Sher Ahmad Yawar Kangoorchi - A Poet And Politician Committed To His Homeland Poem by Ahmad Mahmood Imperator

A Sun from the Lineage of Wisdom and Honor: In Praise of a Man from the Land of Badakhshan
Written by: Ahmad Mahmood Imperator

In the sapphire-hued land of Badakhshan, in the district of Kishm and the well-known village of Kangoorchi, a child was born among a people of deep culture and noble heritage—one who would later become a radiant light in the realms of wisdom, mysticism, politics, and poetry. His name was Sher Ahmad, titled Yawar, and poetically known as Kangoorchi—a man from the noble lineage of the local Khans of Badakhshan, nurtured in the cradle of knowledge and literature.

He began his early education in his hometown and continued it in the provincial capital, Fayzabad, up to the fourth grade. But fate carved a unique path for him—a page in the book of destiny that few are privileged to turn.

During the first royal tour of His Majesty King Mohammad Zahir Shah to the northern provinces, the King spent several days in Kishm district of Badakhshan. In preparation for the King's welcome, the Department of Education selected a student to recite a message of greeting. Among all the students, attention turned to a boy who was not only the top of his class but also possessed a commanding and eloquent voice. He was none other than the son of the then local representative, Mr. Nizamuddin Khan. Thus, Sher Ahmad was chosen to recite the grand message before the King and his entourage.

When his voice echoed through the gathering, it planted seeds of admiration in every heart, and fortune swiftly perched on the shoulders of this intelligent and courageous youth. After the message, the King curiously asked, "What grade are you in? Whose son are you? " He replied, "I am the son of Mr. Nizamuddin Khan, and this is my final year of school—grade four."

At that time, schools in remote provinces only operated up to the fourth grade. Outstanding students were then recommended for service in local government offices, often working for two years as honorary employees before formally joining the civil service.

Impressed by the wit and boldness of this young boy, His Majesty turned to his court minister, Sardar Ahmad Shah Khan—who was also his father-in-law—and said:
"It would be excellent if we bring him to Kabul to study alongside my son Nader at Esteqlal High School."

This royal decision was welcomed with joy by Mr. Nizamuddin Khan and the other elders of Badakhshan. Upon the King's return to Kabul, Sher Ahmad traveled with Abdul Hadi Khan Dawee, the royal court's chief secretary at the time, to the capital, where a new and life-changing chapter of his story began.

He lived in the royal palace as a member of the royal family and continued his education at Esteqlal High School alongside the princes, including Prince Mohammad Nader. Later, committed to serving his homeland, he pursued a military career and, after graduating from the Military University (Pohantoon-e-Harbi) , joined the ranks of His Majesty's armed forces. From 1963 (1342 SH) until the fall of the monarchy, he served faithfully as a military aide—a Yawar with high ambition and a luminous heart.

Yet, what truly immortalized this wise man in the memory of time was not only his intellect and public service, but the elegance of his words and the magic of his speech. From 1995 (1374 SH) onward, he turned toward poetic expression, and his gentle nature blossomed in the garden of verse. From then until his final days, he wrote ceaselessly and passionately—penning poetry on social, mystical, patriotic, and humanitarian themes. His verses sometimes mirrored the sorrows and hopes of his people and sometimes blew like a breeze over the deep wounds of society.

He married once, and from this union, six children were born—five sons and one daughter—who carry his legacy forward.

Professor Sher Ahmad Yawar Kangorchi passed away in 2016 (1395 SH) at the age of 78 and was laid to rest in eternal silence. But the resonant voice of his thought still echoes in the hearts of those attuned to the soul.

May his memory be cherished, his name eternal, and his noble soul at peace in the divine realms.
Born: October 1937
Died: July 23,2016