Lahore (Web Desk): The 32nd death anniversary of Habib Jalib, the revolution poet, whose words transcended time and oppressive regimes, is being observed today (Wednesday).
Jalib's poetry was a sharp weapon, constantly challenging the autocratic powers that sought to silence the voices of the oppressed.
His lines, crafted with unflinching conviction, addressed the heart of the people, reflecting their struggles, their pain, and their unyielding desire for freedom.
Born in a small village near Hoshiarpur, India, on March 24, 1928, Jalib’s life was one marked by displacement and struggle.
After the partition, he migrated to Pakistan, where he would rise to become a poetic voice for those left behind in the shadows of political upheaval.
As a poet, Jalib was not just a creator of verse but a harbinger of change, speaking out against military dictatorships and advocating for democracy through his evocative words.
His poetry often led him to imprisonment, as he dared to speak out against the injustices that surrounded him.
Jalib's poetry was revolutionary not only in its content but in its delivery. His ability to captivate audiences with his distinct voice and piercing words made him a beloved figure among the masses.
The titles "Shayir-e-Awam" and "Shayir-e-Inqilab"—the Poet of the People and the Poet of Revolution—are apt reflections of his legacy, for his poems were anthems of defiance, embodying the spirit of resistance and hope for a better future.
His iconic collections, such as Sar-e-Maqtal, Zikr Behte Khoon Ka, and Gumbad-e-Bedar, became treasures of Urdu literature, each one echoing his commitment to truth, justice, and the voices of the marginalized.
With every verse, he painted a vivid picture of the socio-political landscape, always with the intent to awaken the conscience of his audience.
Habib Jalib passed away on this day in 1993 in Lahore, but his words have never faded.
They live on, an eternal reminder of the poet’s vision for a world that rises above oppression.
Even now, over three decades later, his poetry continues to inspire those who stand against tyranny, making his memory an enduring force in the fight for freedom and equality.