Masood Al Hassan Samoon IAS – Biography, Age, Wife, Gurez
Masood Al Hassan Samoon, a remarkable figure in the history and culture of Gurez, was born on February 28, 1952, in the serene village of Badwan, nestled in Gurez. His father, Mohammad Anwar Samoon, was a renowned teacher and scholar, whose dedication to education left a profound impact on Masood’s life. This nurturing environment instilled in Masood a deep-seated love for knowledge and literature from a young age. His academic journey began under his father’s guidance, continuing through high school in Dawar, Gurez, before he embarked on a career in education.
| Full Name | Masood Al Hassan Samoon |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 28, 1952 |
| Place of Birth | Badwan village, Gurez, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Father’s Name | Mohammad Anwar Samoon |
| Education | – BA from SP College, Srinagar (1972) |
| – MA in Persian, University of Kashmir (1974) | |
| – MA in Urdu, University of Kashmir | |
| Academic Achievements | – Gani Kashmiri Gold Medal in MA Persian |
| Notable Works in Urdu | – Sakhn Hai Ashna |
| Languages | Fluent in Shina, Urdu, Persian |
| Artistic Pursuits | Poet and writer in Shina and Urdu |
| Legacy | Known as a cultural guardian of Shina language and Dardic heritage |
| Personality | Known for humility, wisdom, and dedication to language and culture |
| Recognition | Highly regarded as a “living legend” in Gurez |
After initially working as a teacher, Masood Samoon decided to pursue higher education to further his intellectual passions. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from SP College, Srinagar, in 1972 and went on to complete a Master of Arts in Persian from the University of Kashmir in 1974. His dedication and aptitude earned him the prestigious Gani Kashmiri Gold Medal for achieving the highest marks in his MA Persian examination. Continuing his scholarly pursuits, he also completed an MA in Urdu, again graduating as the top of his class. This strong academic foundation paved the way for a career marked by excellence and a deep commitment to cultural preservation.
Academic Records and Achievements
| Degree | Institution | Year | Major | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA | SP College, Srinagar | 1972 | Arts | Graduated with distinction |
| MA in Persian | University of Kashmir | 1974 | Persian | Gani Kashmiri Gold Medalist |
| MA in Urdu | University of Kashmir | 1970s | Urdu | Topper of batch |
Administrative Career
Masood Samoon’s career in administration began in 1977 and spanned several decades, during which he held pivotal positions across various government departments. Over the years, he served as Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama, Director of School Education in Kashmir, Excise Commissioner, Revenue Commissioner, and Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir. Each role showcased his ability to lead, innovate, and serve his community effectively. In 2009, he retired from government service, though his public contributions continued when he took on the role of a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission, a position he held for five years. His tenure in these roles is remembered for his dedication to development, especially in the areas of education and social reform.
Professional Career Timeline
| Position | Department/Role | Duration | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher | Education Department, Jammu & Kashmir | Early 1970s | Inspired by teaching; started career in public service |
| Deputy Commissioner | Pulwama District | Various Years | Focused on regional development, education |
| Director of School Education | Kashmir Region | Various Years | Strengthened educational infrastructure in Kashmir |
| Excise Commissioner | Government of Jammu & Kashmir | Various Years | Managed excise policies; promoted transparency |
| Revenue Commissioner | Government of Jammu & Kashmir | Various Years | Oversaw revenue collection, policy administration |
| Divisional Commissioner | Kashmir Region | Various Years | Facilitated regional governance, improved public service accessibility |
| Member | Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission | 2009-2014 | Contributed to fair recruitment, governance initiatives |
Contributions to Shina Language and Literature
One of Masood Samoon’s most significant contributions is his dedication to preserving and promoting the Shina language, a crucial cultural cornerstone for the Dardic people of Gurez and Tulail. Historically, Shina was a spoken language without a standardized script, and with the migration of Gurezis to different regions, the language faced the risk of fading from cultural memory. Samoon recognized this challenge and took it upon himself to develop a scientific and systematic script for Shina. His efforts to create a unique orthographic structure for Shina were groundbreaking, allowing the language to be documented, studied, and preserved for future generations.
Masood Samoon’s efforts went beyond creating a script; he has worked tirelessly to promote Shina literacy, teaching the script to Shina-speaking individuals and creating a foundation for a written literary tradition. His first books in Shina centered on the script and phonetic structure of the language. Samoon also translated classic texts into Shina, including Gulistan by Sheikh Saadi Shirazi and Sirat-e-Rasool Akram by Maulana Abu Al-Hassan Nadavi, as well as authoring a comprehensive Shina grammar. These works have played a significant role in reviving and preserving the linguistic heritage of the Shina-speaking community.
Publications and Literary Contributions
| Title | Language | Genre | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shina Script and Phonetic System | Shina | Linguistics | Explains Shina script and phonetics; foundational work for Shina literacy |
| Translation of Gulistan | Shina | Translation | Shina translation of Sheikh Saadi Shirazi’s Persian classic Gulistan |
| Sirat-e-Rasool Akram | Shina | Biography/Translation | Shina translation of Maulana Abu Al-Hassan Nadavi’s work on the Prophet’s life |
| Shina Grammar | Shina | Linguistics | Detailed grammar guide for Shina language learners |
| Sakhn Hai Ashna | Urdu | Poetry/Prose | Collection of Samoon’s original poetry and prose in Urdu |
Literary Works and Passion for Poetry
An accomplished poet and writer, Masood Samoon has published numerous works in both Shina and Urdu, covering themes of culture, language, and spirituality. His Urdu book, Sakhn Hai Ashna, is one of his most notable works, demonstrating his eloquence and depth in expression. Through his poetry, Samoon captures the essence of Dardic culture, celebrating its unique traditions while also reflecting on universal themes of identity and belonging. His poetry, whether in Urdu or Shina, is recognized for its artistic sophistication, evocative language, and cultural resonance.
Legacy and Impact
Masood Samoon’s contributions to both administration and the cultural heritage of Gurez have made him an iconic figure, remembered not only as a dedicated civil servant but as a cultural custodian for his community. His work has revitalized Shina language and literature, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and accessible part of Dardic identity. He is also regarded as an inspirational teacher and mentor, eager to share his knowledge with anyone interested in learning about Shina culture and language.
Samoon’s legacy continues to inspire the youth of Gurez, who see in him a model of service, dedication, and pride in one’s heritage. His multifaceted career stands as a testament to his deep commitment to his community and the preservation of its unique language and cultural identity. Through his writings, teachings, and relentless efforts, Masood Samoon has become a living legend in Gurez, embodying the values of knowledge, resilience, and cultural pride.
Personal Reflections
To those who have had the opportunity to meet Masood Samoon, his personality radiates a wisdom and warmth that leave a lasting impression. He is known for his humility, passion, and the wisdom he imparts to others. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can have on preserving and enriching the cultural heritage of an entire community. Samoon continues to be a guiding light for those interested in the Shina language, and his dedication serves as a call to future generations to value, learn, and preserve their cultural legacy.
