Identity: Progressive writer, novelist, poet, and sketch writer
Kashmiri Lal Zakir is counted among the important writers and poets associated with progressive thought. Through poetry, short stories, and novels, he carried out a continuous creative struggle against the tragic political, cultural, and social issues of the country.

Kashmiri Lal Zakir was born on 7 April 1919 in Begabnian, Gujarat (present-day Pakistan). He received his early education in the schools of the princely state of Poonch and Srinagar. He later completed his BA and MA from Punjab University.

Zakir began his literary journey with poetry but gradually turned to fiction. The company of writers like Manto, Krishan Chander, Ashk, Bhisham Sahni, and Bedi refined his storytelling style and helped him think about national issues from the perspective of a responsible creative writer.

The riots that erupted after the Partition of India and the tragic situation in Kashmir deeply affected him. The anguish born of these circumstances became a key element of his stories. “Jab Kashmir Jal Raha Tha,” “Angoothe Ka Nishan,” “Udas Shaam Ke Aakhri Lamhe,” “Khoon Phir Khoon Hai,” “Ek Ladki Bhatki Hui,” etc., express this creative pain.

More than a hundred books across various genres were published under his name. He was also honored with several major literary awards.

Death: He passed away in Chandigarh on 31 August 2016.