On Friday, the 22nd death anniversary of renowned Urdu poet Syed Sibt-e-Asghar Naqvi, widely known as Jaun Elia, was observed, with fans, poets, and literary enthusiasts paying homage to the “Poet of Sadness.”
The day was marked by tributes on social media and public reflections on Elia’s significant contributions to Urdu literature. His evocative and emotional poetry continues to resonate and shape the literary landscape even decades after his passing.
Born on December 14, 1931, in Amroha, India, Jaun Elia hailed from a family steeped in education and intellectual traditions. His father, Shafiq Elia, was a prominent scholar fluent in several languages, including Arabic and Persian. Jaun began his education at Syed-ul-Madaris in Amroha, showing early signs of literary talent.
A literary prodigy, Jaun began writing poetry at the age of eight. However, it wasn’t until he reached 60 that he released his first collection, Shayad, which quickly became a hallmark of his poetic career. Despite personal struggles, including a separation from his wife Zahida Hina in 1992, Jaun Elia’s creative brilliance remained undiminished.
On this anniversary, his admirers continue to celebrate his profound impact on Urdu poetry, acknowledging his timeless legacy that continues to inspire generations.
