Biographical Note of Mr. Manzar Hussain Akhtar
Mr. Manzar Hussain Akhtar is a globally celebrated poet and distinguished literary figure from Lahore, Pakistan, whose profound contributions to poetry and literature have earned him international acclaim. His works, celebrated for their universal appeal, have been translated into all major languages of the world, including English, German, Russian, Spanish, Hindi, and many others, allowing his poetic voice to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Renowned for his dynamic use of symbolism and metaphors, Mr. Akhtar’s poetry reflects unparalleled depth, originality, and creativity. His innovative topics, unique language, and sophisticated diction make his work a hallmark in the global literary arena. His ability to craft profound yet dynamic expressions has set new standards, while his innovative themes and distinctive style have positioned him as a trendsetter in contemporary poetry.
Among his notable contributions is the English version of his poetry titled Reflections, which has been hailed as a landmark addition to modern poetry for its untouched ideas, refined style, and powerful expression. Additionally, his critical essays, compiled in Truth and Bitterness and Rising from the East, are remarkable for their originality, insightful analysis, and unique perspectives, making them distinguished works in the realm of literary criticism.
Mr. Akhtar’s illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades. He is the recipient of the prestigious Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal Award for his groundbreaking Urdu poetry book Satr-e-Nou and the Baba Guru Nanak Award for his exceptional Punjabi poetry collection Wailay Da Parchawan. Other notable honors include the Masood Khadar Posh Trust Award, Bayyaz Award, Faiz Award, and the Spanish Academy of Letters Award. He has also received certificates of honor from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, alongside honorary Ph.D. degrees from elite institutions like Prixton and Church University, USA. He has also been awarded twice by Ministry of information of Russia for his valuable contribution to international literature.
In 2023, Mr. Akhtar’s innovative approach to poetry was immortalized in the Guinness Book of World Records for his hyperpoem anthology, further establishing him as a trailblazer in contemporary literature. His poetic voice has been celebrated by literary giants such as Gulzar, Dr. Khursheed Rizvi, Muhammad Irshad ,Dr Khalid Sohail, Ameer Hussain Jafri Farhat Abbas Shah Zulfiqar Hussain Anjum, and Ahmed Aqeel Rubi, who regard his work as a landmark contribution to Urdu and Punjabi literature.
As a Peace Ambassador, appointed by esteemed organizations such as the Elite Arab Creative Union, Writers Union International, and the World Peace Union, Mr. Akhtar has used his art to promote harmony and unity. His poetry often reflects his unwavering commitment to social justice and progressive ideals, inspiring audiences with its profound humanity and universal themes.
Beyond poetry, Mr. Akhtar has enriched the literary world with critical essays, memoirs, and anthologies of Sufi poetry. His historical works on his father, the revered poet Akhtar Hussain Jafri, have preserved a significant legacy in Urdu literature.
A law graduate and Special Judge in the Federal Courts of Islamabad, Mr. Akhtar's multifaceted career reflects his dedication to excellence in both literature and public service. His towering achievements and profound artistry continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, making him a true global icon in the realm of poetry and literature.
Country: Pakistan
City: Lahore
.......
Poem
WHO KNOWS
Who knows!
When her eyes sent their own goblet of scent to me
I was on the verge of belief
And was doing my own circumambulation
The shadow, That had the nature of a mirror in its colors
And had the scent of it.
It was a glowing hour, where there was a dialogue
Where on the heads
There was a moon, whose white clad was being rinsed
By the contact of allied moments
That rusted iron
Who knows
How that lock was being opened with the key of promise
Who knows!
The bright hour, The scintillation
Which was in the perception of desire
It was like roaring clouds of belief
Which were written in the margins of a connecting letter
Page by page
Lined eyes
Dimensionless bright luminosity
In the silence of dark nights
Around that desire
Which is the throne of the bright hour
There, except me and you
There is still no occupant.
Poet
Manzar Hussain Akhtar
Country
Pakistan
🍁
Poem : A Requiem
(For the martyr Miss Benazir Bhutto)
The boundary of promise
Is covered with the sprinkles of blood
The tragedy,
Just occurred,
Is far greater than the Fall of Dhaka.
The sable silhouettes of dark night,
Are stamped on every conversing countenance,
The cold sun of mutilated moment,
The wounded silk of breaths,
The litter of twilight,
The reflection of the milestone of separation,
The bigoted blood,
Peep through the murderer’s eye.
The wailing sound of the dull
Crowded colours of loyalty,
The lamenting air,
The sad river of curiosity,
Or a moment,
From whose balcony,
She stares at her own place of execution,
And cherishes her success,
With the eyes of all and sundry.
None can surpass her,
She is higher than her own height.
🍁
Poem : And Now It Is
It's extremely cold
In this cold night
I am rubbing both hands together to change my internal weather
I am thinking in a closed room
How many evenings have turned into ashes in the hearth so far
How many promises are not fulfilled and are dreams
Do you remember
The moment you were leaning your head on the threshold
On the other side of the moment
I was watching the union of bound-in fetters fading
The moon was watching this scene with its head resting on the branch of the sky
In every fold of the bed
The river of night was returning
All the seasons' aroma was in one fist
The coins of the talk were shining on the pillows
And Now It Is
The river of the night
Flows through the desert and plains
On the distant sky
The moon while watching this view keeps on telling the whole story of this season
To the glooming stars
🍁
.
In the blanket of an evening
Draw a line on a line
Share your griefs with your self
Stop borrowing the tears from others
Wrap yourself!
In the blanket of an evening
Leave yourself in it
Hear your own words
Say everything to yourself
Before you leave
Burn yourself in your own sunshine
Sit under the shadows of your own self
Before you leave the eternal world
🍁
Do you remember
Do you remember
A day
When we did not need words to talk to each other
The countenance of our feelings was shining with fondness
Our eyes were glittering with future dreams
The leaves on the branches of a time were meaningful and colorful
There was nothing unsaid
Despite
We didn't say anything
There was reflection of utterance in the mirrors of water
The desire on every turn of unguarded paths of this expressive silence
Remained busy in encampment of self control
Do you remember
A day
When the fast moving waters , while inclining from the tilt of a heart
Didn't bother about insecure ambience.
Do you remember a day
When we did not need words to talk to each other
Do you remember
🍁
The feeling of touch is getting divided
Listen!
The green hour of desire
Is fruiting on the branch of faith
In the sight of traveling
The snow is finally disappearing
Which had frozen every relationship, and all letters
So drop by drop these melting moments are,
The glittering tears
The touch of the living syllables
Is being divided by the whole voice.
Now we witness
whatever was in the heart of a Poet
Has become a mirror of time
🍁
Poem 5: CEASE YOUR CINISTER SPELL
As night hawk wends her wild ways
to the frontiers of grey horizon
Dreams die of frost
Lips get zipped up.
The trembling poor soul un weds her own shadow
and creep up the nooks.
The plague of darkness........
The floating carcase of moon in water
Tomorrow is an omen
A cry is in quest of hearing
Lilth! Cease your cinister spell
As wind carves image on sand.
🍁
Poem : In pursuit of dreams
Listen! Don't extend your desires
As in pursuit of dreams
You have lost a thousand falls
This open sea of hours
That has stood the extent
Of perpetual eternity
Where we are all just like seals
Which are being confounded on their turns
Like shattered feathers of those birds
Who are on the verge of collapse
That are descending in the yard!!
Life is like a journey
Look at the bridges while traveling
It is the wainscot of desire
See it is a harmony!
The passing hour is connected
To every single approaching moment
The time which has filled
Your hair with white samite
It has to face the eternity
But think!
There is a new life, a new existence in your yard
This is the beginning of his era
The springs in their full swing are all waiting for him
So for his sake apprehend all the colors and the stars
Listen!
Don't extend your desires
As in pursuit of dreams
You have lost a thousand falls
