Article: Remembering Prof Shawl: A champion of Kashmiris’ right to self-Determination
Sheikh Farkhanda
Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl, a towering figure in the struggle for the right of self-determination in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on December 29, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and profound impact. Born in Baramulla, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, on October 13, 1946, he was a multilingual educationist, author, poet, and a fervent advocate for human rights. His academic qualifications in Botany, with a specialization in Ecology and Environmental Science, laid the foundation for his remarkable career, where he served in various capacities as a professor, researcher, and contributor to educational theory, notably contributing to curriculum development and engaging in UNICEF projects.
Professor Shawl’s commitment to the Kashmir cause was exemplary and spanned over decades. His passion and dedication were evident in his roles as the representative of the esteemed Kashmiri leader, Syed Ali Gilani, in the APHC-AJK chapter, and as the Chief Editor of Kashmir Mirror, SANA News, and the news agency Kashmir Press International. In 2004, he embraced a new chapter in the UK, leading the Kashmir Centre, London, where he continued to tirelessly advocate for the Kashmir cause thereby elevating its international prominence. In his final moments, Professor Shawl’s dedication to the struggle for the freedom of Kashmiris remained unshakable. In a recorded message, he appealed to the Kashmiri leadership, to carry forward the mantle of the Kashmiri freedom struggle and take it to its logical conclusion. He also prayed for the firm steadfastness of everyone in this arduous struggle for freedom.
The passing of Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl has left a profound void in the Kashmiri leadership and the ongoing struggle for self-determination. His unwavering commitment, fearlessness, and sincere dedication have earned him the respect and admiration of countless individuals. As Kashmir mourns the loss of this renowned leader, it is important that his legacy of resilience and determination be honored. The people of Kashmir must remain steadfast in their commitment to the movement for self-determination, ensuring that the struggle continues until the last soldier withdraws from our beloved homeland. The invaluable contributions of Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl to the Kashmiri cause will forever be remembered, and his impassioned plea for the continuation of the struggle serves as a guiding light for the future. His legacy will inspire generations to come, and his dedicated spirit will fuel the ongoing pursuit of justice and freedom for the people of Kashmir.
My family shared a special bond with Professor Shawl, and it was evident that his sole purpose in life was to witness the liberation of Kashmir from the oppressive military occupation of India. His lifelong dedication to the cause of Kashmiri freedom serves as a beacon of inspiration for all those who continue to fight for justice and self-determination. His impassioned plea for the continuation of the struggle on his deathbed is enough to tell us who he was and it serves as a guiding light for the future generations of Kashmir. His legacy and dedication will continue to fuel the ongoing pursuit of justice and freedom for the people of Kashmir. The outpouring of grief and tributes from various quarters is proof of the profound impact that Professor Shawl had on Kashmir’s war of liberation. His fearlessness, sincerity, and commitment have earned him the respect and admiration of individuals far and wide. His passing leaves a void that will be challenging to fill, but his legacy will serve as a source of strength and inspiration for all those who continue to strive for the freedom of Kashmir.
(The writer is a researcher at International Islamic University Islamabad)
