Renowned Urdu poet, journalist, politician, parliamentarian and a fearless freedom fighter of the Indian sub continent, Hasrat Mohani (1875 1951) was remembered on Friday on the occasion of on his 65th death anniversary.
His real name was Syed Fazl ul Hasan. He adopted pen name of Hasrat while word Mohani refers to the native place of Mohan wherehe was born in Uttar Pardesh.
He participated in the struggle for independence and was jailed for many years by British authorities.
He was the first person in Indian History who demanded Complete Independence in 1921 as he presided over an annual session of All India Muslim League.
He was also imprisoned for promoting anti British ideas especially for publishing an article against British policies in Egypt in his magazine Urdu e Mualla .
He went to jail several times and suffered the rough and tumble of political life for a long period. But neither the rigors of prison, nor the fret of politics, could suppress his aesthetic instincts, or disturb his cheerful faith in the goodness of life. In fact, his poetry draws strength and inspiration from his experience. One of his ghazal composed in the Faizabad jail, carrying the following couplet, is a typical instance in point.
Hai Mashq e Sukhan Jaari Chakki Ki Mushaqqat Bhi
Ik Turfah Tamaasha Hai ‘Hasrat’ Ki Tabee’at Bhi
