About Nashenas

Doctor Sadiq Fitrat Nashenas
By: Manizha Naderi, Director of Shahmama Foundation
Nashenas, born “Sadiq” on 28th of January 1935, belongs to a spiritual Habibi family of Kandahar. His ancestry goes back to Habibullah Akhundzada son of Babur Khan Kakar who had settled in Kandahar migrating from Zhob Kakar’s area in the 18th century. His father, Mohammad Rafeeq, was educated in Arabic and English languages, and served dedicatedly in various training and economic sectors of his country.

Sadiq had four sisters, three of whom passed away in early childhood. His early childhood in Kandahar was not so glamorous, though it was rich with mother’s love and care. He started his primary education in the Shalimar School in Kandahar. His father was appointed by the National Bank of Karachi (under British India) in 1940. In late 1941 or early ’42 his family also moved with him. They lived there for five years. While resettling, he learned the Urdu language. He was 10-year old when his only brother Habib Rahman and later on three other sisters were born to shape a traditional Afghan family.
Young Sadiq had the privilege of meeting one of the giants of the world of Indian politics at the time, Dr. Zakir Hussain (President of India: 1967-68). He started school in “Jama’a -e-Miliah”, located at the bank of the Jamuna River in an area named Okhla. He learned Farsi, Urdu and calligraphy from celebrated and beloved Dr. Hussain. Undoubted, the educational atmosphere of that land has had profound influence on his personal, social and artistic life. Hot Indian weather and strict parenting of his father made his longing for his mother’s love and care even more intense.
In 1948 he returns to his homeland along with his father and is admitted to the Habibia High School in 8th grade.
As a young man, Sadiq learns about foundations of literature and works of Classic Farsi and Pashtu literature pioneers and greats. He also gravitates towards Poetry, acting and music and participates in school functions where he receives further praises and encouragement. At the age of 16, when he was deep in these thoughts, he discovered the definition of his identity and conscience in the word “Fitrat”.
Education, Work and other Sojourns by Sadiq Fitrat Nashenas:
1955-59 – College of Law and Political Science (Economics Major), University of Kabul. At the time an independent Economics department did not exist;

1959-60 – Job at Ministry of Trade and Commerce (fewer than 4 months);

1960 – At the behest of Ustad Benawa (President of the State-run Radio) appointed as chief of foreign programs department of radio;

1962-66- Travelled to Moscow to major in linguistics and Russian language;

1966- Military service. (6 months training, and 6 months as Sergeant) in reserves, Kabul;

1967-70- To achieve his doctorate in Pashtu language travelled to the ex-USSR. Thesis was mysticism and Sufism in Rahman Baba’s poetry;

1971- Starts work at Historical and Encyclopedia Association in Kabul where castaways and those awaiting their firing from government jobs are assigned;

Late 1971 thru early 1973 – At the recommendation of King Zaher travels to India to learn music. At Bharatiya Kala Kendra school of music learns classical music;

1973- President of the Baihaqi Publishing; The beginning of crisis in the life of Nashenas.

1978- President of the Radio;

1979- President of Literature and Music of Radio;

1980- Member of the Art and Literature of Afghanistan Radio;

1985- October 1989- Second Cultural Secretary at Moscow Embassy. Often worked as translator in Ambassador’s meetings with other delegations. Worked as an editor-in-chief of the embassy’s bulletins once Enayat Madani left;

1989- Officially became part of ministry of Culture and Information. He was offered the job of Deputy minister which he refused.
Artistic achievements and publications about Nashenas
Overall, produced more than 270 Farsi songs, over 100 Pashtu and more than 60 Urdu. Among them, 150 of his Farsi songs, more than 80 Pashtu and 15 of or more of his Urdu songs are his own compositions.
Doctor Nashenas with his magical voice and perineal music is beloved by his fellow countrymen and women. In addition to his magnanimous name in music, he is also known as one of the founders of the cultural revolution of Afghanistan. All this is due to his steadfastness and rejection of injustice and forgery of entitlements in the history of Afghanistan.
Nashenas has used music and literature in three languages, without accent, to convey his messages of love to his fans. He is the only singer whose more than 90% of his songs has remained in his fans’ memory in 65 years of his artistic life.

Dr. Sadiq Fitrat Nashenas is spending his retirement years alongside his family and friends. He is busy recording songs and composing song, with the hope for the young generation is now helping guide the new generation of artists.
For more details visit:
www.nashenas.org
https://nashenas.org/biography/

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