Poetry is an integral part of any culture and is capable of being most exertive and transformative of all the arts. It relocates the way we perceive and listen to the world. If we open the pages of history of any nation’s independence, the influence of pen paid huge part in paving path to success. Writers and poets subtly and wittily make people rethink and re-arrange the path of life by giving discipline to shattered mind in the face of adversity. The role of a writer must be that of re-envisioning, renewing and enriching the idea of patriotism, positivity, productivity and enthusiasm. A good literary piece imperceptibly makes its way into our lives and makes us think again about how we live and what we are capable of.
The genre known as slave narratives in the 19th century were reports by people who had collectively eluded from slavery and also was about their journeys to freedom and ways they demanded ownership of their lives. The slave narratives marked huge change which resulted in the African-American freedom movement in the US with poetess like Toni Morrison winning Nobel Prize. Now when we have lived 71 years of freedom in Islamic republic Of Pakistan this year, it makes me wonder who were the visionaries behind the passionate revolution embarked by youth in 1947? And who were the writers and poets behind making it possible for us to enjoy the blessing of freedom. Poets and philosophers who used the affect of pen to write our destiny were Allama iqbal, Hafeez Jalandhri (writer of Pakistan’s national anthem) and Habib Jalib. They mended the vision of Muslim youth to fight for their rights with their thought provoking poetry which awakened the youth resulting in revolution of Pakistan. As Iqbal penned
”Ghulami Mein Na kaam Aati Hain Shamsheeren Na Tadbeeren
Jo Ho Zok e Yakeen Paida Toh Toot Jaati Hain Zanjeeren
Koi Andaza Kar Sakta Hai Iske Zor e Bazu Ka
Nigah e Mard Momin se Badal Jaati Hain Taqdeeren”
Iqbal insinuated his wit and passion through his beautiful words and how!
Hafeez jalandhri wrote;
”Ae Sarzameen e Pak
Zarrey Tere Hain Aaj Sitaron se Taabnaak
Roshan Hai Kehkashaan se Kaheen Aaj Teri Khaak
Ae Sarzameen e Pak”
thats how Jalandhri picturized ”sarzameen e pak”
And Maulana zafar ali khan showing the reality of the country in his words;
”Lut’ta Hai Suhaag Aaj Siyasat Ka Watan Mein
Barpa Na Ho Kyun Hind Mein Yeh Shor Yeh Sheen Aaj”
That is the impact poetry can make in the history. The untiring effort which was the base of foundation of Pakistan seems to be missing in our youth today. Pondering upon the taste we have developed in poetry in past 71 years is rather pessimist and visionless. Nowadays, poetry is serving merely as a source of entertainment and venting out.
Jaun Elia’s Poetry which has become quite a sensation among Pakistani youth and can be found all over Pakistani social media circle, his poetry very much explains the condition of our youth today; in his words
”Ghum e Dil Ab Na Paye Ga Taskeen
Halat Islah Per Na Aaye Gi”
AND
”Ik Dil Hai Jo Har Lamha Jalane ke Liye Hai
Jo Kuch Hai Yahan Aag Lagane ke Liye Hai”
I think a lot has changed in past 71 years of Pakistan especially the poetic taste of youth. We are in dire need of idealists like Allama Iqbal who showed us the path of success and led us into light and hope instead of darkness and pessimism .
Marium Bukhari is an enthusiastic writer, loves to write on social issues, current affairs, books and T.V reviews, currently working for Urdu Poetry Blog.
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