Veteran Urdu Poet Zia Nehtauri Passes Away at 87, Leaving Dehradun’s Literary World in Mourning
Literary figures and admirers pay heartfelt tributes; demand grows for posthumous recognition of his contributions
Dehradun: Veteran Urdu poet, renowned fine artist and patron of Progressive Community, Zia Nehtauri, passed away on Monday morning at his residence in Mehunwala after a prolonged illness. He was 87. His demise has sent a wave of grief through the literary, social and cultural circles of Dehradun, where he devoted more than six decades of his life to the promotion of Urdu and Hindi literature, art and social harmony. He was laid to rest in Dehradun on Monday evening.
Zia Nehtauri was much more than a distinguished poet. He was a multifaceted personality whose contributions to literature, visual arts and social service earned him immense respect. Known for his simplicity, self-respect, warm nature and commitment to literary values, he played an important role in nurturing literary talent and encouraging emerging poets and writers.
Throughout his long literary journey, Nehtauri worked to strengthen the shared cultural heritage of Urdu and Hindi. His creative work and commitment to communal harmony made him a respected figure among writers, poets, artists and admirers from different walks of life.
Alongside his literary pursuits, Zia Nehtauri was a professional press photographer and a well-known fine artist. He maintained a close connection with society through his artistic skills and professional work.
He ran his photography studio at Kamal Market in Dhamawala for nearly 40 years. During this period, he also provided free photography-related services to people in need, reflecting his compassionate nature and commitment to helping others.
For Nehtauri, art was not merely a means of earning a livelihood; it was also a way to connect with people and contribute to society. Despite limited resources, he continued to help others while maintaining his dignity and independence. This spirit of service remained a defining feature of his personality.
Expressing profound grief over his demise, internationally recognised poet Afzal Mangalori, a member of the Uttarakhand Language Institute and former Vice-Chairman of the Uttarakhand Urdu Academy, described Nehtauri as a person who lived his entire life with dignity, self-respect and integrity.
Mangalori said that people like Zia Nehtauri are an invaluable asset to society, and the importance of their contributions extends far beyond their lifetime. He recalled how Nehtauri had encouraged numerous poets and writers, including himself, to develop their abilities and move forward in their literary journeys.
He said Nehtauri’s contribution to promoting emerging literary talent would always be remembered.
Highlighting his lifelong service to literature and society, Mangalori said he would meet Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and request appropriate posthumous recognition for the late poet. He stressed that writers, artists and social contributors who dedicate their lives to serving society deserve due recognition for their work.
Zia Nehtauri was the patron of Progressive Community. The organisation’s office-bearers and members expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing it as an irreparable loss to the literary and social landscape.
Those paying tribute included Progressive Community President Dr. Riazul Hasan Siddiqui; Vice-Presidents Khalid Farooqui, Ashraf Hashmi and Sabir Siddiqui; General Secretary Dr. Jamshed Usmani; Convener Syed Suhail Zameer, Advocate; Arif Siddiqui; M.M. Siddiqui; Advocate Syed Mubashir Hussain; Advocate Danish; Advocate Farzanullah Usmani Ghazali; Syed Owais Thanvi; Asif Thanvi; and Amanullah Usmani, among others.
Members of the organisation said Nehtauri’s life exemplified simplicity, brotherhood, mutual respect and dedicated literary service. His passing, they observed, was not merely the loss of a senior poet but also the departure of a representative of a generation that worked tirelessly to connect literature with society and strengthen communal harmony.
Several prominent personalities from literary and cultural circles also expressed grief over Nehtauri’s demise. Poets and writers Amber Kharbanda, Aslam Khataulvi, Monika Mantasha, Dolly Dabral, Afzal Mangalori, Vijay Droni, R.A. Khan and Dard Garhwali, among others, conveyed their condolences and offered prayers for the departed soul.
His death has dealt a significant blow to Dehradun’s rich literary tradition, where Urdu and Hindi writers have worked together over the years to promote creativity, cultural understanding and shared values.
Through his decades-long literary and artistic journey, Nehtauri made a meaningful contribution to preserving and strengthening this composite cultural heritage.
The passing of Zia Nehtauri has left his family and loved ones in profound grief. Members of the literary and social fraternity extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and patience during this difficult time.
Nehtauri’s life stands as an example of how a person can earn a respected place in society through artistic talent, integrity, self-respect and a commitment to serving others, regardless of financial circumstances.
His contributions to Urdu and Hindi literature, fine arts, photography and the encouragement of young literary talent will remain part of Dehradun’s cultural memory for years to come.
With his demise, Dehradun has lost a veteran literary figure whose legacy was defined not only by his creative achievements but also by his humanity, simplicity, dignity and enduring commitment to social harmony.
Nation Pulse 24 extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the literary fraternity. May the departed soul rest in peace.
