Kashmir Fiction Writers Guild Pays Tribute to Faiyaz Dilber’s Enduring Literary Legacy

SRINAGAR: The Fiction Writers Guild on Sunday held its 347th session at Abi Guzar in Srinagar, where writers, poets, scholars, and readers gathered to pay homage to Faiyaz Dilber, the distinguished poet, theatre activist, journalist, novelist, short story writer, and researcher who passed away recently at a Srinagar hospital after a brief illness. The session unfolded as an emotional reflection on his creative life and the legacy he leaves behind.

Participants, including his close friends and family, remembered Faiyaz Dilber with warmth and deep admiration. They described him as a rare creative spirit whose writing combined sensitivity with courage, and whose multidimensional contribution had enriched Kashmiri literature for decades. Speakers said his research in film studies, novels, and short stories would continue to guide scholars and readers, adding that his intellectual curiosity set him apart in Kashmir’s literary landscape.

Several writers recalled his versatility, noting that Dilber moved effortlessly between poetry, fiction, theatre, and journalism. They spoke of his eloquent verse, powerful storytelling, and his commitment to cultural life, emphasising how he used his pen to reflect the emotional and moral questions of his society.

Guest of honour Ayash Arif, the noted filmmaker, said Faiyaz Dilber brought “a unique lyrical grace” to Kashmiri poetry and captured the emotional landscapes of the Valley with depth and sincerity. Another guest of honour and the poet’s brother, Dr Qazi Riyaz Ahmad, turned emotional as he remembered their years growing up together. He described Dilber as a unique child who “always thought and acted differently”, and as an adult, a bold voice, non-conformist, outspoken, yet consistently humble.

Film director and producer Shabir Muhahid, also present as guest of honour, said Dilber’s creative legacy remained a reference point for contemporary Kashmiri writing and continued to inspire both young and seasoned authors.

Presiding over the session, Prof Farooq Fayaz praised him as “an exceptional literary force” whose work would illuminate Kashmiri literature for generations. He added that Dilber’s creative journey stood as a testament to dedication, intellectual honesty, and a lifelong commitment to nurturing Kashmir’s literary soul.

Noted critic and writer Salim Salik conducted the proceedings. Among those who participated in the commemorative session were Prof Majrooh Rasid, Zahoor Zahid, Arshad Mushtaq, Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq, Mushtaq Mehdi, Dr Nazir Azad, Ms Ruksana Jabeen, Dr Nelofar Naaz Nehvi, Manzoor Anjum, Bashir Manzar, Mohudin Reshi, Dr Zameer, Qazi Faiz, Fahmeedah Khan, Dr Manzoor Nazar, Ms Rutba, Sofi Bashir Basher, Gh Nabi Shahid, Imdad Saqi, Shakeelu Rehman, Dr Nazir Mushtaq, Showkat Shafi, Dr Sujan Kour Bali, Taha Mughal, Masood Shadaab, Safeer Bhat, Aqib Bashir, Dr Tariq Abdullah Khawar, and Akhtar Mehraj.

The session concluded with a collective resolve to preserve and promote the literary heritage to which Faiyaz Dilber devoted his life. Media coordinator Zubair Qureshi shared details of the event.