Islamabad - Prominent Urdu poet, humorist, travelogue writer and columnist Sher Muhammad Khan (Ibn-e-Insha) was remembered on his 37th death anniversary on Sunday. Literary organisations and various educational institutions across the country held ceremonies during which the speakers paid rich tributes to the eminent poet who gave a new direction to Urdu literature. Ibn-e-Insha’s poetry has a distinctive diction, laced with language reminiscent of Amir Khusro in its use of words and construction that is usually heard in the more earthy dialects of the Hindi-Urdu complex of languages.
, and his forms and poetic style is an influence on generations of young poets. His poetry was simple but had depth.
The real cause of his popularity was his humorous poetry and columns. His most famous ghazal ‘Insha Ji Utthoo’ is a modern-day classic. His other works include a number of travelogues recorded with a distinguished touch of humour.
Ibn-e-Insha did his BA from the Punjab University in 1946 and MA from the University of Karachi in 1953. He was associated with various public departments, including Radio Pakistan, Ministry of Culture and the National Book Centre.
He also served the UN for some time, which enabled him to visit a lot of places and consequently produce subsequent travelogues. His book Is Basti Key Ik Koochey Main (poetry) was published in August 1976, and until 2003, 22 more editions had been published.
Ibn-e-Insha’s famous poetic works are Chand Nagar and Dil-e-Wehshi, while travelogues are Awara Gard Ki Diary, Dunya Gol Hey, Ibn-e-Batoota Kay Taqub Main, Chaltay Ho To Cheen Ko Chaliye and Nagri Nagri Phira Musafar.
His humorous books are Khumar-e-Gandum and Urdu Ki Aakhri Kitaab. The first edition was of Urdu Ki Aakhri Kitaab was published in July 1971, and until 2003, 33 more editions had been published. His collection of letters is Khat Insha Jee Kay. Ibn-e-Isha died of blood cancer on January 11, 1978 in London. He was buried in Karachi’s Paposh Nagar graveyard.