Faiz Ahmad Faiz
- Born:
- February 13, 1911, Sialkot, Punjab, British India (present-day Pakistan)
- Died:
- November 20, 1984, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
- Nationality:
- Pakistani
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Writer, Intellectual, Journalist, Editor, Lyricist
Early Life and Education
- Faiz received his early education in traditional Islamic schools.
- He graduated from Government College, Lahore.
- He also obtained a Master's degree in English Literature.
Career and Major Achievements
- Faiz began his career as a lecturer in English Literature.
- He served in the British Indian Army during World War II.
- He became involved in journalism and edited several prominent newspapers and magazines, including The Pakistan Times.
- He was arrested and imprisoned on charges of being involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the government (Rawalpindi Conspiracy Case).
- Faiz was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize in 1962.
- He served as editor of Lotus, a literary journal published by the Afro-Asian Writers' Association, in Beirut.
Notable Works
- Poetry Collections:
- Naqsh-e-Faryadi (1941)
- Dast-e-Saba (1952)
- Zindan Nama (1956)
- Dast-e-Tah-e-Sang (1965)
- Mere Dil Mere Musafir (1981)
- Sar-e-Wadi-e-Seena (1971)
- His poems have been widely translated into various languages.
- Many of his poems were set to music and became popular songs.
Legacy and Impact
Faiz Ahmad Faiz is considered one of the most important and influential Urdu poets of the 20th century. His poetry, marked by its socialist and revolutionary themes, resonated with generations and continues to inspire resistance and hope. A detailed account of the biography of Faiz Ahmad Faiz highlights his significant contribution to Urdu literature and his enduring legacy as a voice for the oppressed.