Syed Muzaffar Kashani, a distinguished broadcaster and gemmologist, passed away on January 2, 2025, after a brief and brave battle with a brain haemorrhage, fulfilling his lifelong wish to die in his homeland of Kashmir, writes Ikhlaq Qadri
The midday call from a friend delivered a jolt: Papaji had suffered a stroke, and the next 72 hours were critical. The line went dead, leaving the news heavy with uncertainty. The full scope of the crisis had yet to unfold, but the consequences were deeply unsettling.
What followed was a blur of helpless hope: hands raised in prayer, eyes swollen with emotion, and hearts weighed down by the moment’s gravity. It was Friday, December 27, 2024. Exactly 144 hours later, another call arrived, marking the end. “Papaji left us for his eternity,” the voice said. “He was in more of a hurry than us.”
The 144 Hours
What transpired in the long 144 hours of life was a tragedy.
On December 27, 2024, Papaji, to his loved ones and Syed Muzaffar Kashani to the world, left his Noida home in good health to offer Friday prayers. The weather in Delhi was drizzly, and his son, Syed Sarwar Kashani, who affectionately called him ‘Sarwar Jaan,’ insisted on accompanying him by car.
After prayers, the father and son went home, their final journey together in Delhi. During the ride, they discussed MaamToath, as Papaji was concerned about his ailing maternal uncle.
Once home, Papaji retreated to his room, possibly to use the phone. He was called three times to have lunch, responding twice, but there was no answer to the third.
When one of the family members went to see him, he was found struggling on his bed, visibly weakened. His hands trembled as he tried to hold a glass of water. He was quickly taken to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed a brain haemorrhage.
The medical team did all they could, and the family and well-wishers did what was necessary, holding on to hope amidst uncertainty. Emotions fluctuated between denial and acceptance, like the ceaseless tide of the sea.
Desperate, talked to so many doctors to know about the ailment and possible treatment. Requested friends to seek opinions. Some responded warmly. Some avoided coldly. Gratitude to all of them.
Unaware of the Almighty’s plan, Papaji’s son visited him in the ICU. To his surprise, Papaji opened his eyes, held his hand, and tears flowed. He was alert and even reacted to a minor mistake in the Quranic verses being recited. This sensitivity in sensing the mistake sparked a fleeting moment of hope, and that night, we all slept in relative peace. However, the delicate balance between improvement and decline lingered.
By December 31, 2024, his condition deteriorated, and doctors placed him on a ventilator, signalling the severity of the situation. However, we surrendered our will to the Almighty, trusting that the right steps were being taken.
As Papaji fought for his life, his ‘Sarwar Jaan’, standing in the corridor, became more attuned to his father’s lifelong wish to begin his eternal journey in Kashmir. Though against the rationale, the following day a decision was made to take him back to the Valley. This was not to prolong his life but to ensure a peaceful departure. With consent granted, arrangements were made for a fully equipped ambulance.
The journey began on the evening of January 1, 2025. During the trip, there were silent moments of conversation, and Papaji seemed at peace, even smiling at the decision to return him home. Preparations for hospital beds in Kashmir were made along the way. After approximately 14 hours, as the ambulance neared Kashmir, Papaji began to slip away. Near Qazigund, a medical staff member declared him dead. His final wish—to die in Kashmir—had been fulfilled.
The Multi-Talented Man
Syed Muzaffar Kashani, born into a family of traders in Khwaja Bazar, Nowhatta, around 1946, began his career in 1964 as a teacher before moving into broadcasting. He joined Radio Kashmir Srinagar, where he excelled in various roles, including announcer, newsreader, translator, producer, and eventually broadcaster.
Just two weeks before his death, he recorded a message for Radio Kashmir, urging the youth to resist drug addiction and focus on progress. He delivered the message in both Urdu and Kashmiri, in his signature vibrant style.
Kashani’s career also included a significant stint in Delhi during the 1975 emergency. Known for his clear, articulate language, he became affectionately dubbed “Kashmir’s Kashani with a Hyderabadi accent.” During his time in Delhi, he cultivated a passion for gemmology, studying it scientifically rather than through traditional inheritance. This dedication made him one of Kashmir’s foremost gemmologists.
The Familial Familiarity
The bond between the Qadri and Kashani families spans decades, founded on respect and shared history. Both families came from the same area in the old city, fostering a relationship of reverence. Our forefathers were well-acquainted, and later, Kashani Sahib became a close friend of my father. While professional duties sometimes interrupted contact, mutual concern for each other’s well-being remained. The most recent inquiry came from him just days before his hospitalisation. “Myoan yaar cha theekh” (How is my friend doing)
As the generations passed, the friendship between our families endured. Each meeting with him was treasured. Kashani Sahib, with his warmth and thoughtful words, left a lasting impression. His presence was a blessing.
A man full of life, his departure has left an irreplaceable void.
May his soul rest in peace.
