Nasir Aziz
Sagar is 33 now, but he made a mark in the literary circles of the state when he was only 8. Since then, he has been scaling new heights and carved a niche for himself in the world of poetry. Born Nazir Ahmad Waza in a modest family in Chukar Pattan in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he came to be known with his penname Sagar Nazir.
Interested in poetry since his early years, Sagar didn’t complete his secondary education. He went on to write beautiful poetry both in Kashmiri as well as Urdu. Besides having a grip over various languages like Urdu, Hindi and English, he remains to be listed among the most inspiring poets of Kashmiri language.
“Since my childhood, I have written poetry in both Urdu and Kashmiri. I have been inspired by a range of poets both from the older generation as well as the newer one. I owe my learning of Kashmiri language to the legends like late Mohammad Ahsan, Prof. Mohammad Zama Azardoo, Ghulam Qadir Shaad Dardapori and others,” says Sagar.
Sagar even writes Kashmiri songs, many of which are quite well received among the masses. His songs can be heard frequently being played on Radio Kashmir Srinagar (Now, All India Radio Srinagar). Indeed, it is owing to the popularity of these songs that he has become a household name in Kashmir. Some of his most enjoyed Kashmiri songs include Bang-e-drayok Changi Maa Aakhey, Mouj Lajyoo Adkalyio and others.
“Radio Kashmir Srinagar played an important role in my life. I used to listen to radio programmes which inspired me to go for poetry. In 2008, I started writing in Urdu. After few years I realised that Kashmiri is our own identity. Therefore, since 2012 I shifted to Kashmiri and started writing in my mother tongue only,” tells Sagar.
Sagar’s poetry usually depicts the culture of Kashmir; however, the unique ontological orientation in his writings helped him bag the coveted Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2019 award for his maiden book Thaer Aangnech. It’s important to mention here that only five other people from the valley have been bestowed with this prestigious award earlier.
Being greatly influenced by the work of renowned Kashmiri poet Muhammad Ahsan, Sagar claims to be a cultural activist. He also has many local awards like Youth Achievement Award and Sabiq Memorial Award to his credit.
“My favourite topics focus on our tradition, ancient times and culture of Kashmir”, Sagar says, adding that, “Besides Thaer Aangnech, I have also written another book Zoon Mouj (for children). Currently, I am working on my new book Panjrich Haeir”.
