Veteran journalist and esteemed Sahitya Akademi laureate, Ghulam Nabi Khayal, breathed his last at his Rawalpora home in Srinagar. At 85, he left behind an unmatched legacy.

Originating from Srinagar in 1938, Khayal's illustrious career began as a voice behind the news on Radio Kashmir during the 1950s. His journalistic prowess led him to associate with leading news platforms, from the Illustrated Weekly of India and India Today to global entities like The Associated Press and Voice of America.

A prolific author, Khayal's pen graced over 30 books spanning languages like Kashmiri, English, and Urdu. Among his many writings, ‘Gashik Minaar’ (Luminaries) stands out, fetching him the Sahitya Akademi award in 1975. His translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam into Kashmiri is yet another testament to his literary genius.

In a bold move in 2015, he relinquished his Sahitya Akademi honor, expressing dissent over the perceived injustices towards minorities in India.

Khayal's legacy is carried forward by his wife, two sons, and a daughter, all of whom have made their homes overseas.

Zareef Ahmad Zareef, a distinguished poet and satirist, spoke to Greater Kashmir, remembering Ghulam Nabi Mir, widely recognized as Ghulam Nabi Khayal. Zareef emphasized Khayal's multifaceted contributions as a writer, journalist, researcher, and poet, terming his demise a monumental loss to the world of arts and literature.