Akbar Jaipuri Memorial Committee mourns passing of renowned poet Shahid Budgami

July 16, 2025 by News Desk

The Akbar Jaipuri Memorial Committee has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Shahid Budgami, one of Kashmir’s most celebrated literary and cultural voices, who passed away recently.

In a heartfelt condolence message issued on Monday, the committee paid tribute to Budgami’s enduring contributions to Kashmiri and Urdu literature.

Remembered not only as a prolific poet, author, and lyricist but also as a spiritual and literary companion of the late Syed Akbar Jaipuri, Budgami leaves behind a legacy that resonated deeply with generations of readers and listeners.

“Budgami Sahab wasn’t just a poet. He preserved a tradition that is close to the soul of our community,” the committee said in its statement, referring to his seminal work Kashri Marsi Hund Tawareekh, which traces the history of Marsiya poetry in Kashmir. The book, considered a landmark contribution, is credited with documenting a crucial segment of Kashmiri cultural and spiritual expression.

According to the statement, Shahid Budgami’s residence—Hussain Manzil—was more than a home; it was a sanctuary for poetic expression. The committee recalled how he regularly hosted *Hussaini Mushairas*, gatherings marked by “deep faith, literary discipline, and grace.”

Members of the Jaipuri family also remembered their long personal association with Budgami. “He would often call Akbar Jaipuri Sahab on the landline, just to recite his poetry,” a member of the committee said, adding that their bond was one of “literary affection and shared spiritual vision.”

The statement concluded with a poignant note: “He loved Jaipuri Sahab, and we loved him. His presence, both as a poet and as a kind-hearted soul, will be deeply missed. May his memory continue to inspire.”

Shahid Budgami’s passing marks the end of an era for many in Kashmir’s literary circles.

His work, however, lives on—as a bridge between tradition and modernity, and between devotion and expression.