Hasrat Mohani (1875 – 1951) is the pen name of Syed Fazl-ul-Hasan who was an Indian activist, freedom fighter in the Indian independence movement and a noted Urdu poet.
Hasrat Mohani's life was a whirlwind of poetry, revolution, and breaking all the moulds -
- He was born in Mohan, a town in the Unnao district of United Provinces in British India.
- Earned the nickname "khaala jaan" (aunt) in college, proving even revolutionaries have awkward phases.
- Rocked a "loose pyjama, flowing robe and topi" look long before it was trendy.
- Aced his studies and became a poetry rockstar in college, proving brains and rhymes go together.
- Adopted the pen name "Hasrat," meaning "desire" – how very romantic!
- Wrote the timeless ghazal "Chupke chupke raat din," made famous by Ghulam Ali and later featured in the film Nikaah.
- Championed India's freedom struggle, proving poets can pack a political punch.
- First to demand complete independence for India in 1921. Talk about a forward thinker!
- Jailed multiple times by the British for his "subversive" writings. The man just couldn't be silenced!
- A devout Muslim who performed Hajj 13 times – a pilgrimage pro!
- Also a devoted follower of Lord Krishna, demonstrating a beautiful blend of faith.
- Called Mathura, a sacred Hindu city, a place of divine love. Boundaries? What boundaries?
- Dabbled in Congress, hung out with Muslim League, then helped found the Communist Party of India.
- Chaired the first all-India Communist conference in Kanpur in 1925. Someone had to bring the comrades together!
- Gifted the world the iconic slogan "Inquilab Zindabad!" (Long live revolution!) Still echoing in protests today.
- Together with Swami Kumaranand, he is regarded as the first person to demand complete independence for India in 1921 at the Ahmedabad Session of Congress.
- Helped draft the Indian Constitution, though he never signed it. A rebel with a cause, to the end!
- Opened a "Swadeshi" store during the movement to promote Indian-made goods. Jack of all trades, master of many!
- Kept a detailed prison diary, Mushahidaat-e-Zindaan, documenting his experiences behind bars. A writer through and through.
- His book "Sharh-e-Kalam-e-Ghalib" provides explanations and interpretations of Ghalib's poetry.
- Chose to stay in India after Partition, representing Indian Muslims.
- Died in 1951, leaving behind a legacy of poetry, revolution, and unwavering principles.