There are people whose personality is not limited to their physical presence, but rather encompasses various aspects of the soul and mind. Anwar Jalalpuri was one such entity for me. Although I never had the privilege of meeting him in person, watching numerous videos of his poetry recitals made me realize that he was not just a poet or organizer, but a living embodiment of civilization, understanding, knowledge, love, and humanity. His moderation was marked by dignity, courtesy, and the light of love, and his voice had a softness and calmness that instantly drew the heart towards him.
Born on July 6, 1947, in Jalalpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Anwar Ahmed acquired the lamp of knowledge through education and became a representative of civilization through his understanding and intellect. His academic journey, which took him to Gorakhpur University, Aligarh Muslim University, and Audh University, made him not just a literary figure, but a distinguished representative of thought, education, and cultural harmony. He was a prominent flagbearer at the confluence of Urdu literature, education, translation, and civilization.
Anwar Jalalpuri's poetry is a beautiful blend of love, humanity, self-respect, and thought. Reading his poetry makes one feel that the poet is not just expressing his art, but also his responsibility, highlighting the balance between his greatness and responsibility, like an artist who considers his words as his kingdom.
I am a poet, my status is not like any minister But the spread of my thought and art is like the Indian subcontinent This is not just pride, but a true self-awareness of the artist. He did not knock on the doors of power, but the kingdom of hearts was at his feet, and this is the greatest kingdom of all.
Anwar Jalalpuri's most glorious literary achievement is the poetic translation of the Bhagavad Gita into Urdu. Translating 701 shlokas into 1761 verses is not just a feat of language, but a high representation of the confluence of civilizations. Through this work, he not only brought Urdu literature closer to the shared culture of India but also earned numerous awards, including the Yash Bharti, Iftahar-e-Meer, Uttar Pradesh Gaurav, and the Samajik Ekta Award, and was also honored with the Padma Shri during his lifetime.
In the world of poetry recitals, he was not just an organizer, but a conscience. When he took the stage, the gatherings were not just poetry recitals, but transformed into cultural festivals. His words were marked by courtesy, his demeanor by dignity, and his tone by sweetness, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of his listeners.
He not only spread his light across the country but also abroad, through Urdu poetry recitals and literary sessions. His participation in Urdu poetry recitals and literary gatherings in Europe, the Gulf countries, and North America introduced the lovers of Urdu literature there to love, civilization, and literature. His moderation was marked by understanding, dignity, and delicacy, which not only transferred the experience of literature but also of culture. His style left a lasting impact on the hearts of listeners both within and outside the country.
When he spoke about humanity, love, and religious tolerance, the distances between hearts would automatically dissolve. This poem highlights the importance of love and cultural unity, teaching responsibility in human relationships along with religious tolerance.
Friends! For the protection of this deceitful world If there is the water of Zamzam, then the Ganges water should also be there This thought brings hearts closer, educates humanity, and builds a bridge between different religions and cultures.
His poetry also includes deep observations of life, the bitterness of truths, and a profound awareness of human weaknesses. It is an invitation to see the truth of the world like a mirror.
Someone loses, someone wins, who cares? People just came to watch the spectacle The world is a crowd that watches the spectacle and moves on. This poem is not bitter, but rather makes one aware of the reality.
His religious affiliation was as strong as his cultural breadth. The poetic biography of the caliphs in "Raahru se Rahnuma Tak", the poetic translation of Para Am in "Tosha-e-Aakhirat", and his intellectual glimpses in "Zarb-e-La Ilaha" prove that he considered religion not as a limitation, but as an openness. This poem reflects his personality, ethics, and humanity.
I always keep the ethics with me I turn dust into gold with the same stone This is not just poetry, but a principle of life. These ethics make him a diamond in the hearts of people.
And that final feeling, which still touches the heart today, feels like the poet is gently comforting the heart.
I am leaving, do not wait for me Do not mourn for me This is a dignified farewell, not a departure, but a memory of love in the hearts.
Anwar Jalalpuri's academic and literary services, his role as an organizer in poetry recitals, the poetic translation of the Bhagavad Gita into Urdu, numerous books like "Jagti Aankhen", "Harf-e-Abjad", "Adab ke Ahraf", "Raahru se Rahnuma Tak", his poetic and literary services across the country and abroad, and numerous awards like the Yash Bharti, Iftahar-e-Meer, Uttar Pradesh Gaurav, Samajik Ekta Award, and the Padma Shri, are a testament to the deep impact and high stature of his personality. He was not just a beacon for Urdu literature, but also for the shared culture of India and humanity.
On January 2, 2018, when the news of his passing away was received through the newspapers, it felt like a cultural lamp had been extinguished. But the truth is that the lamp did not go out; it was transferred to the hearts. It is unfortunate that there is no square or institution in Jalalpur named after him, which would have made the coming generations remember him daily. Today, when we remember him, the heart is grateful that our civilization was blessed with a person who made words his worship, love his mission, and humanity his identity. He may be out of sight, but he is still alive in hearts and will remain so. May God bless his soul with mercy.
The author is the Secretary of the All India Minorities Forum for Democracy, Department of Publication.
