Jaun Elia Remembered on 21st Death Anniversary

by Amy
Jaun Elia

Friday marks the 21st death anniversary of renowned Urdu poet Jaun Elia, with fans and poetry enthusiasts honoring his legacy.

Jaun Elia, born on December 14, 1931, in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, India, passed away on November 8, 2002. He was born into a family of intellectuals, including his brother Rais Amrohvi, a journalist and psychoanalyst, and his father Shafiq Hasan Elia, a poet and linguist. Jaun’s other brother, Syed Muhammad Taqi, was also a journalist.

Elia’s poetry was deeply influenced by his introspective nature. Growing up in Amroha, a city known for producing literary legends like Raees Amrohvi and Kamal Amrohvi, Jaun was exposed to a rich literary environment. As Qamar Ali Abbasi writes in his travelogue Dilli Dour Hai, “a newborn in Amroha doesn’t forget the rule of row and rhyme while crying,” reflecting the city’s literary legacy.

Fluent in several languages, including Arabic, English, Persian, Sanskrit, and Hebrew, Elia was a versatile poet. Although he initially expressed disinterest in the idea of Pakistan, he moved to Karachi in 1957 after the country’s creation.

Jaun Elia’s poetry continues to resonate with today’s youth. His work is characterized by simple yet profound language that explores new subjects while staying rooted in classical traditions. Poet Pirzada Qasim notes that Jaun was “very particular about language” and often explored fresh themes. His style has influenced many contemporary poets, who attempt to emulate his distinct approach.

Raja Asghar, in an article marking Jaun Elia’s death, described him as an icon of Pakistan’s literary and cultural life, saying, “A lifetime of active participation in the literary and cultural life of the city had made Jaun Elia a symbol of our literary legacy.”

Jaun Elia was known for his anarchist and nihilistic views, frequently exploring themes of death in his poetry. Despite his success and comfortable life in Karachi, he always identified as a migrant, a position he embraced throughout his life.

Jaun Elia passed away in 2002 at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

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