Known for his liberal values and challenging the established order, he wrote over 100,000 couplets and more than 1,000 rubaiyaat in his lifetime. Yaadon ki Barat, his autobiography, is noted for its frank and candid style. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru held him in high esteem and frequently attended the mushaira at Lala Kishan Lal Kalra’s United Coffee House where Josh recited his poetry.
Some of his works were translated to English like The Unity of Mankind elegies by Josh Malihabadi by Syed Akbar Pasha Tirmizi.
The lifelong mission of Josh can be summed up in his own words:
Kaam hai mera taghayyur Naam hai mera shabaab,
Mera naara inquilab-o-inquilab-o-inquilab
My task is change, my name is youth!
My slogan: revolution, revolution and revolution!
#urdupoetry #shahryar
