Qaisar Shameem

Qaisar Shameem was born on 2 April 1936 in Hooghly, a district in West Bengal. From his early years, he was drawn to literary pursuits, particularly Urdu poetry. His formal education included traditional madrasa learning as well as college studies in the Hooghly-Howrah region, where he balanced economic pressures with his passion for literature.

As a poet, Qaisar Shameem’s themes often included life, society, relationships, love, longing, and personal experience. His style is lyrical, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant. In his ghazals and couplets he blended classical Urdu diction with modern concerns, drawing readers into reflections on loss, change, and the inner world. His poems express both an intimate emotional voice and a broader sensitivity to human condition and social interaction.

Qaisar Shameem also worked actively as a teacher of Urdu. His involvement in literary circles was wide — he participated in shayari (poetry) gatherings, published in Urdu magazines, and served in literary organizations. He translated works (including those of Rabindranath Tagore) into Urdu, thereby bridging cultural and linguistic divides. Throughout his life he mentored young writers and dedicated effort to keeping Urdu poetry alive in the eastern parts of India, where Urdu is one among the many vibrant languages in use.

He published several poetry collections over the decades. Some notable titles include Saton Ka Samandar, Saans Ki Dhar, and Pahar Kaate Hue. These books show his growth from introspective lyricism to socially aware commentary. His poems are still recited, shared, and appreciated for their warmth, clarity, and sincerity.

Qaisar Shameem passed away in September 2021. He left behind a legacy as a poet-scholar who devoted his life to Urdu-poetry, teaching, and translation. Though not always front-page famous, among Urdu literature lovers he is respected for his craftsmanship, his ability to touch the heart, and for preserving poetic tradition in changing times.