LAHORE, Jan 13: Speakers on Friday paid a glowing tribute to Habib Jalib for his courage and his commitment to the people and their causes at the launching ceremony of a book that seeks to trace the origins of some immortal verses by the popular poet. "Jalib never compromised on principles and bravely raised his voice against tyranny and dictatorship," said politician and lawyer Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan.

His was the presidential address at the launch of Mujahid Barelvi’s ‘Jalib Jalib’ at Alhamra Art Centre. Mushtaq Lashari was the chief guest at the event, which was hosted by Jamhoori Publishers.

Mr Barelvi’s association with Jalib dates back to his college days some four decades ago -- placing him in a position where he is able to reconfirm the inspirations behind many of Jalib’s poems. The relationship became closer as Mr Barelvi went on to join journalism as profession.

And if he was known as Habib Jalib’s first contact in Karachi, the launch on Friday brought together comrades who had walked shoulder to shoulder with the celebrated rebel poet.

Abid Hasan Minto was there to recall the times and the challenges they threw up for someone determined to stick to the underprivileged and the oppressed as his muse. I.A. Rehman remembered Jalib was exactly how he appeared and Munnoo Bhai complimented Mr Barelvi for having paid off the debt that he owed to Jalib as a friend.

The speakers emphasised just how important it is for the readers to understand the background to a poem. Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan compared Mr Barlevi’s effort with Agha Nasir’s book some time ago in which he had sought to place Faiz’s poems in their historical context.

Social activist Salman Abid added that the anecdotal references in the book had given it the form of a short biography of Jalib.

Chief guest Mr Lashari and other speakers pointed out just how relevant Habib Jalib remained to the current times, with his message and his determination that sustained him in his fight against a series of dictators.