Jahangir Nayab hailing from Kishanganj in Simanchal region of Bihar is a prominent contemporary poet, whose poetry collection “Hawa Ke Khilaf” ‘Facing Breezes’ has recently been published. Under “My Words” in the book, he starts speaking of himself with a couplet:
The environment here is not cogent to me.
It is only my ambition which inspires me to go ahead.
Jahangir Nayab adds of himself:
“I belong to middle class of a settlement ‘Mahis Batna’ PS Bahadur Ganj District Kishanganj in northern Bihar far away from all literary centers. My ancestral occupation has been farming and cultivating lands. My village has been advance in education compared to other villages in the region. Every household is fortunate enough to have at least one member employed in the government service. My respected father too was a government teacher now retried. By the Grace of God, my mother also is alive. May God bless them with health and long life! Ameen!
As regards literature and poetry, there is nobody having a taste of literature in my village or around it.
I (Jahangir Nayab) have been sensitive from the very childhood. Even a minor matter would affect me enormously leading me to ponder over it for hours, if am I am as such in reality. It trailed with advancement of age. During study also I felt I was punished more on my minor mistakes and my peers would be spared receiving little punishments. The same happened with me among near and dear ones as well to the extent that I was culprit for wrongdoings of others in the family. I felt while coming of age that the world is not as it appears. However, it is replete with frauds and dishonesties. The poor are exploited endlessly. I was helpless and could do nothing despite a strong desire for it. Raising voice for them was to make the society my enemy. Nevertheless, my inner voice did not keep silent. A fire within kept on firing and when it began to flame I did not know.”
This elaboration of Jahangir Nayab in reference to his creative achievements may be a focal point to understand his poetry.
In his literary sphere he is blessed with a mentor like Prof Unwan Chishti. Khalid Mubashshir also has been a guiding friend as he acknowledges under “My Words” in addition to others.
Khalid Mubasshir, Assistant Professor, Jamia Millia Islamia, amongst others has penned a valuable appreciation on the poetry of his friend Jahangir Nayab in his poetry collection “Hawa Ke Khilaf”, which worth reading with the poetry of the poet.
Hamid Siddiqui – CEO at Muslims of India Portal
Leave a Reply