Aslam reads out a poem at his residence in Jamshedpur. Picture by Srinivas

For Aslam Badr, passion for Urdu poetry took roots when he inadvertently penned a poem when in his school. Not only did he write, but he later corrected a mistake which led the teacher to comment on his natural knack towards words, rhythm and tempo.

Though both his parents opposed the idea of a poet son, he rallied on and continued to pen verses. A mechanical engineer who retired from the safety and ergonomics department of Tata Steel last year, Badr has his ancestral roots in Darbhanga.

Badr?s poetry is more a reaction to the times and social environment. All his poems raise issues and concerns regarding events that happen around him. ?Darde zarbe musalsal sahtey-sahtey pathar ki sil ho jayenge, hum to hai maktul hamare bacchhe qatil ho jayenge,? he quotes from one of his famous couplets which was greatly appreciated at a mushaira in Nanded, Madhya Pradesh, in the 80s. He goes on to explain that, ?The couplet was about the future of the coming generation. It was a result of my reactions to the riots in Meerut. The couplet was splashed prominently in Urdu dailies across Meerut.?

Like many other poets, Badr is fond of stargazing and is fascinated by the mystery of space. Stars and the vastness of space help him to ponder.

?As an youngster, I used to spend my evenings gazing at the stars. I would spend hours on the terrace. It helped me to concentrate and get ideas for my poems,? he says.

He is a person who uses both his heart and mind while composing his pieces. ?Poets? verses come from the heart but mine are from the mind. I prefer using my intelligence for the same," he says.

?Achha hai dil ke pas rahen pasbane akal ? lekin kabhi-kabhi ise tanha bhin chod do,? This piece by famous Urdu poet Iqbal is close to Badr?s heart for the same reason.

?My poems are basically symbolic. They talk about religion, faith and its impact on lives. It also speaks of the strengthening the social fabric. Poets are the mirrors of the society. We are responsible for putting events and thoughts on paper for the world to react.? For him hard core realistic poems are closer to his heart than romantic verses.

Badr was deeply touched by one mushaira held in Karachi in 1986. He recited one of his couplets which was well-received by Urdu poets who were present on the occasion. Talking about the need for unity, between India and Pakistan, it ran as, ?E kash koi beech ki diwar gira de, hamsaye ka ghar bhi to mere ghar ki tarah hai.? What touched him the most was that he found his emotions mirrored in other poet?s work too.

Badr presently works with the Rotary Club programme on safety for contractors, labourers and supervisors. His professional life and his personal taste are diametrically opposite. He says that this balancing act would have been impossible, had he not had the support of his school teacher Syed Badruduza ?Salikh Arvi?.

?I did my schooling from Central Karimia School. My teacher, who was a poet himself, was a strict person who literally sat me through and taught me the nuances of poetry.?

His father Abdul Wahid played a supporting role, which enabled him to pursue his interest in poetry. ?But my father made it clear that I have to pursue a career in science. He always allowed my poetry as a passion, but not a career," Badr says.

?My mother would be terrified and angry if I spent too much time in poetry. She once destroyed some of my couplets. My father, however, pacified her. My father's friends were also critical of my attachment to poetry,? he laughs.

Undaunted Badr continued pursuing his passion. Finding time, however, especially during his busy stint with former employer Tata Steel was not easy. Yet he released two books ? Safar aur Saye and Kun Fayakoon.

?It needed lot of patience to write the two books. While Safar aur Saye was released in 1988, Kun Fayakoon came out last year,? he informs. Badr took years to come up with Kun Fayakoon. ?The book is about creation. The subject has been dealt with, in verses. I have tried to deal with the notions and concept of creation in different religion. To search for the truth, knowledge and its necessity in the context of religion and faith.?

?I am glad to follow my passion for poems,? he says and adds: ?Man arafa nafsa hu fazad arafa rabbuhu? which means know thyself and you'll know the god.

He confesses that he wanted to pursue the career as a lecturer as he wanted to culminate his passion and profession. But destiny made him an engineer.

?I had wanted to pursue a career as a lecturer. But my path changed dramatically. I was destined to become an engineer. But poetry is my passion," Badr emphasises.

Though he has let go of a number of interests and aspirations, he still spends his evening gazing at the stars.

Jayesh Thaker