Prof Sami Rafiq’s book ‘Farozaan: Modern Urdu Love Poems’ released

ALIGARH  : Poet, translator and a senior teacher in the Department of English, Aligarh Muslim University, Prof Sami Rafiq’s new book Farozaan: Modern Urdu Love Poems (Hawakal, 2023), consisting of the English translations of noted Urdu poet Moin Ahsan Jazbi’s poems, was released by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Mohammad Gulrez during the two-day National Conference on ‘Indian English Poetry’ held at the Department of English on May 1-2, 2023.

Prof Mohammad Gulrez, a keen follower and lover of Urdu poetry, lauded the efforts of Prof Sami Rafiq in translating an important Urdu poet.

At a special session, dedicated to celebrating Indian English poetry and graced by poets Vanavil K Ravi and Ranu Uniyal, Prof Rafiq also recited Jazbi’s famous poem ‘Maut’and its English translation. Addressing the gathering of noted poets, critics, academics and young scholars, Prof Rafiq expressed her love and admiration for Urdu poetry and hoped that Farozaan will be able to open Jazbi’s writings to a wider audience both in India and abroad.

The book also includes her introduction to Jazbi’s poetry and a translation of famous Urdu Professor S. Wiqar Husain’s fampur essay on Jazbi which has appeared in multiple books and magazines.

Deemed ‘courageous, percipient, absorbing, and authentic’ by noted literary critic, ML Raina, Farozaan brings out the progressive-romantic mould unique to Jazbi’s poetry. The translations engage audience with the wit, intensity and magic of Jazbi’s verse, and promise to bring delight to poetry lovers around the world.

Prof Rafiq has published numerous articles, stories and poems besides several books of translations. Her collection of poems Woman in the Trees, on climate and nature, was published in 2022 by Hawakal.