Hari Chand Akhtar

Hari Chand Akhtar was born in 1901 in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. He was one of the few poets of his time who mastered the art of Urdu ghazal while coming from a non-Muslim background, a fact that highlights the inclusive and universal appeal of Urdu literature. He spent much of his life in Lahore before moving to Delhi after the partition of India in 1947. His deep love for Urdu language and culture made him one of the most respected poets and literary critics of his generation.

Akhtar received his early education in Persian and Urdu and later studied at Government College, Lahore. He worked for many years in government service, including a position in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Delhi. Despite his professional responsibilities, his dedication to poetry remained constant. He wrote under the pen name “Akhtar” and became known for his refined diction, sharp intellect, and delicate emotional tone.

Hari Chand Akhtar’s poetry reflects the elegance of classical Urdu combined with a modern awareness of life’s changing realities. His ghazals often deal with themes of love, loss, time, and human vulnerability. He wrote with a tone of quiet restraint and philosophical reflection, focusing more on depth of thought than on ornamental expression. His couplets show how subtlety can be more powerful than exaggeration, and his verses are admired for their simplicity and grace.

Among his best-known collections are Khumkhana-e-Gham, Subh-e-Fardaa, and Shab-e-Tanhaai. These works capture his distinct voice, which blends lyrical beauty with thoughtful observation. His poetry also reflects a moral sensitivity and a deep understanding of human emotions. He believed that poetry should express both truth and tenderness, and his verses often evoke a sense of calm and contemplation.

In addition to his poetry, Akhtar was an insightful critic and essayist. He wrote on Urdu language and literature, encouraging younger poets to value clarity and honesty in their writing. His contribution helped bridge the traditional and modern worlds of Urdu poetry.

Hari Chand Akhtar passed away in 1958. He remains remembered as a poet of sincerity, discipline, and artistic refinement. His life and work stand as proof that true poetry transcends barriers of religion and identity, belonging instead to the shared human experience of love, loss, and beauty.