Oral histories are the collections of accounts, and interpretations of the past in their own words. They are a record of an individual’s direct feelings and opinions about the events in which he or she was involved. The oral histories provide information about significant events that may otherwise lack documentation in written or archival records….
Shahid suffered from cancer. A malignant brain tumour had been detected after he had a sudden blackout in Feb. 2000. The doctors gave him a year or less. Inspite of the malignant brain tumour and awareness of his approaching death, Shahid retained his best for life. His gregarious instinct and love for music, poetry and…
The writer Amitav Ghosh, had known Shahid’s work long before he met the man. One of their common friends put him in touch with Shahid. In 1998 and 1999 they had several conversations on the phone and even met a couple of times. But they were no more than acquaintances until Shahid moved to Brooklyn…
Once, the writer went to the hospital where Shahid was undergoing treatment to bring him home. He was accompanied by his brother, Iqbal and his sister, Hina. A wardboy came there with a wheel-chair. Shahid sent him away saying that he could walk on his feet. After taking a few steps, his knees gave way….
The writer knew that Shahid had been under treatment for cancer for about fourteen months. But he never thought of Shahid’s approaching death as he was still on his feet and perfectly clear headed, though he suffered from occasional lapses of memory. One day the writer rang him up to remind him that they had…
Shahid wished to be laid to rest in Kashmir after his death. But his wish was not fulfilled. Due to some unavoidable reason he changed his mind and, decided to be laid to rest in Northampton in the vicinity of Amherst.
Shahid was very sociable. There was hardly an evening when there was not a party in his livingroom. One would always find there about half a dozen people-poets, relatives, students etc. In the kitchen someone would always be cooking food or making tea. Once Shahid said to the author, “I love it that people come…
The author and Shahid had friends in common and one of these put him in touch with Shahid. They had several conversations on the phone and even met a couple of times, but they were mere acquaintances till then. Then in February 2000 Shahid moved to Brooklyn in the neighbourhood of the author. Since then…
The writer took it as a very important thing which would have to be obeyed. He could not think of anything to say. He had to search the words to convey his promise. Finally he said, “Shahid, I will, I’ll do the best I can”.