It is a strange coincidence that birth anniversary of legendary Urdu poet and lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi falls on International Women Day. Sahir is considered, by many, as the most powerful voice of the 20th century in Urdu literature against exploitation and atrocities against women.
Sahir reaches his poetic excellence when he deals with the issues related to women. He touches the hearts of millions with his poem “Aurat nai Janam diya Mardon ko” and I just felt like sharing it on Women’s Day.
Aurat nai Janam diya Mardon ko
Aurat nai Janam diya Mardon ko, Mardon ne usai Bazaar diya
Jab Jee chaha Masla kuchala, Jab Jee chaha Dhutkar diya
Tulti hai kahin Deenaron mein, Bikti hai kahin Bazaaron mein
Nangi Nachwayi jati hai, Ayyashon ke Darbaron mein
Yeh woh Be-Izzat cheez hai jo, Bant jaati hai Izzatdaron mein
Mardon ke liye har Zulm ravan, Aurat ke liye rona bhi Khata
Mardon ke liye lakho Seje, Aurat ke liye bas ek Cheetah
Mardon ke liye har Aish ka haq, Aurat ke liye Jeena bhi Saza
Jin Hathhon ne inko Pyar kiya, In Hathhon ka Byopaar kiya
Jis kokh mein iska Jism dhhala, Us kokh ka Karobaar kiya
Jis tun se ooge kopal ban kar, Us tan ko Zaleel-o-khar kiya
Mardon ne banayi Jo Rasmain, Inko haq ka Farmaan kaha
Aurat ke Zinda jalane ko, Kurbani aur Balidaan kaha
Ismat ke badle Roti dee, aur usko bhi Ehsaan kaha
Sansar ki har ek Be-Sharmi, Gurbat ki gaud mein Palti hai
Chaklon hi mein aa kar Rukti, Phankon se jo Raah nikalti hai
Mardon ki Hawas hai jo Aksar, Aurat ke Paap mein Dhhalti hai
Aurat Sansar ki Kismat hai, Phir bhi Taqdeer ki heti hai
Avtaar Payyambar Janti Hai, Phir bhi Shaitaan ki Beti hai
Yeh woh Badkismet Maa hai Jo, Beton ki sej par leti hai
Aurat nai Janam diya Mardon ko, Mardon ne usai Bazaar diya
Jab Jee chaha Masla kuchala, Jab Jee chaha Dhutkar diya
~ Sahir Ludhianvi