Muhammad Ahsan Ahsan

Muhammad Ahsan Ahsan: Life, History and Literary Contribution

Mohammad Ahsan Ahsan (June 20, 1930 to September 9, 2017), affectionately known as "Taathi," was a distinguished Kashmiri polymath who embraced diverse roles as a writer, teacher, scholar, administrator, editor, translator, and a committed social and linguistic activist. Proficient in several languages, including Urdu, Persian, Arabic, English, and primarily Kashmiri, he left an enduring impact on the socio-cultural, literary, and intellectual landscape.

Born on 20th of June, 1930 in Parra Mohalla, Hajin, Bandipora, his birthplace stands as a celebrated literary hub and a bastion of Kashmiri language and culture. He hailed from the lineage of the staunch promoter and preserver of the Kashmiri language, Professor Mohi ud Din Hajini.

His educational journey began from his home town and later, he delved further into academia by enrolling at Islamia High School Srinagar for his matriculation and F.Sc. He pursued his graduation at S. P College Srinagar. Subsequently, he earned an MA in Kashmiri. Initiating his career as a school teacher, he pursued B.A (Private) and B.Ed degree during this period. He devoted his services to the education department from 1957 to 1973.

Ahsan personified simplicity, sincerity, honesty, and philanthropy, presenting a mystic demeanor adorned with humor and wit. The hallmark of his personality was his selflessness, as he tirelessly assisted his community in various capacities devoid of any personal aspirations.

Ahsan was actively involved with various literary and social organizations, making significant contributions to their objectives. He devoted more than half of his life to literary organizations cum movements like AMK and HAS. After his service in the education department, in 1973, he assumed the position of a research assistant at the State Cultural Academy. Later, he progressed to the role of editor for the Kashmiri section of publications and played a pivotal role in the Kashmiri dictionary and encyclopedia project. Importantly, he showed unwavering commitment to AMK till his last breath, serving as a General Council member, Advisory Board Member, and Financial Secretary.

His dedication was recognized by Prof. Azurdah, who referred to him as the 'strong pillar of AMK.' He was also the Convenor of Kashmiri Chapter of Sahitya Academy of India. Furthermore, he played a crucial role as the controller of examinations for Kashmiri language-related competitions at the middle, higher secondary and college levels, assigned by Adabee Markaz Kamraz.

As a founding pillar of Halqai Adab Sonawari (HAS), Ahsan gracefully helmed the position of its president for an illustrious span of over 40 years, tirelessly fortifying the organization. With unwavering dedication, he spared no effort to infuse vitality into HAS and champion the cause of the Kashmiri language within this vibrant literary haven.

After retiring from government service, Mohammad Ahsan Ahsan served as the Principal at MD Hajini Memorial Public School for an extended period. He continued contributing to society as the cashier and president of Idar-e-Auqaf Hajin.

Ahsan's literary pursuits included poetry, prose, drama, editing, and translation, although he never boasted about his writing skills. He chose to camouflage it. He remained an undiscovered gem in the realm of writing during his lifetime. Mohammad Ahsan Ahsan was indeed a genuine writer, but he chose to conceal his talent in the literary realm, as noted by Prof. Mashal Sultanpuri. He never overtly showcased his work. "He was a silent sea,"and "enduring and patient river" as stated by Late Aziz Hajini and Ab Ahad Hajini respectively.

His poetic collection, titled "Achar Katchi Taam Aaabas Peth," was published by Halqai Adab in 2018 followed by another poetry collection, "Ahsanun Aasun," published by the Ahsan Foundation in 2021, showcasing his literary prowess. The Ahsan Foundation was established in his honor by his brother, the renowned writer and Sahitya Akademi award winner Ab Ahad Hajini, and this foundation releases a yearly journal named "Shehejj Booen."

While adept at traditional "gazal" and "Naat", Ahsan showcased his mastery in "Nazam" writing, with notable pieces like "Moe'nd Mouj," "Shishar Maas," "buthe," "haaere saath," "Obur Dev," and others. He displayed versatility by writing in both blank and free verse.

In the realm of drama, he penned dozens of works, including notable pieces like "Gul Raiz," "Grai te Paai," "Hee Maal Nag Rai," "Akk Nandun," and "Lav te Prav." He showed a skillful hand in satire and humor within his essays, notably in pieces such as "Buth," "Be Lekh Ne,", "Shovuii." And "Neath".  
Cultural Academy published two volumes by Mohammad Ahsan, comprising nearly 100 traditional folk narratives. His translation of Allama Iqbal's renowned poem "Talu e Islam" into Kashmiri in Partav e Iqbal was also published.

Apart from his contributions in poetry, prose, and drama, Mohammad Ahsan's legacy as an editor and compiler is notably preserved in his editorial work for academic journals such as "Wulrik Mallar," "Pratab," "Mashaheer Kamraz" and "Prav." His compilation of Naimatullah Safapuri's epic "Gul e Bakawali" adds further distinction to his literary accomplishments. Ahsan's unique quality and generosity was evident in his willingness to share his expertise as a proofreader with numerous budding writers. His acute, perceptive, and outstanding proofreading skills were acknowledged far and wide.

Ahsan's many essays, short stories, dramas, skits, and translations of non-Kashmiri writings, particularly Iqbal's literary corpus, are yet hidden from public view. Some awards to his credit include: "Sharf e Kamraz" (198) and Shahnaz Memorial.

He passed away on September 13, 2017, after a brief illness at his residence in Hajin, at the age of 86. His departure left a profound void among his well-wishers and within Halqai Adab, specifically, and the broader Kashmiri literary movement in general.