Zareef Ahmad Zareef

In 1968, Zareef was appointed as scriptwriter in the Department of Information While serving in the cultural unit of Department of Information he remained active in organising public shows, dramas, mushairas and features on an unparalleled scale in various parts of the state. His writings were instrumental in evoking greater response from the public which helped the department in achieving various goals. He retired from the department as assistant cultural officer.

Zareef Ahmad Zareef (born 17 April 1943) is a Kashmiri poet, writer, social activist and environmentalist. He is best known for his satirical poetry and efforts to highlight various social and political problems. He has been working for the preservation of the environment, culture and heritage of Kashmir.

Zareef Ahmed Zareef was born as Zareef Ahmed Shah in 1943 in the downtown city of Srinagar(Aali Kadal) to Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din. His father owned an embroidery workshop, in a locality which was also a hub for hakeems, Sufis, poets, traders, and merchants, hence he was brought up in an environment that was full of wisdom and philosophy, which deeply influenced his personality and character. From childhood, he held the Sufi saint Khawja Habibullah Ataar in great esteem and visits his mausoleum regularly to pay obeisance. Zareef received his education from Islamia High School, Rajouri Kadal. Being an enthusiast – a regular face in seminars, symposiums, debates and annual functions throughout his formative years. Receiving guidance from his teachers and noted writers especially Sattar Shahid, eventually he found himself uttering the lines expressing personal feelings and thoughts on the stage. He soon developed the ambition to become a poet.