Men of Letter Series Ibn-e-Insha. June 15, 2013. (2013-16)

Sher Muhammad Khan with Pen-name Ibn-e-Insha was born in Phillaur Teshil of Jalandhar District, Punjab India on 15th June, 1927. He received his B.A. Degree from Punjab University Lahore in 1946, and did his Masters from University of Karachi in 1953. Ibn-e-Insha remained associated with various Government Services including,

·         Radio Pakistan

·         Ministry of Culture and

·         National Book Centre of Pakistan

He also served in United Nations for some time. He was a renowned poet, humorist, travelogue-writers, Journalist, Broadcaster and translator.

He died of Cancer (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) at the age of about 50 years on January 11, 1978 in London and was buried in Karachi.

Literary Profile- in Detail

1. Ibn-e-Insha as a Poet:- Ibn-e-Insha was recognized as one of the most talented and versatile poets of his generation. His poetry has a unique elocution that is usually heard in the natural pronunciation of Hindi Urdu complex of languages. His articulation and poetic style has an influence on generation of young poet. Three (03) collections of his poetry have. been published. His famous ghazal "Insha Ji Utho", sung by Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, is a modern day classic.

Poetry Books

·         Is Basti Key Ik Koochey Main

·         Chand Nagar

·         Dil-e-Wehshi

2. As Travelogue Writer:- He has written several books of travelogues. As Insha served for UN for some time, so he visited many countries during this period and wrote some travelogues. The countries which he traveled were Japan, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey France, UK and United States. He wrote his travel experiences in an excellent and unique style. A remarkable common feature of his travelogues is that they have been written with a distinguished touch of humor.

His Travelogues

·         Awara Gard Ki Diary

·         Dunya Gol Hey

·         Ibn Battuta did not drink his

·         If you are naughty then move your head

·         Nagri Nagri Phira Musafar

3. As Humorist:- Besides his fame as a poet, Ibn-e-Insha was regarded as one of the best humorists of Urdu language. He wrote four (04) books of humorous prose. "Urdu Ki Akhri Kitab" was his masterpiece and one of the finest examples of satire in Urdu poking fun at everyone including politicians, historians, media etc. His book Urdu Ki Akhri Kitab and Khumar-e-Gandum are the master pieces of Urdu humor. The first edition of "Urdu Ki Akhri Kitab" was published in July, 1971 and till 2003, its 33 more editions were published. "Khat Insha Jee Kay" is a collection of his letters written from time to time to his friends. In his letters, his style is quite simple and natural having a touch of humor and freshness. It has natural flow and is without any affection. These letters are regarded as self portrait of him as he unveils his personality time and again in these letters.

Book of humor:

·         what do you cover up

·         Khumar and Gandum

·         The last book of Urdu

·         Khat Insha Jee Kay (Collection of letters)

4. As Journalist:- After 1947, Insha migrated from India to Pakistan and chose journalism as his profession. He wrote columns in daily Imroze, Karachi under the pen-name of "Khana-Badosh". In daily Jang, he wrote columns with the caption of Harf-o-Hikayat. His writings were also published in "Akhbaar-e-Khawateen". Some of his other famous columns were published under the captions of Baqalam Khud, Baatein Inshajee Ki, and Dakhal dar Ma'qoolaat.

5. As Translator:- Ibn-e-Insha translated many great short stories of the world. For example he translated some famous works of Edgar Allan Poe under the following captions, "Saans Ki Phaansi", "Wo Beizvi Tasveer", "Attr Farosh Dosheeza Ke Qatal ka Mua'ma", "Andha Kunwaan", etc. He translated works of the famous American writer O'Henry as "Lakhon Ka Shehar". He also translated some work of John Steinbeek as "Shehar-e-Panah" and the works of famous Russain writer Chekov as "Majboor". Insha also translated a collection of Chinese poems in Urdu in 1960.

On Men of Letters Series Ibn-e-Insha Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on June 15, 2013