“Kaleem Ahmed, a literary figure known as ‘Kaleem Aajiz,’ is counted among the prominent names in the world of Urdu poetry. His identity extends beyond being just a poet; he is also recognized as a thinker and an expert in education. Born in 1920 in the village of Talehara, connected to the district of Nalanda near Patna, he earned a gold medal upon graduation from Patna University and subsequently obtained a Master’s degree in Urdu. His academic journey culminated in a prestigious doctoral degree from the same university.
Not only renowned for his poetry, but Kaleem Aajiz also contributed significantly to Urdu literature through his essays. His notable work titled ‘The Progress of Urdu Literature in Bihar’ is among his scholarly contributions. Besides numerous collections of poetry, his essays are also available in book form. Following his doctoral studies, he was appointed as a professor at Patna University. He embarked on his poetic journey at the tender age of 17, quickly gaining recognition akin to the famous poet Meer Taqi Meer.
His proficiency extended to both genres of poetry, ghazals, and nazms, with his first collection of poetry, ‘The Reason for Poetry,’ published in 1976 under the patronage of Dr. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, the President of India, in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. His collections ‘When the Spring Season Came’ (1990), ‘Listen to Me Now’ (1992), and ‘The Beloved Path’ (2002) further solidified his stature as a poet. During the 60s and 70s, he was invited every year to Lal Qila, Delhi, for the Republic Day Mushaira to represent the essence of spring.
Apart from his poetry, Kaleem Aajiz had a penchant for prose writing. His collection of critical essays, ‘The Literary Gathering,’ and a travelogue titled ‘Lost Diary,’ recounting his journey to Mecca, Medina, and the United States, are testament to his versatility. In 2008, a compilation of his ghazals, nazms, and rubaiyats, organized by Dr. Wasim Ahmed, was published. Alongside the Padma Shri award, he received numerous accolades, marking his illustrious career. His demise on February 14, 2015, marked the end of an era. His funeral prayers were held in Patna, and he was laid to rest in his ancestral land of Talehara.
Kaleem Aajiz’s literary legacy remains a beacon in the world of Urdu poetry and literature. His contributions continue to inspire generations, cementing his place as a literary luminary.”
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