Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 28: Veteran Gojri writer, poet and researcher Ch. Bashir-ud -Din Naseem Poonchi passed away at his residence at Nunar village of Ganderbal district last night. He was 75. According to family sources he was suffering from chronic illness.
His Nimaz-e-Jenazah was performed today at Baba Nagri, Wangat , Kangan which was attended by a large number dignitaries, writers of Gojri language, intellectuals included Mian Bashir Ahmad, Sajjada Nasheen Darbari Aalia Babaji Sahab Wangat, Mian Altaf Ahmad former Minister and MLA Kangan, prominent Gojri writers Iqbal Azeem, Dr. Javaid Rahi , Dr. Rafeeq Anjum, Dr. G. R. Badana, Dr. Shahnawaz, M H Saleem, Mehmood Chaudhary (SSP) , Advocate Khalid Mustafa Bhatti, S.D. Bajjad and others.
Naseem Poonchi was author of about one dozen Gojri books and he had translated many world classics into Gojri. He was the first author of the Gojri language who’s book was adjudged as best in State level competition organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in 1977.
In 1978 he was appointed as founder Editor of Sheeraza Gojri in J&K Cultural Academy. He remained head of the Gojri wing of Academy for 17 years and retired as Deputy Secretary Culture in 2000.
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