ASAD - 31

Originally posted on rec.music.indian.misc in 1995

Iqbal! A very very famous and prominent figure in Urdu Shayari. Although I do find it ironical that this great poet, after writing "saare jahaaN se achchha, HindostaN hamara", supported creation of Pakistan; there is no doubt that he was a Shayar of top rank.

His Shayari has his own unique style. Thought provoking, asserting importance of self- realization and never never gowing down to the level of cheapos. He writes with his head held high, and asks the reader to do the same.

His Shers many times contain hidden attacks on the British Govt. Which is but natural considering his support for the freedom movement. So many of his Shers sound attractive only if one makes this connection.

aa'ine-zabaaN_bandi = "aa'in" means 'law' and "zabaaN_bandi" means "restriction on
speech". So the entire thing means 'law against freedom of speech'.

ye aa'ine-zabaaN_bandi hai kaisa teri mehfil me
yahaaN to baat karane ko tarasati hai, zabaaN meri
- Iqbal

"There is so much to speak about, and the law doesn't allow it"! Had it been any other Shayar, I would have thought it as just another typical Sher. But Given that it is by Iqbal, I think it has a connection to the freedom struggle.

- Abhay.
ASAD _also_ stands for "A Sher A Day" !