Among those 21st century literary figures who greatly contributed to the promotion and development of creative works of Urdu language and literature, Hafiz Karnataki’s name is mentioned as the primary contributor by the literary circles of the subcontinent.
He is bestowed with a unique quality of writing simple, comprehensive and easily understandable creative pieces. He is very skillful in both poetry and prose. He has an excellent art of presenting his thoughts and ideas both in prose and verse forms.
When his ordinary poems are read it seems that he has restricted himself in writing poems only, but after analyzing his creations in prose form it becomes evident for a reader that Hafiz Karnataki is an expert of prose also.
He also has a powerful grip over ghazal/ ode writing. His ode poems to reflect his nature of presenting big ideas and thoughts in simple and lucid form.
Born on 18th of June 1964 at Shikasepur Karnataka, Hafiz Karnataki’s original name is Amjad Hussain. He is a popular name in children’s literature. He has done MA, B.Ed and Honorary degree of Doctorate from Gulbarga University.
Keeping in view the psychology and interests of children, he has authored more than forty books of poems and stories on religion, social and educational topics. He has also been the president of Karnataka Urdu Academy. When we read his prose and poetry items, it comes to fore that he possesses knowledge about each and every aspect of life.
Bulbuloon ke geet, Mahakti kalyaan, Zamzame, Chamakte Sitare, Koun kare insaaf, Izhaar, Pyare Nabi saw, Khalifa Awal Hazrat Abubakar RA, Nizamudin awliya, Alama Iqbal etc are some of the well-known books authored by Dr Hafiz Karnataki. The book currently under review is “Ghazal Saaz ” containing 81 Ghazals of different nature, taste and themes. This book will be published by Educational Publishing House New Delhi in 2018.
It comprises 180 pages. The cover page of the book is really eye-catching and the paper used inside is also of decent quality. While writing the comments about the book in it’s opening page under the heading “Apni Baat” Dr Hafiz Karnataki says ” I had an intention of compiling a book of thousand Ghazals and i was fully geared for the endeavour but later on I felt that children had a different recognition of my personality and thus I changed my mind “.
Dr Rownaq Shehri has written a beautiful eight page foreword of this book. In his summary about the book Dr Shehri writes ” Hafiz Karnataki is bestowed with God given intellect and rationale. Not only has he memorized the entire Quran and kept it preserved in his chest but in the literary field also Hafiz Karnataki has succeeded in earning a good name.
He has a unique style of writing both prose and poetry with an excellent art of crafting his ideas and thoughts knitted through simplest words. He is really a versatile personality. Just a week before Hafiz Karnataki was awarded by Sahataya Academy for his brilliant contribution in children’s literature. Dr Afaq Alam, Dr Manzar Ajaz, Shams Fareedi, Prof Syed Shah and Dr Abrar Ahmad have also expressed their good views about this book. Their expressions have been incorporated on the back side of the book.
All the 81 Ghazals of the book are written in simple Urdu words which even an ordinary person with no Urdu background can also comprehend with ease.
“Jab bi kagaz pa chalta hai qalam
Khoon dil ka ugalta hai mera qalam.
This is the second ghazal of the book seen on page number 20 written in simplest language.
“Main jo chahoon nazar ata hai andhere main muje
Moujza dil ye dikhata hai andhere main muje.
This is the another thought provoking ghazal of the book on page number 24.
“Phir aaj qatli khareedar hone wala hai
Ye haadisa sari bazar hone wala hai
Abi se souch ke rakh lo saza hamare liye
Hamari simat se inkar hone wala hai.
This one is another easily understandable Ghazal forming the part of this well-known creation of Hafiz Karnataki.
“Rah mushkil ho tu chalne ka maza ata hai
Thokrein kha ke sambalne ka maza ata hai.
What a piece this one is, infusing vigour and vitality in a person to face the challenges of life and to overcome these with zeal and zest without feeling bewildered.
