New Delhi: Insha Jalil Waziri has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Jawad Memorial Prize for her English translation of Ali Sardar Jafri’s Urdu poem Mera Safar, reports The Print.
Waziri, a journalist working with The Print, selected Jafri’s iconic work as it resonated deeply with this year’s theme of “resurgence”. The poem, which revolves around the recurring theme of “main phir aaunga, main phir bolunga” (I’ll come back, I’ll speak again), captures a spirit of eternal hope and renewal even in the face of death and endings.
“This poem is profoundly relevant in the dystopian times we live in. Its message of optimism and revival reminded me of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass,” Waziri shared.
Ali Sardar Jafri, celebrated as a poet, lyricist, and critic, crafted Mera Safar with themes of resilience and transformation, offering an enduring message of hope that continues to inspire. Waziri’s translation skilfully preserves the essence of his words, bringing their timeless relevance to a broader audience.
The Jawad Memorial Prize recognises outstanding contributions in Urdu-to-English translation, honouring works that bridge cultures and languages.
