Shahab

Syed Viqar Ahmed Jafri, known by his pen name Shahab Jafri, was born on 2 June 1930 in Banaras and passed away on 1 February 2000 in Delhi.

He earned a master’s degree in Urdu from Aligarh Muslim University and later completed his Ph.D. from Delhi University. His professional life was rooted in academia, as he taught Urdu at Khalsa College, Delhi University, while pursuing his literary interests.

Shahab Jafri’s poetry reflected the influence of both the Progressive Writers Movement and Halqa-e-Arbab-e-Zauq. His writings blended social awareness with deep reflection. He explored multiple forms including ghazals, nazms, quatrains, and even a complete allegorical drama in verse. His only published poetry collection was Sooraj Ka Shahr in 1967.

Alongside poetry, he was active in theatre and contributed insightful literary essays. His lines carried both weight and simplicity. One of his couplets became famous when recited in parliament by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in the presence of Jawaharlal Nehru. Another of his striking verses reads: “When I walked, something got crushed under my feet; in intoxication, I did not see that the world exists.”

Shahab Jafri is remembered as a poet who brought thought, emotion, and artistry together in both literature and theatre.