Srinagar: The Institution of Engineers at Sonwar, Srinagar, turned into a hall of solemn remembrance on Saturday as activists, jurists, environmentalists, poets, artists, students and civil society members gathered to mark the third death anniversary of noted jurist, social reformer and RTI activist, Syed Nassarullah Shah.
The commemorative programme was jointly organised by the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) and the J&K RTI Movement, organisations that continue to carry forward Shah’s legacy of transparency, accountability and environmental conservation.
Remembering a torchbearer of RTI
The event was presided over by former Chief Information Commissioner Ghulam Rasool Sufi, who recalled Shah’s pioneering role in Right to Information activism, calling him “a man ahead of his time.” He was later felicitated with a traditional Kashmiri shawl by Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat and Faiz Ahmad Bakshi.
Dr. Muzaffar Bhat, Chairman of the J&K RTI Movement, described Shah as a torchbearer who shaped a generation of rights campaigners. Convenor of EPG, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, said Shah was “our conscience-keeper, a lighthouse in times of moral and social darkness,” whose legacy continues in every act of transparency and environmental protection.
A detailed PowerPoint presentation on Shah’s life and work was made by Dr Tauseef Ahmad Bhat, highlighting his journey from education and judicial service to RTI activism, trade union leadership and environmental campaigns.
Colleagues and friends recall his courage
Speakers including Dr M.M. Shuja, co-convenor of EPG, recalled Shah’s courage in filing over twenty PILs on environmental degradation, corruption and governance failures, calling them “instruments of social change.”
Advocate Rafiq Bazaz described Shah’s tenure in the judiciary as outstanding, while Khaliq ul Zaman Bhat paid a written tribute recalling Shah’s tireless fight for the welfare of judicial employees.
Former SMC Commissioner Dr G.N. Qasba said Shah combined rare qualities of leadership and humility, while Farooq Kutho remembered him as a fearless voice of the people.
Cultural tributes and environmental pledges
Adding a cultural dimension, poets Ishrat Gul, Anjum Assad and activist Syed Farhat presented poems dedicated to Shah and his causes, particularly his campaign to save Dal Lake.
Environmentalist Haji Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo pledged to plant 1,000 trees in Khimber and restore a natural spring in Shah’s memory, an announcement that received a standing ovation.
Honouring contemporary campaigners
The programme also recognised the work of young environmentalists and RTI activists. Awards were presented to Dr M.M. Shuja, Irshad Mushtaq, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Abdul Ahad of Kupwara, student Mueed from Shivpora, and Aamir from Kulgam for their contributions. Journalists Arif Shafi Wani (Greater Kashmir), Tariq Ahmad Rather (Doordarshan News), and Shuaib Nasir (Kohsheen TV) were also felicitated for environmental and RTI reporting.
Concluding reflections
In his concluding remarks, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi emphasised that the anniversary was not merely a ritual but a renewal of commitment to Shah’s values. He expressed gratitude to colleagues and remembered those who could not attend.
Advocate Shafqat Nazir, who anchored the programme, spoke of Shah as a fearless jurist and orator who “stood before the powerful and uncompromisingly spoke for the public interest.”
The event concluded with a collective resolve to carry forward Shah’s legacy of justice, transparency and environmental stewardship, leaving the gathering both inspired and committed.
