Syed Zamir Jafri (1st January
1916-12 May 1999) was born in Chak Abdul Khaliq near Dina, district Jhelum. He
was a legendary poet with unique poetic diction and fresh ideas. A scholar and
trendsetter in humorous poetry in tandem with serious poetry. He was a true
patriot who effectively made his pen a source of preaching the message of peace
and love for mankind. His writing are a valuable asset of Urdu literature. He
has on his credit over 70 published books of poetry and prose, which represent
a varied range of creative works.
Syed Zamir Jafri was a renowned
humorist, columnist, broadcaster and telecaster wrote in Urdu, Punjabi and
English. In addition to original works, he also translated into Urdu verse
“Malay Folk Lore” (Pantuns) of Malaysia, along with a few poems from
Nazar-ul-Islam (Bangali) and translations from the monumental Punjabi classic,
the “Saif-ul-Malook”. As a humorist, he had his stamp of his own, making him
the most sought after poet in poet recitals (Mushiara) within the country and
abroad. As a Co-Editor, he was responsible for production of the “Urdu Punch”
the most sophisticated and esteemed journal of Urdu humour. After graduating
from Islamia College Lahore, he started his career as a journalist in Lahore
but soon after joined the Royal Indian Army War Propaganda Directorate when the
Second World War started. After serving at the headquarters in Delhi he was
posted in the Far East. After independence, he continued to serve in the
Education Corps of Pakistan Army and participated in the 1948 Kashmir
liberation and 1965 Indo-Pak War. He held various staff and field assignments
including Pakistan Military Academy and Inter Service Public Relations
Directorate. In 1965 he retired from the Army as a Major and thereafter, was
appointed as the first Director Public Relations of Capital Development
Authority (CDA). He remained on this post for over fifteen years and had the
honour of naming the roads and residential / commercial sectors of the new
capital. He then served on contract assignments as the Deputy Director General
of Pakistan National Centre and then as Advisor to the Chief Commissioner
Afghan Refugees and lastly as the Chief Editor in Academy of Letters.
Syed Zamir Jafri wrote serious
and humorous poetry, but his letter form of writing gained more popularity and
recognition. He had knack of combining serious and even grim facts with humour.
He seldom used irony, burlesque or horse laughter in his writings; but brought
within its level of pure humour, apparently non serious, and some time
nonsensical as defined in literary criticism. His poetic process can be seen at
its best in his most popular collection “Mafiz-Zamir”. This anthology presents
Syed Zamir Jafri as a cultured and sophisticated humourist.
Syed Zamir Jafri paints
environment from an objective point of view, which reflects his subjective
response to it. His inspiration by his passion for reform is evident but his
satire is not very loud. This is illustrated in the poetic journey he traversed
from 1947 to 1974. During this period, he had become a very popular poet who
was invited to Mushairas in Pakistan and abroad – to India, countries of
Europe, Middle East and North America. He was awarded with the
Tamgha-e-Quaid-e-Azam in 1967 and the President’s Pride of Performance in 1985
in recognitions of his services in the field of Urdu literature.
Syed Zamir Jafri was also famous
for his serious poetry. His collection titled, “Kalyan” comprises ghazals and
short poems. They deal with the experiences of love and personal relations,
besides th social and class relationships. His greatest contribution in serious
poetry consists of national songs (Tranas), which he wrote at different
national occasions. He was thus looked upon as an important poet who is
patriotic and loyal to the country. He declined the acceptance of the “Akbar
Allahabadi Cash Award” announced by India in 1990 as a protest against Indian
atrocities in the Indian-held Kashmir. He also wrote some prose books but most
of all, the prized ones were his diaries written from his student days till his
demise. He thus followed old poetic models, with almost perfect command over
the Urdu language. He developed a catholic taste for poetry of various kinds
and different poetic rhythms in numerous forms. Syed Zamir Jafri died on 12 May
1999 in New York, USA, leaving behind his unmatched work for lovers of Urdu
literature. His services in blending the art of serious and humorous poetry in
Urdu language will always be remembered. “Syed Zamir Jafri Foundation” was formed
soon after his death to preserve and promote his literary works.
On Men of Letters Series Syed Zamir Jafri, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on May 29, 2013.
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