Abdul Ahad Farhad, iconic Kashmiri broadcaster and poet, whose calm voice shaped trust, leaves an enduring cultural and literary legacy.
Abdul Ahad Farhad, the celebrated broadcaster, poet, and writer whose voice once defined the soundscape of Kashmir’s public life, passed away on December 22, 2025, in Jammu. He was 79. His departure has left a profound void in Kashmir’s literary and cultural circles, marking the end of an era in Kashmiri broadcasting and letters. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, listeners, and admirers who remember him as a man of integrity, calm authority, and deep cultural insight.
Farhad was born on April 13, 1946, in Soura, Srinagar. He received his early education at Zadibal High School before attending SP College and later the University of Kashmir, where he completed a Master’s degree in English. Though he qualified for a lecturer’s position, Farhad was drawn to the world of broadcasting. He joined Radio Kashmir Srinagar initially as a scriptwriter and eventually rose to the position of Grade One newsreader, a rank considered equivalent to a director-general. Known for his unwavering dedication, he famously did not miss a single day of work during his first three years at the station, setting a standard for professionalism that continues to inspire broadcasters today.
For generations of listeners, Farhad was more than a newsreader. His calm, measured, and authoritative voice became synonymous with trust and reliability, opening news bulletins and cultural programmes in homes across Kashmir. During the turbulence of the 1990s, when uncertainty and fear gripped Kashmir, his broadcasts offered a rare sense of stability and reassurance. Beyond news, he curated and hosted literary, spiritual, and cultural programmes, particularly those dedicated to Sufi saints and local traditions, helping preserve Kashmir’s unique syncretic heritage.
Some of his most memorable programmes included Taarak Maal (life histories of Sufi-Reshi personalities), Gaas Taaruk, Ghar Baar Khaetre (with Ayesha Mastoor and others), Aaj Ki Baat, Khat Ke Liye Shukriya, Zundab, Sherbeen (with Nayeema Mehjoor and others), and Khanabal Pyeth Khedinyaar, a travelogue exploring the region.
Even after he retired from Radio Kashmir in 2006, he remained actively associated with Doordarshan, where his presence continued to command respect and admiration.
A poet at heart, Farhad was engaged in literary circles long before he became a household name through broadcasting. He participated in national and international poetry forums, translated two significant books, and eventually published his own works, many of which reflected his devotion to spirituality and culture. In September 2023, he released four books, including Mohammad: Hasil-e-Kul Kayinatas (a collection of naats), Sheeshe Sangran Laej Seasar (Kashmiri poetry), and Nayri Kar Akhtabe Noun (poetry collection). His poetry, marked by devotion, simplicity, and a deep understanding of the human spirit, has become a cherished part of Kashmir’s cultural memory. Among his works, the naat Ba Khuda Sari Khudai remains widely recited, resonating across generations.
Farhad was also remembered as a mentor who nurtured young writers and broadcasters, offering guidance with humility and generosity. He valued the affection of his audience above formal recognition, often stating that their appreciation was the greatest honour he could receive. His influence extended beyond his immediate profession; through his work, he helped shape the literary tastes, spiritual sensibilities, and cultural awareness of an entire generation.
He is survived by his wife, a former principal, and two daughters: Saima, an associate professor at the University of Kashmir, and Samreen, a banker and insurance professional, along with a son-in-law associated with academia. He spent his final week in a hospital in Jammu and passed away peacefully after Fajr prayers. His body was brought to Srinagar, where he was laid to rest in Soura, the place he called home throughout his life.
Though his voice has fallen silent, Farhad’s legacy endures in his recordings, writings, and the countless memories he created. He remains a lasting symbol of integrity, culture, and calm in Kashmir’s public life, a figure whose contributions to broadcasting, literature, and spirituality will continue to inspire future generations.
……. Maleeha Sofi
