Famous Urdu Poet Ehsan Danish Biography And Urdu Poetry 

Introduction

Ehsan Danish, a name that resonates with the very essence of Urdu poetry, was a renowned poet whose verses continue to inspire and captivate generations of readers. Born on 18th June 1927 in Aligarh, India, his literary journey was marked by an unwavering passion for words and a deep understanding of human emotions. Ehsan Danish's life and work can be dissected through various facets that shaped his identity as a prolific Urdu poet.

Early Life and Education

Ehsan Danish, whose real name was Shamsul Hasan Faruqi, was born into a scholarly family that nurtured his literary inclinations from an early age. He received his early education in Aligarh and later pursued a degree in Persian and Urdu literature at Aligarh Muslim University. His exposure to the rich literary environment of Aligarh played a significant role in honing his poetic skills.

Literary Prowess

Ehsan Danish's poetic journey can be traced back to his fascination with progressive and modernist ideas. He was a member of the Progressive Writers' Association, a platform that emphasized social reform and brought about a significant shift in Urdu literature. Danish's poetry, marked by its progressive ideals, explored themes of social justice, equality, and the struggles of the common man. His verses were a reflection of his deep empathy for the downtrodden and his commitment to raising their voices through his poetry.

Major Works

One of Ehsan Danish's most acclaimed works is the poetry collection "Zard Patton Ka Ban," which translates to "A Forest of Yellow Leaves." This collection delves into the complexities of human emotions, particularly the darker aspects of life. The poems within this collection showcase Danish's mastery over metaphors and symbolism, as he skillfully weaves together themes of love, despair, and existential contemplation.

Another notable work is "Safar Nama," a travelogue that reflects his experiences during his journey to Europe. Through vivid descriptions and introspective musings, Danish provides readers with insights into his observations and reflections on the world around him.

Distinctive Style and Contributions

Ehsan Danish's poetic style is characterized by its deep symbolism, evocative imagery, and a unique blend of classical and modern sensibilities. His poetry often carries an undertone of melancholy, which resonates with readers on a profound level. Danish's contribution to Urdu poetry goes beyond his literary creations; he played a significant role in shaping the socio-political landscape through his thought-provoking verses. His poems served as a medium for expressing the aspirations and concerns of his generation, making him a torchbearer for progressive thought.

Social Impact

Ehsan Danish's poetry was not confined to the realm of literature; it had a substantial impact on society. He used his verses as a tool to critique societal norms, challenge oppression, and advocate for justice. His commitment to addressing societal inequalities earned him immense respect among his contemporaries and followers. Danish's poetry gave a voice to those who were marginalized and unheard, thereby fostering a sense of unity among the masses.

Exile and Later Life

The tumultuous political climate in India during the mid-20th century led Ehsan Danish to seek refuge in Pakistan. His experiences of exile and displacement are reflected in his poetry, where he grapples with feelings of nostalgia, loss, and the search for a sense of belonging. Despite the challenges he faced, Danish continued to produce impactful poetry that resonated with his readers.

Legacy

Ehsan Danish's legacy is indelibly etched in the annals of Urdu literature. His contribution to the Progressive Writers' Movement, his exploration of human emotions, and his unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire poets and thinkers across generations. His poetry transcends time and space, speaking to the universal human experience. Through his literary prowess, Ehsan Danish bridged the gap between classical and modern Urdu poetry, leaving behind a legacy that continues to enrich the cultural and literary fabric of the Urdu-speaking world.

Conclusion

Ehsan Danish's life and work embody the essence of Urdu poetry's transformative power. His journey from Aligarh to becoming an influential poet in Pakistan, his commitment to progressive ideals, and his ability to evoke deep emotions through his verses make him a luminary in the realm of literature. Ehsan Danish's legacy continues to thrive, reminding us of the enduring impact that poetry can have on society and the human soul.

Sample Of Poetry 

Ghazal No 1

kbhe mjh ko sath lay kr، kbhe meray sath chl kay

oh bdl gea achank، mere zndge bdl kay 

hoe'ay js ph mhrban tm، koe'e khosh nseb ho ga

mere hsrten to nklen meray aٓnsoe'on men dhl kay 

tere zlf o rkh kay qrban، dlِ zar dhondta hـay

ohe chmpe'e ajalay، ohe srme'e dhndl kay 

koe'e phol bn gea hـay، koe'e chand koe'e tara

jo chragh bjh gea hـay، tere anjmn men jl kay 

meray dosto khdara meray sath tm bhe dhondo

oh yhen khen chhpa hـay، meray ghm ka rkh bdl kay

tere bـay jhjhk hnse say، nh kse ka dl ho mela

eh ngr hـay ae'enon ka، yhan sans lay snbhl kay

Ehsan Danish 

Ghazal No 2

prstsh ghm ka shkreh kea tjhay aaghe nhen

teray bgher zndge drd hay zndge nhen

dor tha ak gzr chka nshh tha ak atr chka

ab oh mqam hay jhan shkoۂ bay rkhe nhen

ashrt khld kay leay zahd kj nzr jhkay

mshrb ashq men to yh jrm hay bndge nhen

teray soa kron psnd kea tre kae'nat men

donon jhan ke namten qemt bndge nhen

lakh zmanh zlm dhae'ay oqt nh oh khda dkhae'ay

jb mjhay ho yqen kh to hasl zndge nhen

dl ke shgftge kay sath raht may kdh ge'e

frst may kshe to hay hsrt may kshe nhen

ashk roan ke aab o tab kr nh aoam men khrab

azmt ashq ko smjh greۂ ghm hnse nhen

arsۂ frqt o fraq aesa toel to nh tha

bhol rhay ho tm mjhay men koe'e ajnbe nhen

zkhm ph zkhm kha kay je apnay lho kay ghont pe

aah nh kr lbon ko se ashq hay dl lge nhen

aek oh rat the kh jb tha mray ghr oh mahtab

aek yh rat hay kh ab chand hay chandne nhen

mzhdh kh na mrad ashq tere ghzl ka hay oh rng

oh bhe pkar athay kh yh shr hay shaare nhen

Ehsan Danish 

Ghazal No 3

yh to nhen kh tm say mhbt nhen mjhay 

atna zror hay kh shkaet nhen mjhay 

men hon kh ashteaq men sr ta qdm nzr 

oh hen kh ak nzr ke ajazt nhen mjhay 

aazade' gnah ke hsrt kay sath sath 

aazade' kheal ke jrأt nhen mjhay 

dobhr hay grchh jor azezan say zndge 

lekn khda goah shkaet nhen mjhay 

js ka grez shrt ho tqreb ded men 

as hosh as nzr ke zrort nhen mjhay 

jo kchh gzr rhe hay ghnemt hay hm nshen 

ab zndge ph ghor ke frst nhen mjhay 

men keon kse kay ahd ofa ka yqen kron 

atne shded ghm ke zrort nhen mjhay 

sjday mray kheal jza say hen maora 

mqsod bndge say tjart nhen mjhay 

men aor day skon nh tray ghm ko zndge 

aese to zndge say mhbt nhen mjhay 

ahsanؔ kon mjh say soa hay mra ado 

apnay soa kse say shkaet nhen mjhay

Ehsan Danish 

Ghazal No 4

aaj bhrrke rg ohsht tray deoanon ke 

qsmten jagnay oale hen beabanon ke 

phr ghtaؤn men hay nqarۂ ohsht ke sda 

tolean bndh kay chlen dsht ko deoanon ke 

aaj kea sojh rhe hay tray deoanon ko 

dhjean dhondhtay phrtay hen grebanon ke 

roh mjnon abhe betab hay shraؤn men 

khak bay ojh nhen arrte beabanon ke 

as nay ahsanؔ kchh as naz say mrr kr dekha 

dl men tsoer atr aae'e pre khanon ke

Ehsan Danish 

Ghazal No 5

dl ke rghbt hay jb aap he ke trf 

ks leay aankh athte kse ke trf 

kese aljhn hay baze ghh shoq men 

hm hen an ke trf oh kse ke trf 

srf ashk o tbsm men aljhay rhay 

hm nay dekha nhen zndge ke trf 

hm jo ghol beaban say oaqf nhen 

chl deay dor ke roshne ke trf 

der o kabh say pease jbenen leay 

ao ge'ay hm tre bndge ke trf 

rat dhltay jb an ka kheal aٓ gea 

tktke bndh ge'e chandne ke trf 

jb nh qsd khode kay drechay khlay 

ahl dl ho leay bay khode ke trf 

hm nay dl ke lge an say ke the bean 

bat oh lay ge'ay dl lge ke trf 

jad aaghe pr brre bherr the 

sekrron mrr ge'ay gmrhe ke trf 

hen mray hlqh alm men baleqen 

aasman kay peam aadme ke trf 

an kay jloon ke janb nzr ath ge'e 

moj the brrh ge'e chandne ke trf 

kon sa jrm hay kea stm ho gea 

aankh agr ath ge'e aap he ke trf 

janay oh mltft hon kdhr bzm men 

aansoؤn ke trf ya hnse ke trf 

as kay pndar khod aaghe pr nh ja 

dekh ansan ke bay charge ke trf 

apnay mahol men keon andhera kren 

der tk dekh kr roshne ke trf 

mot ke rah aasan ho jae'ay ge 

pear say dekheay zndge ke trf 

hm jnon mnd bhe atnay oaqf to hen 

aql ka rkh hay oarftge ke trf 

shaare ke kse mnzl drd men 

ak drechh hay peghmbre ke trf 

janay aankhon nay aankhon say kea kchh kha 

zndge jhk ge'e zndge ke trf 

danshؔ ankar khalq say hota nhen 

dekhta hon men jb aadme ke trf 

Ehsan Danish