Biography of the Famous Urdu Poet Majeed Amjad

Introduction

Majeed Amjad, a prominent figure in Urdu poetry, is celebrated for his profound and evocative verses that delve into the complexities of human emotions and the existential dilemma. Born on October 29, 1914, in Sialkot, a city known for producing several literary luminaries, Majeed Amjad's poetic journey traversed the tumultuous times of pre- and post-independence India. His unique poetic style and contemplative themes set him apart as a poetic visionary.

Early Life and Education

Majeed Amjad was born into a family deeply rooted in literature and culture. His father, Hakeem Ghulam Mustafa, was a well-respected scholar, which likely contributed to Majeed Amjad's early exposure to literature and intellectual pursuits. Amjad received his early education in Sialkot and demonstrated an early aptitude for poetry. He eventually pursued higher studies at Murray College, where he honed his literary skills and became engrossed in the world of poetry.

Literary Influences

Amjad's poetic journey was influenced by various literary movements and thinkers of his time. He was inspired by the classical Urdu and Persian poetry, particularly the works of Allama Iqbal, whose philosophical approach left a lasting impact on his poetic thought. Additionally, the influence of Western existentialist philosophers, such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, can be traced in his exploration of existential themes in his poetry.

Distinctive Poetic Style

Majeed Amjad's poetry is characterized by its profound introspection, metaphysical exploration, and a unique blend of modern and traditional elements. He often employed metaphors drawn from nature to convey complex human emotions and experiences. His use of symbolism allowed readers to engage with his poems on multiple levels, uncovering deeper meanings with each reading.

Themes in his Poetry

Amjad's poetry delved into a wide array of themes, but existentialism, human consciousness, and the search for meaning were predominant. His verses contemplated the transient nature of life, the interplay of self and society, and the inherent struggles faced by individuals. Through his poetry, he aimed to explore the deeper layers of human existence and the emotional landscape that shapes our perception of the world.

Major Works

Amjad's poetic brilliance found expression in several notable works. His poetry collections, such as "Naqsh-e-Faryadi" (1956), "Sare Sukhan Hamare" (1965), and "Barg-e-Nay" (1972), established him as a revered poet of his time. "Naqsh-e-Faryadi" is often regarded as a masterpiece where he ventured into the realms of existentialism, grappling with the complexities of human identity and the quest for self-realization.

Literary Impact

Majeed Amjad's poetry left an indelible mark on Urdu literature. His innovative style, which merged classical traditions with modern sensibilities, earned him a distinguished place among the great poets of his era. His exploration of existential themes was both groundbreaking and thought-provoking, inspiring subsequent generations of poets to engage with similar philosophical inquiries.

Recognition and Awards

Majeed Amjad's contributions to Urdu poetry did not go unnoticed. He was recognized with various awards and accolades, including the prestigious Adamjee Award for Literature. His poetry resonated with readers from all walks of life, as his verses spoke to the universal human experience of grappling with life's uncertainties and seeking a sense of purpose.

Legacy

Majeed Amjad's legacy lives on through his poetry, which continues to captivate and inspire poetry enthusiasts and scholars alike. His contemplative approach to themes of existence, coupled with his rich and innovative use of language, ensures that his work remains relevant across generations. His influence can be seen in the works of modern Urdu poets who draw inspiration from his depth of thought and emotional resonance.

Conclusion

In the tapestry of Urdu poetry, Majeed Amjad's name shines brightly as a beacon of literary excellence. His exploration of existential themes, coupled with his distinctive poetic style, set him apart as a visionary poet who delved into the intricacies of human emotions and the quest for meaning. Through his verses, he not only left an enduring impact on Urdu literature but also provided a profound insight into the human experience, inviting readers to contemplate the intricate threads of existence.

Sample Of Poetry 

Ghazal No 1

brrhe jo hd say to saray tlsm torr ge'e 

oh khosh dle jo dlon ko dlon say jorr ge'e 

abd ke rah ph bay khoab dhrrknon ke dhmk 

jo so ge'ay anhen bjhtay jgon men chhorr ge'e 

eh zndge ke lgn hay kh rt jgon ke trng 

jo jagtay thay anhe ko yh dhn jhnjhorr ge'e 

oh aek tes jsay tera nam yad rha 

kbhe kbhe to mray dl ka sath chhorr ge'e 

rka rka tray lb pr ajb skhn tha koe'e 

tre ngh bhe jsay na tmam chhorr ge'e 

fraz dl say atrte hoe'e nde amjdؔ 

jhan jhan tha hsen oadeon ka morr ge'e

Majeed Amjad

Ghazal No 2

rosh rosh ph hen nkht fshan glab kay phol 

hsen glab kay phol arghoan glab kay phol 

jhan grehٔ shbnm say ks ghror kay sath 

gzr rhay hen tbsm knan glab kay phol 

eh mera damn sd chak yh rdae'ay bhar 

ehan shrab kay chhentay ohan glab kay phol 

kheal yar tray slslay nshon ke rten 

jmal yar tre jhlkean glab kay phol 

mre ngah men dor zman ke hr krot 

lho ke lhr dlon ka dhoan glab kay phol 

slgtay jatay hen chp chap hnstay jatay hen 

msal chhr peghmbran glab kay phol 

eh kea tlsm hay yh ks ke yasmen banhen 

chhrrk ge'e hen jhan dr jhan glab kay phol 

kte hay amr bharon kay sog men amjdؔ 

mre lhd ph khlen jaodan glab kay phol

Majeed Amjad 

Ghazal No 3

dl say hr gzre bat gzre hay 

ks qeamt ke rat gzre hay 

chandne nem oa drechh skot 

aankhon aankhon men rat gzre hay 

hae'ay oh log khob sort log 

jn ke dhn men heat gzre hay 

tmtmata hay chhrۂ aeam 

dl ph kea oardat gzre hay 

kse bhtkay hoe'ay kheal ke moj 

ktne yadon kay sat gzre hay 

phr koe'e aas lrrkhrrae'e hay 

kh nsem heat gzre hay 

bjhtay jatay hen dkhte plkon ph dep 

nend aae'e hay rat gzre hay

Majeed Amjad 

Ghazal No 4

bnay yh zhr he ojh shfa jo to chahay 

khred lon men yh nqle doa jo to chahay 

eh zrd pnkhrrean jn pr kh hrf hrf hon men 

hoae'ay sham men mhken zra jo to chahay 

tjhay to alm hay keon men nay as trh chaha 

jo to nay yon nhen chaha to kea jo to chahay 

jb aek sans ghsay sath aek not psay 

nzam zr ke hsen aasea jo to chahay 

bs ak tre he shkm ser roh hay aazad 

ab aay aser kmnd hoa jo to chahay 

zra shkoh doaalm kay gnbdon men lrz 

phr as kay bad tera feslh jo to chahay 

slam an ph th tegh bhe jnhon nay kha 

jo tera hkm jo tere rza jo to chahay 

jo teray bagh men mzdorean kren amjdؔ 

khlen oh phol bhe ak mrtbh jo to chahay

Majeed Amjad 

Ghazal No 5

aor ab yh khta hon yh jrm to roa rkhta 

men amr apnay leay bhe to kchh bcha rkhta 

kheal sbhon krn sahlon ke aot sda 

men moteon jrre bnse ke lay jga rkhta 

jb aasman ph khdan kay lfz tkratay 

men apne soch ke bay hrf lo jla rkhta 

hoa kay saeon men hjr aor hjrton kay oh khoab 

men apnay dl men oh sb mnzlen sja rkhta 

anhen hdon tk abhrte yh lhr js men hon men 

agr men sb yh smndr bhe oqt ka rkhta 

plt prra hon shaaaon kay chethrray aorrhay 

nsheb zen aeam pr asa rkhta 

eh kon hay jo mre zndge men aa aa kr 

hay mjh men khoe'ay mray je ko dhondta rkhta 

ghmon kay sbz tbsm say knj mhkay hen 

smay kay sm kay smr hen men aor kea rkhta 

kse kheal men hon ya kse khla men hon 

khan hon koe'e jhan to mra pta rkhta 

jo shkoh ab hay yhe abtda men tha amjdؔ 

krem tha mre koshsh men antha rkhta

Majeed Amjad