The Eternal Verse of Parvez Maanous
Mohammad Arfat Wani
Kashmir, the fabled Paradise on Earth, is renowned not only for its emerald valleys, sapphire lakes, and snow-draped peaks but also for its profound literary heritage that has enchanted hearts across centuries. This land, steeped in sacrifice and love, has nurtured poets and writers who have illuminated the subcontinent’s literary canvas. From Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor’s verses of liberation to Abdul Ahad Azad’s modern musings, from Dr. Syed Shabeeb Raza Rizvi’s poignant expressions to Rafiq Raaz’s intellectual weaves, Kashmir’s literary constellation shines brightly. Among these stars rises Parvez Maanous, a poet and novelist whose words breathe life into Urdu literature, crafting a legacy of love, pain, and hope that resonates universally.
For Maanous, words are not mere tools but living entities pulsing with emotion, mirroring the human soul. His poetry reflects love’s warmth, sacrifice’s weight, and hope’s radiance, offering readers a mirror to their own hearts. As Rumi once said, “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” Maanous’s verses heal wounds, embolden the broken, and illuminate shattered dreams: “Inhi hawaon se rishte naye banane the, ke sanglaakh chattanon mein gul khilane the, yehi tha shauq ke gaon ki narm mitti mein, surkh gulab mohabbat ke kuch ugane the.”
His literary odyssey began in 1985, blossoming through poetry and expanding into fiction. His debut collection, Beete Lamho Ki Saugaten (1993), showcased his lyrical brilliance, while Shikare Ki Maut (1995) established him as a masterful storyteller. His works graced prestigious publications like Sirkata Anchal, Khatun Mashriq, Beeswin Sadi, Shama, and Kashmir Uzma. In 2014, Muthi Bhar Chhaon captured readers’ hearts, followed by Goongee Raat Ka Karb, a poignant portrayal of silent suffering. His novels Saare Jahan Ka Dard and Bargashtagi redefined Urdu fiction, while Ishq Jis Ne Bhi Kiya (2024) heralded a new era in Kashmiri novels. With over thirty published works, including five poetry collections, Maanous has earned accolades like the Best Book Award (2008), Best Translation Award (2012), and Best Play Script Awards (2016, 2017).
Maanous’s poetry is an ocean of emotions, each verse a wave carrying profound meaning. As Pablo Neruda noted, “Poetry is an act of peace.” Maanous’s words ignite revolutions of thought, gleaming with love’s light and pain’s truth. His verses on Imam Hussain’s martyrdom stand as pillars of faith: “Koi kahan thi alamat Hussain se pehle, dikha sake jo shujaat Hussain se pehle, namaz-e-ishq mein sar ko katane wali ye, dikhai kis ne ibadat Hussain se pehle.”
His poetry confronts life’s harsh realities, reflecting society’s apathy: “Is shehr-e-namuraad ka haamil kahin kise, hai muntashir har aadmi paagal kahin kise.” He exposes the heart’s turmoil: “Bikhre huye aise hain jazbaat mere dil mein, ik khauf sa rehta hai har raat mere dil mein.” Yet, amidst despair, he sows hope: “Kaash koi mere Kashmir ka dukh baant sake.”
Maanous’s art transcends romance, weaving social consciousness. As Toni Morrison wrote, “The function of freedom is to free someone else.” His verses unmask love’s deceit and society’s insensitivity: “Kuch log mere zakhm pe hanste hain be sabab, chupte hain mere dil mein yahi khaar kya karoon.” Yet, he transforms pain into beauty, offering solace and courage.
His philosophy awakens hidden truths, as seen in: “Daana kabootron ko dikha kar fareb ka, unko qafas mila hai yahan daar ke ewaz.” His words, like Khalil Gibran’s, remind us: “Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.” Maanous’s poetry heals, inspires, and illuminates, proving literature’s power to unite humanity.
Parvez Maanous is not just a poet but a healer, his words a balm for broken hearts. His legacy, echoing suppressed voices, will endure as a beacon of hope. As he writes: “Mohabbat ka safar jab la-makaan tak sarbasar pahunche, to har awaaz mein aakhir usi ka naam hota hai.” In the annals of Kashmiri literature, Maanous’s name will shine as a poet who turned pain into poetry, love into words, and hope into eternal light.
