Reviewer: Aabid Shahin
UzairHameed, a name that might be alien to the masses today, but within the pages of his debut poetry book ‘Gulshan-e-Aarizo,’ he takes his readers on a soul-stirring voyage through life’s accidental, bizarre and dry multitude.
Hailing from Shopain district, Uzair masters the art of revealing the ills of human society. Rooted in realism, his poetry demands individual prospection and collective consciousness in society.
Sabhikoapniharekamalkahisabhoga
Mere shahar k harekfardkoazaabhoga
The book unfolds with this arresting couplet beckoning readers to confront and smell their own sin.
Young and bold, Uzair is the poet who doesn’t shy away from peeling the layers of wicked human behavior. In couplets like “Labu se kehtoudete h sukhanwarhaal e Dilapna, Puranedard k kissesunaneKonaatahai”, he hints at the perplexing and surprising human façade. Uzair keenly observes the rituals, relationships, and interactions around him only to realize that a thing called ‘real connection’ in today’s world of pretence has long evaporated.
The author like most poets can be seen as romanticizing the notion of love. For him, true love gives solace and strength. He sees love as a powerful driving force that could guide anybody through life’s ups and downs.
Mai waqifhunkiraste Mai bohat se mushkilenhogi
Magar tab bhi ma harlamhaterenaamkrtahu
The author firmly believes in the inherent magic concealed within love and its transformative capability. To souls like him, the journey of love is both the guiding force and the biggest jackpot.
In another place, the author continues the topic after a period of separation. He writes:
Tarasrahahaidilmera
Ki tum se baathojaye
Guzargayehijar k din
Wasalkiraathojaye
Here, the author aches for a connection. The imagery used expresses the restlessness of poet’s heart and his relentless desire. In saying “GuzarGaye HijarkaeDin,” the author looks forward by painting a picture of hope. These words, like any healing balm, warm up the heartstrings of the family of readers who also pine for closeness.
Aapas ma tazaad, badankochalnikardetihai
Jo dushmanibhinahikrti, he dostikardetihai
In verses like these, the author preaches the necessity of brotherhood and unity. He sees that the erosion of a strong friendship could prove dangerous than the grave animosity. Through this, he calls for the need to mend bonds and cooperation.
In another Ghazal, the author continues to explore this topic. He expresses that despite efforts and the good we do to fellow people, there would always be some individuals who refuses to change.
Seenu ma phir b mujoodthabugzunke
Mai nalogukogalaylagakardekhliya
The author talks about the deep rooted flaws and the wickedness contained in people that doesn’t let them change themselves for kindness and goodwill. His words carry a sense of disappointment and agony as a section of people always refuse to embrace the collective growth and prefer their individual interests only.
Numerous couplets like these make the writer shine as a new-age poetic luminary in his homeland. His command over language, writing diversity, and technique is excellent. His each line has a message to ponder upon and that is how there’s a hope that his pen would bring much more to shore in times to come. I am very sure that with the kind of the talent and insight he has, we would all soon be marvelling at his poetic wonder. Goodluck, Uzair!
(The reviewer is an alumnus of the Media Studies, Skill, and Research Centre at GDC Baramulla and can be mailed at aabidshahinjourn@gmail.com)
Book: Gulshan-e-Aarizo (Poetry Collection)
Author: UzairHameed
Publisher: Vyeth Publishing House
Language: Urdu
Format: Paperback
Pages: 120
Price: 199 INR
Reviewer: Aabid Shahin
