Omkar Dattatray
Late Sh. Triloki Nath Ganjoo, known by his pen name Vishwas, was born in September 1940 in the serene village of Akura near Mattan in District Anantnag, Kashmir. He was the son of Late Sh. Daya Ram Ganjoo and Late Smt. Sonpkuj. He belonged to a respected and close-knit family, being one of five siblings—two brothers, Sh. Nand Lal Ganjoo and Sh. Sham Lal Ganjoo, and two sisters, one married in the village of Hard Tooru near Achabal and the other in the village of Veer Nobugh near Bijbehara. Growing up amidst the tranquil surroundings of Mattan, young Triloki Nath developed a deep sense of observation and reflection, qualities that would later blossom into his poetic temperament. He completed his high school education at Government High School, Mattan, and in 1960, he became a Patwarri in the Revenue Department. The early stage of his career was modest, and he performed his duties dutifully; he began as a clerk and by his dedicated hard work and sincerity became an Office Qanoongo in 1979. He was known for being disciplined, compassionate, and fair, and gained the respect of his fellow colleagues and love of the public. His working life was characterized by honesty and commitment, qualities that reflected the core of his character. In 1962, Sh. Triloki Nath Ganjoo wed Smt. Sheela, daughter of Dr. Daya Ram, of the village of Sagam. Their marriage was a loving and elegant partnership and they had three children (a daughter and two sons) as gifts of their union. Sadly, fate intervened with cruelty during this happy time and Smt. Sheela died after a sudden illness in January 1973, only eleven years into the marriage. At the age of just thirty-three, Sh. Ganjoo was left with the immeasurable responsibility of raising his young children alone. However, in that time of awful personal loss, he showed the strength of his personality; he faced the death of his wife with quiet courage and unrelenting tenacity - becoming mother and father to his children. Those who knew him during this difficult period remember a man of deep patience and calm endurance—someone who never complained, who found solace in faith, and who transformed his pain into poetry and service.
Poetry had always dwelled in his heart. As a teenager, he became passionate about literature and verse, particularly in the Kashmiri and Urdu languages. The works of Allama Iqbal and Mehjoor had engrained an impression on his mind, and they shaped his ideas of spirituality, humanity, and love. He started writing poetry at an early age and articulated the sentiments and ambitions of a sensitive spirit that was deeply attuned to the climate of life as well as nature. His early poems were exuberant, depicting his youthful anticipations, yet his poems turned a different direction as he matured--especially with the death of his wife. Through poetry, he was seeking both healing and enlightenment. A dedicated Shiv Bhakt, Sh. Ganjoo’s devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti developed and deepened as he evolved as a person. His devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti would become the guiding light of his later life. This unyielding devotion later manifested into his involvement in the construction of the Shiv Shakti Temple in his native village in Akura. Not too long ago, he had a vivid dream about a temple located in that specific spot, and the vision left such an impression on his subconscious, that next morning, he made contact with the Biradari members to inform them of his dream. Moved by his conviction, the community came together under his inspiration, and soon the dream took shape in stone and faith. Today, the Shiv Shakti Temple continues to serve as a sacred and unifying center for the Hindu community of the village—a living testimony to his devotion and leadership. After the migration from the Kashmir valley, Sh. Ganjoo continued his service in the Relief Department for several years. He was known for his integrity and compassion, helping displaced families and individuals with genuine sincerity. His belief in silent charity defined his approach to social service—he helped without publicity or expectation of reward. For him, service was an act of worship, a continuation of his spiritual path. Gangoo sahib was an ardent follower of Bhagwam Gopinath jee and he used to visit his Ashram at Udahywala Bohri Jammu off and on and the author of this write up is witness to the fact that Mr.Gangoo often paid visit to the Bab Ashram and has once seen him going there with the first copy of his book and presented it in the feet of the great guru. Shri P.N.Koul Sayel the great poet, writer and literator was a close friend of Gangoo Sahib and in fact the title/ pen name / pseudonym which appears in the last stanza of the poetry and in this case Vishwas was bestowed to Gangoo Sahib at the Ashram of Bhagwanjee as proposed by Sayel.
He retired from Govt service in May 1998 as Naib Tehsildar, marking the end of a long and distinguished career that lasted nearly forty years. However, retirement was not a period of inactivity for him; it marked the beginning of an artistic career. He had always wrote extensively, and had been an active participant in literary circles as a writer and poet, contributing to mushairas and various cultural programs. Following his retirement, he devoted full time to writing, capitalizing on his experiences, ideas, and devotion he cultivated over a lifetime. His writing consisted of poetry, Kashmiri bhajans, afsanay (or short stories), and one novel. His major publications included a Kashmiri Bhajan called Amrit Varshun, which he penned with love, that embodies his devotion and relationship to the divine. A second publication was Satrang, which combined some of his best Kashmiri and Urdu poems, illustrating a shifting trade-in tone and an impressive control of both languages. His next and final publication was an Urdu novel called Sab Ki Manzil Ek, both of which document his philosophical reflections on life, and aim to convey a message of unity, spirituality, and humanistic philosophy. His writing was emotional, simple, but conveyed so much about faith, resilience, and the beauty of inner life.
Some of his Kashmiri bhajans and songs were performed by famous Kashmiri singers, and keep on to occur and be played on Radio Kashmir and Radio Sharda, all the while making his poetic voice listenable and dear to the listeners. Even as he got older, his passion for literature did not dwindle the least. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when isolation and fear affected the world, he took to social media to share his poetry, reflections, and comforting words. He was known to actively participate in the online world of literature during this demanding period of fear and isolation, he inspired and acted as comfort to so many. Ultimately, fate played a cruel hand when the very pandemic in which he attempted to uplift others spiritually, tragically took his own life. In May of 2021, Sh. Triloki Nath Ganjoo ‘Vishwas’ passed away, leaving behind an everlasting legacy of devotion, creativity, and compassion. Not only did society lose a veteran and great writer and poet, but the world lost a saintly soul whose life was built on faith, humility, and love for humanity. He is not remembered today just for his writing but for who he was - a simple, honest, and kindhearted person who felt happy by giving and fulfilled by serving. His poetry still remains in the temples and on the radio of Kashmir, reflecting his most treasured belief that art and devotion are both paths toward the same God. His humble trajectory in life from a village boy in Akura to a celebrated poet and social servant inspires us all to know just how resilience, faith, and creativity can morph suffering into strength. Late Sh. Triloki Nath Ganjoo ‘Vishwas’ lived his life through spirituality, poetry and with meaning. His pen expressed the prayers of his soul, his deeds exemplified compassion and now, his legacy continues to inspire. He is gone but not lost; his words, his songs, and his spirit are still alive—inspiring us still through verses, resonating through devotion, and reminding us that true faith, just like true poetry, never dies.
The author is a columnist, social, KP activist & Freelancer |
