Opinion | Afsanvi Sadaein by Dr. Shaheena Yusuf

Each year, Wullar Urdu Adbi Forum Kashmir—a vibrant and esteemed literary organization—conducts Afsana (short story) events, where fiction writers from across the subcontinent participate by sharing their short stories. These sessions are enriched by critical commentary from distinguished litterateurs and short story writers of the valley as well as abroad. The Forum was founded by Raja Yousuf, Tariq Shabnum, Dr. Riyaz Tawheedi, and S. Mashouq Ahmad, who tirelessly dedicate their time to the propagation and promotion of Urdu fiction. By positively utilizing social media, they organize afsana events on Facebook and actively share updates about literary happenings from across the globe. In 2022, one such remarkable event was organized where thirty-one fiction writers presented their meticulously crafted stories. These were later compiled into a book edited by Dr. Shaheena Yusuf, an emerging literary voice of North Kashmir. The anthology, titled Afsanvi Sadaein, spans over 180 pages and was published by the renowned Educational Publishing House, New Delhi. Dr. Shaheena Yusuf has dedicated this collection to all those creative writers who, through fiction, have held a mirror to society. The book opens with a proem by Prof. Khwaja Akramuddin of Jawaharlal Nehru University, who reflects on the relevance of fiction in today’s fast-paced world. He highlights the history of Urdu short story writing and its evolving techniques. An extensive essay by Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, former HOD of Urdu at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, further enriches the book. He outlines the significant role of Wullar Urdu Adbi Forum Kashmir in uplifting and promoting Urdu fiction. Dr. Wani observes that, compared to Jammu, Kashmir has nurtured a greater number of literary organizations, writers, poets, and critics. He commends Dr. Shaheena Yusuf for her meticulous editorial effort in compiling this volume. In her foreword, Dr. Shaheena Yusuf traces the historical background of Wullar Urdu Adbi Forum Kashmir, especially its efforts during the pandemic to connect writers across the globe at a time when the world was locked down. The collection opens with “Wapsi”, a powerful story by legendary fiction writer Noor Shah. Set against the backdrop of the world-famous Dal Lake, the story highlights how divisions have emerged within a community that shares the same faith, symbolized through the proliferation of separate mosques. The second story, “Aaw Ab Nikah Kar Lein” by Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, uncovers the rising immorality among youth stemming from unchecked social media use. It narrates the tale of two strangers who grow intimate over Facebook and WhatsApp, meeting frequently in parks and hotels to fulfill their desires. However, when the female protagonist, Sadai Saher, expresses her wish to marry, she is devastated to learn that the man she loved is already the father of three children. Phool aur Khushboo, In this story, Dr. Tawheedi sensitively explores the essence of divine love. Through the journey of a staunch believer, he illustrates how meditation, devotion, and the guidance of a spiritual master can draw a soul closer to the Creator. Love, mysticism, and spirituality merge seamlessly, leaving readers immersed in a reflective and soulful experience. Dusra Shouhar, Dr. Nazir Mushtaq, a renowned fiction writer of the valley, has long been admired for weaving medical and psychiatric themes into his narratives. In Dousra Shouhar, he portrays the silent suffering of a woman who has endured mental and emotional distress for years. With subtle strokes of fiction, he once again brings the struggles of psychiatric patients into the literary spotlight, blending empathy with art. Yaar Zinda Suhbat Bari, Raja Yusuf’s story is a poignant reminder of friendship and fate. Two childhood friends, separated by distance and circumstance, grow into strangers to each other. Yet, destiny intervenes during the devastating floods of 2014 in Srinagar. One, a doctor stranded in a Rajbagh building, is rescued heroically by the other. In this moving tale, Yusuf captures not just reunion but also the power of human connection rekindled in times of crisis. Shakoor Bangi, Tariq Shabnum through the character of Shakoor Bangi, a cannabis addict often ridiculed for neglecting religious obligations, Tariq Shabnum delivers a thought-provoking narrative. When Shakoor’s name repeatedly emerges in a lottery draw at a mill, astonishment grips everyone. The revelation of his quiet, selfless humanitarian acts—performed without fanfare—stuns even the mill manager. The story urges readers to look beyond appearances and recognize the hidden virtues in human beings. Kish koul Ki Qeemat, by Wajida Tabassum Gurkho reflects a strong feminist voice from Kashmir. With great tact, she has crafted this short story to highlight how lascivious men prey upon the chastity of impoverished and destitute families. Khushboo, by Prof. Neelofer Naz Nehvi once again shows why her short stories often receive accolades from eminent writers. This piece too is commendable, as it unveils an important social issue we often ignore—renting out rooms to strangers without knowing their background. In the story, a lady rents a room; one day, when the owner’s wife is away at her paternal home and her husband is at work, she arranges a secret meeting with a stranger in the house, taking advantage of the situation to fulfil her desires. Sarhad Ke Us Par, by Mohd Shafi Sagar is an evocative tale that paints a poignant picture of life on both sides of the border. The story captures the impoverished and melancholic existence of people, where mothers endlessly wait for their missing sons and separated families yearn to reunite with their loved ones. Qatil, by Dr. Shaheena Yusuf, the editor of this anthology, is a meticulously written story about a family with a lone son. Brilliant in studies, the boy becomes increasingly drawn to his friend’s home, where he spends most of his time. Sadly, the influence of bad company and being away from parental supervision push him towards a tragic end—he ends his life by drowning in a river. The story movingly portrays the shock and devastation of his parents, left shattered by the loss. Aur Shah Din Mar Gaya, S. Mashooq Ahmad has beautifully crafted this story, centering on an elderly man who deceitfully lures a young teenage girl. Though she was sent to him to learn, he schemed relentlessly to make her his life partner. The narrative skillfully weaves together themes of beauty, misplaced faith, and the weight of social stigmas. Taskīn-e-Dil, This story, penned by myself, sheds light on the sensitive issue of childless couples. Such couples often suffer silently in sorrow and depression. Yet, when one observes how some children indulge in illicit and immoral activities, bringing shame and defamation to their parents, a thought emerges: perhaps it is better to remain childless than to endure the anguish of raising children who tread devilish paths. Wullar Urdu Adbi forum Kashmir deserves all praise and applauds for conducting such events annually and then compiling all stories into an anthology.

Writer is a columnist based in Qazigund Kashmir.