Mohammad Yousuf Taing
Mohammad Yousuf Taing (born 1935 in Shopian, India), also known as M. Y. Taing, is a researcher, scholar, critic, writer, politician and historian. He is also biographer of Sheikh Abdullah. He is a prolific literary thinker writing in three Indian languages. Previously served as secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, member of Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission, director of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, he is currently serving patron of Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Creative Arts (JKCCA) in office since 2021. He also served as member of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council (MLC) twice from the National Conference and deputy chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council. Early years
Taing was born at Shopian, in Kashmir in 1935. The traditional occupation of his family was fruit trading. He had his early schooling in his hometown and later went on to graduate from the University of Kashmir. Thereafter, he joined the weekly journal Jahani Nav, published from Srinagar, as its editor. This was the beginning of his journalistic career. Later he was to work on the editorial side of the weekly Aaina, in close collaboration with its editor Shamim Ahmed Shamim. He also worked for other newspapers in Srinagar such as Aftab, Zamindar, Haqeeqat and Chattan. Career
Taing joined the Department of Information for the Jammu and Kashmir Government as the Assistant Editor of its monthly publication ‘Tameer’, whereupon he took over as editor of the journal. It was during his stewardship of Temeer between 1958 and 1960 that it assumed notable status as a literary journal devoted to Kashmiri language and literature. He assumed editorial duties of the Urdu bi-monthly Sheeraza, an organ of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, in 1962. This began a long association with the organization, which he came to head as Secretary in 1973. He continued to head this body until 1993. During his tenure, the Academy rendered yeoman's service for the promotion of languages and literature of the state, as well as the encouragement of research. Taing has also worked as the Director of Information, Cultural Adviser, Chief Minister, and Director General of Culture, all for the Jammu and Kashmir Government. 