Stamp on romantic poet Majaz issued

Insync

-Staff

By Staff

Thursday, May 8, 2008, 15:05

Mumbai : The Indian postal department has issued a stamp on romantic-revolutionary poet Majaz (1911-1955), the most loved poet in India.

The Rs 5 stamp has the following verse of Majaz printed in Urdu: "Bakhshi hain humko ishq ne wo jurratein Majaaz, dartey nahi siysat-i-ahl-i-jahaan se hum (Oh Majaz! Love has showered on me such audacities, I no more fear politics and cunnings of people of world)".

The stamp is seen as a befitting tribute to the great poet who wrote the first verse on India's tricolour, wrote the famous Tarana-e-Aligarh and apart from his magical poetry that looked at women as an intelligent companion -- a "hamsafar", also wrote the Nazm "Aavaara" which had become the voice of youths in his generation and thereafter. The Nazm "Aye Gham-e-dil kyaa karuun, Aye wahshat-e-dil kyaa karuun" has been sung by Talat Mahmood and Jagjit Singh, both in their own styles.

One can see the Tile Wali Masjid, the parts of Imambara and the skyline of Old Lucknow in the background of the stamp. It is this city where he grew up and where he lost his life on the roof of a liquor shop on a winter night, abandoned by companions. And where fifty years later people still recall his tragic demise. He was treated twice for mental breakdown and ultimately died at a young age of 44.