The Biz Reporter
Srinagar : The Institution of Engineers at Church Lane, Sonwar, Srinagar, was filled with emotion and reflection on Saturday as activists, jurists, environmentalists, poets, artists, students and civil society members gathered to observe the third death anniversary of noted jurist, social reformer and RTI activist Syed Nassarullah Shah.
The commemoration was jointly organised by the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) and the J&K RTI Movement, both of which have carried forward his legacy in the spheres of accountability, transparency and environmental conservation.
The programme was presided over by Mr.Ghulam Rasool Sufi, former Chief Information Commissioner of J&K, who recalled personal anecdotes from his childhood and praised Shah’s pioneering role in RTI activism. Sufi described him as a man ahead of his time who recognised transparency as the foundation of democracy and encouraged ordinary people to challenge corruption and demand accountability. The Chief Guest was later felicitated with a traditional Kashmiri shawl by Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat and Faiz Ahmad Bakshi in recognition of his lifelong contribution.Convenor, EPG, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi while paying glowing tributes to Syed Nassarullah Shah said “he was not just a jurist or an activist – he was our conscience-keeper. He mentored us, guided us, and stood like a lighthouse in times of moral and social darkness. His legacy is not confined to books or judgments; it lives in every young activist who dares to question injustice, in every citizen who plants a tree, and in every voice that seeks transparency. He will always remain the guiding soul of our collective journey.”
The proceedings began with a welcome address by Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Chairman of the J&K RTI Movement, who paid glowing tributes to his mentor. Dr. Bhat noted that it was under the guidance of Syed Nassarullah that he grew into an activist, emphasising that Shah was not merely a leader but a torchbearer who shaped an entire generation of rights campaigners in Jammu and Kashmir.
One of the highlights of the programme was a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Tauseef Ahmad Bhat, who documented Syed Nassarullah Shah’s life journey from his early education to his distinguished judicial service, his leadership in trade union struggles, and his eventual emergence as a leading figure in RTI activism and environmental campaigns.
Dr. M.M. Shuja, co-convenor of EPG and a close confidant of Syed Nassarullah Shah, shared personal memories and spoke about his colleague’s courage in filing more than twenty Public Interest Litigations on critical public causes ranging from environmental degradation and riverbed mining to systemic corruption and mismanagement in public institutions. He reminded the gathering that Shah’s PILs were never mere legal documents but instruments of social change that compelled institutions to act.
Adding another dimension to the tributes, Advocate Rafiq Bazaz, who had known Shah since childhood, described his tenure in judicial services as outstanding.
He said Shah gave voice to the judicial fraternity, fought for issues of far-reaching consequence, and never compromised on principles of justice. Khaliq ul Zaman Bhat who could not attent, but send his message which reads as ” “Although I could not attend the programme in person, I wish to record my heartfelt tribute to Late Syed Nassarullah Sahib. I believe the achievements and examples of such great individuals inspire us to live our own lives more meaningfully. He was not only a leader but also a fighter, who stood shoulder to shoulder with stalwarts like Sampat Prakash for the welfare of employees, especially those in the judiciary.””During my tenure as Secretary to five Chief Justices, I often interacted with him in matters of staff administration, promotions, postings, and disciplinary proceedings. What struck me most was his tireless struggle to create new promotional avenues for clerical staff in subordinate courts. His dedication, sincerity, and courage left an indelible mark, and his memory will continue to guide generations of judicial employees.”The event also included cultural expressions. Poet Ishrat Gul recited a heart-wrenching poem on Dal Lake, one of the causes closest to Shah’s heart, while Anjum Assad presented a soulful poem that was received with great appreciation. The activist Syed Farhat read a poem composed by him on Syed Nassarullah.
Environmentalist Haji Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo delivered a spirited presentation and made a significant announcement: he pledged to plant one thousand trees in Khimber and to restore a natural spring in memory of Syed Nassarullah Shah. The announcement drew a standing ovation from the audience and symbolised the enduring environmental ethos of Shah’s legacy.
Farooq Kutho said “Syed Nassarullah Sahib was a fearless voice of the people, who never compromised on truth and justice. His dedication to transparency and accountability remains a guiding light for today’s activists.”
Dr. G. N. Qasba said “Late Nassarullah Sahib combined rare qualities of leadership and humility. His work in strengthening civic responsibility and empowering citizens will continue to inspire generations.”
The commemorative programme was also an occasion to recognise the contributions of young environmentalists and RTI activists. As per the joint resolution of the EPG Governing Council and J&K RTI Movement mementos were presented to a number of individuals. Among those honoured were Dr. M.M. Shuja for his outstanding contribution in RTI activism; Irshad Mushtaq & Mushtaq Ahmad Lone ; Abdul Ahad of Kupwara for planting hundreds of heritage Chinars in north Kashmir; Mueed, a young student from Shivpora, for planting and protecting Chinars along Shivpora Bund; and engineer-turned entrepreneur Aamir from Kulgam for converting garbage into compost. Awards were also presented to journalist Arif Shafi Wani, Executive Editor of Greater Kashmir, for his environmental journalism; to Tariq Ahmad Rather, Head of the Program Division at Doordarshan News; and to Shuaib Nasir, EPG’s media partner and owner of Kohsheen TV, for his extensive coverage. Representatives from Gulistan News and Doordarshan TV were also honoured for their consistent reporting on environmental and RTI issues.
The gathering was attended by a galaxy of eminent personalities, among them Dr. G.N. Qasba, former Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation; educationist Shafat Hussain, Chairman of Blue Bells School; Er. Farooq Ahmad Wani, former Chief Engineer; senior journalists including Sheikh Manzoor Ahmad and Arif Shafi Wani; activists Ajaz Ahmad Dar & Mohammad Ramzan Dar from Sopore , Tariq Patloo and Gazi Ghulam Nabi; advocates including Mohd Ashraf Wani , Badr Ul Duja , Nazir Ahmad Bhat , Tariq Ahmad Dar ; and several RTI and Environmental campaigners , officials and members of PoloGround Football Academy . Their collective presence reflected the wide respect and admiration for Shah’s contributions across different walks of life.
In his concluding remarks, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi expressed deep gratitude to all colleagues and participants. He reflected on his association with Nassarullah Saheb from his Court practice days , his missionary zeal about social causes and untiring efforts for achieving higher status for judicial employees whim he lead for decades. He particularly acknowledged the support of Dr. Muzaffar Bhat, Shuja Sahib, M.S. Bacha Sahib, Nadeem Qadri, Peerzada Fayaz, Advocate Shabir Bhat and Sammi Nassarullah, who worked tirelessly to make the event successful. He also remembered with warmth those who could not attend, including Javed Sahib and Mauzam Sahib, as well as the revered advisor Ajaz Rasool Sahib, who, despite health issues, sent his blessings and good wishes. Bakshi underlined that the anniversary was not merely a ritual but a renewal of commitment to the values Syed Nassarullah stood for, noting that he remained the mentor and guiding soul of both organisations.
The Convenor of EPG, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, extended his appreciation to Advocate Shafqat Nazir, who anchored the event with professionalism and grace.Shafqat Saheb in his narration spoke about his long association with Syed Nassarullah describing him as a jurist, a solicitor , a lawyer and a gifted orator who feared no one and would stand in front of powerful and mighty and strongly convey his point which was generally in the interest of General public. He added that legends like Syed Nassarullah are borne over decades .
The event concluded with a sense of solemn remembrance and renewed resolve. From his contributions as a jurist to his pioneering role in RTI activism, from his leadership in trade union struggles to his campaigns for environmental conservation, Syed Nassarullah Shah left behind a legacy that was holistic and multi-dimensional. The blend of speeches, poetry, presentations and pledges made during the commemoration ensured that his memory was not just honoured but carried forward with action.
