The eternal anthems of Aali

The artist was best known for penning national songs, travelogues and a popular newspaper colum

Jamiluddin Aali will always be counted among Pakistan’s greatest literary figures. His was a highly accomplished life and he died in Karachi at the age of 90 on November 23. A legendary personality, Mr Aali is best known for penning national songs, travelogues and a popular newspaper column. The songs he wrote have reverberated for decades, from one generation to another, and will continue to keep his memory alive. His songs, among the most popular in Pakistan’s music history, include Aye Watan Ke Sajeelay Jawanoo, Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan, Itnay Baray Jeevan Sagar Mein and Mera Paigham Pakistan. Some of the subcontinent’s most iconic names have lent their voices to these anthems, including Noor Jehan, Shahnaz Begum and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Born on January 20, 1925, Mr Aali migrated from Delhi to Pakistan in 1947 with his wife and their six-month-old daughter. He witnessed numerous important events of Pakistani history from close quarters and served the country through his writings, giving people hope and belief in both times of war and peace. He made rich contributions to the development of the national language, particularly through his association with the Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Urdu Pakistan. He served as the Anjuman’s secretary for over 50 years and was instrumental in bringing out its various publications, which add up to nearly 500 books, manuscripts and research-based magazines. Mr Aali also served as chairman of the Urdu Dictionary Board for a period of three years and was the founding member of Pakistan Writer’s Guild. He regularly contributed columns for newspapers for a remarkable 50 years. In recognition of his services, he was awarded the Pride of Performance in 1991 and the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2004. Condolences have come in from across the country, from ordinary citizens, politicians, and prominent artists and literary figures. Pakistan has an unfortunate history of forgetting its heroes, especially from the literary domain, once they pass away. They are rarely remembered at the state level or given the honour they deserve. We hope that Mr Aali’s works are preserved and promoted for times to come, and his services to Pakistan continue to be remembered and recognised.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th,  2015.

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