Profile & Pen Portraits- Kashmir Sub-Continent & Beyond

About the Book The book discusses various facets of personalities in political, artistic and other fields of public activity in Indo-Pak subcontinent and beyond over the last century. The times have been one of change, from the old colonial times to what In increasingly being called the post- modernistic era. The men and women who occupied the central space were the main actors of the changing stage. They played their part in a big way, though the comments on the men and times might have had variations in perception, which could be acceptable, given the magnitude of their work and huge public expectations. The margin of error in such a scenario could be minimum, however it has to be accepted that men and women who tread the central stage were mortals, yet in popular perception they were taken to be gods, beyond a fault.

The book has also a chapter on 'Book Reviews' concerning books written in recent past on varied topics, which were reviewed in the print media. The collection should provide the reader an idea of type of work done in the literary field. Books are rightly taken to be the guides of evolving times in the given era. They could thus provide an idea of how the times are evolving. There has been a literary outpouring in the resistance realm in Kashmir, updating the reader on a continuing struggle. Literary projection of the struggle is an added impetus, reflecting favorably on resistance.

The book is thus an interesting mix of pen portraits of personalities, of authors dwelling on various aspects of public life in their books, which could absorb the attention of casual reader, apart from serious scholars, interested in research.

About the Book 1946 born, Dr. Javid Iqbal is a medico by profession, 1969 GMC Srinagar graduate. Widely travelled, he has served the profession in Middle East for over three decades.

Presently he is 'Academic controller & Coordinator' in Tahira Khanam's Paramedical Sciences Institute, Srinagar, and a position he has been holding for over a decade. A social activist associated with civil society groups; he is 'Secretary of Care Kashmir International' a health and environment advocacy group.

Multilingual, due to decades abroad, long stay in Iran provided him with an opportunity to dwell deep in Persian literature, the famed poetry of the language. Persian poetry admitted to be the best in poetic realm by literary experts, reflects in his writing. On his return home at the turn of the century, Dr. Iqbal took to column writing. In the process, he became a regular contributor to English and vermicular print media, namely ... Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma [Urdu publication of 'GK' groups]Kashmir Times, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Reader, Aftab and Srinagar Times.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages