— Mohd.Naushad Khan
The English translation of Qalb-e-Faiz by Najeeb H. Jung, Chairperson of the Advanced Study Institute of Asia( ASIA) and former LG of Delhi, was launched at the India International Centre. The event was hosted by SGT University and ASIA in collaboration with Rekhta Publications. Padma Bhushan Ram Bahadur and Prof.Khalid Mahmood released the book.
Bahadur Rai, Chancellor of SGT , presided over the event. He highlighted Faiz Ahmad’s literary significance, stating, “His biography is essential to understand the situation in 2025. Just as Rabindranath Tagore is a global poet, Faiz is the same in Urdu. He was a revolutionary, always speaking truth to power. India needs a Faiz today to inspire dissent against establishment.”
Prof. Khalid Mahmood praised Faiz’s legacy, saying, “After Mir and Ghalib, Faiz is the most widely celebrated poet.” Writer Mahmood Farooqui called Faiz the “poet of barricades, protests, and resistance,” noting his influence in South Asia, including India’s anti-CAA protests.
Najeeb Jung, shared his deep connection with Faiz’s poetry. “Faiz always spoke for the common man. I feel closest to him in mind and spirit”. That’s why I dedicated this book to the voiceless,” he said. Jung credited his mother for his love of Urdu poetry, recalling that by age 5, he had memorized over half of Deewan-e-Ghalib.
“He also recalled Faiz’s visit to India for Gandhiji’s funeral, where he remarked, “This is not the freedom we asked for.” Reflecting on Faiz’s words, Jung questioned whether India has strayed from its 1947 ideals and urged a return to the right path.
The launch of Qalb-e-Faiz was a tribute to a poet whose work remains deeply relevant.
