Faiz Ahmed Faiz has brought revolutionary changes to the way poetry was written, combining socio-political messages and revolutionary ideas with the sweetness of Urdu language. His poetry was like a beacon of light for the oppressed segments of the society and the voice of the poor people's conscience, said Dr Rashid Hameed, Director General, Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in connection with Faiz's 99th birth anniversary to be observed on February 13.
The evergreen poetry of Faiz is the reflective of aspiration of masses as well as national spirit of independence movement, he added. Literary circles consider Faiz mere a revolutionary poet and ignore multi-dimensional aspects of his poetry in which, he represents the realistic ideas with aesthetic beauty.
Faiz used the medium of poetry to create awareness among the masses about the importance of independence and individual identity for which he suffered a lot during his life, but never compromised on his principles and national interest, Dr Rashid said. Earlier, Urdu poetry recited in an ordinary style and was full of romanticism.
Faiz's style, after Iqbal, took Urdu poetry into a new phase. Keeping aside the routine interpretations of life, Faiz touched the realities of life in a revolutionary style. His poetry gives the message of patriotism and struggle and the new generation should get guidance from the thought provoking ideas of Faiz, Dr Rashid said.
Faiz was born on February 13, 1911 in Sialkot. He achieved command over Arabic and Persian languages during his high school life. Faiz did his Masters in English in 1932 from Government College Lahore and MA in Arabic from Oriental College. Apart from being a great revolutionary poet, he was a great romantic poet and his love for humanity is free from the prejudices of race, colour and nationality.