Famous poet of Urdu language, journalist, politician, parliamentarian and a fearless freedom fighter of Indian sub continent, Hasrat Mohani (1875 1951) was remembered on Saturday on the occasion of on his 72nd death anniversary.

His real name was Syed Fazl ul Hasan. He adopted pen name of Hasrat while word Mohani refers to the native place of Mohan where he was born in Uttar Pardesh.

He participated in the struggle for independence and was jailed for many years by British authorities.

He was also imprisoned for promoting anti British ideas especially for publishing an article against British policies in Egypt in his magazine Urdu e Mualla.

He went to jail several times and suffered the rough and tumble of political life for a long period. But neither the rigors of prison, nor the fret of politics, could suppress his aesthetic instincts, or disturb his cheerful faith in the goodness of life.

Few of his books are Kulliyat-e-Hasrat Mohani (Collection of Hasrat Mohani’s poetry), Sharh-e-Kalam-e-Ghalib (Explanation of Ghalib’s poetry), Nukaat-e-Sukhan (Important aspects of poetry), Mushahidaat-e-Zindaan (Observations in Prison) etc.

In fact, his poetry draws strength and inspiration from his experience. One of his ghazal composed in the Faizabad jail, carrying the following couplet, is a typical instance in point.

Hai Mashq e Sukhan Jaari Chakki Ki Mushaqqat Bhi

Ik Turfah [hidden] Tamaasha Hai ‘Hasrat’ Ki Tabee’at Bhi

Source: Radio Pakistan