Draft:Israil Assar

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Israil Assar (born 1927 – December 9, 2008) was a distinguished Gojri poet, educator, and cultural advocate renowned for his invaluable contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Gojri language and the Gujjar-Bakarwal tribal culture in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India.

Early Life and Education[edit]

Israil Assar was born in 1927 in Dhokesal, a small village in Ganderbal District, Srinagar, Kashmir, to a Bakerwal family. His early exposure to the linguistic diversity of the region and the cultural richness of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community played a pivotal role in shaping his commitment to preserving their unique heritage. Assar pursued his education with zeal, earning the degree of Molvi Alam (BEC) and demonstrating proficiency in Gojri, Punjabi, Pahari, Urdu, and Persian languages.

Literary Contributions[edit]

Assar emerged as a stalwart figure in the Gojri language movement, which gained momentum in the early 20th century. Inspired by the initiatives of Hazrat Mian Nizam-ud-din Larvi and Ch. Ghulam Hussain Lassanvi, Assar dedicated himself to the cause. His inaugural work, "Dukhtein Aas," a collection of Gojri poetry, was a testament to his early literary prowess, published even before the partition of India in 1947. His role as a key member of the Editorial Board during the publication of the first mono-lingual Gojri dictionary by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages underscored his linguistic acumen.

Literary Works[edit]

Israil Assar's literary oeuvre encompassed a diverse range of genres. In addition to "Dukhtein Aas," his notable works include "Kalam-e-Assar" in two volumes and "Sajra Bhole." His poetic compositions transcended linguistic barriers, and many of his works found translations into English and various Indian languages. Thousands of Ghazals, Si Harfis, Nazams, Kafis, and Dohas enriched the Gojri literary landscape, with his Geets earning him acclaim in Gojri literature.

Contribution to Gojri Language[edit]

Beyond his creative endeavors, Israil Assar actively participated in the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Gojri Dictionary project. His commitment to enriching the language led him to contribute thousands of new words, making a lasting impact on the lexical development of Gojri. His songs, recorded by renowned artists such as Aasa Singh Mastana, Surinder Kour, and others, further propagated the linguistic and cultural essence of the Gojri language.

Legacy and Recognition[edit]

Israil Assar's legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. His profound outlook, visionary approach, and unwavering commitment to the Gojri language and tribal culture have left an indelible mark on the cultural tapestry of Jammu and Kashmir. His recognition with one of the India's Highest Literature Award Sahitya Academy Bhasha Samman underscores the national significance of his contributions.[1] [2][3]

Awards and Honors[edit]

The literary world recognized Israil Assar's significant contributions with numerous awards and accolades. In 1981, he was bestowed with the Best Book Award in Gojri by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages. The following years brought further recognition, including the Adbi Sangat Kashmir Award in 1985, the Bazam-e-Adab Kalakote Rajouri Award in 1995, and the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation Award in 1999. The pinnacle of his literary achievements came in 2001 when he received Sahitya Academy Literature Award, the "Bhasha Samman".[4]

Death and Afterlife[edit]

Israil Assar passed away on December 9, 2008, at the age of 96 at his residence in Assarabad, Upper Lamberi, Nowshera, District Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. His demise marked the end of an era in Gojri Literature, leaving a void that resonated deeply within the cultural landscape of the region.

He rests in peace in Assarabad, a place that stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and contributions to the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite his physical departure, Israil Assar's legacy persists through the continued efforts of the Anjuman Gojri Zaban-o-Adab Dhramsall Kalakote, an NGO founded by him.[6]

External Links[edit]

Gojri Song By Israil Assar, Singer Surinder Kour Gojri Song By Israil Assar

References[edit]