Hamidi Kashmiri
H. U. Hamidi, commonly known as Hamidi Kashmiri, was an Indian poet, literary critic, and educationist, primarily known for his works in Urdu and Kashmiri literature. Over the course of his career, he authored nearly fifty books on poetry, criticism, and literary theory. He served as the List of vice chancellors of [the University of Kashmir|13th] vice-chancellor of the University of Kashmir from 1990 to 1993.
Early life and education
Kashmiri was born in 1932 in Bohri Kadal, Srinagar, Jammu and [Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir], British India. He obtained his higher education in Urdu literature, eventually completing a PhD on the influence of European thought on modern Urdu poetry.Career
Hamidi began his career with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, later joining the University of Kashmir in 1969 as a faculty member in the Department of Urdu. He rose through various academic positions before being appointed as the vice-chancellor of the University of Kashmir in 1990, a post he held until 1993.He was also associated with literary institutions and journals, serving as editor of Sheeraza, a publication of the Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Academy. After retirement, he founded and edited the literary magazine Jahaad, which published works by both local and national writers.
Writings
Poetry and fiction
Kashmiri began his literary journey writing short stories, with his early fiction appearing in Urdu journals such as Beeswein Sadi. He later shifted focus to poetry and literary criticism, becoming one of the prominent modernist writers in Urdu literature.Criticism
His critical works engaged with both classical and modern Urdu poetry. Kashmiri wrote on poets such as Mir Taqi Mir, Allama Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Mirza Ghalib. His PhD research suggested the impact of European aesthetics on Urdu poetic traditions.He authored nearly 50 books, including Iqtishafi Tanqeed Ki Sheryat, Ainame Ibraaq, Mahasir Tanqeed, Riyasati Jammu Aur Kashmir Urdu Adab, Jadeed Kashir Shayeri, Sheikh-ul-Aalam Aur Shayeri, and Iqbal and Ghalib.