02/02/2025
Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor (1887–1952) was a Kashmiri poet and activist, best known by his pen name, Mehjoor.
Early Life:
He was born on August 11, 1887, in Mitrigam, Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir. His father was a Persian scholar who provided him with an early education at home. He later attended the Maktab of Aashiq Trali, a school run by a renowned poet. Additionally, he studied at the Nusrat-ul-Islam School in Srinagar.
Education and Career:
Mehjoor traveled to Punjab, where he met poets such as Molvi Abdulla Bismil and Alama Shibli. He worked as a Patwari (a regional administrator) in the Department of Revenue. In 1908, he returned to Srinagar and began writing poetry in Persian and Urdu.
Poetry:
His first Kashmiri poem, Vanta Hay Vesy, was published in 1918. His most famous poem, Nav Kasheer (New Kashmir), remains widely recognized. Mehjoor was known for his simple diction and versatility, writing in various forms, including lyrics, songs, odes, elegies, prose, biographies, novels, translations, and literary criticism.
