Darakhshan Andrabi Releases ‘Apostle of Light’ on Sheikh-ul-Aalam

Chrar-e-Sharief, October 22: Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, on Thursday released Apostle of Light, an English-language biography of Kashmir’s revered Sufi saint, Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Aalam Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), authored by noted writer Baba Ghulam Nabi Adfar.

The book was released during a literary and academic event organised by Kashmir Markaz-e-Adab-wa-Saqafat at the Sheikh-ul-Aalam Conference Hall of the J&K Waqf Board in Chrar-e-Sharief, Budgam.

Eminent scholars, writers and academicians, including Prof. G. N. Khaki, Dr Satish Vimal and Ghulam Hassan Talib, attended the event. Renowned author Inayat Gul moderated the programme and delivered the welcome address.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Andrabi said documenting Kashmir’s spiritual heritage in English would help introduce the region’s rich Rishi-Sufi traditions to a wider international audience.

«“We need to tell our story of spiritual excellence to the world,” she said, emphasising the importance of preserving Kashmir’s legacy of spiritual wisdom, compassion and universal human values.»

Dr Andrabi said the teachings of Sheikh-ul-Aalam transcend geographical, social and sectarian boundaries and remain relevant in contemporary society. She highlighted his emphasis on humility, compassion, human dignity, harmony and devotion to the Creator, particularly for guiding younger generations.

She also stressed the need to document and translate the works and teachings of Kashmir’s spiritual masters into languages such as English to promote greater awareness of the region’s indigenous intellectual and spiritual traditions.

«“Our saints and spiritual masters have given us a universal message of peace, tolerance, coexistence and service to humanity. Their contribution should not remain confined to our local memory; it must reach readers, scholars and seekers across the world,” Dr Andrabi said.»

She congratulated Baba Ghulam Nabi Adfar on the publication and expressed hope that Apostle of Light would encourage further research and literary initiatives on Kashmir’s prominent Rishi-Sufi personalities.