Faiz Ahmad Faiz (1911–1984) was one of the most celebrated Urdu poets of the twentieth century. A poet of love, longing, resistance and hope, Faiz brought together the traditions of classical Urdu poetry with the concerns of his time—freedom, social justice, oppression and the struggles of ordinary people.

Born in Sialkot, Faiz studied literature and languages before becoming a teacher, journalist and poet. He was closely associated with the Progressive Writers’ Movement and became an influential voice in the literary and political landscape of the Indian subcontinent. His poetry, marked by its lyrical beauty and profound humanity, transformed the language of romance into a language of collective struggle and hope.

His major works include Naqsh-e-Faryadi, Dast-e-Saba, Zindan-Nama, Dast-e-Tah-e-Sang and Mere Dil Mere Musafir. His poems such as “Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat”, “Bol” and “Hum Dekhenge” have become enduring expressions of love, resistance and freedom.

Faiz was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize in 1962. His poetry continues to be read and recited across generations, securing his place as one of the defining voices of modern Urdu literature.