Time can wipe clean a slate full of memories; and masses are notorious for forgetting a once-legend. But it is heartening to see that legendary words of poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz still resonate among youngsters even after 27 years of his demise. And to mark the birth centenary of the legendary poet, a festival “2011 The Faiz Lives On” is being held in the capital by Routes 2 Roots, an NGO, in association with All India Progressive Writers Association and ICCR.
They say the “poet for peace” would’ve been appalled at the prevalent conditions today and his centenary comes at the right time for us to remember his messages. Talking about the significance of the occasion Salima Hashmi, Faiz’s elder daughter, says, “It is being celebrated in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal simultaneously as an occasion to remember and celebrate our commonalities and to forget our divides. In a subcontinent facing extremism, conflict, inequalities and deprivation, Faiz and his poetry reinforce the struggle for justice and peace.”
As a befitting tribute to Faiz the event will witness the launch of a coffee-table book and a collection of his poems in the presence of dignitaries like the President and will see performances by renowned ghazal singer Jagjit Singh and his counterpart from Pakistan, Tina Sani. Someone who can be credited for taking Faiz’s nazms and ghazals to the masses, Tina provides an insight into what she thinks of him, saying, “Whether it’s the Palestinians or Russians; a child in Bosnia or a mother in Pakistan, Faiz spoke for all. His poetry highlighted the plight of farmers, factory workers, shopkeepers, students, women and common man on the whole. He urged governments and rulers to deliver people out of their misery by keeping their promises and giving them their birthright — a decent and just life.”
“I always find it very interesting to note ‘when’ he wrote a certain piece to see where things stood at that time, and we often comment that not much has changed ever since, or how prophetic certain verses are. It also brings back bittersweet memories of the times and people. Of the many sacrifices people made that weren’t really acknowledged. Of the passion that once was when he wrote, Mujhse pehli si mohabbat mere mehboob na maang,” Tina sums up.