When we talk about the soul of Urdu poetry, one name that comes to mind like a soft breeze is Firaq Gorakhpuri. Born as Raghupati Sahay in Gorakhpur on 28 August 1896, he grew up in a home full of books, music, and storytelling. From a young age, poetry was a part of his world—like a friend always nearby.
Even as a child, Firaq saw beauty in the little things: blooming flowers, falling rain, the calm of rivers. His first poem came to life while watching raindrops fall outside a window. Seeing his love for words, his mother encouraged him to keep writing.
Aankhon mein jo baat ho gayi hai,
Usi se meri zindagi roshan hai.”
From Civil Service to Shayari
Firaq was smart and studied Urdu, Persian, and English literature in Lucknow. He joined the Provincial Civil Service, but his heart was never in files and meetings. He wanted to write, to express, to feel.
When Mahatma Gandhi called people to join the freedom movement, Firaq didn’t think twice. He left his government job and went to jail for 18 months. Even in prison, he wrote poems—on scraps of paper, in silence, with passion.
“Main hoon, dil hai, tanhaayi hai,
Ishq mein sach hi ka rona hai.”
A Life in Teaching, A Soul in Poetry
After his release, Firaq became an English professor at Allahabad University. Teaching during the day, writing poetry at night—this became his life. It was here that he wrote some of his most famous works, including the award-winning ‘Gul-e-Ra’naa’.
Shayari That Speaks to the Heart
Firaq’s poetry feels like it was written for you. His ghazals and nazms talk about love, pain, joy, and sorrow in a way that touches everyone. His words are simple, but the feelings are deep.
“Dil mein kuch gham hai, kuch surur bhi hai,
Aaj bhi qafila-e-ishq rawaan hai ke jo tha.”
He believed that poetry should feel like a conversation—something that anyone could understand, yet still feel deeply.
Behind the Scenes: Stories from Firaq’s Life
Every great poet has untold stories. Firaq’s first public poetry reading was nerve-wracking. But as he spoke, the audience went silent, hanging on every word. An old man approached him afterward and said, “Beta, tumne mere dil ki baat keh di.” That moment gave him confidence for life.
Another time, a student came to him upset. Firaq listened, then quietly wrote a couplet on a piece of paper. That simple act gave the student strength to face his troubles.
“Koi samjhe to ek baat kahun,
Tere bina zindagi adhoori si lagti hai.”
Nazms Full of Love, Life, and Longing
If ghazals are the soul of Urdu poetry, then nazms are its heartbeat. Firaq’s nazms are full of love, longing, and real-life emotions. He wrote not only about romance, but also about nature, society, and everyday struggles.
“Shaam gham kuch is nigah-e-naaz ki baatein karo,
Jin ki zindagi daaman tak hai bechare farzane hain.”
His words make you feel seen, understood, and comforted.
A Poet for the People
Firaq wasn’t just a romantic poet. He stood for equality, humanity, and change. He wrote against injustice and supported unity among all religions and communities. His poetry gave strength to the common man.
“Zaat paat ka bhed mitega,
Hindu Muslim bhed mitega,
Aurat mard barabar honge,
Chote bade barabar honge.”
Honours, Love, and a Lasting Legacy
Firaq received many awards, like the Jnanpith Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, and others. But what he treasured most was the love of his readers.
He passed away on 3 March 1982 in New Delhi, but his poetry still lives on—in gatherings, in hearts, and wherever Urdu is loved.
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