Sahir Ludhianvi's: " Twenty Sixth January "

Sahir Ludhianvi's: " Twenty Sixth January "

          Under the pen name Sahir Ludhianvi, famous urdu poet Abdul Hayee has composed the poem, " Twenti Sixth January " in the background of the crisis which aroused after the partition of India. In 1947 ,  India became independent from the colonial British rule by sacrificing numerous lives of the martyrs with an aim of oneness, prosperity and development. The scenario was  changed soon poverty and religious tension torn the country, sectarianism, communal tension have shown their fangs in the heart of secular nation  .

         Poet becomes nostalgic and asks the educated young generations to hover over the series of questions in the post independence period. The beautiful dreams of a ideal state ' Swarajya' has resulted into disillusionment.  Although Country's economic growth has shown positive signs , the number of poor men has increased considerably. A section of people became economically privileged  but those who gave their lives and attained the martyrdom, are neglected and their families are also neglected. The families of comrades and martyrs are economically deprived. They followed the political leaders blindly, sacrificed their lives and gave their blood for freedom . In the post independence era, the so called political leaders have changed their colours . The political leaders instead of making a republic and democratic nation,   started to serve their personal needs, make the individual profit and indulge in hedonistic pleasure. The lives of the followers and common people  have been reduced to 'nakedness '. The poor country men are so helpless that they can not afford a shroud on their relatives's dead bodies. 

        The leaders made the people dream of wearing 'silk and satin'. Unfortunately, the 'Cherisher of Democracy ', ' Friend of humanity ' and ' the wisher of Peace' turned into mute mode when the narrow-minded religious tension, sectarianism were destroying not only the property but also the democratic fabric of the developing nation. The city has become a slaughter house of the principles recorded in the pages of Constitution of the state. 

     In the concluding stanza , the poet feels helpless and hopeless in gloom that has devoured the country.  The moon- the symbol of inspiration of immortal literary works- is in the horizon but it is useless to the nation. The poet has identified the culprits. He puts the responsibility not only on the shoulders of corrupt politicians or on the part of the narrow-minded people spreading communal tension but also the so called educated people who like their home spun life and remains indifferent and ineffective.