Abdul Majid ‘Salik’

Biography

Abdul Majid ‘Salik’ was a prominent Urdu poet, journalist, and writer of the early twentieth century whose work reflected both literary elegance and socio-political awareness. He was born in 1890 in Kapurthala, Punjab, and pursued his early education there before moving to Lahore, which at the time was a flourishing center of Urdu literature and journalism.

Salik developed his reputation as a versatile writer, contributing not only to poetry but also to prose. His ghazals and nazms reveal a deep appreciation for classical tradition while addressing the modern sensibilities of his era. In addition to his poetry, he became widely recognized for his prose writings, which included biographies, essays, and reflections on contemporary society.

His career in journalism gave him further visibility. Salik served as an editor for the newspaper Inquilab in Lahore, where his articles reflected both literary style and political engagement. Through his editorial work, he contributed to the shaping of public opinion during an era marked by social change and political upheaval in India.

One of his significant contributions was in the field of biography. He authored works on Allama Iqbal and other literary figures, blending research with a narrative style that made his writing accessible and engaging. His biographical writings are still cited as important sources for understanding the lives of leading personalities of his time.

Though primarily remembered for his journalism and biographies, his poetry carried themes of love, longing, and philosophical thought, consistent with Urdu literary traditions. He managed to strike a balance between the classical ghazal form and the emerging trends of modern poetry.

Abdul Majid Salik passed away in 1959 in Lahore. His legacy lies in his multi-dimensional contributions: as a poet, as a biographer, and as a journalist whose words influenced both the literary and political discourse of his age. He remains an important figure in the history of Urdu literature and journalism.