Ali Arshad Mir
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Ali ArshadMir | |
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| Born | 1 January 1951 |
| Died | 16 October 2008 (aged 57) |
| Resting place | AAP DARGA, Chishtian, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistan |
| Other names | Homer of Punjab |
| Education | M.A. in Punjabi language |
| Occupation(s) | Professor, Poet |
Professor ALI ARSHAD MIR (January 1, 1951 - October 16, 2008) was an epic Punjabi poet and writer, sometimes described as the "Homer of Punjab".[1] His works have been translated into several languages, such as Urdu and English. In the 1970s, his International Anthem brought him recognition and his lines "GIRTI HUI DEWAROO KO AIK DHAKA AUR DO" are still used as a slogan, often sung, by people in the sub-continent. His work includes dozens of poems which depict the socio-economic condition and pain of suppressed people in society and have also given voice to the inner expressions of the underprivileged and the labour class, highlighting the sacrifices of the great resistance movements of the subcontinent.
Early Life and education
Ali Arshad was born in a Muslim family in Chishtian district, 250 km away from Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. His matric exams scored highest in Pakistan. He completed his M.A. in Punjabi language, and was appointed as Associate Professor in Government M.A.O College Lahore. He believed in living life with refinement, decency, decorum and humaneness.
Major works and recognition
Mir sahab wrote his first poetry work at the age of 16. He was Inqilabi, meaning a profound poet from a very early age, and dedicated his entire life to depicting pain and suffering of underprivileged people in society. His poems are considered a source of inspiration for the oppressed people.[2] In 70's he wrote the revolutionary international anthem "Girti hui deewaro ko aik dhaka aur do",.[3] It remains a slogan screamed by suppressed people to express rebellion for a cause. In the same era he wrote Shadow play of Pakistan, "RAVI SY BIAS TAK".
When he wrote in his mother language, he astonished Punjabi experts by his magical Punjabi poems and diction and persuaded them to say "Nazam kahay koi Mir wang ya kissa shah di heer Wang" . He compiled the post humorous work of Ustad Daman and named it "DAMAN DAYE MOTTI". Kaifi Azmi Translated his Poems in Urdu. Dr. Waheed Ahmed[4]'s poem "KHANA BADOSH", considered a major piece of Urdu, was derived from Mir Sahab's great epic poem "GAWACHI KATHA DI WAR".
Mir used poems to express his Philosophical belief. His epic poems"MARO THAL TU AY PEO PUT SHER LAHORE WICH BHONDIAAN HOYYA" and "KAWA KHANAY DAY IK SHAIR DA KHWAB" and many more are enough to show his philosophy and teachings.
Bereavement and afterwards
Mir sahab died in mid October 2008.[5] His last words were "NAZAM KUJ CHAIR BAAD SAMNY AY GEE" and he rests in Chishtian Bahawalnagar Punjab, Pakistan his Shrine "AAP DARGA".[6] All of his literary work was published posthumously.His book name was "ik katha de war". His Book consists of Autobiographical notes about his life, beliefs and teachings. The play "Ravi Sy Bias Tak" is included in the syllabus of National College of Arts. Each year, in honor of Prof. Arshad, the Mir Foundation,[7] Organise[8] Punjabi Mela[9] made up of poets and people associated with Punjabi literature, pay him tribute by organizing his works.[10]