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Kashmiri Linguist Prof Shafi Shauq Honoured with Prestigious Padma Shri

Kashmiri poet, writer, and linguist Prof Shafi Shauq has been conferred the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award. The award recognizes his decades of contribution to Kashmiri literature and language studies. Prof Shauq, a retired Dean from the University of Kashmir, has authored or edited over 100 books across multiple languages. His foundational works, including a Kashmiri dictionary and grammar, are considered indispensable for scholars.

Key Points: Prof Shafi Shauq Conferred Padma Shri for Kashmiri Literature

  • Padma Shri for Kashmiri literature
  • Authored over 100 books
  • Expert in Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, English
  • Seminal works on Kashmiri language
  • Retired Dean of University of Kashmir
2 min read

Kashmiri linguist Prof Shafi Shauq conferred with Padma Shri award

Kashmiri poet, writer, and linguist Prof Shafi Shauq receives the Padma Shri award for his immense contribution to Kashmiri language and literature.

"In addition to recognition of my humble contribution... it is more an award for the recognition of the literary richness of Kashmir. - Shafi Shauq"

Srinagar, Jan 25

Kashmiri poet, writer, linguist and critic, Shafi Shauq, was conferred on Sunday with the Padma Shri award on the eve of the country's 77th Republic Day celebrations.

When he learnt about his nomination for the award this year, Shafi Shauq told IANS, "In addition to recognition of my humble contribution to Kashmiri literature, it is more an award for the recognition of the literary richness of Kashmir.

"I am humbled by learning that I have been nominated to join the group of persons recognised for their contribution to literature in public life," Shauq said.

The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan.

Instituted on 2 January 1954, the award is conferred in recognition of "distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the arts, education, industry, literature, science, acting, medicine, social service and public affairs". It is awarded by the Government of India every year on India's Republic Day.

Shafi Shauq was born in 1950 in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. He completed his PhD in English and is an acclaimed poet, fiction writer, linguist and critic.

Born in Kaprin village of Shopian district, Shafi Shauq is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative voices in Kashmiri studies. Over a distinguished academic career spanning more than three decades at the University of Kashmir, he authored, edited and translated over 100 books across Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi and English.

His seminal works-including 'Keeshur Lugaat' (Kashmiri Dictionary), 'Keeshryuk Grammar' and 'Kaeshir Zaban ti Adibuk Tawaariekh' (History of the Kashmiri Language and Literature)- are considered foundational texts and remain indispensable to scholars, students and researchers.

After serving for thirty three years in the University of Kashmir, Prof. Shauq retired as Dean Faculty of Arts in 2010.

Interestingly, Shafi Shauq passed his postgraduate exam in English literature and did his PhD in English literature. But finally chose Kashmiri as his medium of communication.

He has written scores of books and has proficiency in Kashmiri, Urdu, English and Hindi languages.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud to see such scholars being recognized. His humility in saying the award is for Kashmiri literature's richness speaks volumes about his character. More power to our linguists and writers!
M
Michael C
As someone interested in linguistics, it's impressive to see his contribution across four languages. Choosing to focus on Kashmiri after a PhD in English shows deep commitment to one's roots. Respect.
R
Rohit P
A great honour, no doubt. But I do hope such recognitions also translate into more institutional support for Kashmiri language studies in schools and universities across India. The work must continue.
S
Sarah B
Over 100 books! That's an incredible lifetime of work. It's heartening to see the Padma awards celebrating not just celebrities, but such dedicated academics. Congratulations to Prof. Shauq.
K
Kavya N
His grammar and dictionary are like the bible for anyone studying Kashmiri. This award is for every student who has benefited from his scholarly work. A true gem of Kashmir and India. ❤️

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