2018-05-12 Sat

Bakhshi hai ham ko Ishq ne wo jurate’n Majaaz
Darte nahi siyasat-e-ahl-e-jahan se ham..

Asrar-ul-Haq Majaaz commonly known as Majaz Lakhnawi was one of the most famous and progressive poets in the history of Urdu literature. He is known for his romantic and revolutionary poems. He became one of the front-ranking poets of the Taraqqi Pasand Tahreek or Progressive Writers' Movement.

Born in Radauli, Faizabad, in Uttar Pradesh he received his early education from St. John’s College, Agra. Later on, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Aligarh Muslim University. From here he started writing poems and soon become popular among the masses and well respected among the literati.

Majaaz has the honour of writing the university anthem of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). His major works include Shab-e-taab, Aahang, Saaz-e-Nau, Tarana Aligarh Muslim University.

Majaaz died in a tavern located in the Beldari Lane of Lalbagh, on the cold winter night of 5 December 1955 in the heart of the city of Lucknow. He was buried in Nishatgunj graveyard, Lucknow. The epitaph written on his grave aptly sums up his life.

Ab iskey baad subah hai aur subah-e-nau Majaz
Hum Par hai khatam Sham-e-Gariban-e-Lucknow…

To honor this great poet, Indian Postal Service has issued 50 Paisa commemorative postage stamp .

Image Courtesy: Mintage World