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Amritsar, September 14
Majha House hosted an evening of poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, a poet celebrated on both sides of the border. The event marked a new chapter in a series of baithaks organised at Majha House in memory of renowned poets, writers, music directors and artistes.
Dr Inder Bir Singh Nijjar, who was in conversation with Dr Gurpratap Khairah, discussed the influence of Faiz’s poetry. Dr Nijjar recounted the journey of the poet by sharing his roots that were connected to Amritsar. “Faiz studied in Amritsar and also fell in love with his future partner in the city. He had a distinguished circle of friends, literary and otherwise.” Dr Nijjer went on to critically examine the poetry of Faiz, comparing it to that of Mirza Ghalib, whom Faiz idolised.
“Although both Faiz and Sahir were progressive writers, Faiz was different from Sahir in that Faiz wrote more eloquently and also incited his readers to rise and take action. Ghalib kept himself off the troubles of common man. Faiz directly launched into the thick of it. He wrote extensively about common man and his problems. The years he spent in jail and exile produced some of his best poems, as in spite of his confinement, he never lost hope and optimism,” said Dr Nijjer.
The highlight of the evening was an online conversation with Muneeza Hashmi, Faiz Ahmed’s daughter, who joined the audience from Pakistan. Sharing anecdotes from her own life and from experiences with her father, Muneeza said when Faiz was in exile, the whole family had to face a lot of tribulations.
“After his passing away, his work and life has attained a status of a legend and will be remembered by generations to come,” she said. She also appreciated the effort of her father’s admirers for their appreciation of his work and for keeping his memory alive. A heartfelt recitation of Faiz’s favourite poetry and songs was also performed.
Deputy Commissioner Shivdular Singh said Faiz was an admirer of romantic poets such as Keats and Shelley and also of Sufi poets such as Rumi. “It is because of this confluence that his poetry is sublime,” he said.
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