Firaq Gorakhpuri

Firaq Gorakhpuri was one of the most influential Urdu poets of the 20th century and played a major role in shaping the modern Urdu ghazal. Born Raghupati Sahay in Gorakhpur in 1896, he developed an early interest in Urdu and Persian poetry. He later studied English literature and joined Allahabad University as a lecturer. His poetry brought together love, beauty, human emotions and philosophical reflection with modern ideas and Indian cultural experience. Firaq is particularly admired for giving the Urdu ghazal new depth of thought, language and expression. His celebrated collection Gul-e-Naghma won the Sahitya Akademi Award and later the Jnanpith Award, making him one of the most honoured Urdu poets in India. Notable Works: Gul-e-Naghma Gul-e-Ra'na Rooh-e-Kaayenaat Roop Shabnamistan Sargam Bazm-e-Zindagi Rang-e-Shayri Charaghan Ghazalistan