Renowned Kashmiri literary figure, poet and an erudite historian, Prof Ghulam Muhammad Shad passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness on Sunday.Born in 1939 at south Kashmir's Bijbehara township as Ghulam Muhammed Najar, he was known among his contemporaries and peers by his pen name ‘Shad’. Prof Shad was a father of noted journalist and writer Murtaza Shibli.Prof Shad, who breathed his last at Shere-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, was well known in the literary circles as a writer, poet columnist, and scholarly figure whose services can never be forgotten.His famous pieces of writing among others include ‘Shil te Shehlath, Karni Phur, and some collections of Naat. Prof Shaad spent his life for the promotion of literary activities by all means and set an example of excellence across the State.Prof. Shad was proficient in English, Urdu, Persian and Kashmiri as well. His contribution as a translator couldn’t be forgotten. He closely worked with the translation section of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
Prof Shad has rendered noted poet of South Asia, Faiz Ahmad Faiz into Kashmiri and also translated literary work of sufi saint, Shiekh-ul-Alam into Urdu. Due to his exceptional work, Prof Shad had carved out a special space for himself into the literary and academic circles. He taught history at the Department of History in Government Degree College, Anantnag where from he retired as a senior Professor, leaving a legacy behind.Meanwhile Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Muneer-Ul-Islam, condoled the demise of Prof Shad. The Director described Prof Shad as a learned scholar of his times blessed with great qualities of genteel behavior, piousness nature and simple life. In his condolence message, the Director recalled the contribution made by late Shad to the State during his long stint in education sector. He said he was a torchbearer of knowledge. He also paid him rich tributes for his contribution as the Professor of Government Degree College, Anantnag. The Director conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family while praying for his eternal solace.