Adnan Shafi, the young writer from Chandrigam village, was awarded after his writings stood out among 350 writers and poets from 80 countries.
Pulwama, J&K —
In a welcome development, revealing the multitude of talents among the youth of Kashmir Valley, a young poet from southern Kashmir’s Tral area has been awarded by Motivational Strips and Gujarat Sahitya Academy for some of his brilliant writings.
Adnan Shafi, the young writer from Chandrigam village, was awarded after his writings stood out among 350 writers and poets from 80 countries who also tried their luck in the competition.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many writers pursued their literary passion to utilize their restricted moments of social distancing on a productive front.
Given his inclination towards reading and writing poems and literary pieces, Adnan didn’t let the pandemic affect his passion for writing. He even participated in the competition which he otherwise couldn’t have managed.
Talking to Digpu, Adnan Shafi said that he was very happy to receive the award as his writings have been appreciated. “All my friends and relatives also felt happy and wished me more success. It was really heart-warming.”
The young lad’s love for reading keeps him busy with book-reading on his smartphone which has now become a routine, but he admits that the slow speed of mobile Internet in the district makes it difficult for him to download eBooks and other such stuff.
Adnan said that he has co-authored almost 50 books so far, with other editors also joining him. However, he himself has compiled a book called ‘Tears Fall In My Heart’ based on the conflict in Kashmir in which, according to him, he has represented the sentiments of Kashmiris.
Adnan further said that he got the inspiration to write the book from his father, Mohammad Shafi, who is a private school teacher as well as a ‘great writer’. He says that writers like Agha Shahid Ali and John Keats also shape his writing to a great extent.
Writing poetry since his school days, Adnan Shafi is a published author in many national and international anthologies and magazines. Currently, he is working as a contributing Editor for Writerly (British poetry magazine) and ILA Magazine (US poetry magazine) and frequently contributes to Nepal Online newspaper.
Adnan, however, finds it hard to find a publisher especially after the Coronavirus-induced lockdown. “I have almost seven books ready but I can’t find a publisher who would offer me lucrative concession. Given the cost of book publication, it’s not possible for me to fetch such a huge amount of money. I just hope someone comes to my help.”
In his advice for the budding writers, he said, “Dream big and focus one thing at a time. When you find your passion, immerse yourself fully. Also, reading should be a routine and books should be your most loved companion.”
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Dil-Paziir (Urdu; meaning ‘heart-pleasing’) is a special edition news series brought to you by Digpu, sourced from conflict areas starting from Kashmir. Our local journalists have successfully shared many inspirational stories from the valley – from the invention of E-Charkha, automatic ventilator in Kashmir, stories of brotherhood through to the first-ever cricket tourney for Blind sportsmen, all the stories make us awe-struck. These stories are NOT FOR REPRODUCTION.
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