A Tribute: Ahmad Faraz

Gyaan Adab under its initiative Guldasta-e-Urdu presented a tribute to the legendary poet Ahmad Faraz.

Originally named Syed Ahmad Shah, the poet was better known by his pen name Ahmad Faraz. A Pakistani, he was extremely outspoken in his views against the military rule in his country. During his long career, he was awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Imtiaz. The Government of Pakistan conferred Hilal-e-Pakistan posthumously upon Faraz for his contributions to poetry and Urdu literature. He breathed his last on August 25th, 2008.

Our tribute delved into his life briefly and explored the various themes that his poetry covered. Our facilitators, Nasima Merchant and Ruksana Jamadar, took us through his poems Deewar Aur Saya and his ghazal Ranjish-e-Sahi – both explored the concept of ego.

Next, we discussed Faraz’s strong opinions about war and how he poignantly speaks of the futility of war in his poem Kali Deewar. Thereon, the poems tooks us through Faraz’s understanding of patriotism with Aye Desh Se Aanewale Bataan.

If you missed the programme, you can watch it here: https://www.facebook.com/gyaanadab/videos/1242214722819396/

Finally, Nasima Merchant and Ruksana Jamadar each recited a poem from Faraz’s treasure trove of work which spoke of romanticism. Suna hai, Saamne Uske Sataish, Bewafa and Dosti ke Haath were recited.

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