ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Today marks the 40th death anniversary of the revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, a figure whose words continue to resonate across generations. Fans, literary enthusiasts, and admirers of his legacy are reflecting on his life and work on this somber occasion.
Born on February 13, 1911, in Kala Qader, a small village in the Narowal district of Punjab, Faiz rose to prominence as a leading voice in the Progressive Writers’ Movement and as a committed Marxist. His poetry, which often combined beauty with activism, earned him global recognition. In 1962, Faiz was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize by the Soviet Union, a testament to his international influence.
Faiz’s literary contributions have had an enduring impact on not just Pakistan, but the wider world. In 1990, six years after his passing, the government of Pakistan honored him posthumously with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the country’s highest civil award.
The timeless appeal of Faiz’s poetry continues to inspire people from all walks of life, including scholars and creatives. One such individual is the esteemed academic Anjum Altaf, who, in 2018, compiled a collection of Faiz’s poems, titled Transgressions: Poems Inspired by Faiz Ahmad Faiz, reflecting the depth and universality of his work.
Faiz’s literary achievements include monumental works like Naqsh-e-Faryadi, Dast-e-Saba, Zindan-Nama, Dast-e-Tah-e-Sung, Mere Dil Mere Musafir, and Sar-e-Wadi-e-Sina, many of which were later combined in the anthology Nuskha Haa-e-Wafa. These works, filled with humanism, struggle, and love, continue to inspire poets, writers, and thinkers.
Faiz passed away on November 20, 1984, in Lahore, but his legacy endures.
In a lighthearted moment that captured the imagination of many, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan once revealed in an interview that Faiz was one of his favorite poets, alongside the legendary Mirza Ghalib. In a candid moment, Saif shared how his father admired Faiz’s poetry, calling him “a phenomenal poet.” The actor also mentioned his exposure to Western poetry, which adds a layer of depth to his appreciation of Faiz’s unique style. This personal connection further humanizes the poet’s timeless influence, proving that Faiz’s words have transcended not only cultural and linguistic barriers but personal ones as well.
As we remember Faiz Ahmad Faiz today, we honor not only his remarkable contributions to literature but also the enduring spirit of his words—ones that continue to inspire and challenge us to dream of a better world.
