Tabish Dehlavi, 1911-2004

Masoodul Hasan Tabish Dehlavi, who died at the age of 93 in Karachi last week, was not only in years but in many other ways the most senior Urdu poet of the subcontinent. He was an ustad (teacher) in the true sense of the word and a guide to many poets of his time.

His collection of essays Deed Baazdeed is a memorable record of the period he lived in and contains character sketches of many of his contemporaries like Josh Malihabadi, Yagana Changezi, Z.A. Bokhari and Saba Akbarabadi.

Author of six poetry collections - Neemroz (1963), Chiragh-i-Sahra (1982), Ghubaar-i-Anjum (1984), Taqdees (1984), Mah-i-Shakista (1993) and Dhoop Chhaoon (1996) - Tabish has been truly described as a symbol of the refinement and sophistication of 19th-century Muslim culture in the subcontinent. His command over the Urdu language was remarkable; he was seen as an authority in defining the true meanings and nuances of words, their pronunciation, and their usage.

Tabish was acknowledged as an eminent broadcaster during the 50s and 60s, and remained a role model for younger broadcasters. He was always eager to learn, and graduated from Karachi University as a regular student when he was 60. His childhood learning of basic Arabic from a Hindu teacher, Maulvi Shiv Dayal, helped him to develop into liberated, secular person.

His presence in mushairas was always inspiring. He would sit till late after midnight and hardly ever complained of tiredness despite his advancing years. He considered it unbecoming to recite his own ghazal, and then leave without listening to the other poets.

Tabish in his early years was influenced by Fani Badayuni, but soon he developed his own style. Composed in classical mould, his ghazals had their own distinct flavour, redolent with the grace of the diction of northern India.

* * * * *

The evening held for Joan Elia at the Arts Council last Thursday was well managed. Mushtaq Ahmad Yusafi's presence was enough to lend it success. All those who ever met Joan would agree that Yusafi's portrayal was excellent, but Joan's prose did not get the share it deserved in the various papers that were read out on the occasion.

Even Intezar Hussain did not discuss the merits of Elia's prose and talked mostly about his ghazals, classical in temper and yet modern in form. Intezar included Joan among "Praginda taba loag" and lamented that such persons were no more seen in our midst.

Mushtaq Yusafi said that Joan had studied and deeply researched religion for eight long years and was an 'alim' in his own right. He continued to discourse with himself and had the courage to speak out against accepted norms and beliefs.

Prof Sahar Ansari said that Joan Elia had a mind in constant ferment and was a scholar of philosophy. In his poetry, he was attracted by the Persian poet Urfi. He was also a lyricist and among Urdu poets, he would mention Majaz as his role model. Prof Ansari advised critics to undertake research work on Elia's person and poetry.

* * * * *

Forgetfulness is normal in an ailing society. Prof Mujtaba Hussain was forgotten for 15 long years and never mentioned from any literary forum. The professor whose creativity made its imprint on many genres of literature - criticism, poetry, stage plays, short stories and studies in the classics - was sidelined from the mainstream of literature. But finally the late professor's friends and students came to support his son in holding a memorial meeting last week.

Speakers at a meeting held at the Arts Council offered their services to compile the unpublished manuscripts of Mujtaba Hussain and publish them for the benefit of ordinary readers.

* * * * *

Two monthly journals Afkar and Sareer, known for their regularity, have died within the spell of 30 days. Afkar has been closed down because of financial problems. Sareer's editor, Dr Fahim Azmi, had written his last editorial from his hospital bed, and could see the end. With him, his paper also died.

* * * * *

Between past and present: Selected Essays on South Asia was launched last Thursday. The erudite author Eqbal Ahmad will always live in our memory for his indepth commentary on national and international issues and his razor sharp clarity of expression. He was a visionary and had delineated a decade ago the socio-political conditions that we see today.

Those who spoke at the launching ceremony included Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy whose foreword is part of the book. Extremism, rise of the Jihadi culture, the fear of a nuclear holocaust and the cost of weaponization in South Asia were some points raised by the speakers.

They emphasized the need to have a democratic order in Pakistan where justice and peace could prevail to ensure a better future for the country. The function was organized by the Oxford University Press and co-sponsored by the Iqbal Ahmad Foundation.