Ali Arshad Mir

Ali ArshadMir
Born	(1951-01-01)1 January 1951 Chishtian, Punjab, Pakistan
Died
Resting place	AAP DARGA, Chishtian, Punjab, Pakistan
Nationality	Pakistan
Other names	Homer of Punjab
Ethnicity	Punjabi
Education	M.A. in Punjabi language
Occupation	Professor, Poet

Ali Arshad Mir (Urdu: علی ارشد میر‎, January 1, 1951 – October 16, 2008) was an epic Punjabi poet and writer, sometimes described as the "Homer of Punjab". His works have been translated into languages such as Urdu and English. In the 1970s, his International Anthem brought him recognition. Its lines, girti hui dewaroo koo aik dhaka aur do (Urdu: گرتی ہوئی دیوارون کو ایک دھکا اور دو‎) are a popular slogan in the Punjab. His work includes dozens of poems that depict the socio-economic condition of society's oppressed people. They also highlight the sacrifices of the subcontinent's resistance movements.

Personal life

Ali Arshad was born in a Muslim family in a Chishtian district, 250 km away from Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. He completed his M.A. in Punjabi language, and was appointed as an Associate Professor in Government M.A.O College Lahore. Later, he joined Government Degree College Depalpur, Okara as its Principal

Major works

Mir Sahab wrote his first work of poetry at the age of 16 and was considered an "Inqilabi", or profound poet, from a very early age. He dedicated his life to the depiction of the suffering of the underprivileged. His poems are considered a source of inspiration for oppressed people. In the 1970s, he wrote the revolutionary international anthem, "Girti hui deewaro ko aik dhaka aur do", which remains a popular slogan used in rebellions. In the same era, he wrote a Pakistani shadow play, Ravi Sy Bias Tak. He compiled the posthumous work of Ustad Daman and named it Daman Daye Moti.

Kaifi Azmi translated Mir's poems to Urdu. Waheed Ahmed's poem "khana badosh", considered a major Urdu work, was derived from Mir Sahab's epic poem "Gawathi Katha di War".

Legacy

Mir Sahab died in October 2008. His last words were "nazam kuj chair baad samny ay gee" and he rests in Bahawalnagar Punjab, Pakistan.

His literary work was published posthumously. His book Ik Katha De War consists of autobiographical notes about his life, beliefs and teachings. The play Ravi Sy Bias Tak is included in the syllabus of National College of Arts.

Every year, the Mir Foundation organizes Punjabi Mela, an event that consists of poets and people associated with Punjabi literature paying Mir tribute by organizing his works.

External links

• Zee news November 22, 2008
• Ali Arshad Mir