Neeraj

Kavivar Gopal Das Neeraj turns eighty today. What an opportune moment to share some of his jewels today.

Nibhana Hi Kathin Hai is one if his famous poems. Seen him once reciting it at one of the earlier episodes of Wah Wah on Sab TV. As usual, he is at his philosophical best. Every stanza is a gem.



After that Kavita in Hindi, now Ashaar in Urdu. This is his trademark Nazm, which he recites at every Mushaira or Kavi Sammelan he visits. Rare to find a person who has good command over, both, Hindi and Urdu poetry.

Duur Se Duur Talak Ek Bhii DaraKht Na Thaa

duur se duur talak ek bhii daraKht na thaa
tumhaare ghar kaa safar is qadar to saKht na thaa

[daraKht = tree; saKht = difficult/hard]

itane masaruuf the ham jaane kii taiyaarii me.n
kha.De them tum aur tumhe.n dekhane kaa vaqt ka thaa

[masaruuf = busy]

mai.n jis kii khoj me.n Khud kho gayaa thaa mele me.n
kahii.n vo meraa hii ehasaas to kam_baKht na thaa

[kam_baKht = unfortunate]

jo zulm sah ke bhii chup rah gayaa na Khaul uThaa
vo aur kuchh ho magar aadamii kaa rakt na thaa

[Khaul = boil; raqt = blood]

unhii.n faqiiro.n ne itihaas banaayaa hai yahaa.N
jin pe itihaas ko likhane ke liye vaqt na thaa

[itihaas = history]

sharaab kar ke piyaa us ne zahar jiivan bhar
hamaare shahar me.n 'Neeraj'-saa ko_ii mast na thaa

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