Bint e Haider
My connection with Mukhlis Wajdani unfolded entirely by chance, as I initially had no knowledge of who he was. This connection evolved accidentally through the dynamics of a teacher-student relationship. When it became apparent that I harbored a mild interest in reading, he generously shared some books with me, without disclosing that he was the author.
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Upon stumbling upon a picture with a name and title at his place. I was utterly astonished, my mouth agape in disbelief. Here was a person, a poet, and such a remarkably beautiful one. However, his demeanor portrayed an image of vulnerability and introversion. It seemed as though he lacked the ability to communicate, and observing him, one might think he is unfamiliar with conversation.
The manner in which he listens gives the impression that he is entirely clueless. The inclination to express oneself seems entirely absent in him. It appears he might not even know how to articulate his thoughts verbally. Those who hear him speak might assume that he, himself, possesses no knowledge on the subject. The desire to assert oneself is conspicuously absent. Even his wife remains unaware of his inner workings and thoughts.
During an event, children showcased the poetry of Mukhlis Wajdani through a tableau, and his wife joined in praising the beauty of the verses. When informed that her husband is a distinguished poet, their surprise led to a collective moment of shared laughter.
Mukhlis Wajdani has penned enchanting poems specifically tailored for children. One notable collection is titled ‘Pyar ke phool’ (Flowers of love), featuring moral stories presented in verse form. This collection comprises 23 poems. Notably, Wajdani has skillfully adapted James Henry Leigh Hunt’s renowned poem ‘Abu Bin Adam’ into Urdu, and a couplet from this adaptation reads as follows:
راز جو محض تھا مخلصؔ آشکارا ہوگیا
جو ہو مخلوق کا، خالق کا پیارا ہوگیا
Translation
In the creature’s depth, the secret dwelled,
Now revealed, in the Creator’s love, upheld
In the poem ‘Bap Ki Naseehat’ (Father’s Advice), Mukhlis Wajdani imparts a valuable lesson to children, emphasizing the virtues of love, compassion, truth, and honesty. Through his verses, he instills the importance of understanding helplessness and introversion, delicately addressing children with a touch of beauty and grace:
By acquainting children with ‘Subh-e-Nau’ (New Morning), Mukhlis Wajdani imparts the lesson of awakening and rising. He aspires to illuminate the world with the help of these young stars.
Born on February 4, 1948, in Goharai, district Muzaffarabad (now Neelum district), Mukhlis Wajdani entered the world in a humble mud house. His father, Ali Muhammad, bestowed upon him the name Muhammad Din.
Mukhlis embarked on his educational journey, beginning with a school in ‘Choon,’ a circumstance that unfolded entirely by chance. Following his primary education, he successfully completed the middle school examination at Middle Model School, Balseri, and subsequently, the eighth-grade examination at Chhota Gala Poonch.
His academic journey continued as he passed the Matric examination at High School Muzaffarabad, followed by the FA, BA, and Urdu Fazil examinations as a private candidate. Mukhlis initiated his career as a clerk in Wah Ordnance Factory. In the year 1972, he entered the bond of marriage, and he is blessed with two daughters and one son.
Mukhlis is currently working as a supervisor in Azad Kashmir Radio, Muzaffarabad, in the Gogri program. Gojri is his mother tongue, so he communicates with great beauty in this language.
In a telephonic exchange, I unexpectedly caught wind of his voice conversing in Gojri. Upon revealing my ability to grasp and express myself to some extent in this language, he radiated immense joy. This reaction is deeply ingrained, as people naturally hold profound sentiments for their mother tongue. Discovering a compatriot in a foreign land can ignite an intense feeling of deep connection.
Mukhlos, too, holds a deep affection for his language, and he has dutifully honored it by making it a medium of expression. He has curated a collection of poetry titled ‘Raira,’ ‘Sanjho,’ ‘Khilado,’ and ‘Ping’ in this language.
In Muzaffarabad and its adjacent regions, the mountain language spoken is akin to the Hindko language at the border. Mukhlis Wajdani has also paid tribute to this language, following in the footsteps of Sabir Afaki, by organizing and publishing the poetry of Urdu poets under the title ‘Aman Ke Geet’ (Songs of Peace).
A commendable student endeavors to honor the rights of his teacher. Following this principle, Makhluq arranged and published the poetry of the Urdu poet Abra Hasni Gunori under the title ‘Rushaat-e-Abr.’ Not limited to poetry, Mukhlis has also ventured into prose literature, documenting the achievements of his father, Ali Muhammad, and subsequently publishing it. Presently, he is engaged in recording the history of the Bahai Faith under the title ‘Boy e Perahan.’
The person who stands holding a lamp for the sake of those people is surprised that the same people are ignoring him. However, he possesses the enchantment of poetry, capable of resurrecting forgotten joys. Reflect upon the following verses, to which even Mirza Ghalib himself couldn’t resist giving recognition:
کیا یہ بچے جواں نہیں ہوتے
پوچھتے ہیں مرا پتہ مخلصؔ
جوگیوں کے مکاں نہیں ہوتے
Do these children not have a heartbeat?
They inquire about me, says Mukhlis the wise
Jogis’ abodes, in truth, are disguised.
The jogi is now leading, and we all follow behind. This jogi, who, eight years ago, came down from the mountain enticed by the sound of a grinding wheel, returned disappointed after not finding the scene he had dreamt of. Now, he has come out of the season of separation.
After years in the jungle and the urban hustle, he is now close to the impoverished city, where there is a lane of conversation preserving the tales of our hearts. The malady of Begaangi (alienation), born of caste-based social inequality and persistent deprivation, is encroaching upon the “City of Crosses.” In it, from Sikh Shahis to servant Shahis, every facet plays a role.
بے تکلف کیوں مجھ سے مرا ہمسفر نہیں
میں نہیں ماتحت اسکا وہ مرا افسر نہیں
کتنی معصومی سے بچے نے یہ مہماں سے کہا
میرے ابو کہتے ہیں کہ وہ گھر پر نہیں
Without pretense, why isn’t my companion with me,
I’m not his ruler, he’s not my officer to be.
With innocence, a child inquired this way,
“My father says he’s not home,” words in play.
The beauty of Mukhlis’s poetry lies in the innocence of a child’s perspective. The uniqueness of Mukhlis’s verses lies in the simplicity with which he captures a child’s expression. Asif Saqib, praising Mukhlis’s ghazal, remarks, “Mukhlis has skillfully woven a chain of sincerity and artistry in his poetry that demands admiration.
Within his verses, one finds the pain of the earth, the anguish of the destitute, the mourning of the helpless, and the essence of the oppressed, all presented in their finest form. The delightful artistry of the innocent tone evokes laughter in the reader, showcasing a delicate and distinctive aspect. The portrayal of deprived dreams adds intensity to the image of pain.
کیوں نہ خوشبوۓ وفا مخلصؔ ہو
سفر کی اقلیم میں ہے کشمیر اپنی منزل
Translation:
Why not the fragrance of fidelity be Mukhlis,
In the realm of the journey, Kashmir is its abode.
Asif Saqib has drawn a parallel between Mukhlis and Wali in their poetry. According to Asif Saqib, it remains unknown whether Mukhlis’s ancestors were also from Deccan. This connection adds depth to Mukhlis’s personality, as reflected in his poetry collection, “City of Crosses.”
Mukhlis received the honor of comment in 2008, and a second Urdu collection,(Naye Bahaar naye Phool) New Blooms of Spring,” was published under this title. Commenting on this, Dr. Sabir Afaqi writes, “In this poetry, you will find fragrant and colorful flowers of belief and love that will always keep the soul’s lamp fragrant. In this poetry, you will feel the light of true emotions and the fragrance of pure sincerity.”
زندگی میں ہے وہ انسان کامیاب و کامران
دل میں جو روشن کرے مخلصؔ چراغِ آرزو
خدا کے پاک بندے موت سے ہر گز نہیں ڈرتے
شہادت کا جو وقت آیا بے خوف و خطر نکلے
بھولے نہیں شمشیر زنی اہلِ ستم کی
کھلتا ہے کوئی زخم تو دیتے ہیں دعا ہم
Translation:
In life, he is the person successful and triumphant,
Whose heart illuminates the lamp of desire, Mukhlis.
The pure servants of God do not fear death,
When the time of martyrdom comes, they emerge fearless.
We do not forget the swordplay of the oppressors,
When a wound opens, we offer prayers.
Mukhlis gained recognition among renowned poets, including Hafeez Jullundhri, Ehsan Danish, Abra Hasni Ganori, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Ahmed Faraz, Munir Niazi, Intizar Hussain, Mohsin Bhopali, Mohsin Ehsan, Farakh Bokhari, Khatar Ghaznavi, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, and numerous other eminent poets.
His poetry found a place in well-known literary journals and newspapers, exploring themes like arts, new perspectives, Hyderabad, war, and the contemporary challenges of the era. In conclusion, it can be affirmed that Mukhlis tirelessly endeavors to satiate the thirst of the human soul, seated within the confines of his modest home, guided by his conscience.