacy was framed as a reference point for younger journalists, not through slogans or broad generalisations but through accounts of his editorial behaviour and written work. The insistence on accuracy and ethical positioning emerged as a defining characteristic of his career.
Rather than projecting him as a symbol, the speakers situated him within a tradition of individual responsibility in writing and reportage. The tone of the event reflected a recognition that such legacies are sustained through continuity in practice, not through ceremonial memory alone.
