Narinder Safaya, eminent Supreme Court lawyer, poet, founder of Kaeshir Baithak, passes away at 71

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Ziraat Times
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Ziraat Times Team Report

New Delhi: Narinder Kumar Safaya, a distinguished Kashmiri Pandit, Supreme Court lawyer, poet, and community activist, passed away on May 16, 2025, in New Delhi at the age of 71. His demise marks the end of an era for the Kashmiri Pandit community and the literary and legal fraternity, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and advocacy in the midst of migration related odds..

Mr Safaya was a regular participant in Ziraat Times’ live programmes discussing business, economy and cultural issues. Ziraat Times management pays its heartfelt tributes to Mr Safaya and expresses its condolences with the Safaya family.

Born in Srinagar, Kashmir, Safaya was had to leave his homeland during the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the early 1990s. Settling in New Delhi, he continued to champion the cause of his community while making significant contributions to law and literature. Known for his legal acumen, Safaya practiced at the Supreme Court, earning respect for his sharp intellect and commitment to justice. His poetic soul, however, found expression in his verses, which often reflected the pain of displacement, the beauty of Kashmir and the hope for reconciliation.

Prominent poet Ayaz Rasool.Nazki, while paying tributes to Mr Safaya, wrote, “It is a heart breaking news. A wonderful person who tried to bridge the divide between people in his own sincere way.”

Another prominent Kashmiri writer and academic writes, “O dear! This is such a sad news. I just met him in Delhi this February. He gave me a copy of his poetry collection. I even recorded one of his poems. What a beautiful soul. May he rest in eternal peace.”

“Heartbreaking news. He was a gem of a person who appreciated and welcomed works and ideas across generations. Heartfelt condolences to the family and peace to the noble soul”, Pratush Koul wrote in his Facebook tribute.

“Safaya was a cultural ambassador of Kashmir, organizing poetic baithaks (gatherings) in New Delhi that became a sanctuary for Kashmiri Pandits and lovers of literature. These gatherings, steeped in the traditions of Kashmiri poetry and music, fostered a sense of community and kept the cultural flame alive for the diaspora”, said Hriday Nath, on social media.

His work as a peace builder and community activist earned him numerous accolades, including recognition for his efforts to preserve Kashmiri heritage and promote inter-community dialogue.

Safaya’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from friends, admirers, and the Kashmiri Pandit community across social media platforms. On X,

@panditaAPMCC63

wrote, “Lost yet another KP stalwart, today in Narinder Safaya in New Delhi. A supreme court lawyer, a writer, a community activist, peace builder, many a awards winner, my follower – all in one. Last we met physically at the Intl mother tongue day event at IGNCA New Delhi.” Another user,

@KahwJk

, mourned, “What a great loss to the poetic fraternity of Kashmir. Shri. Narinder Safaya Ji leaves for the heavenly abode.#Kashmir #Srinagar #Poet.”

Faiyaz Dilber also paid his tributes in these words, “Unbelievable and shocking, he was really a selfless noble man, always practically working for the cause of Kashmiryat and litrature. Rest in peace.”

On Facebook, a post shared by the Kashmiri Pandit Cultural Society garnered heartfelt comments from those touched by Safaya’s life and work. One user, Rajesh Raina, wrote, “A great loss to the community. His poetry was a bridge between our past and present, and his baithaks were like coming home to Kashmir.” Another admirer, Shalini Kaul, commented, “Narinder Ji’s verses carried the soul of Kashmir. His kindness and wisdom will live on in our hearts.” A third comment from Anil Bhan read, “He fought for justice in court and for peace in society. Rest in peace, Safaya Sahab, you were a true son of Kashmir.”

Safaya’s contributions extended beyond poetry and law. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of Kashmiri Pandits, often using his platform to highlight their struggles and aspirations. 

He is survived by his family, whose privacy is requested during this time of grief. A memorial service is planned in New Delhi, details of which will be shared by community organizations. 

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41 COMMENTS

  1. Very sad to know through Ziraat Times that ‘Narinder Kumar Safaya, a distinguished Kashmiri Pandit, Supreme Court lawyer, poet, and community activist, passed away on May 16, 2025, in New Delhi at the age of 71.”Quiet but nature , we still carry a rich tradition in the subcontinent to express our heartfelt condolences, pray peace for all departed soul,
    What made me to note an exception that , may be now prevalent to attribute as, ”
    His demise marks the end of an era for the Kashmiri Pandit community and the literary and legal fraternity, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and advocacy in the midst of migration related odds”..
    He was , is a Kashmiri for all purposes irrespective of his fate.
    Shall an extra step, we call ours Kashmiri Muslim/ Sikh/ Christain, further Muslin Suni/ Shai indtreas of Pandit.
    We should not forget we have changed faith Fourth times, another new Sain Baba
    Just recollect our Saints. Reshis, Holy persons, Poets of all faith in the valley ever classified Pandit / Islamic ideology.
    Resh Vaar we are one, one soil, one plant, one aspiration, concern, heart overflowing with humanity.
    See , those who did not migrate, or were made not to, are living under majority patronage.
    Prominent poet Ayaz Rasool.Nazki, while paying tributes to Mr Safaya, wrote, “It is a heart breaking news. A wonderful person who tried to bridge the divide between people in his own sincere way.”
    Another prominent Kashmiri writer and academic writes, “O dear! This is such a sad news. I just met him in Delhi this February. He gave me a copy of his poetry collection. I even recorded one of his poems. What a beautiful soul. May he rest in eternal peace.”

    Please mark
    Ayaz Rasool.Nazki
    that speaks volumes covering the whole of our Valley, numberless Humanity Wular like vlakes, that can be seen even from high above from the sky through satellite, We are one shall remain so, younger has to carry it forward..
    —

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