FAIZ READ FAIZ

Faiz Ahmad Faiz, following the well-established tradition of Mushaira (public recital), participated in many such events in the South Asian sub-continent as well as in a number of countries in Asia, Europe and North America. Mushaira is a poetic symposium. It is a term in Urdu used to describe an event  where poets gather to perform their works. A Mushaira is a popular form of literary culture of Pakistan and North India, and it is greatly admired by participants as a forum for free self-expression.

These poetry recitals are still very popular, and during the periods of political repression, had been the only venue for rallying masses against corrupt ruling classes and military dictatorships.

Faiz and many other revolutionary and progressive poets were feared by the ruling classes. Many poets spent years in prison for supporting ‘sedition’ among the masses through their poetry.

Faiz recitation of his poetry is unassuming but very attractive and effective. His poems are the symbols of resistance against injustice and oppression. Many of Faiz’s couplets and lines have become the rallying cal for the massesl. Interestingly, many so-called leaders of the ruling elites have began to use his poems in public arenas to ginger support for their causes. This is the power of a revolutionary poet.

In this section, we have collated some of Faiz’s poems recited by him. We know that a vast collection of similar poems is available in the archives of radio and television stations as well as in private collections. We hope that the recording of Faiz’s poems will be made available in public arena to further enrich our national cultural heritage. We will be delighted to include any recordings of Faiz’s poems in your collection on this website. We will ensure to acknowledge your contributions in this respect.

Mohsin Zulfiqar