Miles to go…

It’s been a long journey and for more than seven decades,renowned writer KL Zakir has devoted his life to Urdu. Seminars,mushairas,Urdu meets,Zakir has been promoting the language all over India and also in the neighbouring countries. It’s a passion that never tires him. The writer was recently awarded the title of Fakhr-e-Haryana at a function organized by Aalami Urdu Adab (International Urdu Literature),an Urdu Magazine along with the Ghalib Institute,New Delhi,to mark his 90th birthday. Bhupinder Singh Hooda presented the title and a cash award to Zakir. “The magazine had published a special issue on me,which included my writings,article on me,interviews et al,and titled Kashmiri Lal Zakir,art and personality on my birthday,’’ smiles Zakir,who has authored as many as 120 books in Urdu,including poems,short stories,novels,which highlight social problems.

“Nothing gives me more happiness than writing in the language that is pure poetry and all my efforts are concentrated on giving Urdu not only the status that it deserves,but also making it reach to the common man,who can appreciate the depth and beauty of the language,’’ smiles Zakir (who was awarded the Padma Shri). Age,he admits,will not slow him down,while awards don’t make him complacent but encourage him to do more and better. Readers’ love and the fact that they recognize his love for Urdu,is what he cherishes the most,with many saying that his books are inspiring and educating. The common man,his life,being,struggles,sorrows,joys inspire Zakir to write. “You have to touch people’s heart,soul and get real,’’ Zakir continues to dream about a Kashmir that is peaceful and Kashmiris who are happy…