Kangra mourns Urdu poet KK Toor’s demise

Kangra district, especially the hill town of Dharamsala, is grieving the loss of renowned Urdu poet Krishna Kumar Toor, one of the most influential contemporary literary voices and a recipient of the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award. Widely admired across India, Toor authored acclaimed works, including Daryaft, Tartiib, Sher-e-Shaguft, Mushk-e-Munaavvar, Rafta-e-Ramaz and most recently, Samaak.

Born on October 11, 1933, in Lahore, Toor made Dharamsala his permanent home after retiring from the state Tourism Department, settling in the quiet locality of Khaniyara. As the long-time editor of the literary magazine Sarsabz, published from here, he enriched regional literary culture for nearly five decades.

Known for depth and lyrical finesse, his poetry resonated far beyond the hills. Reflecting on wonder, he once wrote: “Mojiza us ko hi kehte hain jahaan mein aye Toor / Jo yehaan hota nahin hota hua lagta hai.” His recent anthology Samaak further expanded his readership by providing Hindi meanings for intricate Persian vocabulary.

Despite frail health, Toor served as Sadr-e-Mushaira at Rumaaniyat Dharamsala on May 3, 2025, travelling from Chandigarh with a fractured leg to recite standing before an appreciative audience.

Quoting his poignant couplet —“Haqeeqi tha mira kirdaar maane / Ke mai jab mar gaya tab yaar maane”—Sujit Haasil, Convenor of Rumaniyat, told The Tribune: “Toor saab was a quiet force in Urdu shayari and leaves an indelible impression. Personally, it is a great loss.”